Woodford State Park Campground sits at the highest elevation of any campground in Vermont, surrounding Adams Reservoir with multiple camping loops and waterfront sites. The park maintains clean facilities including token-operated showers and potable water stations throughout the grounds. Temperature swings can be significant at this elevation, with cool nights even in summer requiring extra layers for comfort.
What to do
Explore hiking connections: At Molly Stark State Park Campground, trails connect to the Hogback Mountain Conservation area, creating many miles of exploration possibilities. "The trails from the park connect to the Hogback Mountain Conservation area trails, so there are actually many miles of trails you can explore without having to drive anywhere," notes a camper.
Kayak at Emerald Lake: Paddle on the turquoise waters and investigate the small island in the lake. "There is a rope swing if you paddle away from the beach. It was great fun for the older kids. Also, exploring the island in the middle of the lake is another option," shares a visitor to Emerald Lake State Park Campground.
Access the Appalachian Trail: Campers staying at Molly Stark State Park report the campground serves as "a great place for on the road campers. It is near Route 9 so not much quiet during the day, but at night its great. There is also hiking at the campground and that is a definite plus!"
What campers like
Family-friendly atmosphere: Many campgrounds cater specifically to families with children. At Woodford State Park, one camper notes it's "perfect for families! there are tons of different types of campsites with either tent spots, lean tus, and a few (hard to get) cabins. bathrooms are plentiful and clean, hot showers for a small price."
Clean, updated facilities: Lake George RV Park receives consistent praise for maintenance. "This campground is very well kept and very clean. The bathrooms were the cleanest campground bathrooms I've ever seen! The campsites are pretty big and somewhat private which is nice," reports one visitor.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Camping at Piebald Mountain provides encounters with local wildlife in a natural setting. One visitor mentioned their "excellent week at piebald mountain! We were greeted by some turkey and visited by some deer. Comfy and cozy setting."
What you should know
Noise considerations: Some parks experience significant traffic noise or active family environments. A camper at Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground reported, "At night, there was a lot of traffic noise nearby and despite a posted quiet time, other campers were slamming car doors over and over and talking at the top of their lungs, making it difficult to sleep."
Reservation timing: Most parks in the region operate seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend. Popular waterfront sites and glamping options near Hoosick Falls book quickly, especially at Lake Lauderdale Campground which runs from "April 28 to October 15."
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies greatly across the region. At Savoy Mountain, a visitor noted, "Savoy mountain campground is a very nice state park camp, but don't rely on gps to get you there it will put you on the wrong end of the park in the middle of a rural neighborhood. The park is so hard to find that not even a cell signal can get there."
Tips for camping with families
Pack for varied terrain: Family campsites often require preparation for different landscapes. At Emerald Lake, "many of them are perched on a steep ledge, making them a bit sketchy for families with kids. If you have little ones, check out the map before you reserve a site and find one on the opposite side of the ledge."
Plan for busy weekends: Lake Lauderdale Campground can get crowded during peak times. One visitor noted, "We visited last summer during Labor Day weekend. The campground is acres and acres of beautiful land. The management is very friendly. They really want you to have a good time."
Consider site privacy: When selecting sites for family camping, privacy varies widely. At Woodford State Park, a camper advised, "We unexpectedly had a free Saturday afternoon and night and 2 borrowed kayaks. This was our first visit to Woodford. Site 13 was the only one available. It's on the corner of the first loop, but that wasn't an issue to us at all! There were plenty of trees and brush and space so we didn't feel we were in the road."
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully: Many glamping sites near Hoosick Falls, New York have limitations for larger vehicles. At Grateful Acres Vermont, campers can enjoy yurt accommodations that "overlooks a lake that has amazing sunsets and wildlife!" The property accommodates RVs but space is limited with only 5 total sites.
Consider leveling needs: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for comfortable setup. At Lake George RV Park, one camper advised, "Sites are decent size, but be sure to bring boards to level your trailer for some sites are quite uneven!"
Verify hookup locations: Position of utilities can affect setup convenience. At Lake George RV Park, a camper shared their experience: "We we're on site 58 which backed up to the splash park. It was one of the largest sites we've ever stayed in. The water/electric was positioned perfectly that we could have gotten away with using 5 foot connections."
