Woodford State Park spans a 398-acre area surrounding Adams Reservoir at Vermont's highest elevation state park (2,400 feet). The park receives more rainfall and maintains cooler temperatures than lower elevations, particularly noticeable during summer months when temperatures can be 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding valleys. Three camping loops contain a mix of tent sites, RV-accessible areas, and four rustic cabins set among dense forest.
What to do
Hiking with lake views: Explore the 2.7-mile trail system at Woodford State Park Campground that encircles Adams Reservoir. "We heard coyotes at night and loons in the morning. We're going back later this summer for a longer stay," reports Melissa S. The relatively flat terrain makes it suitable for most ability levels.
Swimming at designated beaches: Take advantage of both the main beach area and designated camper-only swimming areas. "Our dog loved getting a little swim! (No dogs allowed at the day use area). The reservoir is beautiful- plenty of space to spread out for paddling and swimming," notes one camper.
Explore nearby towns: Visit Manchester for shopping and dining, approximately 25 minutes from Emerald Lake State Park Campground. "Near Manchester, which has numerous great restaurants and a fabulous bookstore," shares Christina S. Bennington and Wilmington also offer charming downtown areas for day trips.
Fish for local species: The ponds and lakes in the region host various fish species. At Moreau Lake State Park Campground, be aware that "fish number and sizes are limited due to number of people fishing it on a regular basis," according to Robert L.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently mention appreciating separation between campsites. At Molly Stark State Park Campground, "The outer ring sites on the map have the most seclusion," notes Tim K. Many Vermont state parks feature wooded buffers between sites.
Clean facilities: The region's campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards. Visitors to Molly Stark State Park Campground report "THE BATHROOM was the best I've seen camping very clean and updated and honestly gorgeous," according to Beck P.
Family-friendly atmosphere: Many parks cater to families with dedicated play areas and swimming beaches. Woodford State Park Campground is "perfect for families! There are tons of different types of campsites with either tent spots, lean tus, and a few (hard to get) cabins," writes Sambath T.
Seasonal temperature advantages: The elevation of Woodford makes it naturally cooler than surrounding areas. During hot summer days, campers can expect temperatures approximately 10-15 degrees lower than valley locations, making it a refuge during heat waves.
What you should know
Limited booking availability: The most desirable sites and cabins book quickly. At Woodford State Park Campground, "they have cabins you can rent which is nice" but they're "hard to get" according to reviewers. Reservations should be made 11 months in advance for peak summer weekends.
Varying site privacy levels: Not all sites provide equal privacy. In many campgrounds, "Sites are pretty big and somewhat private which is nice," but this varies significantly between locations. Research specific site numbers before booking.
Weather preparedness: Due to elevation, Woodford experiences more rain and cooler temperatures. Pack additional layers even in summer. Some campers mention that firewood can be damp after rainstorms.
Noise levels vary by location: Some campgrounds have more activity than others. At Lake Lauderdale Campground, visitors enjoy "acres and acres of beautiful land" while others note "if you're looking for a quiet spot maybe don't look here" at more family-oriented parks.
Tips for camping with families
Select appropriate sites: For families with small children, avoid steep terrain. At Emerald Lake State Park Campground, "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."
Consider lake access logistics: Lake access varies by campground. "The camp sites are quite a bit of a walk up the hill from the lake where there is swimming, kayaking, paddle boating and picnicking," notes Ming R. about Emerald Lake, suggesting families may want to drive between camping and swimming areas.
Plan for varied weather: The higher elevation means temperature fluctuations. "Nights were quiet" but can get chilly even in summer months. Pack additional clothing layers for evening temperature drops.
Explore glamping options: For families new to outdoor experiences, luxury camping in Piebald Mountain provides comfort while maintaining a nature connection. "Excellent week at piebald mountain! We were greeted by some turkey and visited by some deer. Comfy and cozy setting," reports Tarah Z.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: When choosing sites for larger rigs, verify dimensions carefully. Some campgrounds have "a few tight spots because of the trees that make it tricky for a big rig," particularly in the wooded sections of Vermont state parks.
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites are limited in state parks. Many offer electric only or no hookups with dumping stations available. Private campgrounds like Moose Hillock Camping Resorts provide more amenities, where "Sites are huge. Plenty of room for our RV, and small tent."
Pack leveling equipment: Many sites throughout the region require leveling. "Be sure to bring boards to level your trailer for some sites are quite uneven!" warns one RVer. State park campgrounds often have more natural terrain with less grading than private resorts.
Elevation considerations: Higher elevation campgrounds like Woodford can strain vehicle systems during access. Ensure your tow vehicle can handle steep grades when fully loaded, particularly when accessing mountaintop glamping sites in Vermont.
