Char-Bo Campground

- 371 Hayward Hollow Rd, Derby, VT 05829

Introduction / Overview: Your Panoramic Retreat in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom

For Vermonters seeking an accessible and amenity-rich escape into the state’s pristine natural beauty, Char-Bo Campground is a well-established destination in the heart of the Northeast Kingdom. Nestled in Derby, VT, this campground offers a unique vantage point, reportedly sitting above two lakes and providing campers with a breathtaking, almost 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding water and mountains. It is a true local favorite, appealing to both seasonal residents and transient visitors who appreciate a comfortable stay coupled with unparalleled natural scenery.

Char-Bo Campground is designed to cater to all styles of camping, from those pitching a simple tent under the stars to those pulling the largest of modern RVs. It strikes a balance between essential outdoor living and desirable amenities, creating a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere. The emphasis here is on community, making it an ideal spot for kids to explore and for families to connect with other local campers in a secure environment. As a key destination in the unspoiled Northeast Kingdom, Char-Bo is your perfect base camp for exploring this beloved corner of Vermont, just a stone's throw from the Canadian border.

The campground operates seasonally, typically welcoming guests from mid-May through the end of September, aligning with Vermont's best warm-weather months. It serves as a reminder that the most rewarding local adventures are often just a short drive away, providing a fresh breath of pure Vermont air and stunning vistas of the Green Mountain State.

Location and Accessibility: Gateway to the Northern Lakes Region

Char-Bo Campground is conveniently located at 371 Hayward Hollow Rd in Derby, VT 05829. Derby is a strategically positioned town in the northeastern part of the state, making the campground highly accessible for residents coming from Central Vermont, the Capital Region, or the Connecticut River Valley via I-91. Its location is a significant draw, offering direct proximity to some of the area's most beautiful natural features and local points of interest.

The campground is situated in an area of stunning geographic beauty, offering easy access to Lake Salem and Seymour Lake, two local treasures perfect for fishing, boating, and general water recreation. Furthermore, its placement in the Northeast Kingdom means campers are perfectly situated to explore the region’s extensive country roads and wooded areas. For the adventurous, the location boasts easy access to approved trails, allowing registered and insured side-by-sides, ATVs, and 4-wheelers to leave the park for riding enjoyment—a major plus for motorized recreation enthusiasts in the state.

Practical accessibility is also well-covered. The nearby towns of Derby and Newport are less than five miles away, providing quick access to grocery stores, drug stores, and other essential retail for restocking during your stay. The blend of remote, scenic beauty with nearby urban convenience makes Char-Bo an exceptionally practical choice for Vermont families.

Services Offered: Comfort and Convenience for Every Camper

Char-Bo Campground provides a robust set of services designed to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free stay, whether you are visiting for a weekend or setting up for the full season. The offerings cater primarily to RV and trailer camping but also accommodate traditional tent sites.

• Site Utilities: The campground features a variety of sites including basic (tent) sites, water and electric hookup sites, and new 50-amp full hook-up sites (water, electric, and sewer) for modern RVs and trailers.
• Sanitation Facilities: Clean, modern restrooms with hot showers are available 24 hours a day (except during cleaning hours), providing a refreshing end to a day of exploration.
• Waste Management: A trailer dump station and on-site laundry facilities are provided for camper convenience. Sewer collars or rings are required on all sewer sites as per state law.
• Camp Store: A fully stocked camp store ensures you have access to essential groceries, camping supplies, firewood, ice, and propane, saving you a trip off-site for last-minute needs.
• Pet Policy: Well-behaved pets are welcome, provided they are kept on a leash, are current on their rabies vaccination, and owners adhere to a strict clean-up policy.
• Supplemental Utilities: Daily fees apply for the use of air conditioners or heaters, ensuring fair utility usage for all guests.

Features / Highlights: Family Fun and Water Vistas

Char-Bo Campground’s highlights center around its exceptional views, family-focused recreation, and access to local points of interest that define the Northeast Kingdom experience.

• Stunning Panoramic Views: The elevated location offers spectacular, wide-open views of the surrounding lakes and mountains, providing incredible sunrises and sunsets, and an excellent opportunity for stargazing in Vermont's clear night skies.
• In-Ground Swimming Pool: A sparkling, in-ground swimming pool provides a perfect spot to cool off on warm summer days, actively maintained by the kind on-site staff, and a major attraction for families.
• Robust Activity Schedule: The campground hosts a variety of engaging, community-focused activities, including weekly bocce tournaments, Bingo, monthly card games, and special celebratory events for holidays like the Fourth of July and the annual Fair Day in August.
• Recreational Amenities: On-site recreation includes two playgrounds for children (though some wear and tear is noted, the kids still love them!), basketball hoops, horseshoes, and volleyball courts.
• Access to ATV/4x4 Trails: A significant feature for a specific segment of the local Vermont market is the easy access for registered and insured ATVs and side-by-sides to leave the park and connect with approved local trail systems.
• Proximity to Local Attractions: Campers are just minutes away from fishing on Lake Salem, exploring Lake Memphremagog, visiting the historical Haskell Free Library and Opera House, or enjoying the unique dining at the Derby Cow Palace.

Contact Information

For more information, seasonal rates, and to secure your perfect spot with a lake view in the Northeast Kingdom, please use the following contact details.

• Address: 371 Hayward Hollow Rd, Derby, VT 05829, USA
• Phone (Campground Office): (802) 766-8807
• Mobile Phone (Direct Contact): +1 802-766-8807
• Season: Open generally from May 10th through the end of September.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Char-Bo Campground is an ideal and highly suitable choice for Vermont residents, particularly those in the northern and eastern parts of the state. It embodies the best of the Northeast Kingdom spirit: unspoiled beauty, community warmth, and easy access to a full range of outdoor activities. For many locals, this is more than just a place to park an RV; it’s a seasonal home away from home, evidenced by the large number of seasonal campers and the strong sense of community noted in visitor reviews. The staff is consistently praised for their care and kindness, ensuring a friendly, welcoming environment that Vermont is known for.

The ability to handle all types of campers, from basic tents to 50-amp RVs, combined with the convenience of a camp store, on-site pool, and organized activities, means families can spend less time planning and more time enjoying the spectacular 360-degree views and wide-open spaces. Whether you’re looking to relax by the pool, spend the day boating on Lake Salem, or embark on a spirited ATV adventure, Char-Bo Campground is the authentic, amenity-rich, and beautifully situated local spot for your next Vermont camping vacation.

Char-Bo Campground

371 Hayward Hollow Rd, Derby, VT 05829, USA