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Mount Philo State Park Campground permits pets at its 10 secluded sites, allowing visitors to camp with their dogs while enjoying the park's natural setting. Seven tent sites and three lean-tos accommodate pet owners in this Vermont's oldest state park. Sites remain relatively uncrowded even during peak summer months, creating a quiet environment for pets and their owners. Little River State Park Campground and North Beach Campground also welcome pets alongside various accommodation options including tents, RVs, cabins, and glamping facilities. Most campgrounds in the Starksboro area require pets to be leashed when outside the campsite. The bathroom facilities at Mount Philo are small but clean with hot showers available, making it convenient for campers staying multiple nights with pets.
Several dispersed camping options in Green Mountain National Forest allow pets, including Austin Brook near Warren Falls with primitive sites positioned along a stream. These sites feature fire rings but lack facilities like drinking water, showers, or toilets. The free camping areas provide natural surroundings for dogs to explore while requiring owners to manage waste appropriately. Mount Philo's short hiking trails lead to spectacular views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks, perfect for morning walks with leashed dogs. Sites 1, 6, and 8 at Mount Philo offer the most seclusion for campers with pets who prefer privacy. During summer months, nearby Charlotte town beach ($10 for non-residents) provides a potential water recreation option, though pet policies should be verified before visiting with dogs. Proximity to Burlington's pet-friendly attractions creates additional off-site recreation opportunities for campers with animals.
"The toilets are composing toilets, but from the user experience, it's very close to a regular toilet in that it's in a stall in a nice, well maintained proper bathroom (unlike some composting toilets in"
"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"
from $23 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $19 - $28 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
from $37 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"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."
"I’d say this was one of Vermont’s best kept secrets, except I don’t think it’s exactly a secret. Even in October, the Park seemed full with visitors and Stowe was hopping!"
"Close to tons of beautiful hikes. As for the campground. It was quiet, comfortable, and kid, as well as pet friendly. Would definitely camp here again."
from $20 / night
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ScoutThis is one of our favorite places to camp in Vermont. The sites are fairly private without being built too close together. Lake is clean and has a great concrete dock that the kids love to jump off. They have boat rentals and nature tours on the lake led by the state park faculty. When the kids get tired from swimming they're a nice beach area and playground.
GuideI have a 24’ RV towing a 30 foot trailer for perspective. I easily fit in site 107 and lots of other sites would have worked. They have a place to drop trailers if you don’t fit.
Sites 90 to 108 are best. Spaced out under trees.
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. Clean easy to use dump with water.
Tent sites looked nice.
Short walk to nice beach or you can drive a car. Short tunnel so no campers or bikes on the roof.
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.
Nice dog park 3/4 miles to the South on the trail.
Far away from noise. Can’t comment on loud campers.
GuideVery nice, clean campsite. Staff are very friendly and helpful. Campsites are spread out, great dog walking areas , and very spacious dog parks, one for big dos and one for little ones.
ScoutWe visited this campground twice this summer after the switchover to KOA. They had lots of activities to take back to the campsite for rainy days. They do not have a dog park and this caused our pup to get a bit hyper.
GuideTo start off, we are avid KOA campers. So when we looked at this campground, we expected the typical layout which had a swimming pool and other stuff for the kids, however, this campground lacked all of the above. When we arrived here, check-in was easy we did drive along ways to get to our campsite which was nice to be wooded, but I did miss the typical activities and KOA usually has which when I booked the site, I usually expect them since the prices usually, fairly high compared to state parks. Our main reason for seeing KA versus state parks for these extra activities. With that said the bathrooms were clean, which we barely use since we have a full hook up camper. The dog park was very small and it looked like they did the very minimum to check the block. If you’re looking for a place to run your little guy around, he might be disappointed at this place. However, there are plenty hikes nearby to wear them out if you desire. As far as location, there is a lot of stuff to do in the area as we went and hike, the mountain, which was amazing.
ScoutI've camped on Valcour all my life since I was 7. It was amazing. So beautiful. Now it's covered in cockroaches and the water is murky and everything is covered in Zebra muscles. Other campers are rude and have no respect for your property. Has been all Canadians from my experience. They let their pets on the island to defecate and we've had one let their two large dogs swim ashore from their yacht and urinate on all our tents and destroyed our campsite and stole our food off from the picnic table all while the owners watched and laughed it off from their boat. The dogs then swam back and boarded the boat and they left. It's not like it used to be. We were yelling at them the whole time, trying to get the dogs away from our campsite and the owners didn't even apologize. One of the dogs defecated on my son's clothing that has fallen off the line.
RangerI’d say this was one of Vermont’s best kept secrets, except I don’t think it’s exactly a secret. Even in October, the Park seemed full with visitors and Stowe was hopping! Leaf peepers were in full force and the grounds were absolutely spectacular- I really picked the perfect time of year to go. Nights got pretty brisk, but the foliage was breathtaking.
The Park, located along scenic Rte108, has about 20 tent sites and 14 lean-to’s well dispersed throughout the grounds. A couple spots were drive-in sites, accessible to those with disabilities; most had small pathways and/or stairwells leading to their platforms. There was not a bad site within the entire vicinity. All were fully shaded and extremely private. Although, I’d be curious about checking out Sites 1 or 16 next time around!
Bathrooms were clean and the main office sold firewood at the entrance. Facilities are also pet friendly. Plus, there are so many hiking trails and recreational opportunities in and around the Park-from Stowe Mountain Resort to the quaint shops in town and local craft breweries. And even with the Park seeming “full”, the grounds were perfectly quiet, without the incessant sound of generators you find at larger state parks.
Without a doubt, Smugglers Notch State Park is a favorite of mine!
RangerMostly Seasonal area with some overnight spots. No tents allowed. But pet friendly. Small but clean areas with electric at each site. Has some benches outside, a small pool, playground, and community of seasonal campers. I think there was only a few overnighters.
RangerWe stayed last year during the fall and the views were breathtaking. Close to tons of beautiful hikes. As for the campground. It was quiet, comfortable, and kid, as well as pet friendly. Would definitely camp here again. The staff was friendly and the bathroom facilities were kept nice and clean.
Camping options near Starksboro range from established campgrounds in Vermont's Green Mountains to dispersed sites along streams. This area in central Vermont sits at elevations between 600-3,000 feet with cooler mountain temperatures even during summer months. Several campgrounds remain open through mid-October, with fall camping providing opportunities to experience Vermont's renowned foliage displays.
Hike to scenic viewpoints: Smugglers Notch State Park Campground offers access to Mount Mansfield trail system with multiple hiking options. "Right in the middle of great nordic and alpine backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. Silent and starry nights," notes Ed M., who visited during winter when the campground operates with limited services.
Swim in local waters: Several swimming options exist around Starksboro. "The reservoir was beautiful. Took the kayak, only issue I had was getting to the lake. Most sites up on hill looking over lake, not easily assessable from camp site," reports Cindy L. about Little River State Park Campground.
Visit local attractions: Base camps near Starksboro provide access to popular Vermont destinations. "We had easy access to hikes in Stowe, plus the Ben and Jerry's shop is about 20 minutes down the road!" writes Alison O. about Little River State Park, highlighting the convenience for day trips.
Secluded sites: Campgrounds offering privacy rank highly with visitors. "Sites are well spaced and staggered for maximum privacy. Hosts are pleasant and very helpful," notes Nancy M. about Moosalamoo Campground, located in the Green Mountains.
Scenic camp locations: Views directly from campsites provide a premium experience. At Austin Brook near Warren Falls, "There are a handful of sites down Austin Brook road... Overall pretty area," reports Tim M., though he mentions having "trouble finding a level spot" with "minimal ATT reception."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms receive frequent mention. "Bathrooms were very clean. Coin-op shower with hot water is 50 cents for 5 minutes, 75 cents for 7:30, etc.," writes Drew Q. about Mount Philo. "The toilets are composing toilets, but from the user experience, it's very close to a regular toilet in that it's in a stall in a nice, well maintained proper bathroom."
Weather considerations: Vermont camping requires preparation for variable conditions. "Make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season and treat your skin and clothes during black fly season," advises Joann & Wells about dispersed camping in Green Mountain National Forest FR207.
Primitive site challenges: Dispersed camping lacks amenities. At Austin Brook, Michelle R. describes "4-5 sites, 3 picnic tables" with "grassy and rocky sites, 4 fire rings, 3 porta-potties, and stream side camping close to trails." She notes there aren't "any reservation or use instructions or signs posted."
Reservation timing: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. "Reserve early, as this place doesn't have a ton of sites and it folds up quickly!" advises Ben C. regarding Smugglers Notch State Park.
Look for organized activities: Shelburne Camping Area provides amenities for families despite its compact size. "Small camping areas but all you need for a quick place to camp if your passing through," notes Ryan D., making it suitable for shorter stays with children.
Find kid-friendly camp layouts: Button Bay State Park includes facilities designed with families in mind. "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!" shares Debbie S.
Choose sites with recreational variety: Campgrounds offering multiple activities prevent children from getting bored. "There is a pool for swimming, paved roads are good for bikes & scooters, pavilion for activities, lake for swimming & fishing and hiking trails," explains Lacy C. about Button Bay State Park Campground.
Access restrictions: Not all campgrounds accommodate large RVs. At Smugglers Notch, multiple reviewers note it's "not big-rig friendly" which matters when selecting dog friendly campgrounds near Starksboro with larger vehicles.
Electric service reliability: Some campgrounds have reported electrical issues. "Electricity would not work. We got an error on our control panel that said stop! Power source is not correct!" reported one visitor to Shelburne Camping Area, highlighting the importance of checking amenities before arrival.
Site orientation for views: Position RVs strategically at waterfront campgrounds. "The waterfront sites are fantastic, they are wide so smaller units can be parked parallel to the lake," notes Ian P. about Button Bay State Park, offering a practical tip for maximizing scenic views from your campsite.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Starksboro, VT is Mount Philo State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 10 reviews.
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