189 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Richmond, Vermont offers multiple developed campgrounds, with standouts like Little River State Park and North Beach Campground located within a 30-minute drive. These established sites provide options for tent, RV, and cabin camping amid Vermont's forested landscapes. Little River State Park, positioned on Waterbury Reservoir, offers water-based recreation alongside hiking trails, while campgrounds near Burlington provide convenient access to urban amenities while maintaining a natural setting.
The camping season typically runs from May through mid-October, with most state parks closing after Indigenous Peoples' Day weekend. "Little River is one of my favorite campgrounds ever! A group of friends and I decided to get one last camping trip in before winter hit," notes one visitor about seasonal timing. Winter conditions make most campgrounds inaccessible, though Shelburne Camping Area operates year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak summer months, particularly for waterfront sites and holiday weekends. Many campgrounds feature amenities like showers, toilets, and drinking water, though primitive sites with fewer services can be found at locations like Camel's Hump State Park.
Water features prominently in the camping experience around Richmond. Waterbury Reservoir attracts campers seeking fishing, kayaking and swimming opportunities, while Lake Champlain sites offer expansive views. "The reservoir was beautiful. Took the kayak, only issue I had was getting to the lake. Most sites up on hill looking over lake, not easily assessable from camp site," mentioned one camper at Little River. Sites with water access tend to book quickly, especially those with boat-in options. Several campgrounds feature hiking trails with historic features, including abandoned homesteads and foundations. Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and ranger programs exist at larger state parks, while more primitive backcountry sites appeal to those seeking solitude.
"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 Availability"We stay every year for the Vermont City Marathon. It is a convenient bike ride down the bike path to the waterside park. Easy access to all of Burlington by bike."
"Sites 1 to 16 are close to each other. Sites 113 to 119 are bad. Very close to each other. No redeeming qualities.
Sites have 30 amp electric and water but might need a longish cord or hose."
from $37 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $20 / night
Check Availability"This is a nice little private campground in Shelburne, just outside of Burlington. Close to Lake Champlain. Good place to spend the night and good access to activities."
"Lastly, the location was perfect, just outside of Burlington made access to the area ideal."
"We had one right next to the playground so our daughter could walk straight to it without having to cross a road. And speaking of playground, it was large and very nice."
"Our boys had fun riding their bikes around, playing basketball, and playing a round of mini golf."
from $8 - $12 / night
Check Availability"the best part is every night its only a ten minute hike to the summit from where the sites are and you get to watch the sunset over Vermont and lake champlain as the sun falls behind the adirondack mountains"
"apparently this is the first state park in Vermont. Only 8 campsites so try to book early. Nice trails that lead to scenic views of Lake Champlain. Bathrooms and showers were clean."
from $23 / night
Check Availability"They ask that you limit your driving on the path to the site- so we were sure to go into town to get all we needed before we settled into camp- which wasnt hard to do."
"Camp spots were far enough away from one another, trees helped with privacy, and the tent site had a great area to setup the tent.
Facilities were accessible and clean."
"While we were next to the creek at site 12, it was blocked by brush and trees.
Check in was easy, and the staff were present enough in case you had questions or needed to buy firewood.""It’s centrally located to many wonderful sites around Stowe and Waterbury. Check-in was a breeze. We picked up our packet from the office mail box and headed to our site."
"Beautifully set on Lake Champlain in Vermont! This is a relatively large campground but is well laid out and doesn't feel small even when it's packed to the gills."
"Since the park is on a island in Lake Champlain in Vermont there is water all around. Good places to walk and ride."
from $6 - $28 / night
Check Availability"This is a short and sweet hike to one of the higher points in Vermont. It is a beautiful scenic (somewhat strenuous) hike to the summit. The views are pretty epic though."
from $10 / night
Check Availability
ScoutWe’ve spent several summers camping at Kings Bay, and it has become one of our favorite places to get away. Most days we spend time near the water, take the kayak out, or just relax outside at our site. The campground has a friendly atmosphere, and we’ve gotten to know a lot of the other campers over the years. It really feels like a second home during the summer.
ScoutThis was our first trip away from home. The campgrounds are clean with beautiful views.
GuideOriginally we reserved mountain view. It waa getting ready to rain...alot for 1 - 1/2 days. The mountain views didn't have gravel, but hard dirt. However beautiful shady areas (we drove thru the another day to check it out) looked nice, but it's hard to imagine on the side of hills to level 🤷🏼♀️
We really like the riverside view..it's across the street & about 300' down the street.
But is a great location for places to go & things to see. A few Miles from Whiteface mtn & about 15 min to downtown Lake Placid.
ScoutLove it here, great for swimming, kayaking and camping with your family
ScoutSpent a night here. Sites are grass for most part and level. Plenty of room. We did the water and electric site.
TravelerJust stayed at Drapers Acres for the Iron Man in Lake Placid. We stayed in a cabin and daughter and her husband stayed in their rig in an RV site. They clearly state that they are not a camping resort, but a base camp for the area adventures. Rest rooms were clean and had plenty of hot water. Staff was friendly and welcoming! Great playground for the kids to play on and plenty of privacy. Cabin was basic - had fan, heat, mini-fridge and microwave. If visiting the area again, I would not hesitate to stay there again! The RV site was large with plenty of space for their 40 foot rig and jeep. Use AT&T towers and had the ability to use phone as a hotspot.
ScoutThis is my first year seasonal at Magic Pines and my fiance and I love it. It's quiet, everyone is friendly, it's pet friendly and has a beautiful nature vibe to it.
TravelerPrivate, large site. This was the first site in the road. We have a low clearance car and it was a bit bumpy. This site was amazing, clean and easy pull in pull out.
ScoutWe camped here in June of 2026. It is not as remote as some other locations, mainly because you are in Waterbury, VT and Waterbury can be quite busy with visitors.
We parked on Cotton Brook Rd and were told by multiple people that you need to be aware of rain. The parking lot can flood if you get days of rain. The days we camped we did have heavy downpours the morning of day 2 and by the time we left the reservoir was probably 6 ft higher. So it is a real thing. The benefit of that is tons of waterfalls lead into the reservoir and they are quite pretty.
It is a long canoe from the Cotton Brook lot and you need to go to campsite 14 to really get a campsite with a full view of the lake. We were on campsite 18 and it is surrounded by trees. Thats great if you want privacy, but not great if you want a view of the lake.
No loons while we were there. : (
In short, it is pretty good, but we would recommend others.
Cabin camping options around Richmond, Vermont provide rustic accommodations with varying levels of amenities across several state parks and private campgrounds. At Little River State Park, cabins feature basic furnishings with outdoor fire rings and picnic tables. Sites require a 1-night minimum stay during weekdays and 2-night minimum for weekends, with reservations opening 11 months in advance. Mount Philo State Park offers a limited selection of cabin sites at elevations ranging from 800-968 feet, providing campers cooler temperatures even during summer months. Cabin options typically include sleeping platforms or bunks without electricity or running water, while private campgrounds like Shelburne Camping Area offer cabin rentals with more modern amenities including electricity and nearby shower facilities.
Historic hikes at Smugglers Notch: Explore trail systems connecting directly to Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak at 4,393 feet. "Great clean sites with multiple ways to access Mount Mansfield's trail system which is the highest mountain in the state of Vermont. Staff are friendly and respectful of privacy," notes a camper at Smugglers Notch State Park Campground.
Water exploration on Waterbury Reservoir: Visitors can enjoy paddling with rental options available nearby. "Great campground for hanging out and a place to bring your boat. The reservoir is a fun place to explore via kayak and canoe as well as by motorboat," shares one camper from Little River State Park.
Winter activities during off-season: While most campgrounds close after mid-October, some areas remain accessible for winter recreation. "Stayed at a lean-to site here in March of 2019. Free of charge during off season, you just have to call a couple weeks ahead to reserve and make sure you park in the allotted area. Hike/snowshoe in to your site as the gate is closed and the area is not plowed," explains a visitor at Smugglers Notch State Park.
Secluded tent sites: Several campgrounds offer walk-in sites that provide more privacy. "This campground is great. Nice and quiet. Campsites are well spaced. 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," reports a camper at Underhill State Park Campground.
Proximity to Burlington amenities: Campers appreciate easy access to urban conveniences. "Bring your bikes! You're tucked away in the woods on gorgeous Lake Champlain and can bike into Burlington for meals and city street strolls," recommends a visitor at North Beach Campground.
Waterfront accessibility: Sites with water access are highly valued. "There are many beautiful backcountry campsites right on the water only accessible via the water. Great local overnight spot with flat tenting, privies, and picnic tables," notes a Little River visitor about boat-in camping options.
Seasonal operation limitations: Most campgrounds near Richmond have defined operating seasons. "This place had everything we could have wanted for our weekend spent in Vermont. Reserve early, as this place doesn't have a ton of sites and it fills up quickly," advises a visitor to Smugglers Notch State Park.
Shower facilities vary: Some parks offer modern facilities while others have more basic amenities. "Showers are coin-operated, but $0.50 will get you 5 minutes of hot water!" explains a camper at Grand Isle State Park Campground.
Site characteristics differ significantly: Research your specific site before booking. "We stayed in 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," shares a Little River State Park visitor.
Playground accessibility: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "We visited here with our 5 kiddos for 2 nights late July 2016. The facilities were clean, the small playground was great, and the small boat launch and beach kept us in the water," notes a camper at Little River State Park.
Educational opportunities: Look for ranger-led programs and nature centers. "What a lovely state park! It was a quiet, family friendly campground with a cute little beach and nature center with youth programs," shares a visitor to Grand Isle State Park.
Trail difficulty considerations: Assess hiking trails for family suitability. "The hiking trails are really good--they are actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," mentions a Little River State Park camper.
Limited hookup availability: Many state parks offer minimal RV services. "Not all Vermont state parks accommodate larger RVs, so check site specifications when booking," advises a regular Vermont camper.
Private campgrounds with full amenities: For more services, consider private options. "We had a full hookup, pull-through corner space for us. Offered parking for our truck right across lane on separate site. Super nice owners!" reports a visitor to Shelburne Camping Area.
Seasonal considerations: Plan for weather changes, especially in spring and fall. "It was fairly priced and in a great location for visiting both Stowe and Burlington," notes a camper at Gold Brook Campground, highlighting its central position for exploring the best places to camp near Richmond, Vermont.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near Richmond?
Vermont offers several exceptional campgrounds near Richmond. Grand Isle State Park Campground provides beautiful lakeside camping on Lake Champlain with well-designed sites that don't feel crowded even during peak season. For family adventures, Little River State Park Campground near Waterbury offers shoreline access to Waterbury Reservoir with boat rentals and proximity to great restaurants and attractions. Other excellent options include Silver Lake Campground for private sites and a clean swimming lake, North Beach Campground for easy access to Burlington via bike paths, and Moosalamoo Campground for those seeking a more rustic experience with waterfalls and mountain views.
What camping is available near Richmond, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Richmond, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 189 campgrounds and RV parks near Richmond, VT and 17 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Richmond, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Richmond, VT is Little River State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 26 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Richmond, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near Richmond, VT.
What parks are near Richmond, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Richmond, VT that allow camping, notably Green Mountain National Forest and Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests.
Keep Exploring
