Green Mountain National Forest surrounds Northfield Falls with camping options at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 feet above sea level. The forest covers over 400,000 acres across central and southern Vermont, with peak camping season running May through October. Winter camping remains available in certain dispersed areas, though many established campgrounds close after Columbus Day weekend.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Little River State Park Campground provides access to Waterbury Reservoir, where campers can explore by kayak or canoe. "The reservoir is a fun place to explore via kayak and cannoe as well as by motorboat," notes Hannah H., who recommends the park for relaxation.
Hiking historical trails: Little River offers hiking with historical significance. "The hiking trails are really good—the actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," shares Rita M., who visited with five children.
Winter camping experiences: For adventurous cold-weather campers, Green Mountain National Forest FR207 provides year-round access. "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," reports Phil J.
Water activities: Ricker Pond State Park Campground features a motor-free pond perfect for swimming and exploration. "A quiet camp ground on Ricker Pond, a motor free pond, is a wonderful way to spend the weekend. The pond is serene and a great place to swim, paddle, explore, and fish," explains Hannah H.
What campers like
Remote setting with amenities: Ricker Pond State Park Campground combines wilderness feeling with essential facilities. "The park itself is quiet and heavily wooded with most sites being right on the water. You could explore the woods all day, cool off in the lake before dinner, and drift off to sleep listening to the calls of the loons," writes Danielle S.
Dispersed camping solitude: Austin Brook offers quieter alternatives to established campgrounds. "There's a few sites here! All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings. Keep it clean!" advises Thomas and James S.
Private tent sites: Smugglers Notch State Park Campground provides secluded walk-in sites. "Some of the campsites on the outside ring you need to walk into (a very short distance), but it makes it feel very secluded and less like car camping," explains Jess O., who visits annually each spring.
Dog-friendly environments: Dog friendly campgrounds near Northfield Falls include Smugglers Notch State Park Campground, where pets are welcome at campsites. "This campground is great. Nice and quiet. Campsites are well spaced," notes Jess O.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Northfield Falls camping conditions vary dramatically by season. Many established campgrounds close by mid-October. "I stayed in October and it was really quiet and relaxing. There is absolutely no cell service for miles, so plan accordingly," warns Michele S. about Ricker Pond.
Vehicle clearance requirements: Some dispersed sites require appropriate vehicles. Green Mountain National Forest FR207 notes "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.
Limited connectivity: Most forest camping areas have minimal cell service. "There is absolutely no cell service for miles, so plan accordingly," notes Michele S. about camping in the region.
Early reservations needed: Popular pet-friendly sites fill quickly. "Reserve early, as this place doesn't have a ton of sites and it folds up quickly!" advises Ben C. about Smugglers Notch.
Tips for camping with families
Rail trail access: Ricker Pond State Park Campground connects directly to the Cross Vermont Trail for family biking. "We had our trail bikes so took advantage of the Montpelier-Wells Rail Trail (Cross Vermont Trail), accessible directly from the campground," explains Emma B.
Ranger programs: State parks offer educational opportunities. "The ranger programming was exceptional, as are the views and the nearby areas for hiking and backpacking," notes Harry H. about Smugglers Notch State Park.
Kid-friendly water features: Little River provides swimming opportunities. "The small playground was great, and the small boat launch and beach kept us in the water," shares Rita M., who visited with five children.
Pet policies for families with dogs: For families seeking dog friendly camping options near Northfield Falls, Lake Champagne Resort provides dedicated pet areas. "Great dog walking areas, and very spacious dog parks, one for big dos and one for little ones," notes Christopher S.
Tips from RVers
Level sites: RV campers should note site conditions at different campgrounds. At Lazy Lions Campground, "We had a pull through, and nice green grass sights," reports Craig F.
Hookup availability: Electric-only options exist at Brookside RV Camping. "This is a great spot to stop for a night with your RV and enjoy the river for a night. Easy to get to, just off of a one-way paved road," notes Miccal M.
RV restrictions: Some campgrounds restrict certain RV types. "This campground requires RVs to have an RVIA certificate; that excludes different homemade campers and school-bus conversions," warns Jean C. about Lake Champagne Resort.
Adult-oriented options: Some campgrounds cater to adult RVers. "Lazy Lions 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.
