Camping near Bellows Falls, Vermont offers sites along rivers, mountain trails, and forested areas at elevations ranging from 200 to 1,500 feet. The region experiences cooler summer temperatures than nearby urban areas, with nighttime lows often dropping into the 50s even in July and August. Many campgrounds provide river access with designated swimming areas and boat rentals for water recreation.
What to do
River tubing at Ashuelot River Campground: The campground sits along the Ashuelot River with areas for tubing and kayaking. Visitors can bring their own tubes or rent equipment on site. "Awesome campground with two of the greatest host/owners Chuck and Laura. We have been coming here for years and always enjoy the time spent here. Beautiful river to float down or paddle up. Saw a bald eagle this past weekend while paddling up past the campground," shares Michael M.
Hiking to Hamilton Falls: Located near Jamaica State Park Campground, this 2-mile trail follows the West River before climbing uphill to the 125-foot waterfall. "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," explains Chris D., who adds, "People have lost their lives at these falls so be extra cautious with children around the falls."
Blueberry picking at Tree Farm: Tree Farm Campground in Springfield offers on-site blueberry picking during summer months. "It had well-maintained grounds and some cute activities for the younger kids. Even blueberry picking on site," notes Emily H., who visited during a heat wave and found the campground "very quiet and cool despite the highest temps VT had seen in a long time."
What campers like
Access to multiple ponds and waterways: Pillsbury State Park Campground provides campers with opportunities to explore multiple small bodies of water. "Pillsbury State Park is a small and primitive one. It has less sites than a lot of the other ones. The sites on the water are really nice," reports Brandon C., who adds, "The lake would really be nice for kayaking if you have one."
River swimming spots: Many campers appreciate the natural swimming areas. "At night, we all had a great sleeping night with no crazy neighbors or dogs. I would recommend it to anyone with children or who love to move. And a few miles from there was the ski resort, Bromli Mnt. With fun activities to do in the summer or winter!" shares Meike W. about Jamaica State Park Campground.
No cellular coverage: Some campers specifically seek out locations with limited connectivity. At Winhall Brook Camping Area, Jennifer D. noted "bad phone signal and everything seemed far away," while Brittany B. praised Jamaica State Park's isolation: "small town general store, no cell service and a gorgeous back drop is a perfect spot to just unwind from the real world."
What you should know
Weather conditions affect openings: Some campgrounds experience delayed openings depending on spring conditions. The Brattleboro North KOA officially opens mid-May, but call ahead if planning early season visits.
Campground layouts vary significantly: Some sites offer privacy while others are more communal. At Bald Mountain Campground, Sara Q. observed: "There is no privacy whatsoever to the sites, and sites are one on top of the other... It's a mishmash of sites too -- my tent was squished in between a permanent trailer and a weekend fifth wheeler."
Advance booking essential for river sites: Waterfront campsites are the most sought-after. "The prime lean-to sites on the water are beautiful and spacious," notes M.A.D. P. about Jamaica State Park, while Gail P. explains about Bald Mountain: "River front sites are not usually available for a weekend but you can always access the West River via the 2 beaches set aside for campers."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated play areas: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds and recreation fields. "For us, they also had a playground to play at, and a boat dock to kayak. The bugs were not fun in the summer," reports Meike W. about Jamaica State Park, while Fransheska A. appreciated the "fun playground and nature area for kids. Very family friendly place with beautiful hikes to Hamilton falls."
Consider safer swimming alternatives: Wilgus State Park Campground offers controlled swimming options. "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," notes Kaileigh K., who visited with young children.
Plan for bathroom distances: At some campgrounds, facilities may require a walk. Kaileigh K. observed at Wilgus State Park: "The only downside is there is 1 main bathroom so if you are at either end it can be a bit of a walk."
Tips from RVers
Check for covered bridge restrictions: When traveling to Ashuelot River Campground, be aware of nearby covered bridges with height and weight limits. "Follow the website directions to get here as there are covered bridges in the area with low Clearance and low weight limits," advises John L.
Consider site placement for hookups: At Caton Place Campground, Jim B. warns: "The roads aren't wide enough to take a motorhome into. The pull through site is not level and is barely long enough to fit my 43' rig (with my motorcycle lift)... You have to go down a small hill and bottom out the front and then drag the backend out of the dirt."
Look for level sites with adequate space: John C. at Tree Farm Campground appreciated the "nicely spaced sites, level and welcoming hosts," while David at Caton Place found "easy to drive into the campground and into the site. We had no issues at all."
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