Camping options near Bellows Falls, Vermont include state parks, private campgrounds, and rustic wilderness sites for tent and RV campers. The Connecticut River valley sits at approximately 300 feet elevation, flanked by the Green Mountains to the west and rolling New Hampshire hills to the east. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F, with September and October bringing cooler nights but colorful foliage camping conditions.
What to do
Waterfall hiking trails: At Jamaica State Park Campground, visitors can access multiple waterfront paths. "There is plenty of trails in the area and you can go to the waterfall/rock slides and take a dip in the pools," notes Jackie G. The park provides "great hiking or biking along the West River," according to Chris S.
Kayaking and canoeing: Pillsbury State Park Campground offers paddling options on their small lakes. "Kayaking on May Pond and discovering little islands and coves was a highlight," reports Jessica N. The park offers on-site boat rentals, making it accessible for travelers without their own equipment.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds provide water access, though conditions vary by location. "The sandy beach is nice but the swimming area is quite weedy," warns one visitor to Sandy Beach Campground. At Pillsbury State Park, one camper advises: "Swimming in the stream is safe but the lake is loaded with leeches!"
What campers like
Peaceful forest settings: Many campers appreciate the wooded environments. At Tree Farm Campground, visitors enjoy "spacious, wooded sites" with "plenty of room" between neighbors. One camper described their experience: "We needed some serious forest bathing and spontaneously decided to head to the green mountains."
Clean facilities: Kampfires (formerly Hidden Acres) receives consistent praise for maintenance standards. "The bathrooms are beautifully redone and clean. The laundry room is pretty good too," according to one reviewer. Another specifically mentioned they "have the cleanest and nicest shower you will find in a campground."
Seasonal activities: Many campgrounds host special events during operating months. At Kampfires, "they have a large area where they have festivals. We were here when they had a food festival with live music...it was fun," recalls one visitor. The campground also features mini-golf, a pool, and a store with ice cream.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have restricted connectivity. At Jamaica State Park, campers report "no cell service" which creates "a perfect spot to just unwind from the real world." Some campgrounds like Pillsbury note that "Campsites have cell service" but it varies by carrier and location.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak season. At Seven Maples Campground, midweek stays often have better availability: "Our stay was during the week so it wasn't very crowded." Weekends and holiday periods fill up quickly throughout the region.
Seasonal operations: Nearly all campgrounds close by mid-October. The camping season typically begins in May, with Jamaica State Park opening "May 12 to Columbus Day weekend," while others like Crow's Nest operate with similar seasonal calendars to avoid winter weather challenges.
Payment methods: Some campgrounds have limited payment options. At Pillsbury State Park, "Everything is cash here, no cards accepted except when reserving a site online," notes a visitor. Having cash on hand for firewood, site fees, and other purchases is recommended.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming pools and playgrounds: Several campgrounds offer kid-friendly water features. At Seven Maples, "our son liked the playground and it was unfortunately too cold for the pool but it looked fun! It has a big slide and what looks like a splash pad," reports Alison S.
Nature exploration opportunities: Jamaica State Park Campground provides educational experiences near camp. "For us, they also had a playground to play at, and a boat dock to kayak," mentions one visitor. Another adds that it's a "very family friendly place with beautiful hikes to Hamilton falls."
Weekend activity planning: Family-oriented programming varies by location. "Lots of great kids events around the holidays, basketball court, swimming, etc.," notes a Seven Maples visitor. Another camper appreciated that "the campground staff was very friendly and attentive," making their family feel welcome.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness considerations: At Dorset RV Park, RVers should note site variations. "Our site was level but some definitely were not," reports one camper. Tree placement can also affect access: "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."
Seasonal site selection: Crow's Nest Campground offers riverfront options with some tradeoffs. "The river sites are pretty close together with little privacy," notes one visitor, though they provide scenic views. Another camper suggests: "Sites in back are ok with trees and different levels."
Power adequacy: Some RVers report electrical supply issues at certain campgrounds. At Seven Maples, one camper noted: "Had issues with 30 amp service at site was not providing enough power, could not run all my campers amenities." This suggests bringing power management equipment for stays in the region.
