Camping near Bennington, Vermont sits at the transition zone between the Taconic Mountains and Green Mountains, with elevations ranging from 600 feet in the valleys to over 3,600 feet at nearby summits. The area receives approximately 55 inches of precipitation annually, creating a dense mixed hardwood forest ecosystem. Seasonal water levels in local rivers like the Battenkill fluctuate significantly, impacting both fishing conditions and paddling accessibility from mid-May through October.
What to do
River activities: Swimming and tubing are popular at Camping on the Battenkill, where the river provides natural recreation. "The beach on the river is beautiful and clean! Easy swimming for all," notes Christina M., while another visitor mentions, "Friends and I camp here every June, and we love being close to the river. We sleep in tents so the sound of the river put you to sleep at night. We also tube down the river."
Fishing opportunities: The Battenkill River offers world-class trout fishing, with best results during early morning or evening hours. As one seasonal camper at Camping on the Battenkill explains: "Excellent location and quiet campground with Battenkill swimming and world-class trout fishing. It features, wooded, sunny and on the river sites."
Mountain hiking: Multiple trail networks connect the campgrounds to higher elevations. "Great place to camp and access nearby hiking including the AT and LT. Clean lodge (hostel) for hikers; access to a kitchen and showers as well," writes Bran P. about Woodford State Park Campground.
What campers like
Elevation cooling effect: The higher elevation at Woodford State Park means cooler temperatures during summer heat waves. "We love the VT state parks and try to camp there 3-4 times a summer. We heard coyotes at night and loons in the morning," reports Melissa S., highlighting the wildlife viewing opportunities.
Waterfront opportunities: Many campers appreciate the lake access at Pine Hollow Campground, with one visitor noting: "There is a small pond that is fun to fish and swim in. The sites are all set up around the pond. We put our trailer sideways and faced the pond. It was very lovely with a great breeze."
Proximity to towns: The region's campgrounds offer convenient access to nearby communities. Robert K. from Pine Hollow Campground shares: "The owners were very nice and accommodating. We had a late night arrival due to multiple delays during the day and they made it very easy to get in and set up. It is a really cute little campground with a pond and surrounded by small mountains/hills covered in trees."
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: The area has active black bears, requiring proper food storage, particularly at primitive sites. "Bear boxes were provided on each site so that you don't have to keep stinky food or garbage in your car!" notes a camper at Clarksburg State Park Campground, just across the state line.
Campsite drainage: Rain can create water issues at some sites. At Clarksburg State Park, one visitor warns: "Our site (#6) was on a slope, and there was the telltale sign of stormwater runoff tracks running through the middle. We pitched our tents to the left and the right, which worked out well because the next day we had a stream running through our site."
Noise levels vary: Some campgrounds are quieter than others. One camper at George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed reports: "Beautiful, Quiet and restful! It was getting dark when we arrived and it had been raining all day. We just needed a night and it was great."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: When camping with children, choose sites with appropriate facilities. "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," explains one Woodford State Park visitor.
Pool access for hot days: During summer, campgrounds with swimming pools provide relief from the heat. David R. from Pine Hollow Campground shares: "Great atmosphere, friendly owners, pond in the middle with fishing and a dock."
Designated swimming areas: Family-friendly water access is important for safety. At Woodford State Park, "The park has a nice grassy area on the water that's dog-friendly, and a separate little no-dog swimming and paddle boat area," notes one visitor, showing the distinct areas for different users.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for big rigs: Larger RVs need to consider accessibility and site size. A visitor to Mt. Greylock Campsite Park advises: "Some of the sites are up hills and might be difficult for some to park their trailers. We watched a fifth wheel try to back up a hill and then turn into a site and couldn't get a grip because of the incline and the loose gravel."
Electric options for various needs: Several campgrounds offer different hookup combinations. At Camping on the Battenkill, "W/E/S is available at some sites and W/E at others (nearest the river) as well as tent sites. All these sites are very roomy/private, with pull-thrus available and back-ins."
Seasonal considerations: RV camping seasons are limited by weather conditions. A visitor at Greenwood Lodge & Campsites notes: "We arrived an hour after the water was turned off due to freezing temps. We were allowed to fill the fresh tank from the lodge." This illustrates how shoulder season camping requires preparation for changing conditions.
