The best waterside campgrounds near Richford, Vermont

In Richford, waterside camping means waking up to the sound of the river and falling asleep under clear, starry skies. You’ll find over 860 options right on the water, with prices starting at just $15 a night and averaging $50. Top picks include Woodbury Meadows (258 reviews), Vermont Ranch & Riverside Retreat (218 reviews), and Islands Base Camp (189 reviews)—each with strong reputations among campers. Most sites allow campfires and pets, and you’ll often find hot showers after a day spent exploring. Pack for snow sports in winter, hiking boots for the trails, and keep your binoculars handy; wildlife-watching here is a real draw. Bring layers, check local fire rules, and don’t forget to enjoy sunrise by the water.

98% (3.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds

In Richford, waterside camping means waking up to the sound of the river and falling asleep under clear, starry skies. You’ll find over 860 options right on the water, with prices starting at just $15 a night and averaging $50. Top picks include Woodbury Meadows (258 reviews), Vermont Ranch & Riverside Retreat (218 reviews), and Islands Base Camp (189 reviews)—each with strong reputations among campers. Most sites allow campfires and pets, and you’ll often find hot showers after a day spent exploring. Pack for snow sports in winter, hiking boots for the trails, and keep your binoculars handy; wildlife-watching here is a real draw. Bring layers, check local fire rules, and don’t forget to enjoy sunrise by the water.

98% (3.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Little Sister's Campsite

97%

(15)

26mi from Richford · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Newport, VT

As private as private gets but only 6 miles to Newport Vt. There is a creek and a one acre pond (20 feet deep). It is all mixed hard and softwoods. It has some magnificent old growth trees 100 foot tall. There is a good rd that my friend has used with his Lincoln. Most any vehicle (car or Pickup)can get to the site. It gets a little tricky if you are pulling a trailer. A small one is OK but a large one - not so much....... The rd goes 1/2 mile to the rear of the land. Moose, deer and other critters visit too. We live 1/2 mile away from where you enter the woodlot. Our house is on Brownington Pond (200+ acres) & campers can use this site for swimming, boating & fishing. For more info call 863220 5881 Excellent drinking water is available from the hose at our house. Fires are allowed and we supply the firewood at no extra charge.

2. Willoughby Views Year Round Camp

93%

(55)

31mi from Richford · 114 sites · Tents · Brownington, VT

Wildlife watch! Bald Eagles, Hawks, Moose, Deer, Beaver, Bear, Coyotes, Peeping Frogs...Magnificent 250 pristine acres with 360 degree views into Canada, and distant overlook of Willoughby Lake. Primitive camping, dry camps, cabin with electric. Clean, new PortaPotty on site. Week long Wedding camps available. Swim, fish. and slide in nearby crystal clear Lake Willoughby, private streams, and brookside waterfalls. Campsites, and rustic accomodations. Garden Fitness trail in progress. Local Farmstands with fresh veggies, flowers, and pick your own Wedding bouquets.

3. Grand Isle State Park

67%

(3)

74 sites · Vermont

As the name would suggest, Grand Isle State Park is located on an island. Of all the islands on Lake Champlain its home, South Hero, is the beefiest of the bunch, at 14 miles long and 3 miles wide. Not to worry, no paddling is necessary to get there. The park is easily accessible from Route 2, which runs right through South Hero and is only a 1/2-hour drive from Burlington. Grand Isle has the second largest state campground in Vermont, hosting many tent and RV sites, lean-to sites, and a few sweet cabin sites. Of its 226 acres, 4,150 feet run along the lake’s pristine shoreline where there are endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation. And if you’re more into the idea of “getting away,” but actually have a millennial meltdown if you don’t check your ‘Gram every hour, then you’ll love Grand Isle! Equipped with an on-site Wi-Fi cafe, you can post as many #nofilter nature shots as you want (becoming the envy of all your city friends). So move over Manhattan, there’s a new isle in town.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

4. Brighton State Park

83%

(6)

59 sites · Island Pond, Vermont

A wild waterside retreat in Vermont’s northeastern highlands.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Richford

67%

(3)

Grand Isle Campground

37mi from Richford · 74 sites · Tents, RVs · in Grand Isle State Park

83%

(6)

Brighton Campground

42mi from Richford · 59 sites · Tents, RVs · in Brighton State Park

Stories from the community

J

Jacob

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Little Sister's Campsite

We loved camping here it was very secluded and we were able to enjoy a nice campfire right under the beautiful Vermont sky. The host Tony was very nice and showed very kind hospitality, he allowed us to use his kayak on the actual pond although there is a pond on the site it's just a small pond that you can swim in if you want or you can go to the hosts main house and go in the real pond. I fished the big pond and caught a ton of yellow perch and some catfish in the pond by the site. We definitely would love to come back again someday.

P

Peter

August 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Little Sister's Campsite

Great communication! Very nice hosts! Beautiful and rustic camp spot with a small pond in the middle of the forest. They even supplied firewood! Would definitely go back.

D

Danielle

June 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Little Sister's Campsite

My husband and his friend loved camping here! Tony was very responsive and so nice! If you're looking for a remote camping and fun experience this site is for you! Tony was kind enough to help get to the location. The shelter was also perfect to protect against the rain! Love it! Thanks Tony!!!!