Camping near Calais, Vermont offers a mix of primitive and developed sites throughout Vermont's northeast region, with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,500 feet. The camping season typically spans late May through mid-October, with many campsites positioned near the extensive Groton State Forest trail system that includes 17 miles of hiking trails and 20+ miles of mountain biking routes. Weather patterns can shift quickly in this region, with average summer temperatures ranging from 50°F at night to 75°F during daytime hours.
What to Do
Paddle remote sites: Kettle Pond State Park provides remote camping accessible only by water or hiking trails. "We rented canoes and paddles across Kettle Pond to one of the shelter sites in early September and it was incredible. Each site has access to a fire pit, lean-to, and outhouse but no immediate running water. Lots of great hiking near by," reports one Kettle Pond visitor.
Explore historic ruins: The trail system near Little River State Park contains remnants of abandoned settlements. "The hiking trails are really good--they're actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," notes a camper at Little River State Park.
Climb fire towers: Several state parks offer mountain viewpoints with observation structures. "There is a fire tower you can hike at the top which provides beautiful views," mentions a camper at Elmore State Park, referring to the tower atop Elmore Mountain.
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution in northeast Vermont creates excellent stargazing conditions. "Because our lean-to was in a meadow with no tree coverage, we were treated to the most awesome night sky we've ever seen at a Vermont state park. It was mesmerizing!" shares a visitor at Elmore State Park.
What Campers Like
Direct water access: Many campgrounds feature sites with waterfront locations. "Our site was right on the water and clean. The lake is really nice for kayaking or swimming, and has some loons," notes a visitor to Ricker Pond State Park.
Trail connectivity: The Cross Vermont Trail runs through several camping areas. "We took a half day bike trip on it one day to go to the town of Marshfield to visit Rainbow Sweets, home of some of the best French pastries in Vermont. We biked through marshland, seeing Great Blue Herons and other wildlife," shares a Kettle Pond camper.
Winter accessibility: Some campgrounds offer off-season use without fees. "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," reports a visitor to Smugglers Notch State Park.
What You Should Know
Limited facilities: Many remote sites lack standard amenities. "Remote campsite #9 was a bit wet this spring but in truth everything has been wet here in Vermont this year... Site #9 had plenty of places to hang our hammocks, we chose the nearest location to the lean-to," shares a Kettle Pond State Park visitor.
Water restrictions: Some campgrounds require special equipment for water access. "There is a dump station and drinking water on site, but the spigots for the water are not threaded. We tried our water bandit, with messy wet results. Luckily, we found we could unscrew the head of the hose at the dump station and had no problem filling our tank with potable water," notes a camper at New Discovery State Park.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly between camping areas. "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. I stayed in October and it was really quiet and relaxing. There is absolutely no cell service for miles, so plan accordingly," warns a Ricker Pond visitor.
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-friendly sites: Certain campgrounds cater better to children's activities. "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," recalls a Little River State Park camper.
Educational programs: Look for ranger-led activities for children. "On our second day, there was an interpretive program at the the pavilion. The ranger led visitors in making bark boats out of materials found in the park. The project was a great idea, as the kids could test their boats right there in the lake," shares a camper at Stillwater State Park.
Wildlife observation: Many campgrounds offer chances to view loons, beavers, and other animals. "I just took our Cub Scout Pack here and it was amazing. Bring Deet the bugs are thick but the things the kids learned and got to do they were entertained for the weekend. The fish were bitting all day long for catch and release fishing for our scouts which was perfect because some of the them kids never fished before," reports a visitor to Kettle Pond.
Tips from RVers
Bridge and road constraints: Access roads may limit larger vehicles. "Getting here isn't direct or easy, but the reward is worth it. Leave your mobile devices off, because cell towers haven't quite made it to this quiet corner of the woods," notes an RV camper at Ricker Pond State Park.
Private alternatives: For those needing hookups near towns, private campgrounds offer additional services. "Super conveniently located to all of the hiking and biking Stowe has to offer. The hosts are super friendly and the primitive camp sites are spacious and located along a quaint brook and sprawling meadow," reports a visitor to Gold Brook Campground near Stowe.
Site selection importance: Campground layouts vary significantly for RV suitability. "This campground is easy to access, though owing to that one can hear traffic on the nearby road. The lake is beautiful, clear and clean, and there is a beach with sand for swimming. We had our trail bikes so took advantage of the Montpelier-Wells Rail Trail, accessible directly from the campground," mentions a Ricker Pond camper.
