Best Campgrounds near Arlington, VT

Arlington, Vermont provides multiple camping options within the Green Mountain National Forest and surrounding areas. Camping on the Battenkill offers 111 developed sites along the Battenkill River with tent and RV accommodations including full hookups. Woodford State Park Campground, located about 15 miles south of Arlington, features cabins, tent sites, and RV camping around Adams Reservoir at one of the highest elevations among Vermont state parks. Several dispersed camping areas can be found in the George D. Aiken Wilderness and along Forest Road 71, offering primitive options without facilities.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from late spring through mid-October, with state parks typically opening Memorial Day weekend and closing after Columbus Day weekend. Camping on the Battenkill extends its season slightly longer, operating from late April through mid-October. Winter access becomes limited as many forest roads close due to snow and ice conditions. Reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend stays during peak summer and fall foliage seasons. According to one visitor, "The sites are in pretty wooded areas and quite big, ground is sandy and all have electric/water, picnic table and fire ring. Near several attractions and there is nearby gift shop with Norman Rockwell exhibit."

Campers frequently mention the natural beauty and recreational opportunities available near Arlington's campgrounds. Emerald Lake State Park, approximately 10 miles northeast of Arlington, receives positive reviews for its swimming areas and kayaking opportunities. The area's abundant waterways, including the Battenkill River, offer fishing and paddling options directly accessible from several campgrounds. Woodford State Park features a 2.5-mile trail that loops the reservoir and provides access to mountain biking trails. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "The sites are nice and private. The views on some of the sites to the lake are beautiful. The grounds and facilities are well kept, and you are close to both Bennington and Wilmington."

Best Camping Sites Near Arlington, Vermont (183)

    1. Camping On The Battenkill

    20 Reviews
    Arlington, VT
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (802) 375-6663

    $45 - $57 / night

    "Large campground in Arlington VT. Sites are in pretty wooded area and quite big, ground is sandy and all have E/W, picnic table and fire ring."

    "Our first time in Vermont and we picked an awesome campground. This place has a great layout with lots of great sites to choose from. There are several sites right on the river!

    Clean bath houses."

    2. Woodford State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Bennington, VT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 447-7169

    "Woodford State Park is situated between Wilmington and Bennington VT in the southern part of the Green Mountain National Forest."

    "The views on some of the sites to the lake are beautiful. the grounds and facilities are well kept. and you are close to both Bennington and Wilmington. a great spot to camp at in Southern Vermont!"

    3. Emerald Lake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Danby, VT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 362-1655

    "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."

    "Beautiful campground in south central Vermont.  On a lovely emerald green small lake with nice beach. Good for fishing and kayaking.  Well kept."

    4. Grout Pond Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

    8 Reviews
    Sunderland, VT
    10 miles
    +1 (802) 362-2307

    $16 / night

    "My friend and I were desperately looking for a place to spend the weekend, and with Covid making it a little more difficult to rely on walking in and finding a campsite, we made a blind reservation for"

    "We were the only campers along the waterfront, but there were a few car campers in the sites near the road."

    5. Jamaica State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Jamaica, VT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 874-4600

    $20 - $42 / night

    "This tops our list for camping in Vermont. There is so much to do here, and yet the campground feels very private and quiet. There are 41 tent/RV sites to choose from and 18 lean-tos."

    "This was our second stay at this Vermont State Park. It was a great three days. The park rangers were tremendous in ensuring we had a great visit. They worked with us to get the right site."

    6. Dorset RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Dorset, VT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 867-5754

    "The roads and campsites are gravel and a little tight to get around because of all the trees but we were able to manage in our 45’ motorhome."

    "The location was very good in allowing us to visit family in nearby village and go into nearby Manchester Center. Much more of an RV Park (name is on the money) than camping where we had our site."

    7. Somerset Airfield

    6 Reviews
    West Dover, VT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 388-4362

    "Great location near Somerset Reservoir. Weekend was interrupted by a domestic violence situation a few sites downbeat resulted in fights and someone shooting off a handgun."

    "Some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park. The real attraction is the huge Somerset Resevoir which is up the road."

    8. Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71

    3 Reviews
    Sunderland, VT
    8 miles

    "It was quiet during our overnight stay other than a car or two on Stratton-Arlington Rd.  There weren't many mosquitoes either.  Hiking trail to Stratton Pond close by."

    "Easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center. We had this all to ourselves in our Bean teardrop. "

    9. George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Wilmington, VT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "We stopped on our way through to Stowe Vermont."

    "The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on. There were only about 10 spots along the access road."

    10. Dispersed site along Forest RD 71

    3 Reviews
    Sunderland, VT
    8 miles

    "One of many locations along Forest rd 71, this spot was a good place to pitch a tent for the night while exploring the area even in the rain."

    "There are a few spots around you can park at. I chose a more sunny and open spot with less trees. So there's more options. It's very quiet definitely check it out."

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Recent Reviews near Arlington, VT

747 Reviews of 183 Arlington Campgrounds


  • Keith L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Jamaica State Park Campground

    Great Camping Experience at Jamaica State Park

    This was our second stay at this Vermont State Park. It was a great three days. The park rangers were tremendous in ensuring we had a great visit. They worked with us to get the right site. The bathroom facilities, while rustic, were clean. There is a plethora of things to do in the park itself and in the local community. Nonetheless, it starts and ends with the management of the campground. Lauren, the campground manager, and her team of professionals, do a great job. We will definitely return.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Ashuelot River Campground

    Nice ‘n Easy campground

    We stayed for 3 days off season so not busy. Sites located along the river are wooded, field sites are very open great for seeing the stars at night. Sites have fire rings with excellent airflow for good burning with low smoke. Hook ups are in great condition for power, water, sewer. Showers and bath house on site. Laundry and game room at office area. Office staff was very helpful and they’re open later into the day til 7 PM. Good firewood and large bundle delivered for $15 to your site. We passed over this site on our first trip to the area but are glad we came here and we’re planning to return. Follow the website directions to get here as there are covered bridges in the area with low Clearance and low weight limits.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Branch Pond on National Forest Hwy

    Amazing camping spots with fire pits!

    Tons of different styles of camping spots (if you get there while its still sunlight you can pick a spot by a flowing stream/river). No public bathrooms, no hookups, I personally didn’t have service.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    NF 83 - riverside

    NF83

    Great camping site. The road into the site was pretty rough.

  • Rae-Ann W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Ashuelot River Campground

    Another great trip to Ashuelot River Campground

    We spent another great weekend at the Ashuelot River Campground. We recently purchased a new-to-us camper and wanted to get in a trip or two before putting it away for the winter. This was our 2nd visit to Ashuelot.

    We were in site 59, a pull-through with water and 30/50 amp service. The site was level and easy to get into and park. We were in a fully wooded area on the left side of the campground, which we prefer. They have sites located in fully open areas, as well as some that are partially wooded and have river access. There is a nice mix.

    Having good weather, we took a lazy tube ride from one side of the campground to the other. It has been quite dry in the area, so they are experiencing a drought. However, a little rain in the week got the river moving a bit. We were able to enjoy a nice, slow drift around the campground.

    We thoroughly enjoyed our time again and will definitely be back.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71

    Amazing Numerous Free Dispersed Camping!

    Easy to get to, had service the whole time, fire pits for every spot. I did see a huge blackbear. I didn’t see any bathrooms.

  • Rachael K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Gus's Gardens Camping

    Nice weekend getaway

    This place was really nice. Easy to pull our 20ft camper in. Two minutes drive to the very cute town of Wilmington. Good places to eat there. The campsite was really private. Had a picnic table and fire pit. The pond was sweet and the Deerfield Valley Trail is right off the campsite. We would definitely like to stay there again.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Bear Slide in Lake George Wild Forest

    Night alone in my jeep

    It was rocky getting there but super super remote - zero service. Great space for my jeep and honestly you could fit a LARGE RV. There is a bathroom at the entrance. No fires because it’s super remote. Peaceful and almost untouched.


Guide to Arlington

Dispersed camping spots near Arlington, Vermont include several free options within the Green Mountain National Forest. The Somerset Airfield area provides multiple primitive sites along Forest Road 71, ranging in elevation from 2,100 to 2,400 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing from November through April, while summer evenings remain cool with temperatures often falling into the 50s even during July and August.

What to do

Paddle the reservoir: Somerset Reservoir offers excellent paddling opportunities just a short drive from the dispersed camping areas. "The reservoir is beautiful, plenty of space to spread out for paddling and swimming," notes a visitor to Somerset Airfield.

Hike around the lake: At Woodford State Park Campground, visitors enjoy the accessible trail circling the water. "There is a beautiful clean swimmable lake with a walking trail around it," mentions one camper. The reservoir loop is approximately 2.5 miles and suitable for most fitness levels.

Visit waterfalls: Multiple cascades are accessible from camping areas near Arlington. A camper at Jamaica State Park Campground shares, "We hiked the west river trail (which leads right out of the campground) to Hamilton falls which is a gravel closed road that follows the west river upstream 2 miles to Hamilton falls trail."

What campers like

Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of certain campgrounds. "The sites are nice and private. The views on some of the sites to the lake are beautiful," notes a visitor to Woodford State Park Campground.

Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathrooms and sites receive consistent mention. At Emerald Lake State Park Campground, a camper observed, "Restrooms are about average for state parks. They were definitely cleaned daily. Don't forget to bring quarters for the shower."

Waterfront access: Direct water access ranks high among camper preferences. One reviewer at Camping On The Battenkill shared, "I stayed right on the river in site 14 with a small popup. The river is beautiful and the site was huge. We did some fishing and swimming."

What you should know

Winter road closures: Forest roads leading to dispersed sites close seasonally. A visitor to Grout Pond Campground advises, "I visited Grout Pond Recreation area on 11/6/22 and found that it was closed to campers. The sites around the pond are being enlarged."

Reservation requirements: Many established campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "Book your site early to get a lean-to or a site near the river," recommends a Jamaica State Park visitor.

Muddy conditions: Spring and after heavy rains, access roads can become challenging. A camper at a dispersed site along Forest Road 71 noted, "This particular campsite is very muddy. Well, at least today it is. I have an SUV and I didn't trust it to get through, and I didn't want to get stuck."

Distance from amenities: Most dispersed camping areas lack facilities. A Grout Pond visitor explains, "Although BEAUTIFUL, the first campsites are a bit of a haul. Getting to the campground alone was crazy- dirt roads and very deep potholes that you can just barely avoid."

Tips for camping with families

Choose campgrounds with playgrounds: Some locations offer kid-friendly facilities. "There are tons of different types of campsites with either tent spots, lean tos, and a few (hard to get) cabins. Bathrooms are plentiful and clean, hot showers for a small price," explains a family staying at Woodford State Park.

Look for swim-friendly water bodies: Safe swimming areas matter for families with children. At Emerald Lake State Park, a visitor notes, "There's a small, sandy beach at one end of the lake, with a bath house and changing rooms nearby. Swimmers can swim out the a small island in the middle of the lake."

Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds are naturally louder than others. "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!" shares a camper at Woodford State Park.

Tips from RVers

Site access challenges: Large rigs face limitations at some campgrounds. A visitor to Dorset RV Park cautions, "Larger rigs might want to avoid loop 6-14, especially for sites 8-12. Tree placement and a pretty sharp 110+ degree turn makes it challenging to maneuver."

Hookup placement: At Camping on the Battenkill, RVers note the convenient arrangement of utilities. "The sites are in pretty wooded areas and quite big, ground is sandy and all have electric/water, picnic table and fire ring," explains one RVer.

Weather preparedness: The elevation means temperature swings even in summer. A Somerset Airfield visitor shares, "We endured Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday, and our main Roadhouse down from the weight of the snow."

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in Arlington, Vermont?

Camping On The Battenkill is one of the top options in Arlington itself, offering spacious wooded sites with electric and water hookups. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, with sandy ground that's easy to set up on. For those willing to venture just outside Arlington, Woodford State Park Campground is an excellent choice between Bennington and Wilmington, featuring the highest elevation of all Vermont state campgrounds. The park surrounds Adams Reservoir and offers two beaches. Other notable options within driving distance include Hapgood Pond in the Green Mountain National Forest and Lake Lauderdale Campground just across the New York border, both offering scenic water access.

Are there RV rental options available in Arlington, Vermont?

Arlington itself has limited RV rental options, but nearby alternatives exist. Brattleboro North KOA is about an hour away and may offer rental RVs on-site or have connections with local rental companies. For those bringing their own RV, Dorset RV Park near Arlington is suitable for larger rigs with water hookups and toilets available. Most visitors to Arlington typically arrange RV rentals from larger nearby towns like Bennington or Rutland, or through online RV rental marketplaces that facilitate owner-to-renter connections. Call campgrounds directly to inquire about on-site rental options or recommendations for local RV rental businesses.

What camping is available near Arlington, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Arlington, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 183 campgrounds and RV parks near Arlington, VT and 19 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Arlington, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Arlington, VT is Camping On The Battenkill with a 4.5-star rating from 20 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Arlington, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 free dispersed camping spots near Arlington, VT.

What parks are near Arlington, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Arlington, VT that allow camping, notably Townshend Lake and Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests.