Clyde River Camping

For us Vermonters, the Northeast Kingdom holds a special place in our hearts. It's a region defined by its rugged landscapes, pristine waters, and a quiet solitude that's increasingly hard to find. Tucked away in West Charleston, Clyde River Camping offers a genuine slice of this tranquility, providing a unique and highly praised camping experience directly on the banks of the beautiful Clyde River. This isn't a sprawling resort, but rather a hidden jewel, known for its spacious, private sites and a focus on connecting with nature. If you're seeking a peaceful escape where the sounds of the river and the rustling leaves are your soundtrack, Clyde River Camping is a destination that truly embodies the spirit of outdoor adventure in our beloved state.

The glowing reviews from real customers paint a clear picture of what makes Clyde River Camping so special. One visitor exclaimed, "We loved the place! We had a lot of space, firewood, a table and an access to the river. Our dogs had a lot of fun too! This is truly a hidden jewel just a few minutes of driving from Mount Pisgah and Willoughby Lake. We are from Québec and it is about 30 min after the border. We'll be back for sure!" Another added, "Beautiful quiet spot for camping near Willoughby and not far from Kingdom Trails, Burke. Only 4-5 camping sites far from each other, all by the Clyde river. We were at site #1 which is the closest to the road and was a bit noisy because of that but still we really enjoyed our stay. The hosts are super friendly, you can swim in the river directly from your site, the outhouse is super clean, there’s free wood for camp fires… we will be back for sure!!"

However, it's also important to be prepared for the natural environment. As one reviewer noted, "However, since the tenting spot is right next to the river, you have to beware of mosquitoes. We were not as prepared as we should have been. You REALLY need long clothes and bug repellant!" These testimonials highlight the key attributes: spacious, private riverside sites, the presence of friendly hosts, clean facilities (outhouses), and the incredible perk of free firewood. They also emphasize the proximity to major natural attractions like Lake Willoughby and the Kingdom Trails, making it an ideal base for exploring the region. The caveat about mosquitoes is a valuable piece of advice for anyone planning a riverside camping trip in Vermont, emphasizing the need for proper preparation to fully enjoy the natural beauty.

Clyde River Camping is conveniently located at 466 Center School Rd, West Charleston, VT 05872, USA. This address places it squarely in the heart of Vermont's stunning Northeast Kingdom, a region celebrated for its pristine natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. For us Vermonters, accessing this peaceful retreat is a straightforward journey. West Charleston is a small, quiet town easily reached via well-maintained state routes.

Key accessibility details and nearby attractions include:

• Road Access: The campground is located off Center School Road, which connects to main thoroughfares in the Northeast Kingdom. From southern Vermont, visitors would typically take Interstate 91 North, exiting at points that lead to routes like VT Route 105 or US Route 5, eventually connecting to West Charleston.

• Proximity to Lake Willoughby: A major highlight, Clyde River Camping is just a few minutes' drive from the iconic Lake Willoughby, renowned for its crystal-clear waters, steep mountain cliffs (Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor), and excellent swimming, hiking, and fishing opportunities.

• Kingdom Trails and Burke Mountain: For mountain biking enthusiasts, the world-class Kingdom Trails network in East Burke is not far, offering hundreds of miles of diverse terrain. Burke Mountain also provides skiing in winter and various outdoor activities during warmer months.

• Newport City: The larger city of Newport, on Lake Memphremagog, is a short drive away, providing access to groceries, gas, restaurants, and other essential services.

• Canadian Border: As noted by one reviewer, the campground is about 30 minutes from the U.S.-Canadian border, making it a convenient stop for cross-border travelers from Quebec or a unique border-region getaway for locals.

The remote yet accessible location ensures that campers feel immersed in nature while still being within reach of necessary amenities and popular recreational sites.

Clyde River Camping, emphasizing a rustic and authentic experience, offers a focused set of services tailored to connect campers with nature.

• Limited, Spacious Campsites: The campground features a small number of sites, typically 4-5, ensuring privacy and ample space for each group. Sites are available for both tents and RVs (Site #1 is noted as RV accessible).

• Riverside Access: All sites are located directly by the Clyde River, offering immediate access for activities like swimming, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Some sites are right on the river's edge.

• Free Firewood: A highly praised amenity, campers are provided with free firewood, making it easy to enjoy campfires without the added cost or hassle of sourcing wood.

• Picnic Tables: Each site is equipped with a picnic table for convenient outdoor dining and food preparation.

• Clean Outhouses: Reviewers consistently highlight the cleanliness of the on-site outhouses, a crucial amenity for primitive camping.

• Water Access: While not potable, sites have direct access to the Clyde River. Additionally, a fresh water pond for cooling off and bathing is available to all campers.

• Dog-Friendly: The campground is welcoming to dogs, allowing furry family members to join the adventure and enjoy the open space.

• Hiking and Paddling Trails: The property features 100 acres of trails through woods and fields, along with 3/4 mile of river frontage, offering ample opportunities for outdoor activities directly from the campsite.

Clyde River Camping distinguishes itself with several unique features and highlights, emphasizing its commitment to a natural, peaceful, and authentic camping experience in the Northeast Kingdom.

• Direct Clyde River Frontage: The prime highlight is the immediate access to the Clyde River from each campsite. This allows for swimming, fishing, and launching kayaks or canoes directly from your site, providing an unparalleled riverside experience.

• Secluded & Spacious Sites: With only a few sites spread far apart across 100 acres, the campground offers exceptional privacy and a true sense of being "alone in the woods," ideal for those seeking tranquility.

• Free Firewood Provided: This is a significant perk, as it eliminates the need for campers to purchase or transport firewood, enhancing convenience and reducing costs.

• Friendly & Accommodating Hosts: Multiple reviews commend the "super friendly" and "incredibly accommodating and kind" hosts, who are often available to assist campers and contribute to a welcoming atmosphere.

• Proximity to Iconic Vermont Destinations: The campground's location is a short drive from Lake Willoughby (Mount Pisgah), a jewel of Vermont, as well as the renowned Kingdom Trails and Burke Mountain, making it an excellent base for exploring the region's best outdoor recreation.

• Freshwater Pond for Bathing: In addition to the river, a private freshwater pond is available for cooling off and bathing, offering an additional natural amenity.

• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Given its natural setting, the property offers chances for bird and big game watching, with actual game cam pictures sometimes shared by the hosts.

• Hike-in/Paddle-in Sites Available: For the more adventurous, some sites are accessible by hiking, biking, or paddling in, providing an even deeper immersion into the wilderness.

Clyde River Camping operates with a focus on providing a straightforward, value-driven camping experience, which aligns with the character of the Northeast Kingdom. While specific "promotions" in the traditional commercial sense are not widely advertised, the campground’s inherent offerings serve as their primary draw and value proposition.

Key aspects regarding their pricing and availability:

• Transparent Pricing: As listed on platforms like Hipcamp, daily rates are clearly stated per site, usually covering two guests, with an additional fee for extra guests.

• Free Firewood Included: This is a significant added value, as firewood is often an extra cost at other campgrounds. Here, it’s included in the camping fee.

• Value for Seclusion: The relatively modest pricing for the level of privacy and direct river access is often seen as a special offer in itself by campers seeking a quieter experience.

• Booking via Hipcamp: It appears the campground primarily utilizes platforms like Hipcamp for reservations, which would display available dates and pricing directly. It's recommended to check these platforms for the most current availability and rates.

It is always advisable to contact Clyde River Camping directly via phone for any specific inquiries about group bookings, long-term stays, or unique requests, as they appear to be very accommodating hosts.

For reservations, inquiries, or to learn more about Clyde River Camping, you can reach them through the following contact information:

Address: 466 Center School Rd, West Charleston, VT 05872, USA

Phone: (802) 274-1563

Mobile Phone: +1 802-274-1563

Given the private and personalized nature of this campground, direct phone contact is likely the most effective way to communicate with the hosts, ask detailed questions about site suitability (e.g., for RVs versus deep woods tenting), and ensure your specific needs can be met. It's recommended to call in advance, especially for weekend stays during peak season, as the limited number of sites means they can fill up quickly.

For us Vermonters, Clyde River Camping is an exceptionally suitable and appealing choice for a local getaway, especially if our goal is to truly unwind and reconnect with nature. Its location in West Charleston places us deep within the magnificent Northeast Kingdom, offering that authentic Vermont experience without extensive travel. The emphasis on spacious, private riverside sites, combined with the incredibly generous offering of free firewood, creates a hassle-free and truly immersive outdoor adventure. We can enjoy the serenity of the Clyde River right from our campsite, whether it's for swimming, fishing, or a peaceful paddle. Furthermore, its proximity to iconic landmarks like Lake Willoughby and world-class mountain biking at Kingdom Trails means there's always an opportunity for adventure just minutes away. This campground embodies the essence of what many of us love about Vermont: a quiet, beautiful, and welcoming place to escape the everyday, supported by friendly local hosts who truly care about the camping experience. It’s a perfect spot to create lasting memories in our own backyard.

Clyde River Camping

466 Center School Rd, West Charleston, VT 05872, USA