4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Wilgus State Park Campground along the Connecticut River accepts dogs throughout its compact riverside camping area, with sites spaced far enough apart to maintain privacy even when pets are present. Mount Ascutney State Park Campground also welcomes pets with clean, recently painted lean-tos providing ample space for campers and their four-legged companions. Both campgrounds offer fire rings and picnic tables at each site, with trash disposal available for pet waste. Tree Farm Campground features a dedicated dog park with toys included, allowing pets to exercise off-leash in a controlled environment. Most pet-friendly sites in the area accommodate tents, RVs, and some even offer cabins where dogs can stay with their owners. The campgrounds maintain clean facilities with many campers reporting that rangers and staff are particularly helpful to visitors with pets.
The hiking trails around Mount Ascutney provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs, with multiple routes of varying difficulty levels leading to the 3,200-foot summit with spectacular views. Nearby Crown Point Camping Area offers access to a pond and lagoon where some visitors bring their dogs for water activities during warmer months. Campers should note that while most sites welcome pets, the standard rules apply - dogs must be leashed when not in designated off-leash areas, and owners are expected to clean up after their animals. Several reviewers noted that Tree Farm Campground owners are particularly accommodating to pets and will assist campers experiencing difficulties with their equipment. Wildlife sightings are common in the area, so keeping dogs leashed protects both local animals and pets. The Vermont state parks in this region consistently maintain clean facilities and enforce quiet hours, creating a peaceful environment even when the campgrounds are at capacity with multiple pets present.
"Wilgus State Park is the first Vermont state park to open each spring, well before Memorial Day each year."
"A walking path runs in front of all the sites. Most sites have an obstructed water view of the Connecticut river. There is a vegitation barrier between the sites and the river."
from $20 - $30 / night
"I did some research and poking around on the interwebs, and discovered Mt. Ascutney State Park in Windsor, VT."
"Vermont parks are just some the most lush you’ve ever seen."
"Clean and quiet, good for kids and pets are welcome. There are 2 bathrooms with coin operated showers. There are sites for campers, tents, and a handful of lean tos."
"The Quechee Gorge, best accessed from the back of the lawn behind the bathhouse, is the deepest in Vermont.. which is kind of like saying the best bagel or most populous city in Vermont."
from $38 / night
"We were mostly looking for somewhere to disconnect for a couple of days, cook outside, fish a little, and enjoy being away from home. Crow’s Nest was a great fit for that."
"Getting our RV situated was easy and we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay."
from $32 - $115 / night
"Easy to drive into the campground and into the site. We had no issues at all. Hosts were very friendly and helpful. Campground was very clean and well manicured."
"There's a cozy lounge room to hang out in with games, books, crayons, and puzzles; a dog park with toys included; and fabulous hiking trails with lots to see, including a pond, waterfalls, and streams."
"While searching online we learned that Vermont state parks do not have hook ups. We are a family of five with a pop up pull behind and the Glamping lifestyle is a little bit easier on us these days ."
from $26 - $36 / night
"Take a walk to the picnic pavilion which has a great view. Trail around Slack Hill has view of Ascutney. Pavilion and some shelters look over to Kiliington. CCC trail cuts through."
"This place gets my vote for best campground in Vermont. Especially true if you're lucky enough to get one of the few sites on the outside of A loop that has a Lean-to with a view."
"They have scheduled events that occur including family and adult only fire truck rides around the campground."
"This is a great campground set in a thick pine forest near a large pond. They have a lagoon for swimming and a children's playground. Hiking trails nearby. Canoes for rent."
from $50 - $132 / night
"This place was very clean and loaded with amenities: pool, dog park, events, open fields, deer, store, etc."
"Our site, was located in the back of the park in a quieter section because it was away from most of the activities and park entrance."
"Many campsites are on the lake. None are very far from the lake. There are also a few 'remote' campsites that are not accessable by car. They are accessable by a sort walk or boat. "
"Pillsbury resides in a very pretty spot nestled around a lake. There are campsites that are car accesable and remote campsites only accessable by boat. Canoe rentals are available at the park."
from $29 - $40 / night
ScoutIt was dark. I arrived after 7p. There were 3 rv camps already going on. All 3 had camp fires. Many fire rings for many groups. No hassles at all. It's off the beaten path but worth it. The first 4 camp sites were open. Made a fire. Ate some food. I got a good night sleep. Nothing ate me or attacked me so that's 5 star in my book.
ScoutThe recreation hall was a nice surprise. We had some rainy weather one afternoon and the kids were able to play games while we relaxed for a bit. Saved the day honestly😂
ScoutWe came up looking for a campground where we could actually spend a few days without constantly driving somewhere. Ended up fishing, swimming, walking along the river and exploring the area. The campground gave us plenty to do, but it was also nice having the option to just sit at the campsite and do nothing. Would definitley come back.
ScoutWe have a big RV and had no trouble getting settled in. Having the full hookups made things super easy, especially for a longer stay.
TravelerGorgeous pond filled with lily pads!
TravelerNice and peaceful spot with a trail that leads to a brook in the woods! Beautiful fall leaves throughout property
ScoutNothing beats sitting by the river after a long day of exploring. We visited a few places around the Lake Sunapee area and this was a really convenient home base.
GuideThere was a few sites 5-6 we didn’t get to the eastern loop. But the sites we saw were very secluded. All had fire pits ours had a picnic table. And was right next to the creek. Would highly recommend if you want to get away from city lights. All sites are not maintained. We had a small off road camper it was easy In and out some sites could be hard with larger pull behinds. Some sites might need 4wd to get in and out we had lots of mud after a lot of rain.
ScoutWe brought the kids and they found plenty to do. Between the pool, river and recreation area, they were pretty much entertained the entire trip.
Ascutney camping offers diverse terrain at elevations ranging from 800 to 3,200 feet, providing cooler temperatures even during summer heat waves. The Connecticut River Valley location creates a unique microclimate with approximately 10-15 more frost-free days than surrounding mountainous areas. Most campsites in this region open in early May, with some like Wilgus State Park opening weeks before other Vermont parks.
Hiking to waterfalls: A 2.9-mile Weathersfield Trail leads to Mount Ascutney's summit with several lookout points along the way. At Mount Ascutney State Park Campground, the trails provide varying difficulty levels. "It was a challenge, but well worth it. There were several lookout points with spectacular views. I highly recommend it!" reports Emma N.
Kayaking connected ponds: Pillsbury State Park Campground offers multiple connected ponds perfect for flat-water paddling. "Kayaking on May Pond and discovering little islands and coves was a highlight," shares Jessica N. Rentals are available on-site for those without equipment.
Mountain biking trails: Local trail networks provide options for all skill levels. "The state park maintains its own mountain biking trail loop, which is accessible directly from the campground. It is a 3 mile beginner friendly loop, with some nice rollers and moderate terrain," notes Rita M. who stayed at Mount Ascutney State Park.
Swimming in natural spots: Local swimming holes provide refreshing alternatives to crowded beaches. "There is a great local pond for swimming that had dive docks, diving boards and lifeguards on duty that was less than 10 minutes away," explains Kaileigh K. from Wilgus State Park.
Privacy between sites: Coolidge State Park Campground offers well-spaced sites with natural buffers. "Our site was beautiful, very generously sized, relatively private and nicely shaded," shares Rachel P. The campground's location on a wooded mountainside enhances this separation.
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards remain high across the region's campgrounds. "The grounds and facilities are immaculate," notes Susan E. about Wilgus State Park. Many campsites feature recently renovated shower buildings and restrooms.
River access: Direct pathways to the Connecticut River make water activities convenient. "We loved walking the trail behind the campsites along the river to the beautiful vista views with a group with young kids, rented kayaks and fished from the boat launch," shares Kaileigh K. who camped at Wilgus.
Wildlife viewing: Quechee State Park Campground provides opportunities to spot local wildlife in their natural habitat. "There is a short trail from the visitor center to the bottom of the gorge, and on fall weekends it's super crowded. The park is close to good shopping," writes Tara S., noting that early morning visits offer the best experience.
Road noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds due to proximity to highways. "The road nearby is noisy. Because of its location, you can hear both the local highway and I91. If being in the quiet wilderness is important to you, than this campground might not work out," warns Rita M. about Mount Ascutney State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Ascutney, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Ascutney, VT is Wilgus State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Ascutney, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 157 dog-friendly camping locations near Ascutney, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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