The Northfield Falls area of central Vermont contains several established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas within Green Mountain National Forest. Little River State Park Campground, located in Waterbury about 30 minutes northwest of Northfield Falls, provides tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations with access via boat, car, or hiking trails. The region also features primitive dispersed camping options in Green Mountain National Forest along forest roads FR207 and FR25, which offer free camping without amenities. For those seeking more developed options, several mixed-use campgrounds like Lazy Lions Campground in Graniteville accommodate tents, RVs, and cabin rentals.
Camping seasons in central Vermont typically run from May through mid-October, with most established campgrounds closing after Columbus Day weekend. Many state park campgrounds like Little River require reservations during peak summer months, while dispersed camping in Green Mountain National Forest remains available year-round but with limited winter access due to unplowed forest roads. Vermont's seasonal weather patterns significantly impact camping conditions, with spring often bringing muddy forest roads. Cell coverage varies throughout the region, with better service near larger towns and limited connectivity in forest areas. According to one visitor, "Green Mountain National Forest FR25 offers dispersed camping with tent and RV sites, though the area gets muddy and quite rutted in spring, making it difficult for vehicles with low ground clearance."
Waterfront camping locations receive consistently positive feedback from visitors to the Northfield Falls region. Campgrounds situated on lakes and reservoirs like Little River State Park on Waterbury Reservoir offer boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities that enhance the camping experience. One camper noted that Little River State Park is "beautiful and in a great location" with "boating rentals available and plenty of fishing." The area's proximity to popular outdoor recreation destinations is another highlight, with several campgrounds providing convenient access to hiking trails and mountain biking routes. Forest service dispersed camping areas appeal to those seeking more primitive experiences with fewer amenities but greater privacy and direct access to natural features like streams and mountain views.
$19 - $28 / night
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
$24 / night
$30 - $150 / night
"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."
$19 - $110 / night
"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."
$20 / night
"I’d say this was one of Vermont’s best kept secrets, except I don’t think it’s exactly a secret. Even in October, the Park seemed full with visitors and Stowe was hopping!"
"They don't have all the usual amenities its more of a primitive set up. has great clean sites with multiple ways to access mount mansfields trail system which is the highest mountain in the state of Vermont"
"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"
GuideRight along the road (so if anything happens you can get help) also has wifi signal. It’s right along a creek that’s clean and beautiful. Crisp air and calming flowing river noises all night made it so I slept like a baby!
GuideDrove all the way here just to pull in and see signs that say “no overnight camping”
ScoutPublic Lands with about 8 semi private sites, each with nice views west or easterly. It's a large meadow and with a breeze, it will keep bugs away. Lacking a breeze, it is tough but still beautiful
TravelerMy favorite campsite we stayed at on my 2 week trip (despite the bugs lol). Great swimming hole and very well kept. Very beautiful and loved my stay.
ScoutPam met us outside as she said ‘dodging rain drops’ to stack wood. She was warm and friendly. You can tell she runs a tight ship immediately telling us when quite hours were, and letting us know the dogs needed to be on leash and under our control. We brought our 2 labs with us. Only 2 vehicles per site is allowed. You do need tokens to use the shower. 2 tokens was more than enough for me to shower and not feel rushed. The bathrooms are AMAZING! I am looking forward to coming back!
ScoutI highly recommend this place, clean bathrooms, river front camping sites.
ScoutAs noted by others, most of the sites have a fire ring and nothing more. A little more than half of the sites can be driven to and others require a very short walk (50 ft?). The toilets mentioned are at Texas falls area and are not a practical walk from most of the campsites.
There are no showers.
Aside from the loop trail at the falls there are also a couple of snowmobile trails that cross the area.
RangerStayed here for a week. Josh and Dori were super nice and helpful. Level grass field with water and 30amp hookup. Fire pit port o potty, creek across the street. Very pretty setting. Dark sky area. Cell att and Verizon we decent enough to work plus they had WiFi if needed.
ScoutMy family and I stayed in cabin 1 and had a direct view on top of the Pemi river. On site managers were very helpful. Will be back!
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.
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.
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.
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!"
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Northfield Falls, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Northfield Falls, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 212 campgrounds and RV parks near Northfield Falls, VT and 17 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Northfield Falls, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Northfield Falls, VT is Little River State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 24 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Northfield Falls, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near Northfield Falls, VT.
What parks are near Northfield Falls, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Northfield Falls, VT that allow camping, notably Union Village Dam and Green Mountain National Forest.
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