Woodford State Park sits at the highest elevation campground in Vermont at over 2,400 feet in the Green Mountain National Forest. The park features a 23-acre reservoir surrounded by mixed hardwood forests. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer days typically range from 65-80°F with cooler nights requiring campers to pack appropriate clothing for variable conditions.
What to Do
Hike the Appalachian Trail: Several campgrounds provide convenient access points to the Appalachian Trail. At Woodford State Park Campground, one camper noted, "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."
Explore local fishing spots: Fishing is popular at many lakes and reservoirs. "We love the VT state parks and try to camp there 3-4 times a summer. We unexpectedly had a free Saturday afternoon and night and 2 borrowed kayaks. We drove down to the second loop and parked on the side of the campground road and carried our kayaks down to the camper's beach," reports one Woodford State Park visitor.
Visit nearby historic towns: Moreau Lake State Park Campground offers a strategic base for exploring the region. A camper mentioned, "Saratoga Springs and Lake George are nearby if you want to explore. We recommend visiting the National Horse Racing Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, if you have time."
What Campers Like
Clean facilities: Cleanliness is frequently mentioned in reviews. At Molly Stark State Park Campground, one camper praised, "THE BATHROOM was the best I've seen camping very clean and updated and honestly gorgeous. Everyone else there was super nice and quiet."
Varied accommodation options: The area offers diverse yurt camping near Grafton, New York and surrounding regions. A visitor to Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground noted, "They also offer 4 cabins, though under 2020 coronavirus precautions, these are unavailable. They do offer views of ponds."
Kid-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds feature child-appropriate activities. One camper at Woodford State Park observed, "If you're looking for a quiet spot maybe don't look here. If you have kids and don't mind them making friends and roaming the campground then this is great! Boat rentals!"
What You Should Know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate on limited schedules. "October Mountain State Forest is open from mid-May to mid-October," with similar seasons for most parks in the region.
Site selection matters: Choose your site carefully as quality varies within campgrounds. At October Mountain State Forest Campground, one reviewer warned, "What site you get makes all the difference. There are Many, I would say most, Sites that you feel very exposed and out in the open. Just plopped next to someone on the grass. Look for the sites that go off to the side (not on the loops) like 39-40."
Noise factors: Some campgrounds have unexpected noise sources. At October Mountain, a camper noted, "It is near an electrical plant that has a hum all day & night—makes for great white noise when sleeping. There is a road that seems to house construction vehicles that were busy going by early evening and early morning."
Tips for Camping with Families
Look for swimming options: Swimming areas vary significantly between parks. A visitor to Spacious Skies Woodland Hills shared, "This area has a large seasonal population but they are super friendly and it was a pleasure to see the kids (and adults) fishing, paddling on the lake, swimming in the designated area and sitting/playing on the nice beach."
Consider campground atmosphere: Some parks are better suited for children than others. One Woodford State Park visitor warned, "If you're looking for a quiet spot maybe don't look here. If you have kids and don't mind them making friends and roaming the campground then this is great!"
Bathroom proximity: Choose sites near bathrooms when camping with kids. At October Mountain, a camper noted, "Bathrooms at a distance for most sites. They could use some updating but served their purpose."
Tips from RVers
Size constraints: Many campgrounds have limited space for larger vehicles. At Molly Stark State Park, RVers will find no big-rig friendly designations, and sites typically accommodate smaller trailers and campers.
Hookup availability: Only certain parks offer full RV amenities. At Lake Lauderdale Campground, campers have access to "electric hookups, fifty-amp hookups, thirty-amp hookups, water hookups, sanitary dump, and sewer hookups" making it a good option for those needing full services.
Site leveling challenges: Uneven terrain can pose problems at some campgrounds. One visitor to Spacious Skies Woodland Hills observed, "The site I had was steep grade from steps to picnic table. Flat ground area for camper was very narrow. Tricky footing for older folks like my wife and I."
