The camping landscape surrounding Starksboro, Vermont encompasses both established campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities. The region includes several notable options like Mount Philo State Park Campground with its tent sites and lean-tos, and Little River State Park Campground offering tent, RV, cabin and glamping accommodations. Moosalamoo Campground in the Green Mountain National Forest provides a more rustic camping experience. Most established campgrounds in this area of Vermont feature amenities such as drinking water, fire rings, and picnic tables, while the dispersed camping areas like Lincoln Dispersed Camping offer more primitive experiences without facilities.
Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping in the Starksboro region, with most established campgrounds operating from late May through mid-October. One camper shared, "Little River State Park is located just outside of Waterbury Vermont so it's an ideal location for jumping off on other adventures!" Winter access to many areas becomes limited due to unplowed roads and facilities closing for the season. Several campgrounds require reservations, particularly during peak foliage season in September and October when visitation increases dramatically. Vermont's state parks typically require advance booking through their reservation system, especially for weekend stays during summer months. Cell service can be spotty throughout the region, particularly in more remote camping areas within the Green Mountain National Forest.
Proximity to Lake Champlain provides water-oriented camping experiences at several locations within driving distance of Starksboro. North Beach Campground receives consistently positive reviews for its lakefront location and access to Burlington's bike paths. A recent review noted, "Right next to rails to trails path that goes onto a causeway over the lake. There is a bike ferry to keep going. Nice ride." The camping areas near Waterbury Reservoir offer both shoreline camping and access to extensive hiking networks. Many campers appreciate the balance of natural settings with reasonable access to nearby towns for supplies and activities. Sites with mountain views tend to be highly rated, especially those providing vistas of the Green Mountains or Adirondacks across Lake Champlain, making them popular destinations for both tent and RV campers seeking scenic experiences.
$23 / night
"the best part is every night its only a ten minute hike to the summit from where the sites are and you get to watch the sunset over Vermont and lake champlain as the sun falls behind the adirondack mountains"
"apparently this is the first state park in Vermont. Only 8 campsites so try to book early. Nice trails that lead to scenic views of Lake Champlain. Bathrooms and showers were clean."
"This is a nice little private campground in Shelburne, just outside of Burlington. Close to Lake Champlain. Good place to spend the night and good access to activities."
"Lastly, the location was perfect, just outside of Burlington made access to the area ideal."
$19 - $28 / night
"Little River State Park is located just outside of Waterbury Vermont so it’s an ideal location for jumping off on other adventures!"
"We came here to hike the Dalley Loop Trail (which is a great trail full of history), but we wish we had camped here instead of the private campground 45 minutes away where we did stay."
$37 - $100 / night
"We stay every year for the Vermont City Marathon. It is a convenient bike ride down the bike path to the waterside park. Easy access to all of Burlington by bike."
"Sites 1 to 16 are close to each other. Sites 113 to 119 are bad. Very close to each other. No redeeming qualities.
Sites have 30 amp electric and water but might need a longish cord or hose."
"The first is where you'll find the lean-tos and the dog trail/beach. This area is super quiet, offers a bit of shade, and plenty of privacy."
"We selected it because it was nearby for our second outing with our new (used) R-Pod camper. Turns out it's a wonderful park."
"All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings. Keep it clean!"
"This area is right next to FireRoad 25 rd. We did not camp here we camped on FR25."
$15 / night
"there are no amenities other than cascading waterfalls, mountain views, incredible swimming hole, a nearby lake, a picnic table and a fire ring. the easiest access to sites one and two is the Silver Lake"
"Access to campground is on a gravel road but my van did okay. It is small and primitive and there is a camp host who is very nice."
"It is located in the mountains of Vermont and right next to a beautiful river. The only con was the highway noise since it's pretty close to the road."
"Entrance and exit are a little steep and tricky in the winter, lot wasn’t plowed so AWD/4x4 and good ground clearance are recommended."
"Down off this back road in VT you can find some beautiful secluded campsites - Yards away from gorgeous running water. No trash or restrooms - Primitive for sure. Prepare for bugs as well."
"Day 2 we walked past the gate beyond the end of the road followed a trail up 500 feet or so of elevation in the foothills to the west of Mt Ellen. Found one more camp site."
GuideRight along the road (so if anything happens you can get help) also has wifi signal. It’s right along a creek that’s clean and beautiful. Crisp air and calming flowing river noises all night made it so I slept like a baby!
GuideDrove all the way here just to pull in and see signs that say “no overnight camping”
ScoutPublic Lands with about 8 semi private sites, each with nice views west or easterly. It's a large meadow and with a breeze, it will keep bugs away. Lacking a breeze, it is tough but still beautiful
TravelerMy favorite campsite we stayed at on my 2 week trip (despite the bugs lol). Great swimming hole and very well kept. Very beautiful and loved my stay.
ScoutPam met us outside as she said ‘dodging rain drops’ to stack wood. She was warm and friendly. You can tell she runs a tight ship immediately telling us when quite hours were, and letting us know the dogs needed to be on leash and under our control. We brought our 2 labs with us. Only 2 vehicles per site is allowed. You do need tokens to use the shower. 2 tokens was more than enough for me to shower and not feel rushed. The bathrooms are AMAZING! I am looking forward to coming back!
ScoutAs noted by others, most of the sites have a fire ring and nothing more. A little more than half of the sites can be driven to and others require a very short walk (50 ft?). The toilets mentioned are at Texas falls area and are not a practical walk from most of the campsites.
There are no showers.
Aside from the loop trail at the falls there are also a couple of snowmobile trails that cross the area.
ScoutSame name and google search, but new owner since 2024. We just wrapped up a stay at this campground and I can honestly say… we’ll be back.🙌 From the moment we arrived, you could feel the pride the owner has poured into this place. The new power and water hookups are a huge upgrade, and it’s exciting to see the vision for future expansion already coming to life. Everything about our stay felt easy, welcoming, and most importantly—safe. It’s the kind of spot where you can truly relax, enjoy your time, and feel right at home. Clean, well cared for, and clearly built with heart. Can’t wait to come back and see how it continues to grow.🌲✨
RangerStayed here for a week. Josh and Dori were super nice and helpful. Level grass field with water and 30amp hookup. Fire pit port o potty, creek across the street. Very pretty setting. Dark sky area. Cell att and Verizon we decent enough to work plus they had WiFi if needed.
RangerWe loved camping at Crane Pond. It was a little over 3 miles to hike into the waterfront sites. There is an outhouse nearby, several campsites, fire pits, and we went for a swim in the pond. Overall great experience!
The central Vermont region surrounding Starksboro offers diverse camping options within Green Mountain National Forest and along Lake Champlain's eastern shore. Most primitive camping sites near Starksboro, Vermont remain accessible from late spring through mid-October, with higher elevation areas closing earlier due to weather conditions. Winter camping requires specialized equipment and preparation as temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
Hiking to waterfalls: Multiple campgrounds provide access to waterfall hikes. At Austin Brook, campers can explore Warren Falls. One visitor notes, "There's a handful of sites down Austin Brook road... overall pretty area."
Swimming in the reservoir: Little River State Park Campground offers excellent swimming options. A camper reports, "The reservoir was a great place to relax after a day of hiking! We will be coming back!"
Biking on mountain trails: The trail systems near Moosalamoo Campground provide excellent mountain biking. A 10-year-old reviewer shares, "Moosalamoo campground has awesome bike trails with smooth trail beds and nice rolling bumps. The kind campground hosts can tell you all about the hiking and biking trails."
Star-gazing opportunities: The remote location of some campgrounds creates ideal conditions for astronomy. At Moosalamoo, one camper explains, "At night, you can go out to the bicycle pump track and lay a blanket on the grassy hill against the track and look at stars in COMPLETE darkness."
Private, well-spaced sites: Campers consistently praise the site spacing at many Starksboro-area campgrounds. At Mount Philo State Park Campground, a visitor notes, "Only 8 campsites, dispersed in the trees. $23/night. Picnic table and fire pit. Moderate cell service."
Clean facilities: Despite rustic settings, many campgrounds maintain clean facilities. Regarding Moosalamoo, a camper shares, "Although they had no power, water, dumps or modern bathrooms the campsite had well water pumps and the cleanest most order free toilet vaults we have ever seen."
Water access: Proximity to water is highly valued. At Smugglers Notch State Park Campground, visitors appreciate the "nearby waterfalls" while Button Bay offers "amazing views of the lake and the mountains right from the camping area."
Winter camping options: Some campgrounds offer unique off-season opportunities. A Smugglers Notch visitor explains, "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."
Limited facilities at dispersed sites: The dispersed camping areas require self-sufficiency. Austin Brook is described as having "fire rings only, no facilities and minimal parking."
Reservations recommended: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. At Button Bay State Park Campground, visitors advise, "Book early for the best sites."
Road conditions vary: Access to some areas requires appropriate vehicles. For Lincoln Dispersed Camping, a visitor notes, "FR 291 is a somewhat primitive road - lots of big puddles. I would want some clearance for a vehicle."
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather can change rapidly. At Smugglers Notch, campers recommend "a warm sleeping bag" for spring and fall visits as temperatures can drop considerably at night.
Variable cell service: Connectivity differs between locations. Mount Philo offers "moderate cell service" while more remote areas may have none.
Playground accessibility: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. Button Bay State Park Campground includes "a great playground for kids and a nice swimming pool."
Educational opportunities: Some parks provide nature programming. At Shelburne Camping Area, visitors note it's "close to Lake Champlain" and "a good place to spend the night and good access to activities."
Safety considerations: Choose sites appropriate for your family's experience level. For Mount Philo, a visitor writes, "We visited and camped here with children. We love how private the camp sites were."
Site selection for privacy: Campground layout affects family comfort. At Shelburne Camping Area, a camper advises, "Sides are somewhat small close together," suggesting corner or edge sites for families wanting more space.
Limited hookups available: Full-service RV sites are limited in the region. Shelburne Camping Area offers "a flat, gravel back in, 30 amp, full hookup" site option, though some visitors reported electrical issues.
Size restrictions: Many forest campgrounds cannot accommodate larger RVs. At Mount Philo, a reviewer notes "because the road is steep and winding, it's not suitable for RVs."
Dump station locations: Plan for waste management needs. Little River State Park includes a sanitary dump, while many dispersed camping areas have none.
Leveling challenges: Terrain can make leveling difficult. Green Mountain Family Campground has sites that one visitor describes as "a little run down" suggesting bringing leveling blocks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Starksboro, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Starksboro, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 200 campgrounds and RV parks near Starksboro, VT and 18 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Starksboro, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Starksboro, VT is Mount Philo State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 10 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Starksboro, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 free dispersed camping spots near Starksboro, VT.
What parks are near Starksboro, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Starksboro, VT that allow camping, notably Green Mountain National Forest and Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests.
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