Vermont's Northeast Kingdom region offers numerous glamping options near Sutton, with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,500 feet across varied terrain. The area features a mix of dense forests and scenic lakes, with summer temperatures typically reaching 75-80°F during the day and cooling to 50-55°F at night. Campgrounds in this region provide diverse accommodation types including traditional tent sites, RV hookups, and upscale glamping facilities with varying levels of amenities.
What to do
Water activities on Ricker Pond: Ricker Pond State Park offers excellent paddling opportunities with minimal motorized traffic. The pond is ideal for beginners and families with clear, clean water. "The lake is really nice for kayaking or swimming, and has some loons, but when we were there it carried lots of noise from other sites," notes one visitor to Ricker Pond State Park.
Biking on rail trails: Access the Montpelier-Wells Rail Trail directly from several campgrounds. "We had our trail bikes so took advantage of the Montpelier-Wells Rail Trail (Cross Vermont Trail), accessible directly from the campground," according to a Ricker Pond camper. The trails connect multiple state parks in the region and offer relatively flat terrain suitable for all skill levels.
Stargazing in remote areas: The limited light pollution in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom creates exceptional stargazing conditions. One visitor to Big Deer State Park mentioned "quiet campground with gorgeous views of the milky way galaxy." The best viewing occurs between 10 PM and 2 AM during summer months, with optimal conditions on clear, moonless nights.
What campers like
Remote locations away from crowds: Several campgrounds in the region provide true seclusion, particularly those in the Groton State Forest complex. A visitor to Maidstone State Park noted, "Very remote. Nearest town about 45 minutes away. Beautiful site- Shadblow. No cell service. Loved it... pretty far away though." This remoteness offers quieter camping experiences even during peak summer season.
Well-maintained facilities: State parks and private campgrounds in the area typically maintain clean and functional amenities. At Ricker Pond State Park, a visitor observed, "The site was directly on the lake and clean. The folks working check-in were friendly and helpful." Most state parks feature recently updated bathrooms and shower facilities, though availability varies by season.
Family-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer dedicated recreational areas and planned activities. A visitor to Tree Corners Family Campground mentioned, "All about the family, from the owners to the guests family friendly first." Organized activities typically occur on weekends during peak summer season, with schedules posted at campground offices.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds in the Northeast Kingdom have poor or nonexistent cellular coverage. A visitor to Lakeside Camping mentioned "i had no phone service" while another Maidstone visitor noted, "This campground is remote and it's about 45 min. to the nearest town. There is no cell service, even with a booster."
Seasonal operations: The majority of campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Big Deer State Park, for example, runs "Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend" according to its listing. Some private campgrounds extend slightly longer, with seasons like "May 15 - Oct 15" for Tree Corners Family Campground.
Weather variability: Vermont's climate can change rapidly, requiring preparation for multiple conditions. Pack layers and rain gear even during summer months. Night temperatures can drop significantly, particularly in early and late season camping.
Tips for camping with families
Water features for kids: Look for campgrounds with designated swimming areas and water activities. A camper at Mountain Lake Camping Resort reports, "Pool with water slides for kids, Kayaks, paddle boats, canoes, playground with slides and a pirate ship." Most water features operate from 10 AM to 5 PM during peak season, with some requiring additional fees for boat rentals.
Quiet hours enforcement: Families appreciate consistently enforced quiet periods at campgrounds. A Mountain Lake visitor mentioned, "Strict quiet hours at 1030 make it very quiet in the evening with no worry of loud parties keeping you up." This can be particularly important with younger children who go to bed early.
Proximity to amenities: Consider distance to supplies when camping with children. A visitor to Prouty Beach Campground observed, "Prouty Beach Campground is in a great location to downtown Newport and there is a biking/walking path to downtown which is about a half mile away." Having stores within a short drive can be crucial when traveling with kids.
Tips from RVers
Site specifications for larger rigs: Some campgrounds have limited space for bigger RVs. At Lakeside Camping, one RVer reported, "The sites are extremely small had a 42 foot fifth wheel and took me 15 minutes to get set so I could disconnect. Good thing there was no one next to me on both sides so I had room to move around otherwise I would've never made it in there."
Electrical reliability: Monitor voltage at hookup sites during peak usage times. A camper at Prouty Beach Campground noted, "Our electric was problematic. Granted it was hot while we were there (in the high 80's and low 90's) our electric pedestal showed readings between 110 and 115 volts which was constantly cutting off our air conditioners."
Access road conditions: Many campgrounds in the region are accessed via unpaved roads. Several reviews mention dirt roads leading to campgrounds, which may be challenging for larger RVs, particularly after rain. State park roads are generally well-maintained but can be narrow with limited turning radius.