Woodford State Park sits at 2,400 feet, making it the highest-elevation state park in Vermont, with proximity to Eagle Bridge, New York across the state line. Temperatures often run 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding valleys during summer months. Campers find a mix of established campgrounds and alternative lodging within a 30-mile radius of Eagle Bridge, with several options offering both standard camping and more upscale accommodations.
What to do
Hiking with trail connections: Woodford State Park Campground provides trails ranging from the easy 2.5-mile lake loop to more challenging backcountry routes. "Great place to camp and access nearby hiking including the AT and LT. Clean lodge (hostel) for hikers; access to a kitchen and showers as well," notes Bran P.
Family-friendly beaches: South of Eagle Bridge, Moreau Lake State Park Campground offers swimming at its sandy beach with lifeguard hours. "There is a nice grassy area on the water that's dog-friendly, and a separate little no-dog swimming and paddle boat area," explains one visitor. Sites nearby typically operate from late May through mid-October.
Mountain views: For dramatic scenery, drive approximately 20 minutes to Lake Lauderdale Campground where "stunning views of mountains" await according to Mansi D. The campground spans "acres and acres of beautiful land" with proximity to both New York and Vermont attractions.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Moose Hillock Camping Resorts provides exceptional site separation. "The sites at this park are huge. You could have parked three RVs in our site. Added bonus is that there is nice separation between sites with trees and shrubs that block out your neighbors," notes Nancy W. This layout makes glamping near Eagle Bridge more secluded despite being at an established campground.
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards receive consistent praise across the region. At Emerald Lake State Park Campground, visitors note "Clean, well spaced, and paved roads" while another reports, "We try and get to Emerald Lake State Park at least a few times every summer. It's an awesome park for kids, and the turquoise water is a dream to cool off in."
Wildlife encounters: Camping in this region provides regular wildlife sightings. At Piebald Mountain, which offers glamping options closest to Eagle Bridge, one visitor reports: "Excellent week at piebald mountain! We were greeted by some turkey and visited by some deer. Comfy and cozy setting."
What you should know
Temperature variations: The elevation changes between Eagle Bridge and surrounding parks create noticeable climate differences. Woodford State Park often runs significantly cooler than lower-elevation areas, which campers appreciate during heat waves.
Shower facilities: Most state parks charge for showers using coin operation. At Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground, "Both [bathrooms] were clean but the shower fluctuated between lukewarm, hot, and warm during my shower." Bring quarters and expect variable water temperatures.
Cell coverage limitations: Service can be spotty throughout the region. At Savoy Mountain, one camper notes, "I had a flicking bar of coverage at the high point of the campground on Verizon, but all you MIGHT be able to do is text." Plan accordingly with offline maps and information.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly campgrounds: Family activities abound at multiple locations. Woodford State Park "is perfect for families! There are tons of different types of campsites with either tent spots, lean-tos, and a few (hard to get) cabins," according to Sambath T. The park includes "bathrooms [that] are plentiful and clean, hot showers for a small price."
Swimming options: Molly Stark State Park Campground provides access to nearby swimming holes. The 705 Route 9 East location in Wilmington puts families close to multiple water recreation spots. "This campground is very well kept and very clean. The bathrooms were the cleanest campground bathrooms I've ever seen!" reports Jenny A.
Campground bike loops: Several parks feature paved roads suitable for kids learning to ride. Savoy Mountain has "a nice loop for the kids to bike" while Lake George RV Park offers "fantastic biking trails and lakes" according to Audrey M.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large rigs: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. At Molly Stark, sites on the outer ring provide more seclusion but may have limited access. For big rigs, Lake George RV Park offers "wooded and spaced out" sites with "very clean facilities and well cared for."
Full hookup availability: Expect limited full hookup options near Eagle Bridge. When available, rates increase during peak season and holidays. At Moose Hillock, rates jumped from "$66/night during the first part of our stay but then jumped up to in-season rates that were $99/night plus $20/night because it was a holiday weekend."
Dump station locations: Most state parks provide dump stations near the entrance, though some smaller glamping locations near Eagle Bridge lack this amenity. Plan your tank management accordingly when mixing stays between full-service and primitive sites.
