Introduction:
2017 Review: We really enjoyed our stay at this campground. The sites were spacious and, even better, the location in Northern Vermont was just spectacular!
July, 2019 Update: While we still enjoyed this campground, the campground's low voltage was disappointing.
Click here to read about our criteria for campground reviews.
The Basics:
Overall Rating: 3.2/5
Price per night / Discounts: $39 / None
Campground website: Maplewoods Campground
Our Site #: 15- FHU
Privacy Rating (how spacious and private do the sites feel):
4/5: 2017 Review: As private campgrounds go, this one was pretty good. We had a lot of space between us and our neighbors. Some of the sites in other loops had less space (see the photos below), but none were particularly terrible. Compared to most of the commercial parks we've stayed at, this one was really good.
July, 2019 Update: On our second stay, we were assigned a spot in the new loop at the very back of the campground. These sites were also quite spacious.
Location Rating (accessibility to points of interest or to major highways):
5/5: We loved the location of this campground. It was about 25 minutes north of Stowe, and one hour east of Burlington, right in the middle of one of the most scenic areas of Vermont. There are definitely a limited number of conveniences in the area, but that's just Vermont. Everything we really needed, we could find. If you're looking to stay in a lovely location in a particularly beautiful state, this is a great choice.
Site Quality and Big Rig Accessibility Rating (utilities and accessibility of campground hook ups):
2.5/5: 2017 Review: Our site was plenty large enough and the utilities were conveniently placed, however, we did have to work to get level. We eventually were able to do it without breaking out leveling blocks, but it took some maneuvering. I noticed several other sites were less than level. Not the worst we've seen, but also not the best.
July, 2019 Update: While we liked being in the new sites at the very back of the campground, we had low voltage over the long July 4 weekend. This seemed to be due to the campground being full, as once everyone else left at the end of the weekend, the electricity was fine. However, during the very hot weekend, we could not run our A/C at all. We noticed there were a couple recent online reviews from other RVers that also noted low voltage, so, apparently, it is an issue at least some of the time.
Technology and Customer Service Rating (online resources, reservations, and staff):
2/5: 2017 Review: Their technology could use a bit of an upgrade. The website was fine (though their current 'special offer" dates back to 2014, so perhaps an update is in order...), but I had to call for reservations and then mail a deposit check. When we got there, I was able to pay the rest of the fee on a credit card, so I'm not sure why they are still doing deposits by check, but it would be nice if they let people use a credit card for everything.
July, 2019 Update: They are still requiring that deposits be made by check, and their website still hasn't been updated (our loop wasn't even drawn onto the campground map on their website. It was built a year ago and they still haven't updated the map. Additionally, they charge people $3 per day on an honor system for using A/C. We thought this was a bit excessive considering a) the prices are already high; and b) the campground obviously has issues with low voltage. If you're going to charge people extra for a service, the service ought to work.
Internet Availability Rating (Verizon coverage or campground wifi):
2.5/5: Wifi was not available at the campsites, but our Verizon hotspot worked well. This was especially impressive since there were large areas of Vermont that we drove through which had no cell coverage at all. The campground charges extra for wifi which is only useable at the office. We didn't pay for it and we didn't need the wifi, but we still thought this was a bit excessive. if you're going to charge for wifi, it should be useable anywhere in the campground.
Summary:
2017 Review: This campground was built on top of a hill and has gorgeous views of the mountains. The sites are really well spaced and the whole campground is nicely maintained. The office is a pretty building with a great view and the pool, built right next to the office, offers gorgeous views of the surroundings. We also appreciated that this was one of very few campgrounds we've found that has recycling available. All in all, we were very happy with this place and would definitely stay here again.
July, 2019 Update: While we still like this campground, we were disappointed to spend several days roasting in the heat because we couldn't use our A/C. Other recent reviews noted issues with low voltage, so it obviously wasn't just us and it wasn't just a one time thing. This is a high priced campground that charges extra for people to use their A/C. Given that, the electrical service should be able to handle a full campground.
