Campgrounds in the Thetford Center region of Vermont average an elevation of 700 feet above sea level, with overnight temperatures often dropping below 50°F even in summer months. The area features a mix of hardwood forests and riverside camping options accessible via the Connecticut River Valley, with many sites situated on rolling terrain that can present challenges for larger vehicles.
What to do
Ski adventures: Cannon Mountain RV Park offers sites at the base of a major ski area. "Perfect for ski bums. Access to xcs, downhill, and snow machine trails," notes Corrie G. The park remains open year-round with winter access to outdoor recreation.
Paddle activities: Explore waterways at River Meadow Campground, which provides canoe rentals for Connecticut River access. "My friend and I took my son fishing and we landed some nice size fish big enough it scared my 7 year old son and he made me real it in," explains Chris H., highlighting the fishing opportunities.
Nature walks: Campgrounds like Newfound RV Park include on-site trails. "A fun plus to the campground was the nature walk and stream on the property. This was a great place to take our dog for a quick walk. There's even a little 'wishing' bridge that crosses the stream," reports Luis F.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many rv campgrounds near Thetford Center, Vermont feature well-spaced campsites. At Moose Hillock Camping Resort, "It is absolutely GORGEOUS up here. Stunning. The sites are private and wooded, the grounds are beautiful, the natural pond is a great morning excursion," says Jessica W.
Family activities: Sugar Ridge RV Village offers structured recreation options. "Horse carriage rides, paved roads, 2 pools, playgrounds, mini golf, fireworks," mentions Jen C., highlighting amenities beyond basic camping.
Waterfront locations: Riverside camping spots provide direct water access. "This is a great spot to stop for a night with your RV and enjoy the river for a night. Easy to get to, just off of a one-way paved road," notes Miccal M. about Brookside RV Camping.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most Thetford Center area RV parks close during winter, with typical seasons running May through October. Silver Lake Park operates "mid May to Columbus Day," while Sugar Ridge RV Village runs "May 1 to Oct 31," with water services typically shut off after Columbus Day.
Site terrain challenges: The mountainous region creates leveling issues at some campgrounds. "The hilly terrain is insaneeee! If you have never been before, book a sight as close as possible to the pool and office, because the further you get, the higher the altitude," warns Jessica W. about Moose Hillock.
Limited services: Cell coverage varies significantly throughout the region, with most campgrounds offering limited or no wifi. "I work remotely, so having internet access is mandatory, we were able to use our AT&T hotspot with decent service. That worked well enough for my needs, so I didn't test the onsite WiFi," notes Luis F. about Newfound RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Sandy Beach Campground provides water recreation for children. "The sandy beach is nice but the swimming area is quite weedy. We enjoyed our stay. The first site we got was way too small for our tent and they accommodated us and gave us a choice of two others to pick from," mentions Nicole.
Playground options: Many campgrounds feature play equipment for different age groups. "Playground is on the beach. They don't allow sparklers so that was a bummer ok the 4th, but still got to see fireworks. Showers are free," adds Nicole about Sandy Beach.
Local attractions: Cannon Mountain RV Park provides access to family-friendly activities. "If you aim to hike Franconia Ridge, on the weekend you can catch a shuttle from the Cannon skier parking lot. With a family, explore the Flume gorge, the Pemi trail, the Basin, and the New England Ski Museum," suggests Jean C.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Many RV parks around Thetford Center can accommodate larger rigs but require advance planning. "The sites are narrow, a little bigger than a parking space, especially because of the trees in between the sites. We stayed at site four. Site seven looks to be the best because no trees on one side let's you have some room," advises Cathy G. about Cannon Mountain RV Park.
Hookup variations: Electric service specifications differ between parks. "Our compacted ground site was level and had a dedicated patch of grass with a small tree. We personally felt that the sites were all well-spaced, we've been in campgrounds much, much closer," writes Luis F. about Newfound RV Park.
Water availability: After Columbus Day, many rv campgrounds in Thetford Center disconnect water services while remaining open. "The rates drop after Columbus Day and the water is turned off," notes Jean C. about seasonal changes at Cannon Mountain.