RV Camping near St. Johnsbury, VT

Mountain camping near St. Johnsbury gives travelers access to Vermont's Northeast Kingdom and the western White Mountains of New Hampshire. The region sits at elevations between 700-1,500 feet, with RV sites available from May through October in most locations. Winter temperatures often drop below 0°F, with significant snowfall limiting camping options from November through April.

What to do

Hiking fire towers: Burke Campground offers access to mountain trails with two lean-to shelters for overnight hikers. "Burke mountain lean-to #1 [is] on the red trail...near the split for red-blue options," notes one reviewer. The second lean-to is located on the blue trail.

Skiing and winter sports: Cannon Mountain RV Park in Franconia Notch State Park provides year-round RV camping with winter access to downhill skiing. "Perfect for ski bums. Access to xcs, downhill, and snow machine trails," reports one camper. The park offers seven full-hookup sites with winter availability when water is turned off after Columbus Day.

Water recreation: Riverfront camping spots allow for fishing and paddling. "My friend and I took my son fishing and we landed some nice size fish big enough it scared my 7 year old son and he made me real it in," shares a camper about their experience at River Meadow Campground. Many sites provide direct river access with canoe and kayak rentals available.

What campers like

Peaceful settings: Brookside RV Camping offers just two electric-only RV sites along the river. "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," writes a recent visitor. The limited number of sites ensures a quiet experience.

Family activities: Sugar Ridge RV Village & Campground offers extensive recreation options. "This campground has everything! Horse carriage rides, paved roads, 2 pools, playgrounds, mini golf, fireworks," notes one camper. Another family mentioned, "We stayed here and were VERY happy! Dog friendly, mini golf, heated pool, two playgrounds, and crafts and fun things for the kids!"

Big rig accommodation: Fransted Family Campground provides spacious sites for larger RVs. "Great campground with a mix of full hookup and tent sites! Many sites along the river and nice grassy sites near the front. Sites were spacious and well maintained," writes a camper. Multiple reviewers note the immaculate conditions and excellent customer service.

What you should know

Seasonal limitations: Most RV parks in the St. Johnsbury region operate from May through mid-October. "We stayed here recently for our 2nd full hook up ever. Kids were happy with the heated pool, horse rides, and other activities," notes a visitor to Sugar Ridge, which operates from May 1 to October 31.

Site variety: Campgrounds range from basic to full-service. "On the far side of the parking lot at Echo Lake Beach/Cannon Mountain you'll find 7 RV, full-hookup sites. Reservations are recommended in summer, but from Columbus Day to mid May you may have a chance with walk-up," explains a reviewer about Cannon Mountain RV Park's layout.

Advance booking required: Reservations are essential for camping near St. Johnsbury, especially during peak seasons. Smugglers Notch RV Village is a newer campground with growing popularity. "This hidden gem we discovered last season. We loved it so much we camped here twice last year," explains one repeat visitor.

Tips for camping with families

River activities: River Meadow Campground offers family-friendly water activities. "It has RV sights and cabins they keep the campers busy with fun activities for kids and grown ups. This is what I would call a Glamping campground then a roughing it campground," explains a family that visits regularly.

Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas specifically designed for children. "The campground has a big grass area and playground and activities for the children and families," notes a camper who has visited Fransted Family Campground for 12 years.

Swimming options: Riverside Camping & RV Resort provides 110 sites across 75 acres with family swimming areas. While relatively new to The Dyrt platform, this Lancaster, NH location offers "large, level, grassy sites" according to a reviewer, with camping season running May 1 through October 15.

Tips from RVers

Hookup variations: RV sites near St. Johnsbury, Vermont vary significantly in hookup options. "Our site looked angled on map so thinking it would be easier to approach from a certain direction to back in, drove in as I needed but found site was perpendicular to road," shares a camper at Sugar Ridge. They suggest requesting site maps with power specifications.

Satellite and cell service: Cell coverage varies throughout the region. "Decent cell phone signal (Verizon)" notes a Sugar Ridge visitor, while other campgrounds may have more limited connectivity depending on surrounding terrain and tree cover.

Winter RV considerations: For cold-weather camping, prepare for limited services. "The rates drop after Columbus Day and the water is turned off," warns a Cannon Mountain RV Park visitor. RVers should prepare for self-contained camping during shoulder seasons.