Camping spots near Underhill, Vermont offer access to diverse terrain from elevation gains of 1,000+ feet in the Green Mountains to the gentler shores of Lake Champlain just 15 miles west. Winter camping options, though limited at established campgrounds, include off-season opportunities at some state parks where hardy campers can find solitude among snow-covered landscapes. Most campsites in this region require advance booking, especially during peak fall foliage season from mid-September through mid-October.
What to do
Kayaking at the reservoir: Little River State Park Campground provides easy water access with diverse paddling options. "There are many beautiful backcountry campsites right on the water only accessible via the water. Great local overnight spot with flat tenting, privies, and picnic tables," notes one camper at Little River State Park Campground.
Mountain biking access: Trail networks near Smugglers Notch connect to extensive mountain biking terrain. "The Green Mountains of Vermont are amazing all year. Check with the local ski resorts for summer activities like gondola rides," recommends a visitor to Smugglers Notch State Park Campground.
Winter camping adventures: Off-season camping offers a unique experience for prepared visitors. "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. Hike/snowshoe in to your site as the gate is closed and the area is not plowed," explains a winter camper at Smugglers Notch.
What campers like
Waterfront viewing spots: Grand Isle campers appreciate the lake views and accessibility. "We had a lean-to site that was just far enough from the bathroom that it felt far. I found the site to be well maintained and for the rangers to be kind and help," shares a visitor to Grand Isle State Park Campground.
Private campsite layouts: The campground design at Underhill allows for separation between sites. "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, and the campsites are super clean and well organized," notes a camper at Underhill State Park Campground.
Centralized location for exploration: North Beach provides convenient access to Burlington while still offering camping amenities. "Right on the Burlington bike path and across the beach, there is plenty to do and easy access to town and other attractions. Other than the beach itself, this is not a resort campground but it is in an outdoor paradise with plenty to do in the area," explains a visitor to North Beach Campground.
What you should know
Campsite selection considerations: Different sections of campgrounds offer varying experiences and privacy levels. "The sites with the best views are the Platinum Plus which are also the most expensive. Some Platinum Plus sites are in the first row with unobstructed views; whereas, our site was three rows back. Not sure why they charge the same when our site was overlooking two rows of RVs," notes a visitor to Apple Island Resort.
Bathroom and shower availability: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds in the area. "The sites are pretty well priced- all they had left for us were Lean-to sites which were 27/night. No complaints here! We set our tent right up in the Lean-to and enjoyed the quiet," shares an Underhill visitor.
Seasonal operational differences: Most campgrounds have limited seasons with specific opening dates. "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. This campground is the perfect location to setup base camp to see all that Stowe has to offer!" explains a visitor to Gold Brook Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "We had one right next to the playground so our daughter could walk straight to it without having to cross a road. And speaking of playground, it was large and very nice," shares a visitor to Lone Pine Campsites.
Beach swimming options: Water access varies between sites. "Grand Isle is a huge campground with great sites and wonderful views of Lake Champlain. The front sections of the campground are where most of the transient RVs parked(and have the views of the lake) whereas the back section of the campground has a mix of transient RV sites and seasonal park models but no views," notes a camper.
Trail difficulty considerations: Family-appropriate hiking paths differ across locations. "Campground is in a perfect spot. About a .3 mile hike to the main trail to climb the mountain. The camp sites are nice but a little close together. Bathrooms were clean and well stocked," explains an Underhill State Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Hookup configurations: Site layouts can require specific approaches for RV parking. "Our site was pricey at $94/night that includes taxes. The hook-ups at our site were well-placed but the sewer pipe was high off the ground which did not let it drain even with a 'slinky,'" notes a visitor at Apple Island Resort.
Accessibility for larger rigs: Not all campgrounds accommodate big rigs equally. "Very nice campground, nice staff, the sites are spacious, the grounds and facilities are clean. They have a par 3 golf course and boat docks on site. FHU, at&t worked but not well," shares an RV camper at Apple Island Resort.
Cellular connectivity: Service levels vary throughout the region. "Working was a breeze. The campgrounds wifi worked really well and we were finally able to do some website work. We had no issues with our 9-5 jobs. Connecting and taking calls on Verizon and AT&T worked well, we didn't really need our WeBoost at all," reports a visitor to Shelburne Camping Area.
