Little River State Park Campground sits at the base of Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak at 4,393 feet. The surrounding area features forests of maple, birch, and pine with elevations ranging from 900 to over 4,000 feet. Most campgrounds near Stowe operate seasonally from late May through mid-October due to the region's cold winters and heavy snowfall.
What to do
Hike to fire towers: From Elmore State Park Campground, campers can access trails leading to mountain views. "There is a fire tower you can hike at the top which provides beautiful views," notes Kelli M. The moderate 1.5-mile trail rewards hikers with panoramic vistas of the surrounding Green Mountains.
Paddle on quiet waters: At Little River State Park, water activities are popular among visitors. "The reservoir is a fun place to explore via kayak and cannoe as well as by motorboat," writes Hannah H. The park's 653-acre reservoir offers multiple launch points for various water craft with several no-motor zones for peaceful paddling.
Winter camping options: For cold-weather adventurers, Smugglers Notch State Park offers unique off-season opportunities. "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," reports Ed M., who adds that winter campers should "hike/snowshoe in to your site as the gate is closed and the area is not plowed."
What campers like
Private wooded campsites: Underhill State Park Campground provides secluded spots for those seeking quiet. "The campsites are super clean and well organized. We stayed at campsite 6 and loved waking up to the sound of the stream down the embankment," shares Ali T. Sites are walk-in only, with wheelbarrows provided to transport gear from parking areas.
Remote boat-in camping: Green River Reservoir State Park Campground offers truly secluded sites accessible only by water. "I love this location because you have to paddle out to a site for camping. It's private, quiet, and really gives you that 'forest bathing' escape," explains Mackenzie B. The 27 boat-in sites are spaced along 19 miles of undeveloped shoreline.
Stargazing opportunities: The open meadows at some campgrounds provide exceptional night sky viewing. Tara S. reports from Elmore State Park: "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!"
What you should know
Winter conditions: Even summer nights can get surprisingly cold. At Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites, accessibility varies by launch point. "Be sure to launch from cotton brook road if your site r11-27. We made the mistake of parking at little River rd the first time and the paddle to r14 from there was way too long," advises Julia S., noting the 30-minute paddle from the better access point.
Pet-friendly guidelines: Most campgrounds near Stowe welcome pets with specific rules. At Underhill State Park Campground, pets must be leashed at all times and cannot be left unattended. Sites have nearby hiking trails that accommodate dogs, though some wilderness areas restrict pet access during certain seasons.
Reservation requirements: Most pet-friendly camping near Stowe requires advance bookings. Brewster River Campground has limited spots and "they don't do walk-in's," according to Kiarra M. For peak summer weekends and fall foliage season, reservations should be made 3-6 months in advance.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Little River State Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities and recreation. "The small playground was great, and the small boat launch and beach kept us in the water. The hiking trails are really good--actually pretty steep," writes Rita M., who visited with five children and appreciated the combination of water access and trail exploration.
Educational opportunities: Many campgrounds offer ranger-led programs. "The ranger programming was exceptional, as are the views and the nearby areas for hiking and backpacking," shares Harry H. about Smugglers Notch State Park. Programs typically run on weekend evenings during peak season and cover topics from local wildlife to mountain geology.
Campsite selection: When booking sites for families, consider proximity to facilities. "We stayed on the B side. The bathrooms were clean, the site was well maintained, and the reservoir was a great place to relax after a day of hiking!" explains Alison O. from Little River State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site options and access: Mountain View Campground accommodates various RV types with full hookups. "Our site (#103) was long enough to fit our rig but we had to squeeze the car in front. The site was level and all the hookups were well-placed and worked fine," reports Nancy W., who adds that despite the hot weather and running three air conditioners, they "did not have any power issues."
Campground amenities: For RVers seeking more facilities, Mountain View offers numerous conveniences. "Amenities in the campground include a new bathhouse, laundry, playground, two swimming pools, hot tub, outdoor picnic pavilion, horseshoe pits, propane fill, well-stocked camp store with a great selection of local beer/cider," lists Nancy W.
Location considerations: RVers should note road access limitations. "The campground is located near the interstate for easy in and out but there are no pull-thrus so you will have to unhook no matter how long you are staying," cautions Nancy W. Some mountain roads in the region, particularly Smugglers Notch pass, are not suitable for large RVs.
Ranger
