Camping With Kids: Best Campgrounds for Families in Vermont

Watching my kids enjoy our Memorial Day hike, BBQ, bonfire & smores fest made me think about camping in Vermont with children.  It’s amazing how much kids revel in simplicity, when they are given the opportunity.  Don’t get me wrong, my children, like many, are tethered to technology and gadgets, but give them fresh air, sticks, dirt, trails and their imaginations run wild.  They find, and are mesmerized by, the joy of simplicity.

Camping in Vermont offers the potential to unlock that simplicity–not just for kids, but adults, too.  Moms and dads can let go of the routine and everyday stressors, even if only for an overnight campout, and discover joy in simple living.  Plus, there’s an added perk to camping:  affordability.  Provided you have the basics, camping is an economical way to vacation (or enjoy a local staycation).

Camping in Vermont

If you’re looking to take the family camping in Vermont, check out this compilation of resources that will help you find the right spot in the Green Mountain State.  If you are interested in State Park Camping, you’ll want to skip over to the Vermont State Parks, Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation site.  You can find everything you want to know about Vermont State Park locations, reservations and latest park news, including information about the cool Venture Vermont Outdoor Challenge.

If you’re looking for private campgrounds, check out the Vermont Campground Association, which helps campers find and plan camp stays in Vermont.  If you are searching for campsites by region, you can also search that site.  If you are looking specifically for campgrounds in Vermont’s beautiful Northeast Kingdom, home of the award-winning Kingdom Trails network, Burke Mountain, Jay Peak and four seasons of outdoor adventure, you can find info here.

Planning the Adventure

If you’re wondering what else to pack besides packing the sleeping bags and mosquito repellent, think keep it simple.  Check out this post for ideas on how to pack when camping with kids and these expert tips to help make your trip smooth and fun.

Popular Family-Friendly Picks

When it comes to selecting a family-friendly campground, many parents weigh location, cost, campground amenities and program/event offerings.  Some campgrounds offer kid-specific programming and events, including kids’ clubs, movie and game nights, rides and pool fun.  In Vermont, here are some top picks for kid-friendly campgrounds.

• Lone Pines Campsites (Colchester).  Why?  Reputation as “Vermont’s Favorite Family Campground.”  Though this campground may seem somewhat crowded at peak season, it’s a great pick for family fun and socialization.  Each week kids in the campground are drawn to the vintage (1952) firetruck ride and love following it around the campground.  The campground also features a full calendar of family-friendly events, plus Wifi!

• Burke Mountain Campground (East Burke).  Though parents may not find a detailed event and activity calendar at this campground, there is much to love about this place!  This quiet campground, featuring tent sites and lean-tos, is surrounded by access to Kingdom Trails (bring the bikes!), endless hiking opportunities, and is within close proximity to Willoughby Lake, Crystal Lake & Brighton State Park.  If you want to disconnect from the everyday, this is where you want to go! Call 802-626-7333 and make reservations early.

• Tree Corners Family Campground  (Irasburg).  A relative newcomer to the camping scene, this Northeast Kingdom campground features events for the whole family, including a schedule of activities, pools, playground and arcade games.

Share your own camping in Vermont with kids favorite campgrounds, tips and advice below!

Happy Camping!