Camping options near Starksboro, Vermont range from tent sites to yurt camping accommodations across several state parks. Located in Addison County at an elevation of 866 feet, Starksboro experiences cold winters with average snowfall of 85 inches and mild summers with temperatures rarely exceeding 85°F. The region's Green Mountain location creates excellent conditions for primitive camping with limited cell service in many areas.
What to do
Hiking to Mansfield summit: At Smugglers Notch State Park Campground, trails connect directly to Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak. "Staff are friendly and respectful of privacy. Great deal on wood," notes one visitor who appreciated the primitive camping setup with clean facilities.
River swimming spots: Cool off in natural water features near Little River State Park Campground. "The reservoir was a great place to relax after a day of hiking! We will be coming back!" shared one camper who stayed on the B loop. Multiple swimming areas provide alternatives to crowded beaches.
Mountain biking trails: Access extensive trail networks from AuSable Chasm Campground with routes for various skill levels. "Lots of ant hills throughout the campground so be cautious where you set up a tent," warns one reviewer. The campground maintains cross-country ski trails that convert to biking paths during summer months.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Rogers Rock Campground offers secluded spots with natural boundaries. "I was lucky to book a site (#68) on the water. Beautiful views and morning sun. There is a nice trail to walk that follows along the shoreline," reports a camper. Sites include standard amenities like fireplaces and tables.
Year-round availability: Shelburne Camping Area remains open through winter, unlike most regional campgrounds. A visitor noted, "Love that it's open year round!" Several campers mention the peaceful environment despite proximity to major roads, making it suitable for yurt camping near Starksboro, Vermont in off-peak seasons.
Water recreation options: Button Bay State Park Campground provides multiple water activity choices. "Nice, clean, friendly park. Not a lot of trees for privacy, or for that wilderness feel, but the sites are spacious and the park has swimming pool with life guard," one camper reports. The waterfront sites allow smaller units to park parallel to the lake for optimal views.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Book early for summer weekends at popular parks. At North Beach Campground, "Burlington is my favorite city by far, and this campground is right on the beach! You get the best of both worlds at this location." Sites fill quickly between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Amenities vary significantly: Basic sites may have pit toilets while others offer full facilities. "Bathrooms in 'B' were just redone," notes a camper at Little River State Park, indicating ongoing improvements. Many campgrounds sell firewood onsite but prices range from $5-8 per bundle.
Weather considerations: Yurt camping in Starksboro, Vermont requires preparation for quick weather changes. "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," shared one Smugglers Notch winter camper. Storms can develop rapidly in mountain areas.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Button Bay State Park Campground offers family-friendly recreation. "This state park is so fun to camp at! It has a great playground for kids and a nice swimming pool! You can hike on the trail and Lake Champlain is right there!" reports one enthusiastic family camper.
Educational opportunities: Choose campgrounds with ranger programs or historical features. "The ranger programming was exceptional, as are the views and the nearby areas for hiking and backpacking," notes one Smugglers Notch visitor. Several parks offer junior ranger programs during summer months.
Multiple activity options: Seek campgrounds with diverse recreation. "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," shared a parent who visited Little River with five children. Look for campgrounds with both water and land activities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday, choose wisely between sections. "There are two distinct sections of this campground—the 'Resort' section and the '100-Acre Woods' section. We stayed in site #73 of the 100-Acre section and would highly recommend staying in this area as opposed to the other. This section has tall shade trees and much more space between sites than the resort area."
Road condition awareness: Access roads vary significantly throughout the region. "The road through the campground is dirt and rutted but the speed limit is 5 mph, so it wasn't that bad, but it would be a mess if it was raining," cautions an AuSable Chasm Campground visitor. Many campground roads remain unpaved and narrow.
Utility reliability: Check electrical service before setting up. "Water pressure was good, road noise was minimal, sites are spaced apart well, enough mature tree growth for shade and hammock!" shared a Lake Placid KOA camper who stayed in the 100 Acre Wood section.
