Camping near Underhill Center, Vermont typically runs from mid-May through mid-October with most campgrounds closed during winter months. The region sits at the base of Mount Mansfield at approximately 1,000 feet elevation, with many camping areas positioned to take advantage of the western slopes and valleys. Night temperatures drop significantly even during summer months, often falling 20-30 degrees from daytime highs.
What to do
Trail access to Mount Mansfield: Underhill State Park Campground provides direct trail connections to Vermont's highest peak. "Amazing campground with a great location. You are minutes from some amazing hiking, which is great when you don't feel like driving long distances after a day hike," notes a visitor to Smugglers Notch State Park Campground.
Winter camping options: Off-season camping is available at select locations. One camper at Smugglers Notch State Park Campground described their experience: "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."
Mountain biking access: The region offers connections to extensive trail networks. "We used to live in shelburne and recommended the campground to family staying in the area to visit. It's very close to museums, the town, and farm areas," reports a reviewer from Shelburne Camping Area.
What campers like
Private camping experience: Many sites offer secluded settings away from other campers. A visitor to Little River State Park Campground commented: "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."
Clean facilities: State parks maintain well-kept bathroom and shower facilities. According to a camper at North Beach Campground: "Right on the Burlington bike path and across the beach, there is plenty to do and easy access to town and other attractions. Bathrooms were more than acceptable."
Water recreation access: Several campgrounds offer swimming or boating options. "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," noted a reviewer from Little River State Park Campground.
What you should know
Limited amenities at Underhill: The facilities at Underhill State Park Campground are intentionally basic. "Spent a few nights here as a base camp while hiking some of the mountains in the area. 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," reported a recent visitor.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area require advance booking, particularly during peak foliage season. "Reserve early, as this place doesn't have a ton of sites and it folds up quickly!" advises a camper about Smugglers Notch State Park.
Coin-operated showers: Many Vermont state parks charge for shower usage. A visitor to Grand Isle State Park Campground noted: "Showers are coin-operated, but $0.50 will get you 5 minutes of hot water!"
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer water access for children. At Little River State Park Campground, a family reported: "We had easy access to hikes in Stowe, plus the Ben and Jerry's shop is about 20 minutes down the road! The bathrooms were clean, the site was well maintained, and the reservoir was a great place to relax after a day of hiking!"
Playground facilities: Some campgrounds provide play areas for children. A visitor to Lone Pine Campsites shared: "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."
Educational programming: Several parks offer ranger-led activities. "This is a nice family friendly campground with a cute little beach and nature center with youth programs," observed a visitor to Grand Isle State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer varying levels of hookups for recreational vehicles. A visitor to Gold Brook Campground noted: "Our site was level and extremely spacious, FHUs, and featuring a fire pit. There is a nice playground in the center and a creek that follows the tent sites."
Site size considerations: Some campgrounds accommodate larger RVs better than others. "The sites were long and spacious. While we stayed here we took the short drive into Burlington, drove our bikes to the lake bike path, and visited the Ben and Jerry's plant," reported an RV camper at Lone Pine Campsites.
WiFi reliability: Internet access can vary significantly by campground and time of week. A visitor to Gold Brook Campground shared: "Wifi was great over the week (was able to work without a problem), but collapsed when more people showed up on Friday."
