Best Campgrounds near Underhill Center, VT
Underhill Center, Vermont provides access to several campgrounds nestled within the Green Mountains, with Underhill State Park Campground standing as a prominent destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The region includes both primitive tent sites and developed facilities, with most campgrounds offering tent camping and some supporting RVs or featuring cabins. Smugglers Notch State Park Campground, located approximately 6 miles from Underhill Center, offers both tent sites and lean-to shelters in a wooded setting. These campgrounds primarily operate seasonally, with most open from late May through mid-October, providing a base for hikers exploring Mount Mansfield and the surrounding trails.
Camping season in the Underhill area typically runs from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October, with limited winter camping available at some locations. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak foliage season in autumn when sites fill quickly. The terrain around Underhill Center features significant elevation changes, with some campgrounds situated at higher elevations that remain cool even during summer months. Facilities vary widely, with Underhill State Park offering more primitive amenities including vault toilets but no showers, while nearby Smugglers Notch provides more developed facilities. "Very primitive and quiet campground. Great staff and campsites. No shower but one of the best weeks I had camping in a while," noted a camper describing Underhill State Park.
Campers consistently highlight the privacy and natural setting of sites in the Underhill area. Most campgrounds feature well-spaced sites with natural barriers providing separation between camping areas. Reviews frequently mention the proximity to hiking trails as a significant advantage, with many sites offering direct trail access to Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak. Underhill State Park receives particular praise for its secluded feel despite being relatively accessible. One visitor remarked, "This is the best of car camping - you get the feel of really being out in the woods, with your car a short distance away." The campgrounds in this region appeal particularly to hikers and those seeking a genuine forest camping experience rather than those needing extensive amenities or hookups for large RVs.
