Hillcrest, Vergennes, VT

Introduction / Overview: The Quiet Gateway to Vermont's Waterways

For local Vermonters seeking an accessible, peaceful retreat that serves as a launchpad for exploring the beautiful Lake Champlain Valley, Hillcrest Campground offers a compelling option. Located in Vergennes, Vermont's oldest city, this small, private campground is situated perfectly near the shores of Lake Champlain and the vital water access point of Otter Creek. It's the kind of quiet, no-fuss spot that long-time Vermonters appreciate: a place to park your rig, set up a fire, and quickly get out onto the water or into the surrounding natural landscape.

Hillcrest Campground caters particularly well to campers with fully self-contained recreational vehicles (RVs) and trailers. While the focus is on providing essential hookups for a comfortable stay, the atmosphere is decidedly relaxed and emphasizes proximity to the outdoors, rather than over-the-top resort amenities. As one visitor noted, the location is a "Nice location if you have a self-contained unit and just need water/electric." The primary appeal is its central location and the easy, direct connections it offers to the recreational jewels of the region—Lake Champlain and Otter Creek.

Location and Accessibility

Hillcrest Campground is situated at 686 Basin Harbor Rd, Vergennes, VT 05491, placing it squarely in the heart of the Champlain Valley. This location is strategically excellent for local Vermonters, providing a close-to-home escape while still feeling worlds away.

The facility's address is right on the road to the famous Basin Harbor area, known for its historic resort and stunning views of the Adirondacks across Lake Champlain. Crucially for local boaters and fishermen, the campground boasts "Quiet easy access to otter creek and the lake." This means less time navigating crowded marinas and more time enjoying the water.

Accessibility Details for Local VT Users:

From Burlington/Chittenden County: The drive is short and direct, placing the campground within easy reach of the state’s largest population center for weekend or mid-week getaways.
Proximity to Vergennes: The historic downtown of Vergennes, with its charming restaurants, shops, and the impressive Vergennes Falls, is only a short drive away, allowing campers to easily resupply or enjoy a meal out.
Water Access Priority: The nearby access to Otter Creek, a significant tributary to Lake Champlain, makes this a prime location for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing enthusiasts.
Central Vermont Exploration: The campground serves as a convenient basecamp for exploring the scenic beauty and attractions of Addison County, including nearby state parks like Button Bay and Mount Philo, and the Lake Champlain Bikeway.

Services Offered

Hillcrest Campground operates on the principle of providing the foundational services necessary for a comfortable stay while allowing guests to focus on outdoor activities. The services are tailored primarily to vehicular campers, offering convenience without unnecessary clutter.

Essential RV Hookups: The campground provides electric and water hookups at many of its sites. This is a critical convenience for RV and travel trailer owners, meeting the primary needs for self-contained units, as praised in customer feedback.
Campground Office/Store: While detailed information is often sought via phone or online, a main office structure is typically maintained to handle check-ins, reservations, and potentially offer basic supplies like firewood.
Sanitation Facilities (Use Caution): The facility does include an on-site 'bathhouse' with showers and toilets. However, prospective visitors should be aware of past customer experiences indicating these facilities may be basic or run down. One candid reviewer noted the "bathhouse is just a run down shed. You could see daylight coming through the shower drain." Locals with self-contained units are advised to rely on their own facilities where possible.
Waste Management: A dump station for RV grey and black water tanks is available. Be advised, however, that customer feedback has indicated potential difficulty in using the facility due to location, noting, "The dump station was in a very difficult location to get the trailer near and level enough to dump the tanks, so it was almost unusable." Planning for alternative off-site dumping or careful maneuvering is recommended for large rigs.
Recreational Amenities: Public data suggests the campground grounds may include recreational options such as a recreation room with billiards, shuffleboard, and possibly a swimming pool or spa, though the condition of these extra features may vary.

Features / Highlights

The greatest assets of Hillcrest Campground are centered around its geographic advantages and the surrounding environment, offering distinct benefits for the local Vermont camper.

Unbeatable Water Access: The primary highlight is the campground’s "easy access to otter creek and the lake." Otter Creek is renowned for its excellent fishing and gentle paddling, offering a scenic and protected route out to the vast waters of Lake Champlain. This feature alone makes it a top choice for boaters and kayakers.
Quiet and Tranquil Setting: The campground is consistently described as a quiet location, providing the essential peace and solitude that many Vermonters seek in an outdoor getaway. It is a true escape from the noise of city life, allowing for deep relaxation.
Base for Champlain Valley Exploration: Hillcrest serves as a perfect hub for touring the Champlain Valley. From here, campers can easily reach the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, explore the historic Button Bay State Park, or take one of the scenic ferries across the lake.
Self-Contained Unit Friendliness: The site excels in providing the core utilities (water/electric) needed for modern RVs and trailers, making it simple for those who prefer the comforts of their own unit while enjoying a prime location.
Natural Beauty: The Vergennes area is known for its beautiful, rolling landscape. The campground provides a comfortable vantage point for enjoying the area’s natural views and proximity to the lakefront resorts like Basin Harbor.

Contact Information

To inquire about availability, reservations, and specific details about site sizes or the current condition of the facilities, please use the following contact information:

Address: 686 Basin Harbor Rd, Vergennes, VT 05491, USA

Phone: (802) 475-2343

Mobile Phone: +1 802-475-2343

Reservations: It is recommended to contact the campground directly by phone for the most up-to-date information on booking and seasonal rates.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Hillcrest Campground is uniquely suited for residents of Vermont due to its blend of convenience, location, and focus on the essentials of outdoor recreation. For a local looking to quickly escape to Lake Champlain without a major road trip, this spot is ideal. It is truly the utilitarian basecamp for the Vermont boater and nature lover.

While prospective visitors need to be aware of the more rustic nature of the public facilities—particularly the bathhouse and the challenging dump station—the value proposition for a self-contained unit is exceptional. The core offering is a quiet, convenient site with water and electric, providing a low-maintenance home base that allows the user to dedicate their time and energy to enjoying the unparalleled "easy access to otter creek and the lake" for fishing, paddling, and boating. Hillcrest embodies the simple, authentic Vermont camping experience: come for the water, stay for the peace, and bring your own comforts for the most enjoyable stay.