Campgrounds near St. Johnsbury are situated in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom where elevations range between 700-1,500 feet throughout the region. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, while summer camping season typically runs May through mid-October with daytime highs averaging 75-85°F. Most campgrounds in this area require reservations during peak foliage season in late September when availability becomes extremely limited.
What to do
Mountain biking access: Camp Kiki provides direct trail access to Kingdom Trails network. "This place is amazing! We had two nights here and I wish we could have stayed longer. We could hop on our bikes and hit the trails from our site! Short walk or ride to town for food, music, and supplies," notes Cami B.
Kayaking on motor-free waters: Ricker Pond State Park Campground offers peaceful paddling opportunities on a motor-restricted pond. "This is a pretty small State Park, so it fills up quickly. The sites on the pond are beautiful if you can get one! The campground has a small beach, boat launch and it's right on the Cross Vermont Trail," shares Michele S.
Remote camping experiences: Kettle Pond State Park Campground features walk-in and boat-in only sites. "My wife and I spent 10 days at this remote tent site. Our site was on the far western end of Kettle Pond and the only tent site in the remote camping area. We were able to watch the Loons teaching its chicks to hunt for food," describes M.A.D. P.
What campers like
Spacious, well-maintained sites: Moose River Campground earns consistent praise for cleanliness. "We had site 9 two years in a row. Love it. Right on the river. Clean bathrooms. Not a great place for kids...no pool, arcade, etc.....but perfect for adults," explains Rick C.
Family-oriented activities: Sugar Ridge RV Village offers numerous amenities for families. "We stayed here and were VERY happy! Dog friendly, mini golf, heated pool, two playgrounds, and crafts and fun things for the kids! We truly enjoyed this park most sites are spacious and some good ones with privacy," states India H.
Scenic natural features: Crazy Horse Family Campground has riverside sites that enhance the camping experience. "Site #18 was gorgeous, close to the river so could hear the water every night, plenty of riverside sites. Staff at KOA were awesome!!" reports Robert L.
What you should know
Limited cellular connectivity: Multiple campgrounds in the region have spotty service. At Moose River Campground, "The WiFi is weak and inside the park is little to no service," warns Ryan M. Similarly, at Ricker Pond, "There is absolutely no cell service for miles, so plan accordingly."
Primitive facilities at some locations: Kingdom Campground has limited information online. "We are fortunate, we had family members tell us about it. Great for quite getaway, the newest sites are super spacious!!!! No cable, and only PBS over the air," shares Keith L.
Seasonal operation: Most dog friendly campgrounds near St. Johnsbury operate approximately May through mid-October. At Sugar Ridge RV Village, the season runs "May 1 to Oct 31," while Moose River Campground operates "May 1 to mid Oct."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly recreation options: Look for campgrounds with specific amenities for children. "This campground has everything! Horse carriage rides, paved roads, 2 pools, playgrounds, mini golf, fireworks," reports Jen C. about Sugar Ridge.
Swimming accessibility: Littleton / Franconia Notch KOA Holiday offers water options despite shallow river access. "The River is very shallow and rocky, so no real opportunity to swim, tube or kayak onsite, however they have a pool which was not crowded as well as other activities," explains Rachel D.
Consider noise levels: Some pet-friendly camping areas near St. Johnsbury can be quite social. At Breezy Meadows, "Beautiful place really well maintained. Impressive so clean lots fun activities for children. But for us I couldn't wait to leave. We are a quiet couple and this place is social and noisy non stop!" cautions mia.
Tips from RVers
Limited sewer hookups: Check availability of full-service sites when booking. "My only disappointment with the camp is that there are only a few sites with sewer hookup. However, the dumping station is conveniently located, so if you have a small tank, daily trips are not a problem," advises Dennis M. about Littleton KOA.
Site selection considerations: At Moose River Campground, "We stayed in a large pull thru (well over 125'), full hook-up site in the center section of the campground. The electric worked fine and the sewer was easily reached with my 20' sewer hose. The pad was gravel (as were the roads) and the patio was nice grass," describes Nancy W.
Weather preparedness: The Northeast Kingdom experiences significant temperature fluctuations. Seasonal RVers should be prepared for early fall frost possibilities by mid-September, and many campgrounds lack weatherproofed water systems for late-season camping.
Traveler
