Underhill Center, Vermont provides access to several campgrounds nestled within the Green Mountains, with Underhill State Park Campground standing as a prominent destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The region includes both primitive tent sites and developed facilities, with most campgrounds offering tent camping and some supporting RVs or featuring cabins. Smugglers Notch State Park Campground, located approximately 6 miles from Underhill Center, offers both tent sites and lean-to shelters in a wooded setting. These campgrounds primarily operate seasonally, with most open from late May through mid-October, providing a base for hikers exploring Mount Mansfield and the surrounding trails.
Camping season in the Underhill area typically runs from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October, with limited winter camping available at some locations. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak foliage season in autumn when sites fill quickly. The terrain around Underhill Center features significant elevation changes, with some campgrounds situated at higher elevations that remain cool even during summer months. Facilities vary widely, with Underhill State Park offering more primitive amenities including vault toilets but no showers, while nearby Smugglers Notch provides more developed facilities. "Very primitive and quiet campground. Great staff and campsites. No shower but one of the best weeks I had camping in a while," noted a camper describing Underhill State Park.
Campers consistently highlight the privacy and natural setting of sites in the Underhill area. Most campgrounds feature well-spaced sites with natural barriers providing separation between camping areas. Reviews frequently mention the proximity to hiking trails as a significant advantage, with many sites offering direct trail access to Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak. Underhill State Park receives particular praise for its secluded feel despite being relatively accessible. One visitor remarked, "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." The campgrounds in this region appeal particularly to hikers and those seeking a genuine forest camping experience rather than those needing extensive amenities or hookups for large RVs.
$20 / night
"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!"
"They don't have all the usual amenities its more of a primitive set up. has great clean sites with multiple ways to access mount mansfields trail system which is the highest mountain in the state of Vermont"
$19 - $28 / night
"Little River State Park is located just outside of Waterbury Vermont so it’s an ideal location for jumping off on other adventures!"
"We came here to hike the Dalley Loop Trail (which is a great trail full of history), but we wish we had camped here instead of the private campground 45 minutes away where we did stay."
$37 - $100 / night
"We stay every year for the Vermont City Marathon. It is a convenient bike ride down the bike path to the waterside park. Easy access to all of Burlington by bike."
"Sites 1 to 16 are close to each other. Sites 113 to 119 are bad. Very close to each other. No redeeming qualities.
Sites have 30 amp electric and water but might need a longish cord or hose."
"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."
"While we were next to the creek at site 12, it was blocked by brush and trees.
Check in was easy, and the staff were present enough in case you had questions or needed to buy firewood.""It’s centrally located to many wonderful sites around Stowe and Waterbury. Check-in was a breeze. We picked up our packet from the office mail box and headed to our site."
"This is a nice little private campground in Shelburne, just outside of Burlington. Close to Lake Champlain. Good place to spend the night and good access to activities."
"Lastly, the location was perfect, just outside of Burlington made access to the area ideal."
$6 - $28 / night
"Beautifully set on Lake Champlain in Vermont! This is a relatively large campground but is well laid out and doesn't feel small even when it's packed to the gills."
"Since the park is on a island in Lake Champlain in Vermont there is water all around. Good places to walk and ride."
$8 - $12 / night
"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."
"Cool little campground right in Mallets Bay on Lake Champlain. Campsites are kind of close together. Nice pool, game room, and little store. Its a fun place for families!"
$50 - $79 / night
"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."
$45 - $70 / night
"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."
GuideRight along the road (so if anything happens you can get help) also has wifi signal. It’s right along a creek that’s clean and beautiful. Crisp air and calming flowing river noises all night made it so I slept like a baby!
GuideDrove all the way here just to pull in and see signs that say “no overnight camping”
ScoutPublic Lands with about 8 semi private sites, each with nice views west or easterly. It's a large meadow and with a breeze, it will keep bugs away. Lacking a breeze, it is tough but still beautiful
TravelerMy favorite campsite we stayed at on my 2 week trip (despite the bugs lol). Great swimming hole and very well kept. Very beautiful and loved my stay.
ScoutPam met us outside as she said ‘dodging rain drops’ to stack wood. She was warm and friendly. You can tell she runs a tight ship immediately telling us when quite hours were, and letting us know the dogs needed to be on leash and under our control. We brought our 2 labs with us. Only 2 vehicles per site is allowed. You do need tokens to use the shower. 2 tokens was more than enough for me to shower and not feel rushed. The bathrooms are AMAZING! I am looking forward to coming back!
ScoutAs noted by others, most of the sites have a fire ring and nothing more. A little more than half of the sites can be driven to and others require a very short walk (50 ft?). The toilets mentioned are at Texas falls area and are not a practical walk from most of the campsites.
There are no showers.
Aside from the loop trail at the falls there are also a couple of snowmobile trails that cross the area.
ScoutSame name and google search, but new owner since 2024. We just wrapped up a stay at this campground and I can honestly say… we’ll be back.🙌 From the moment we arrived, you could feel the pride the owner has poured into this place. The new power and water hookups are a huge upgrade, and it’s exciting to see the vision for future expansion already coming to life. Everything about our stay felt easy, welcoming, and most importantly—safe. It’s the kind of spot where you can truly relax, enjoy your time, and feel right at home. Clean, well cared for, and clearly built with heart. Can’t wait to come back and see how it continues to grow.🌲✨
TravelerFree dispersed camping right off of the road. Includes picnic tables and a fire ring. It is located in the mountains of Vermont and right next to a beautiful river. The only con was the highway noise since it's pretty close to the road. But, it's free, and in the beautiful mountains of vermont so cant really complain.
ScoutEasy to find, quiet & scenic with the river
Camping near Underhill Center, Vermont typically runs from mid-May through mid-October with most campgrounds closed during winter months. The region sits at the base of Mount Mansfield at approximately 1,000 feet elevation, with many camping areas positioned to take advantage of the western slopes and valleys. Night temperatures drop significantly even during summer months, often falling 20-30 degrees from daytime highs.
Trail access to Mount Mansfield: Underhill State Park Campground provides direct trail connections to Vermont's highest peak. "Amazing campground with a great location. You are minutes from some amazing hiking, which is great when you don't feel like driving long distances after a day hike," notes a visitor to Smugglers Notch State Park Campground.
Winter camping options: Off-season camping is available at select locations. One camper at Smugglers Notch State Park Campground described their experience: "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."
Mountain biking access: The region offers connections to extensive trail networks. "We used to live in shelburne and recommended the campground to family staying in the area to visit. It's very close to museums, the town, and farm areas," reports a reviewer from Shelburne Camping Area.
Private camping experience: Many sites offer secluded settings away from other campers. A visitor to Little River State Park Campground commented: "This campground is great. Nice and quiet. Campsites are well spaced. Some of the campsites on the outside ring you need to walk into (a very short distance), but it makes it feel very secluded and less like car camping."
Clean facilities: State parks maintain well-kept bathroom and shower facilities. According to a camper at North Beach Campground: "Right on the Burlington bike path and across the beach, there is plenty to do and easy access to town and other attractions. Bathrooms were more than acceptable."
Water recreation access: Several campgrounds offer swimming or boating options. "We visited here with our 5 kiddos for 2 nights late July 2016. The facilities were clean, the small playground was great, and the small boat launch and beach kept us in the water," noted a reviewer from Little River State Park Campground.
Limited amenities at Underhill: The facilities at Underhill State Park Campground are intentionally basic. "Spent a few nights here as a base camp while hiking some of the mountains in the area. 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," reported a recent visitor.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area require advance booking, particularly during peak foliage season. "Reserve early, as this place doesn't have a ton of sites and it folds up quickly!" advises a camper about Smugglers Notch State Park.
Coin-operated showers: Many Vermont state parks charge for shower usage. A visitor to Grand Isle State Park Campground noted: "Showers are coin-operated, but $0.50 will get you 5 minutes of hot water!"
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer water access for children. At Little River State Park Campground, a family reported: "We had easy access to hikes in Stowe, plus the Ben and Jerry's shop is about 20 minutes down the road! The bathrooms were clean, the site was well maintained, and the reservoir was a great place to relax after a day of hiking!"
Playground facilities: Some campgrounds provide play areas for children. A visitor to Lone Pine Campsites shared: "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."
Educational programming: Several parks offer ranger-led activities. "This is a nice family friendly campground with a cute little beach and nature center with youth programs," observed a visitor to Grand Isle State Park Campground.
Full hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer varying levels of hookups for recreational vehicles. A visitor to Gold Brook Campground noted: "Our site was level and extremely spacious, FHUs, and featuring a fire pit. There is a nice playground in the center and a creek that follows the tent sites."
Site size considerations: Some campgrounds accommodate larger RVs better than others. "The sites were long and spacious. While we stayed here we took the short drive into Burlington, drove our bikes to the lake bike path, and visited the Ben and Jerry's plant," reported an RV camper at Lone Pine Campsites.
WiFi reliability: Internet access can vary significantly by campground and time of week. A visitor to Gold Brook Campground shared: "Wifi was great over the week (was able to work without a problem), but collapsed when more people showed up on Friday."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Underhill Center, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Underhill Center, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 176 campgrounds and RV parks near Underhill Center, VT and 17 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Underhill Center, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Underhill Center, VT is Smugglers Notch State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 23 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Underhill Center, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near Underhill Center, VT.
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