Best Campgrounds near Norton, VT

Norton, Vermont sits in the heart of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, where several established campgrounds provide access to the region's lakes, rivers, and forests. Brighton State Park Campground offers tent, RV, and cabin camping along the shores of Island Pond, while Maidstone State Park provides similar accommodations within Maidstone State Forest. The area features a mix of state park facilities and private campgrounds, most operating seasonally from late spring through early fall with varying levels of amenities.

Camping areas in the Northeast Kingdom typically open from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend, with some sites closing after Labor Day. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays during peak summer months. One camper noted, "I've found my place of peace and tranquility at Maidstone State Park, the lake had to be the most pure and pristine lake in Vermont." Winter conditions make most campgrounds inaccessible, though some private facilities may offer year-round options. Cell service can be limited throughout the region, especially in more remote camping areas, and travelers should be prepared for variable weather conditions even in summer.

The developed campgrounds near Norton provide varying levels of amenities, from primitive sites to full-hookup RV camping. Waterfront locations are particularly popular, with several campgrounds offering direct lake or river access. Nulhegan Confluence Hut represents a more rustic option, featuring a cabin with a wood-burning stove where "water can be treated from the river a few steps away," according to a recent review. Campers consistently mention the region's natural beauty, wildlife viewing opportunities, and peaceful atmosphere as highlights. While some campgrounds like White Caps have received mixed reviews regarding site spacing and facilities, others like Brighton State Park and Maidstone State Park earn high marks for their well-maintained grounds and scenic settings. The proximity to hiking trails, fishing spots, and paddling opportunities enhances the camping experience throughout the Northeast Kingdom.

Best Camping Sites Near Norton, Vermont (90)

    1. Brighton State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Island Pond, VT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 723-4360

    $20 - $50 / night

    "I usually don't camp near other people, but I really like this site. I think every site has a waterfront view."

    "We stayed in the Poplar lean-to, which was very private, with a short trail leading down to the lake. Some of the other sites are right on the water, which would have been nice too!"

    2. Lake Francis State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Pittsburg, NH
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 538-6965

    $35 - $65 / night

    "Off the beaten path way up north in Coos country and absolutely stunning."

    "I tent camped at site 6 for two nights in early September for a trail volunteer event for the Cohos Trail I and had an awesome stay."

    3. Lakeside Camping

    3 Reviews
    Island Pond, VT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 723-6649

    $55 - $70 / night

    4. Lavender Essentials of Vermont

    1 Review
    Derby Line, VT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 323-3590

    $35 / night

    5. Prouty Beach Campground

    6 Reviews
    Newport, VT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 334-7951

    $33 - $75 / night

    "We stayed at T4, a site w electric right on the lake."

    "There is a very nice bike trail that runs through the campground, to the city of Newport on one side and to Canada on the other!"

    6. White Caps Campground

    9 Reviews
    West Burke, VT
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 467-3345

    $35 - $75 / night

    "But the grass area and view of lake right in front of you is priceless. We were able to just walk our kayaks across street and put in right there."

    "Cheaper than a hotel for kingdom trails though and right next to lake Willoughby"

    7. Nulhegan Confluence Hut

    1 Review
    North Stratford, VT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 229-0820

    $85 - $95 / night

    "It's a short walk from a roadside parking area (though a little longer in the winter due to the parking being moved across the road). There is a lovely wood burning stove and fire wood is supplied."

    8. Maidstone State Park — Maidstone State Forest

    12 Reviews
    Groveton, VT
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 676-3930

    "It's hard sometime to get away from all the people in Vermont but this park is far enough out of the way where you can avoid a majority of the summer tourist."

    "The lake had to be the most pure and pristine lake in Vermont, the park, trails, lake and community all make this and rememberable trip that'll always have you wanting to come back for more!"

    9. Ladd Pond Cabins And Campground

    1 Review
    Clarksville, NH
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 237-9881

    $25 - $145 / night

    10. Lyman Falls State Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    North Stratford, VT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 828-1531

    "This is a Vermont State Park, however, it is open for primitive camping only and advertised as boat-in only."

    "While close to the road, it's not highly trafficked and the road noise is almost non-existent which was a nice surprise. The riverbank is a great spot to fish from and enjoy the afternoon sun."

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Recent Reviews near Norton, VT

251 Reviews of 90 Norton Campgrounds


  • Josh S.
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Mountain Lake Camping Resort

    Great campground for families!

    If you're looking for a safe, family friendly, quiet campground this is it.

    Pool with water slides for kids, Kayaks, paddle boats, canoes, playground with slides and a pirate ship.

    Strict quiet hours at 1030 make it very quiet in the evening with no worry of loud parties keeping you up.

    Super clean restrooms and sites and a camp store with about everything in it.

    10 minute drive to the cute town of Lancaster which has coffee shops, brewery, restaurants, bakery and groceries.

  • jonathan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Ladd Pond Cabins And Campground

    Hidden gem

    Stayed in a tent they do have multiple tent sites RV sites and cabins available more than enough room for tents they have a beautiful pond in the back they have showers or a shower and toilet for those that need it a common room for those that want to cook food play games watch movies. it's about 11 minutes to the grocery store in downtown colebrook. The owners are amazing people they are very nice and kind. This place is really a hidden gem

  • J
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Mollidgewock State Park Campground

    One night getaway

    Staff was very helpful. We arrived,after a 3 1/2 hour drive, early for check in but were able to go to our site. The lean-to site was beautifully situated by the incredible river making it easy to take a dip or go fishing. The pit toilet behind the site is our only complaint. There were times we could smell the stench from our site. There is construction work at the campground as they build bathhouses that should be done by next spring. Hopefully, they get rid of the pit toilets.

  • Jim S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Happy Hill Maple Farms

    Offseason

    Quiet spot just off the Hwy. you can hear traffic but not many cars out this time of year(August). They had a fire pit and picnic table . No electricity so we used the generator. We the only one here so the noise should not bother anyone. Great pace for fall visits

  • Kristin C.
    Jul. 24, 2025

    Peacock

    This campground is closed

    7/24/25 I just called the number listed through this site and talked to a guy who said it is closed. I have a feeling I reached his personal line.

  • Matilda A.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Maidstone State Park — Maidstone State Forest

    QUERRS AND DISABLED AVOID!!!

    AVOID MAIDSTONE STATE PARK

    Being thrown out of Maidstone because Tom thinks he can make up the ADA, threatened to call the police over nothing and threw us out.

    We have been in the state parks this summer since the 9th of may missed 7 days and us and our dogs have had zero issues until Maidstone

    Great a transphobic park manager targeted us over service dogs and harassed a teenager who has major medical issues, purposely not going to the sight leader and harassing a disabled teenager when isolated from the rest of our site.

    Maybe I’ll post the videos here, it’s unhinged.

    Our lives are worth so much more then some unhinged manager trying to make up his own version of the ADA

    Throw on transphobia was the motivation, awards Maidstone as the worst state park in the system so far.

    My ex wife’s 3 sisters all worked for him at basin harbor club in there younger years and he was unhinged and problematic then, I remember how elated they were to see him move on to the state parks and out of the community.

    Maidstone state park horrific transphobic and disability based discrimination was the most surprising, according to Maidstone one of our service dogs is not allowed in the state parks system. Yet Kathy up in the Ilands who runs that campground with an iron fist didn’t have any problems in the 46 days I spent there to open the season………

    The documentation I have is shocking, way yo cut our time short by 2 weeks and have to panic pack and flee

    

    0 stars

    It’s also alarming how the manager and the staff are excited attendance it’s down 30%, 3 of the 5 employees stating they don’t want it busy and the collective goal of the campground was low attendance for less work.

    What a disgusting audited to have. I’m way over qualified to run Maidstone state park, 1/3 of side A is closed, soon side B as soon as that bath house gives out.

    It’s a small place, it should be packed with Vermonters, as a businesswoman it would be ridiculously easy to pack that campground week in and week out, quickly justifying new facilities and oping back up the loop

    2 years at the helm, I’d be planing a summer of renovations at Maidstone

    Instead it’s going to fizzle and fail under its current management.

  • Ryan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2025

    Moose River Campground

    Right on the Moose River

    Clean park on the river. The WiFi is weak and inside the park is little to no service.

  • Alicia B.
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Deer Mountain Campground

    Gorgeous Site and Peaceful

    May Camping Weekend Recap – Moose Alley Magic (Even in a Cold Snap!) ❄️🏕️

    We weren’t expecting a cold spell this late in May, but Mother Nature had her own plans! Even with the surprise chill, we had such a wonderful time at our campsite nestled along Moose Alley. While it’s near a road, don’t worry—it’s not a main highway, just a quiet local path that adds to the peaceful vibe of the area.

    Though the moose kept their distance, we did spot some fresh footprints—which made the search feel extra magical! The surrounding views of the mountains and water were breathtaking, and there were plenty of short and long hikes to explore for all experience levels.

    We brought my Grandma and Service Dog along, and both were welcomed with kindness. The folks who braved the cold weather like us were so sweet, and the community feel at the campground made the chilly temps totally worth it. Huge shoutout to the park rangers—they’re around, approachable, and truly there to help, so don’t hesitate to ask them anything you need.

    Pro tip: Buy those fire starters! They’re a lifesaver in cold, damp weather and made our fires easy and cozy every night.

    All in all, cold weather or not, it was a heartwarming weekend surrounded by nature, lovely people, and good vibes. Moose Alley—we’ll definitely be back (hopefully next time with a moose sighting too)!

    #CampingInMay #MooseAlley #ColdSnapAdventure #CampfireVibes #NatureLovers #MountainViews #FamilyCamping #AccessibleAdventures #ServiceDogFriendly #CampgroundCommunity #MemorialWeekend

  • E
    Jul. 10, 2025

    Deer Mountain Campground

    Great for Birding

    I was shocked to find Deer Mountain mostly empty in the middle of summer.  It doesn’t have the amenities of some state parks, but nearby Lake Francis SP is available for showers, etc.  This is a great location for those who want to get away from the crowds and noise.  There’s a wide variety of birds for those who are interested.

    Site 28 is worth the short hike to get there.  Don’t be put off if you don’t have backpacking gear:  there is a wagon to help haul stuff to the site and back.  

    A few things to know, though:  the trees have grown and the view from the tent platform no longer looks like the photos on ReserveAmerica.  It’s a much more limited water view, but still gorgeous.  There are no trees suitable for hammock camping with a view.  And much of the site and surrounding area is a giant Canada Goose latrine.  (Imagine a dog park where no one has ever cleaned up after their pets.)


Guide to Norton

Camping near Norton, Vermont, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you’re into fishing, hiking, or just relaxing by the water, there’s something for everyone.

What to do

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing in the area. One visitor at Lake Francis State Park Campground said, "Perfect for fishing, hiking, and kayaking." The lake is known for its great fishing spots.
  • Hiking: Trails abound in this region. A camper at Deer Mountain Campground mentioned, "You can hike onto the final stretch of trail a 5-minute walk away." This makes it easy to explore the beautiful landscapes.
  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Many campgrounds, like Mollidgewock State Park Campground, offer boat rentals. A reviewer noted, "They rent kayaks/canoes on the property which was fun."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained facilities. One visitor at Brighton State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms are always exceptionally clean, and the lake is great for swimming."
  • Privacy: Many sites provide a sense of seclusion. A camper at Maidstone State Park mentioned, "The sites have enough space between them to give privacy, but you know you're not alone."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor at Mollidgewock State Park Campground shared, "The gentleman working the office was super kind and helpful."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Deer Mountain Campground, have minimal facilities. A camper noted, "These sites lack amenities; however, the primitive feel really helps you enjoy the beauties of New Hampshire."
  • Road Noise: Campers at Mollidgewock State Park Campground mentioned that while the campground is beautiful, "the proximity to a road -- the road noise was pretty significant."
  • Seasonal Availability: Many campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Lake Francis State Park Campground is open from May 23 to November 10.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose the Right Site: Look for sites that offer privacy and space. A camper at Brighton State Park Campground mentioned, "Camp sites are not too close together for privacy."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A visitor at Mollidgewock State Park Campground noted, "The main activities are hiking, fishing, and I saw a host of folks ATVing."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring everything you need, as some campgrounds have limited stores. A camper at Coleman State Park Campground said, "There is a small general store called Treats & Treasures not far from the site."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Kingdom Campground mentioned, "All RV sites have water, sewer, and electric."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Some campgrounds, like White Caps Campground, have no showers. A visitor noted, "Showers have a coin system in place to use them."
  • Enjoy the Views: Many campgrounds offer stunning views. A camper at White Caps Campground said, "The camp store was not big, but has a few items of need. My only fault to the campground is the showers have a coin system in place to use them."

Camping near Norton, Vermont, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you’re sure to have a memorable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Norton, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Norton, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 90 campgrounds and RV parks near Norton, VT and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Norton, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Norton, VT is Brighton State Park Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 12 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Norton, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Norton, VT.