Camping opportunities near Arlington, Vermont, include dispersed options in the Green Mountain National Forest and established campgrounds within state parks. Located between 600-2,400 feet in elevation, this region experiences cool summer evenings with temperatures often dropping into the 50s even in July and August. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from late May through mid-October due to Vermont's winter conditions.
What to do
Pond exploration: Grout Pond Campground offers multiple water-based activities with tent platforms that provide stability during inclement weather. "Most wonderful place! Has an awesome spot to go paddle boarding or kayaking! In fact you can load up your water vessel and go across the lake to your campsite," writes Cortne in their review of Grout Pond Campground.
Riverside hiking: Jamaica State Park features several trails suitable for different ability levels, including a riverside path leading to waterfalls. "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 which then leads up hill for another mile to the falls," notes Chris D. from his experience at Jamaica State Park.
Wildlife viewing: Dispersed camping areas provide opportunities to observe Vermont wildlife in natural settings. A visitor to Stratton Pond Camp reports: "Easy to get to, had service the whole time, fire pits for every spot. I did see a huge blackbear," emphasizing the importance of proper food storage when camping in the Stratton Pond area.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Vermont state parks maintain well-kept bathroom and shower facilities that campers frequently mention in reviews. "The bathrooms were the cleanest campground bathrooms I've ever seen!" writes Jenny A. about her experience at Woodford State Park Campground.
Water features: Swimming areas at established campgrounds provide relief during summer months. At Emerald Lake State Park, "the turquoise water is a dream to cool off in. 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 and check out the rope swing," according to Tara S.'s review of Emerald Lake State Park Campground.
Site spacing: Many campgrounds offer reasonable separation between sites. At Camping On The Battenkill, "We were at site 17, and it was a massive site. Lots of room would be great for a large family or group. The beach on the river is beautiful and clean! Easy swimming for all," writes Christina M. about her camping experience.
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Vermont weather can change rapidly, particularly at higher elevations. One camper describes winter camping at a dispersed site: "Saturday, we got at least 8" more along with sleet, freezing rain, and rain. Saturday evening, we had 3" more by 11pm. Then the fun began as the wind blew the storms out and temperatures plummeted to 8° and a windchill of-3," from a review of Somerset Airfield.
Limited facilities: Dispersed camping areas typically lack amenities like running water or trash service. At George D. Aiken Wilderness Dispersed camping area, one reviewer notes that while "The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on," campers should be aware there are no facilities available.
Site stewardship: Previous campers may leave sites in poor condition. A visitor to dispersed sites along Forest Road 71 shared: "I would have given 5 stars except for the unfortunate fact that 2 years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible campgrounds: Some campgrounds are specifically designed with family-friendly amenities. "Perfect for families! 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. beautiful clean swimmable lake with a walking trail around it," writes Sambath T. about Woodford State Park.
Educational opportunities: Many parks offer natural learning environments for children. At Emerald Lake, "the meadow trail leads to an old cemetery, which is kind of fun to explore," providing historical context for curious young campers.
Activity options: Families benefit from campgrounds with diverse recreation options. One reviewer notes: "My family and I have been camping here for 40 years. 4 of my 5 children learned to ride their bikes on the circle that surrounds the playground," about their experience at Camping on the Battenkill.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Pay attention to campground layout and access road quality when booking RV sites. A reviewer at Dorset RV Park warns: "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," information critical for Dorset RV Park visitors with larger vehicles.
Pet-friendly considerations: For those seeking pet friendly camping near Arlington, Vermont, look for sites with adequate space. "We had our small camper on a tent site to be near the river. Some sites were right on the river, many larger RVs were closer to an open play area/field. There were hookups and dump station. Dog friendly," notes Monica F. about her experience at Camping on the Battenkill.
Seasonal planning: Vermont's seasonal weather affects RV camping conditions significantly. "Tent sites are nice and private near the river. They have laundry and a fenced in dog area that was much appreciated! Almost everyone camping had a dog or 2," writes Katy Z., highlighting that pet friendly camping options near Arlington often fill quickly during peak season.
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