Recreational opportunities abound near Bellows Falls, Vermont, a small town situated along the Connecticut River in Windham County at approximately 300 feet above sea level. The region features abundant waterways and mountainous terrain that create diverse camping environments from riverside sites to higher elevation woodland settings. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing with summer highs averaging in the mid-70s to low 80s, making May through October the prime camping season.
What to do
Paddle the Ashuelot River: The river provides calm waters perfect for beginners and families. Ashuelot River Campground offers direct water access where "We brought our kayaks and had no problem kayaking on the flat surface river," according to Karen O. The campground also provides canoe and kayak rentals plus a shuttle service.
Explore hiking trails: Several state parks offer hiking options within 30 minutes of Bellows Falls. Woodford State Park features a pleasant lake trail and "access to a kitchen and showers as well" for thru-hikers on the nearby Appalachian and Long Trails, notes Bran P.
Visit Quechee Gorge: Often called Vermont's "Little Grand Canyon," this 165-foot deep gorge is accessible via a short trail. "There is a 'campers only' access trail to Quechee Gorge that we took advantage of, which then gave us access to the Dewey Pond trail," explains Chris A.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campers consistently mention site size as a key factor in their experience. At Crow's Nest Campground, visitors appreciate that "there are some nice spots by the river. Most sites do not have much privacy, but the campground itself is very quiet and clean. Sites 66 & 55 seemed to be the most private."
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness ranks high in positive reviews. At Molly Stark State Park Campground, a camper noted, "THE BATHROOM was the best I've seen camping very clean and updated and honestly gorgeous. Everyone else there was super nice and quiet."
Waterfront access: Many campgrounds near Bellows Falls feature river or lake frontage. Wayne B. describes Ashuelot River Campground as a "Great riverfront location. Huge sites and a very helpful owner. What more could you want?"
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the area operate between May and October, with state parks typically running from Memorial Day to Columbus Day weekend. Always check current schedules before planning your trip.
Limited cell service: Many camping areas have spotty coverage. Prepare offline maps and information before arrival.
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during peak season. Emerald Lake State Park Campground is particularly in demand, with one visitor advising, "This is a popular camp ground so reserve as early as 11 months before arrival."
Weather considerations: The area experiences significant seasonal variation. A camper at Crow's Nest noted, "Weather did not permit us to try all the activities such as the pool and river."
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer programming specifically for children. At Quechee State Park Campground, "Rangers also run fun programs for children- my children churned butter and made popcorn over the campfire one night, and made tie dyed T-shirts the next (for no fee)."
Consider site location carefully: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain. At Emerald Lake, a visitor warns, "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."
Seek out swim areas: Look for campgrounds with designated swimming spots for children. Woodford State Park offers "a beautiful clean swimmable lake with a walking trail around it," perfect for families with energetic kids.
Tips from RVers
Watch for covered bridges: The region has numerous historic covered bridges that may restrict RV access. A camper at Ashuelot River Campground advises, "Follow the website directions to get here as there are covered bridges in the area with low Clearance and low weight limits."
Consider pull-through sites: At Caton Place Campground, David reports, "Camped here Labor Day Weekend in our 40 ft 5th wheel. We had a pull thru site. Easy to drive into the campground and into the site. We had no issues at all."
Check road width and site levelness: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. One RVer warned about a specific campground, "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."
