187 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Stowe, Vermont ranges from developed RV campgrounds to tent-friendly sites suited to a variety of settings, all within driving distance of this mountain town. Franconia Notch State Park has camping areas where you can hike scenic trails and swim at Echo Lake. If you head to Lake Champlain, Grand Isle State Park Campground puts you right on the water for swimming and fishing. Many campers also like Hancock Campground in the White Mountains, which has sites close to hiking trails. Fall is an especially popular season for camping near Stowe, Vermont, when foliage draws visitors to the region's campgrounds and trail systems. You can camp in winter too, but you'll need to prepare for snow and cold. Watch for deer and moose in the area - keep your food secured so you don't attract wildlife to your campsite. Most roads to these campgrounds are in good shape, though some of the more remote spots might need a vehicle with higher clearance. The Stowe region offers beautiful mountain views and access to Vermont's renowned outdoor recreation areas. The spring and summer months bring nice weather that's great for hiking and other outdoor activities. Stowe-area campgrounds work well for both tent and RV campers.
"Very nice campground, great location! The reservoir was beautiful. Took the kayak, only issue I had was getting to the lake."
"I would highly recommend this campground to anyone looking to visit the Stowe/Waterbury area. We had easy access to hikes in Stowe, plus the Ben and Jerry’s shop is about 20 minutes down the road!"
from $19 - $28 / night
Check Availability"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!"
"This campground just outside of Stowe on the way to the drive up and through Smugglers Notch."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Gold Brook is clean and quiet small campground just outside of the village of Stowe. The campground features a nice pool and spacious level camp sites."
"The best way to stay in Stowe without paying Stowe hotel prices! Comfortable camp ground with good amenities. Friendly owners and a good spot to enjoy all that Stowe has to offer"
"Our lean-to, Hickory is situated in a lovely meadow, but quite close to other campers and a view that overlooks the campground road. There is very little shade and no privacy."
"Great hiking trails from easy to difficult. Early and late seasons are quiet. It's quite busy during the summer months as the lake is great for families and swimming."
from $19 - $28 / night
Check Availability"They ask that you limit your driving on the path to the site- so we were sure to go into town to get all we needed before we settled into camp- which wasnt hard to do."
"Camp spots were far enough away from one another, trees helped with privacy, and the tent site had a great area to setup the tent.
Facilities were accessible and clean."
"Nice grass site with a large field behind, and Just a short walk to the river. Clean facilities and proximity for exploring Stowe and surrounding areas. Would love to camp here again."
"It can get a bit noisy due to the proximity to the highway, but it's still a good option for car camping in this part of Vermont."
"It is not as remote as some other locations, mainly because you are in Waterbury, VT and Waterbury can be quite busy with visitors. "
"Also the spot where you set up tent at this site was on a slope, others sites might be better.. still 10/10 will return, these sites are all prime locations!"
"So close to Stowe and a lot to do…and then you come back “home” to relax and do nothing but enjoy the time away from everyday life. Truly the only time I totally relax. "
"Very close to Smuggs and only a short but beautiful ride to Stowe. I look forward to watching this campground grow as they continue to expand and will be camping here several times each season."
from $50 - $79 / night
Check Availability"If you want a place to nomadic camp that is near Stowe, but away from the hustle and bustle, then this place is for you. "
from $30 - $125 / night
Check Availability"Been coming here for a few years now and it’s my favorite place to go in Vermont so far."
"It’s a beautiful and quiet campground with limited spots that you have to reserve before going (they don’t do walk in’s). The woman in the office is so sweet and helpful."
from $45 - $70 / night
Check Availability
ScoutOne of the best parts for us was not having to pack up the RV every time we wanted to go somewhere. We stayed put and explored the Adirondacks from here. Lake Champlain, Ausable Chasm and a bunch of other spots were all easy to get to.
ScoutWe decided to stay for the summer and so far it has been a really fun experience. There is always something going on and the lake gives everyone plenty to do. The kids have already made friends and we are getting to know the other campers too.
ScoutHaving the river and Adirondacks nearby made for a really nice change of scenery. We spent our days exploring and came back to the campground for dinner and a fire.
ScoutOur site had everything we needed and getting set up was easy. We also appreciated having wifi since we had a few things to take care of during the trip.
GuideThere was a few sites 5-6 we didn’t get to the eastern loop. But the sites we saw were very secluded. All had fire pits ours had a picnic table. And was right next to the creek. Would highly recommend if you want to get away from city lights. All sites are not maintained. We had a small off road camper it was easy In and out some sites could be hard with larger pull behinds. Some sites might need 4wd to get in and out we had lots of mud after a lot of rain.
GuideMost sites are secluded. There is a creepy old cemetery in walking distance. Nice showers on site !!
GuideWe had the upper sites all drive in or small camper. And or Tent. Amazing rolling brook beautiful sites we had site 32. The lower ones are rv. The owner gave us free wood as it was end of season. We were there Oct 10 I’m not sure but think they close the 13
ScoutCampground was clean and quiet. We arrived late but information was taped to the window at the office. Will was very helpful also and checked to make sure we arrived.
ScoutWe were looking for somewhere to stay while checking out Ausable Chasm and this worked out really well. Easy drive over, then back to the camper in the afternoon. Made the whole trip alot easier.
Camping near Stowe, Vermont offers established sites within Green Mountain National Forest and along the Lamoille River. Most campgrounds sit between 700-1,500 feet elevation with temperatures typically ranging from 45°F to 75°F during the main camping season from May through October. Winter camping requires specialized gear as temperatures often drop below 20°F with significant snowfall.
Hiking up Elmore Mountain: At Elmore State Park Campground, a moderate 1.5-mile trail leads to a fire tower with panoramic views. "Nice quiet space on a beautiful lake. Easy hiking trails with a fire tower on the mountain. Stayed in a lean to as well. Perfect for families," notes Desiree V.
Exploring remote waterways: Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites provides boat-in only camping for those seeking solitude. "These remote sites are so peaceful. Be sure to launch from cotton brook road if your site r11-27... It was about 30 minutes from the cotton brook launch to the site and was much more doable for all the trips we took bringing our gear in," advises Julia S.
Mountain biking: Singing Wood Farm serves as an excellent base for gravel biking. "You can gravel bike right from the field. We built a number of rides with Ride with GPS, leaving from there site. There are never ending hiking options, from easy to advanced, in the general area," shares Heather C.
River access: Brewster River Campground earns praise for its waterfront sites. "I love how dark it gets and that you can hear the river beside you all night. Simple bathrooms and showers. Put thought into choosing which site to reserve to enhance your experience," recommends K M.
Proximity to attractions: Little River State Park Campground provides convenient access to popular destinations. "I would highly recommend this campground to anyone looking to visit the Stowe/Waterbury area. We had easy access to hikes in Stowe, plus the Ben and Jerry's shop is about 20 minutes down the road," shares Alison O.
Secluded sites: Underhill State Park Campground offers walk-in sites that feel more remote. "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. They provide wheelbarrows for easy moving of your stuff," explains Ali T.
Reservation policies: Some private campgrounds have strict cancellation terms. Gold Brook Campground requires full payment upfront with limited refund options.
Limited facilities at state parks: Most state parks near Stowe have basic amenities only. "No shower but one of the best weeks I had camping in a while," reports Michael V. about Underhill State Park.
Off-season availability: Smugglers Notch State Park Campground offers free winter camping. "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," explains Ed M.
Water activities: Mountain View Campground offers multiple pools and river access. "There are 2 pools (one for adults only) and a hot tub. There is mini golf, a playground, corn hole, and tube rentals for the river behind the campground," describes Michelle C.
Kid-friendly hiking: Little River State Park features accessible trails with historical elements. "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," shares Rita M.
Lean-to options: Several state parks offer lean-to shelters that work well for families. "The lean-tos are on a sunny open hill. Bathrooms are clean, staff is friendly. Great hiking trails from easy to difficult," notes Gail C. about Elmore State Park.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds near Stowe have uneven terrain. "The sites in the field are generally un-level, and we had to really work to level our trailer," warns Heather C. about Singing Wood Farm.
Limited hookups at state parks: Most state parks provide no hookups and restrict generator use. Plan accordingly with solar or battery power.
Full-service options: Smugglers Notch RV Village offers modern amenities. "They offer a variety of different sites to fit each camper's needs, a beautiful well kept bath house and a small but well stocked store. The sites are good size and come with full hookups. They also have great WIFI," reports Alan B.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are offered at Stowe, VT camping areas?
Camping areas around Stowe offer a range of amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. Little River State Park Campground features clean bathrooms, well-maintained sites, and access to a beautiful reservoir for water activities. Silver Lake Campground provides relatively private sites, a clean lake with a concrete dock, boat rentals, and ranger-led nature tours. Many campgrounds in the area offer standard amenities like restrooms and showers, while private campgrounds typically include additional features such as camp stores, picnic tables, swimming pools, and recreation areas. Some sites provide water and electric hookups for RVs, while others focus on a more rustic experience with basic facilities.
What is the best time of year to go camping in Stowe, Vermont?
Fall is widely considered the prime camping season in Stowe, with October offering spectacular foliage displays that attract visitors from across the country. Smugglers Notch State Park Campground is particularly beautiful during leaf-peeping season when the grounds are ablaze with autumn colors. Summer (June-August) is also excellent for camping, with warm days perfect for hiking and exploring. Spring can be muddy during the thaw (known as 'mud season'), while winter camping is available for the adventurous but requires proper cold-weather gear. For the best combination of comfortable temperatures and natural beauty, aim for late summer through mid-October.
How much does it cost to camp in Stowe, VT?
Camping costs in Stowe vary depending on the type of campground and amenities offered. State parks like Smugglers Notch State Park Campground tend to be the most affordable option, with rates typically ranging from $20-30 per night for basic tent sites. This is noted as 'probably the cheapest place to sleep' near Stowe. Private campgrounds such as Apple Island Resort generally charge higher rates, ranging from $35-75 per night depending on hookups and location, with premium waterfront or RV sites commanding higher prices. Most campgrounds charge additional fees for extra vehicles, pets, or day visitors. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak fall foliage season when prices may increase due to demand.
What campgrounds are available in Stowe, Vermont?
Stowe offers a variety of camping options to suit different preferences. Gold Brook Campground is a clean, quiet option just outside Stowe village with level sites and a pool. Mountain View Campground provides grassy sites with river access and makes an excellent base for exploring the area. For those seeking a more secluded experience, Singing Wood Farm offers private, nomadic camping with 5-6 sites spread across the property. Within driving distance, you'll also find Little River State Park Campground, Silver Lake Campground, and Apple Island Resort, all offering convenient access to Stowe's attractions.
Keep Exploring
