Best Campgrounds near Shelburne, VT

Please note Crane Pond Road from the lower parking lot to the pond itself is NOT maintained and often gets very muddy. 4WD is required, if you go back there without it your day is gonna suck. From experience - if your vehicle isn't lifted you may come out with a ding or two from rocks and other things jutting out of the ground. Not fit for an RV in any capacity. The parking lot at the end of Crane Pond Road is relatively small but can fit at least 6 vehicles. There is an outhouse near that lot and a foot bridge off to the right, leading to Pharaoh Mtn Trail. 

If you're staying to camp there are (9) sites only accessible by boat (I haven't found a map that numbers/letters them), except the one right by the parking lot. There is a trail leading to that one. My family and I have never used the other sites so I can only attest to the one which is freaking GREAT. There is a stone cliff near it that goes down about 12(?) feet and is great for fishing or jumping off of. There is also a stone area right by the water if you want to fish or just sunbathe. Stone fireplace on site. The view right there is beautiful and at night you can hear the loons (visible during the day as well).

This is a state campground with some remote sites. However it is a gateway to Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. Lots of hiking trails to many ponds and one lake most of which have lean tos and other sites which are free. People are pretty quiet and respectful as opposed to Rogers Rock which was getting completely out of hand. Generators and loud music at all hours. Only takes a few bozos to ruin the camping experience for those around them. Then there are the many jet skiers who disregard not only the wake laws but have no consideration for those trying to load and unload boats at the launch as they speed by. Anyway, I love Putnam Pond! Also very nice paddling pond and decent swimming!

My family of 4 tent camped at Camp Skyland in June ‘24 on a waterfront spot showcasing gorgeous Lake Champlain with a mountain backdrop - chef’s kiss!

The owner (family owned and operated across generations) took my booking via phone and months later, checked us into camp upon arrival. He was super friendly and gave us great advice for cycling the Island Line Trail - highly recommend!!!! It was a fantastic campground with awesome views and the only thing I regret is not spending more time camping here & exploring the area.

The bathhouse & restrooms were a little small but it was totally fine. They had outdoor sink for washing dishes, too. The main check-in house had books and games to check out. But the BEST onsite entertainment was the lake. Definitely plan to kayak here & swim. Water was clean & clear. Fantastic lake for rock collecting!!! Very pretty and diverse geological landscape! We immediately started googling the rock formations and it was super interesting!

Definitely bring your bikes to ride the trail & catch the ferry! Such a unique experience to cycle across a lake! Photos & videos do not give the actual in-person views justice!

There are cabins to rent here, but owner said they book up in advance and it’s a YOY reservation that previous bookers get first access each year for dates.

Tip - mosquitos were intense here, so bring spray & plan accordingly! Our screened-in tent area saved us from being eaten up.

If you want a place to nomadic camp that is near Stowe, but away from the hustle and bustle, then this place is for you.  It is a private landowners land, and she has up to  5-6 campers at any point in time.  Sites are set up with picnic or other small tables, and randomly spread out across the field.  There is good distance between sites, but all other sites are within view.  There is a porta potty at the entrance to the field.  Dogs are allowed.  The landowner is very responsive and helpful with questions.   Across the street from the camping field is another field with access to water via a hose, and a very large flower garden.  There is also a small store that sells honey

The sites in the field are generally un-level, and we had to really work to level our trailer.  While we were there, there were car campers, tent campers, and a class C rv, in addition to us in our travel trailer.  Dogs are allowed on the property.

In addition to being 20 minutes to downtown Stowe, you can gravel bike right from the field.  We built a number or rides with Ride with GPS, leaving from there site.  There are never ending hiking options, from easy to advanced, in the general area.  

We would gladly return to this camp, even though we had challenges leveling.