Dee H.
Scout
ScoutSmugglers Notch RV Village
Excellent
Campground was clean and quiet. We arrived late but information was taped to the window at the office. Will was very helpful also and checked to make sure we arrived.
Camping near Northfield, VT
217 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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The central Vermont landscape surrounding Northfield offers camping options ranging from established state parks to free dispersed sites in the Green Mountain National Forest. Little River State Park Campground, located 20 miles northwest in Waterbury, provides tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with boat-in access to Waterbury Reservoir. Closer to Northfield, Limehurst Lake Campground in Williamstown features full-hookup RV sites and tent camping from May through mid-October. For those seeking more primitive experiences, several dispersed camping areas exist along forest roads in the Green Mountains, including sites along Route 100 and Forest Roads 25 and 207, which require no reservations but have minimal amenities.
Vermont's camping season typically runs from late May through mid-October, with most state parks and private campgrounds closing during winter months. Spring conditions often bring muddy forest roads that may require high-clearance vehicles, particularly at dispersed sites. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with stronger signals near towns and limited coverage in mountain valleys. As one camper noted about Little River State Park: "It's an ideal location for jumping off on other adventures! The park is on the shoreline of Waterbury reservoir so there is boating and plenty of fishing. There is also a lot of hiking!" Advance reservations are strongly recommended for established campgrounds, especially during fall foliage season when facilities reach capacity.
Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the region, with several campgrounds situated on lakes, ponds, and rivers. Sites with water views tend to book quickly, particularly during summer months when swimming and boating are popular. The area's forested terrain provides natural shade at most established campgrounds, though privacy between sites varies considerably. Fall camping offers spectacular foliage viewing opportunities but requires preparation for cold nights, with temperatures sometimes dropping into the 20s by October. Many campgrounds feature traditional Vermont lean-tos as alternatives to tent sites, providing more weather protection during unpredictable mountain conditions. Proximity to hiking trails, including sections of the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail, makes the region particularly appealing to outdoor enthusiasts.
Best Campgrounds near Northfield (217)
1. Little River State Park Campground
"Little River State Park is located just outside of Waterbury Vermont so it’s an ideal location for jumping off on other adventures!"
"We came here to hike the Dalley Loop Trail (which is a great trail full of history), but we wish we had camped here instead of the private campground 45 minutes away where we did stay."
from $19 - $28 / night
Check Availability2. Austin Brook
"All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings. Keep it clean!"
"This area is right next to FireRoad 25 rd. We did not camp here we camped on FR25."
3. Lazy Lions Campground
from $49 - $100 / night
Check Availability4. Route 100 Dispersed Camping
"It is located in the mountains of Vermont and right next to a beautiful river. The only con was the highway noise since it's pretty close to the road."
"Entrance and exit are a little steep and tricky in the winter, lot wasn’t plowed so AWD/4x4 and good ground clearance are recommended."
5. Green Mountain National Forest FR207
"If you're considering a spot in Vermont to camp, come here! Also, make sure your car has a bit of clearance as some sports have dips in the ground."
"Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests. Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles."
6. Brookside RV Camping (Electric hookup only)
from $24 / night
Check Availability7. Limehurst Lake
"Limehurst Campground was perfect for our stay in Vermont. We had a site right on the beautiful lake with full hook-ups. Campground is well maintained."
from $30 - $150 / night
Check Availability8. Lake Champagne Resort Vermont, Inc.
"Campsites are spread out, great dog walking areas , and very spacious dog parks, one for big dos and one for little ones."
"I chose to stay here while I was finishing up the VT 4000-footers because it was midway between the trails for Mt Ellen/Abram and Killington."
9. Green Mountain National Forest FR25 - Dispersed Camping
"All the sites were full when I visited (6 to 8 sites, approximately, but i didn't go down a couple little gravel paths to check each spot as you couldn't turn around easily) , so I didn't get to camp there"
10. Ricker Pond State Park Campground
"This campground is easy to access, though owing to that one can hear traffic on the nearby road. The lake is beautiful, clear and clean, and there is a beach with sand for swimming."
"The campground has a small beach, boat launch and it's right on the Cross Vermont Trail. I stayed in October and it was really quiet and relaxing."
from $19 - $110 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 48 min from Burlington, VT
- 1 hr 49 min from Manchester, NH
- 2 hrs 8 min from Glens Falls, NY
- 2 hrs 51 min from Albany, NY
Recent Camping Photos near Northfield, VT
380 Photos of 217 Northfield Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Lazy Lions CampgroundJ
Madbush FallsJ
Vermont Ranch and Riverside Retreat
Austin Brook
Lake Champagne Resort Vermont, Inc.
Camel's Hump State Park — Camels Hump State Park
Camp Butz: Adventure VT Camping
White River & Gulf Brook
Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road
Lincoln Dispersed Camping
Green Mountain National Forest FR207
Howling Wolf FarmstayJ
Recent Reviews near Northfield, VT
895 Reviews of 217 Northfield Campgrounds
- ZZachary M.Scout
Ausable Pines RV Park & Campground
Whole Trip Alot Easier
We were looking for somewhere to stay while checking out Ausable Chasm and this worked out really well. Easy drive over, then back to the camper in the afternoon. Made the whole trip alot easier.
- LLeo B.Scout
Ausable Pines RV Park & Campground
Hard To Leave
We only planned on staying a few nights but ended up adding another week. Once we got settled in, it was hard to leave.
- WWill W.
GuideNorth Beach Campground
Car camped
Car camped on Sunday of Columbus Day weekend in October. This was their closing weekend and lots of spaces were available. Stayed in tent circle loop and it was almost empty. Great access to lake shore and bike path. Walked back toward marina and town in the evening and ran in the morning the other direction going out to Rock Point. Didn’t use the shower facilities. The bathroom near our loop only had sinks and toilets and was fine.
- ttim O.Guide
Gifford Woods State Park Campground
Gifford woods campground
Nice campground near Killington, VT. Water and dump station. Not for big rigs we have a 21 ft TT. Things were tight but doable. One of the few Vermont state campgrounds that is still open. Most close from second Monday in October until Memorial Day.
- AAngela J.Scout
Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site
Lovely Area Access Road Is A Speedway
We arrived on a Wednesday in early October with intentions of enjoying the foliage, which we did. We found the campsites easily and the access road is in good condition so the local speed through all day long.
I am not sure how many sites there are, we took the first one we would fit into. We travel with a Lance camper mounted on a Silverado.
My travel companions are cats and they are accustomed to the typical noises of RV life; truck stops, rest stops, neighboring campers and the occasional disrespectful loud jerks. At this spot we were serenaded by gun fire. I served in the military and grew up on a farm; guns don’t bother me in the least. I think of range fire as the sound of freedom, however, this started at dawn and did not stop until after the sun went down. The gunfire was so loud and consistent that the cats got spooked and took to hiding inside the camper.
We were going to stay for the weekend but left after our second night.
Not a bad spot (there is a small stream across the access road, not deep enough for true swimming but good enough for paddling around), surrounded by beautiful woods and no true neighbors, but between the never ending line of fast moving cars and the gun fire we decided to leave.
Holly M.ScoutAusable Pines RV Park & Campground
Nice Spot To Use
Came here with our fifth wheel and had plenty of room for everything. Nice spot to use as a home base while exploring the Adirondacks.
- JJames T.Scout
Ausable Pines RV Park & Campground
Settled In No Time
Having full hookups made this trip so much easier. Pulled in, got everything connected and we were basically settled in no time.
Keith P.
TravelerMaple Haven Campground
Great Campground
Quiet campground experience. Very cheerful staff member. Ice Cream shop is a bonus. We found a secluded spot without reservations. Monday evening. Some sites are tight for larger RVs but our Class B Camper Van fit fine.
Guide to Northfield
Dispersed camping near Northfield, Vermont encompasses sites in the Green Mountain National Forest primarily along Route 100 corridor. Sites at FR25 average 4-8 primitive camping spaces each, with most located alongside small streams and brooks. Winter access requires higher clearance vehicles with proper tires, as forest roads are not maintained December through April and spring mud season often extends into May.
What to do
Kayak the Waterbury Reservoir: Little River State Park Campground offers direct water access for paddlers. "The reservoir is a fun place to explore via kayak and cannoe as well as by motorboat! We tend to hang at the site more than the beaches as the beaches are very small and full of children," notes reviewer Hannah H.
Explore historic foundations: Little River State Park provides access to abandoned settlements. "The hiking trails are really good—they're actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," shares Rita M. after a July visit with her family.
Discover secluded swimming holes: Austin Brook offers riverside camping with natural swimming areas. "There's a few sites here! All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings," reports reviewer Thomas and James S., highlighting the proximity to water features.
What campers like
Mountain views from elevated sites: Green Mountain National Forest FR207 offers ridge-top camping with panoramic vistas. "In the first large meadow, multiple fire rings/sites. Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests," notes Tim M., who also found cell service availability with "2 bars USCellular LTE."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms at established campgrounds. "The bathrooms in 'B' were just redone," reports Megan O. about Little River State Park, while others note regular cleaning schedules despite high summer usage.
Off-grid solitude: Dispersed sites provide true disconnection from crowds. "This is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance. Views are spectacular, choose either sunrise or sunset and you should be able to get a site to fit your needs," advises Miccal M. about FR207 camping.
What you should know
Limited winter services: Most established campgrounds close by mid-October. "I was looking for the Austin Brook campsite north of this one... Entrance and exit are a little steep and tricky in the winter, lot wasn't plowed so AWD/4x4 and good ground clearance are recommended," reports Chris D. about Route 100 dispersed sites.
Primitive conditions at dispersed sites: Bring everything needed for self-sufficiency. "Make sure to bring your own trash bag and water," advises Amanda about FR207, highlighting the lack of facilities at these free locations.
Security concerns: Some campers have reported theft at remote sites. "Make sure to lock your valuables. Our Jackery, Solar panels & toilet were stolen," warns Melissa M. after camping at Green Mountain National Forest FR25.
Reservation requirements: Book established sites well in advance, especially for waterfront locations. "Book in advance for the best availability!" emphasizes Neena B. regarding Ricker Pond State Park, noting favorite spots "fill up fast for the season."
Tips for camping with families
Easy access swimming: Ricker Pond State Park Campground offers child-friendly water activities. "The tent only loop is so private and perfect for kids biking and swimming. Nice pavilion and the pond was wonderful for canoes and kayaks," shares Rita M.
Central location for day trips: Position your basecamp for regional exploration. "I would highly recommend this campground to anyone looking to visit the Stowe/Waterbury area. We had easy access to hikes in Stowe, plus the Ben and Jerry's shop is about 20 minutes down the road!" shares Alison O. about Little River State Park.
Quiet camping options: Some campgrounds specifically cater to adults seeking tranquility. "Lazy Lions Campground is a comfortable campground with an adults-only policy. Having spent time in plenty of campgrounds with screaming or unwinded children, I could see this as a positive draw for the RV'ing crowd," explains Jennifer L.
Tips from RVers
Limited full-hookup options: Few campgrounds offer complete services. "We had a site right on the beautiful lake with full hook-ups. Campground is well maintained. Swimming is allowed in the lake and there is also a pool. Camp Ground personnel take you to your site and help you back in your trailer," shares Elke P. about Limehurst Lake Campground.
Seasonal considerations: RV camping season runs shorter than tent options. "We had a pull through, and nice green grass sights," notes Craig F. about Lazy Lions Campground, which operates May 15-October 15 and offers clean facilities with pay showers (25¢ for 4 minutes).
Elevation challenges: Mountain roads can present difficulties for larger rigs. Upper meadows at FR207 are "accessible with 4WD/high clearance vehicles" according to Tim M., making them unsuitable for standard recreational vehicles without appropriate capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Northfield Campground?
What amenities are available at Northfield Campground?
Northfield area campgrounds offer various amenities depending on the specific location. Silver Lake Campground provides fairly private sites that aren't too close together, a clean lake with a concrete dock, boat rentals, and nature tours led by state park staff. For those seeking more facilities, Mountain View Campground offers tent sites along the Lamoille River, a well-stocked camp store, and two swimming pools that are perfect for families. Most campgrounds in the Northfield area include standard amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and restroom facilities, though specific offerings vary by location.
Where is Northfield Campground located and how do I get there?
Where is Northfield Campground located and how do I get there?
Northfield Campground is located in central Vermont, approximately 10 miles south of Montpelier. The nearest major campground in the area is Little River State Park Campground, which is about 15 minutes north of Northfield. Access is convenient via Interstate 89, taking exit 5 for Northfield/Williamstown and following Route 12 south. For those seeking alternatives just across the border, Jacobs Brook Campground is located less than 2 miles from I-93 exit 13 in New Hampshire, making it another accessible option for visitors traveling through the region.
When is the best time of year to camp in Northfield, Vermont?
When is the best time of year to camp in Northfield, Vermont?
The best time to camp in Northfield, Vermont is typically late spring through early fall (May through October). Summer months (June-August) offer warm days perfect for enjoying water activities at places like Grand Isle State Park Campground, which features beautiful Lake Champlain settings. For spectacular foliage viewing, September through mid-October is ideal, with Gifford Woods State Park Campground offering some of the region's most vibrant autumn scenery. Many Vermont campgrounds close for the season by mid-October, with limited winter camping options. Weather can be unpredictable in spring and fall, so pack accordingly for potentially cool nights even during summer months.
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