Green Mountain National Forest dominates the camping landscape near Northfield Falls, Vermont, with elevations ranging from 900 to 4,000 feet. Camping options vary from primitive forest service sites with no facilities to full-service campgrounds with modern amenities. Several campgrounds remain accessible during winter months despite seasonal road closures on higher elevation forest roads.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing at Waterbury Reservoir: Little River State Park Campground offers access to Waterbury Reservoir with rental options available onsite. "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 camper Hannah H.
Mountain exploration: Smugglers Notch State Park Campground provides immediate access to Mount Mansfield hiking trails. "You are minutes from some amazing hiking, which is great when you don't feel like driving long distances after a day hike," reports Ben C. The park serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring Vermont's highest peak.
Rail trail access: Ricker Pond State Park connects directly to the Cross Vermont Trail. "We had our trail bikes so took advantage of the Montpelier-Wells Rail Trail (Cross Vermont Trail), accessible directly from the campground," writes Emma B., highlighting the convenience for cyclists looking to explore without driving to trailheads.
What campers like
Remote forest camping with views: Green Mountain National Forest FR207 offers dispersed camping with panoramic mountain scenery. "Wonderful views from these Primative sites... 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.
Winter accessibility: Some dispersed sites remain available during colder months. Phil J. reports from FR207: "My first time winter camping and had the entire area to myself. Beautiful sunsets, night skies and scenery. Extremely calm and peaceful. Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving."
Waterfront sites: Little River State Park Campground features premium waterfront camping locations. "We stayed on the B side. The bathrooms were clean, the site was well maintained, and the reservoir was a great place to relax after a day of hiking! We will be coming back!" shares Alison O.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in the Northfield Falls region have spotty connectivity. Michele S. warns about Ricker Pond State Park: "There is absolutely no cell service for miles, so plan accordingly."
Seasonal challenges: Spring conditions can make forest road access difficult. "About 12 sites off National Forest Road 71. Beautiful area and very secluded. All have fire rings but that's about it. Make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season and treat your skin and clothes during black fly season," advises Joann&WellsThePup I. regarding Austin Brook dispersed camping area.
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. Ben C. notes about Smugglers Notch: "Reserve early, as this place doesn't have a ton of sites and it folds up quickly!"
Tips for camping with families
Educational hiking opportunities: Ricker Pond State Park Campground offers family-friendly trails with historical features. "The hiking trails are really good--actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," shares Rita M.
Swimming spots for children: Many campgrounds offer safe water access. "Great campground for hanging out and a place to bring your boat. This is a great park to just relax," says Hannah H. about Little River State Park.
Playground facilities: Some campgrounds include play areas specifically for children. "The facilities were clean, the small playground was great, and the small boat launch and beach kept us in the water," notes Rita M. about Ricker Pond State Park.
Tips from RVers
Ground clearance considerations: RVs need sufficient clearance on forest roads. Melissa M. cautions about Green Mountain National Forest FR25: "Beautiful sites on the River but with the wet summer, we just couldn't dry out. Make sure to lock you valuables."
Campsite privacy: Lazy Lions Campground offers secluded sites for RVs. "Nice campground with plenty of shade, well maintained and decent restrooms. The showers are ok and cost a quarter for 4 minutes. Our site was level and along with a picnic table, they also provide two Adirondack chairs (plastic) and a fire ring," reports Greg D.
RV-specific amenities: Some of the best places to camp near Northfield Falls, Vermont offer variable hookup options. "This is a nice, quiet, and secluded CG for an overnight stay. Gravel roads and relatively level gravel sites. The FHUs were in good order. Slightly low water pressure," notes JOHN T. about Lazy Lions Campground.
