2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Underhill State Park Campground welcomes dogs and cats on leashes throughout its secluded, wooded campsites. Tent platforms and walk-in sites provide privacy between neighbors, making it easier to manage pets without disturbing other campers. Smugglers Notch State Park Campground, located near Mount Mansfield, also permits pets at both tent sites and lean-to accommodations. The campground's well-spaced sites allow sufficient room for pets to rest comfortably at camp without encroaching on neighboring campers. Camp spots are far enough away from one another with trees helping with privacy, creating a comfortable environment for both pets and their owners. Both campgrounds maintain clean facilities and enforce quiet hours, ensuring a peaceful camping experience for all visitors including those with animals.
Several hiking trails accessible directly from these campgrounds welcome leashed dogs, providing excellent exercise opportunities without requiring additional travel. The extensive trail system surrounding Underhill State Park connects to Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak, where dogs can join their owners on wilderness adventures. Indian Brook Reservoir permits pets at their remote tent platforms accessible by foot or boat, offering a more secluded option for camping with animals. During summer months, pets should have access to fresh water and shade as temperatures can rise significantly during daytime hours. Winter camping is available at Smugglers Notch during off-season months, though facilities are limited and campers must be prepared to manage pet waste appropriately. Nearby Stowe offers veterinary services and pet supply stores for any emergency needs or forgotten items while camping with animals in this region.
"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!"
"Close to tons of beautiful hikes. As for the campground. It was quiet, comfortable, and kid, as well as pet friendly. Would definitely camp here again."
from $20 / 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."
from $19 - $28 / night
"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."
"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."
from $37 - $100 / night
"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."
"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."
"Our boys had fun riding their bikes around, playing basketball, and playing a round of mini golf."
from $8 - $12 / 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."
from $6 - $28 / night
"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."
"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."
from $50 - $79 / night
"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.""Our dog loved swimming in the creek and meeting his first bullfrog. The campground also has a small pool, one washer and one dryer, and decent showers/restrooms."
"Visit this campground in the fall and experience quintessential Vermont in all its glory. The campground is nice. The people are friendly."
"Lots of things to do around here with dogs and kids. Breweries near by for the so inclined. Should have brought my roadbike, this is a bicyclers heaven."
from $55 - $105 / night
ScoutFirst trip with our new RV and we were a little nervous about getting everything set up. Having full hookups made it way less complicated than we expected. Once we were settled, we just enjoyed the area and took a few day trips. Would definatly come back for another Adirondack trip.
ScoutIf youre traveling through northern NY, this is a really convenient place to base yourself. We were able to spend some time around Lake Champlain, explore nearby areas and even make a trip toward the border without having to move the RV. Coming back to a waterfront campground every evening was a pretty nice bonus.
ScoutWe came up for a quick Adirondack getaway and ended up spending most of our time outside. A little disc golf, some time by the pool, dinner at the site and plenty of walks with the dog. Pretty much everything we wanted out of the trip.
ScoutWhat started as a quick weekend ended up being one of our favorite stops this summer. We spent one day around the campground and another exploring the area. The beach and water were a huge plus for us.
ScoutOne of the best parts for us was not having to pack up the RV every time we wanted to go somewhere. We stayed put and explored the Adirondacks from here. Lake Champlain, Ausable Chasm and a bunch of other spots were all easy to get to.
ScoutWe decided to stay for the summer and so far it has been a really fun experience. There is always something going on and the lake gives everyone plenty to do. The kids have already made friends and we are getting to know the other campers too.
ScoutHaving the river and Adirondacks nearby made for a really nice change of scenery. We spent our days exploring and came back to the campground for dinner and a fire.
ScoutOur site had everything we needed and getting set up was easy. We also appreciated having wifi since we had a few things to take care of during the trip.
GuideThere was a few sites 5-6 we didn’t get to the eastern loop. But the sites we saw were very secluded. All had fire pits ours had a picnic table. And was right next to the creek. Would highly recommend if you want to get away from city lights. All sites are not maintained. We had a small off road camper it was easy In and out some sites could be hard with larger pull behinds. Some sites might need 4wd to get in and out we had lots of mud after a lot of rain.
Several campgrounds near Underhill, Vermont welcome pets with varying accommodations and site designs. Located in the foothills of Mount Mansfield with an elevation of 3,790 feet, this region experiences average summer temperatures of 70-80°F during daytime with cooler evenings in the 50s. Winter camping requires specialized gear as temperatures frequently drop below freezing with significant snowfall accumulation from November through April.
Hike off-season trails: During winter months, Smugglers Notch State Park Campground offers free off-season camping with proper reservation. "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," reports Ed M.
Explore local waterways: At Little River State Park Campground, visitors can navigate the reservoir by various watercraft. "The reservoir is a fun place to explore via kayak and canoe as well as by motorboat! We tend to hang at the site more than the beaches as the beaches are very small and full of children," shares Hannah H.
Visit historic foundations: Little River offers unique historical hiking experiences within walking distance of campsites. "The hiking trails are really good—actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," notes Rita M.
Secluded camping platforms: At Underhill State Park Campground, campers appreciate the tent sites and camping structures. "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," explains Ali T.
Trail access: Smugglers Notch positions campers perfectly for immediate trail access to Vermont's highest peaks. "You are minutes from some amazing hiking, which is great when you don't feel like driving long distances after a day hike," mentions Ben C.
Water recreation opportunities: Grand Isle State Park Campground provides direct access to Lake Champlain. "There is lake access for kayaking, sailing, swimming and fishing. Brush up on your French so you can converse with the many Canadian visitors while you charge your phone at the designated wi-fi/charging area surrounded by flowers," suggests Patricia E.
Site accessibility varies: At Underhill, visitors should prepare for a short walk to their site. "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," notes Ali T.
Site privacy considerations: Site layout and spacing impacts the camping experience at different parks. "The 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," explains Jess O. about Smugglers Notch.
Seasonal limitations: North Beach Campground offers convenient camping near urban amenities from May through October. "Since this campground is within Burlington city limits it is a bit cramped and can get crowded. However its location makes it convenient too. Plus it's right on Lake Champlain with great beach access," advises John L.
Beach alternatives: When traveling with children to Little River, consider site selection carefully. "The small playground was great, and the small boat launch and beach kept us in the water. The hiking trails are really good," notes Rita M. who visited with five children.
Bike-friendly locations: North Beach offers exceptional biking opportunities with children. "Burlington is my favorite city by far, and this campground is right on the beach! Biking into Burlington takes 5-10 minutes and you're also right on the beach of Lake Champlain. A gorgeous bike trail also runs right through the campground," shares Brittany R.
Ranger programs: Grand Isle features educational opportunities for younger campers. "This was a great time here on a school field trip. The beach is nice even though rocky, the lean to sites are a great way to help keep things dry, and there were great accessible all-gender bathrooms," mentions Season D.
Water and sewer hookups: Apple Island Resort offers full hookup sites with views of Lake Champlain. "The hook-ups at our site (11AD) were well-placed but the sewer pipe was high off the ground which did not let it drain even with a 'slinky.' The cable yielded a number of channels but was not HD," reports Nancy W.
Orientation considerations: Some campgrounds have specific site orientations that affect RV setup. "Most of the waterfront sites are nose-in and suited well for motorhomes. Sometimes they would park a towable next to them and if they backed in there would be a shared patio which works out great if you want a buddy site but not if you don't know your neighbors," notes Nancy W.
Seasonal closures: For pet friendly camping near Underhill, Vermont with an RV, check specific operating seasons as most campgrounds close between mid-October and early May. "We travel coast to coast with 3 kids and 2 huge dogs in a SuperC. Apple Island is now in our top 5 of even our luxury list of resorts," shares David A.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Underhill, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Underhill, VT is Smugglers Notch State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 23 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Underhill, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 133 dog-friendly camping locations near Underhill, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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