176 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Bennington, Vermont encompasses a range of options from established state parks to free dispersed sites within the Green Mountain National Forest. Woodford State Park, situated at the highest elevation of all Vermont state campgrounds, surrounds Adams Reservoir and provides waterfront sites, cabins, and tent camping opportunities. Just north of Bennington, Camping on the Battenkill offers riverside sites with full amenities for RVs and tent campers. For those seeking more primitive experiences, the George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed camping area provides free, basic sites with minimal facilities. Greenwood Lodge & Campsites in Bennington and Pine Hollow Campground in nearby Pownal round out the established options with various hookups and amenities.
Most campgrounds in the Bennington area operate seasonally from mid-May through mid-October, with state parks typically opening Memorial Day weekend and closing Columbus Day weekend. Winter camping is extremely limited, with most facilities closed and unplowed. Fire restrictions vary by location and season, with all campfires requiring established fire rings in developed sites. Bear activity is present throughout the region, particularly in the Green Mountain National Forest areas, requiring proper food storage. Weather conditions can change rapidly due to elevation differences, with Woodford State Park notably cooler than valley locations during summer heat waves.
The camping experiences vary significantly by location. State parks like Woodford and nearby Molly Stark offer natural settings with basic amenities including showers, drinking water, and picnic tables, but no electric hookups. According to reviews, "Woodford has two beaches, a larger day-use area with tables and grills and a smaller campers beach in the park's third loop." Private campgrounds provide more amenities including full hookups for RVs, while dispersed sites in the national forest require self-sufficiency with no facilities. Most campgrounds are dog-friendly, though specific rules vary by location. Fall camping is particularly popular for foliage viewing, with one visitor noting that "the fall foliage is unreal" at Woodford State Park.
"The views on some of the sites to the lake are beautiful. the grounds and facilities are well kept. and you are close to both Bennington and Wilmington. a great spot to camp at in Southern Vermont!"
"Woodford State Park is situated between Wilmington and Bennington VT in the southern part of the Green Mountain National Forest."
"Our first time in Vermont and we picked an awesome campground. This place has a great layout with lots of great sites to choose from. There are several sites right on the river!
Clean bath houses."
"Site 16 had a path to the river and was slightly tucked away. Sites 13 and 14 were cool spots too, I’d imagine in the summer you may have less privacy because it’s near the swimming area."
from $45 - $57 / night
Check Availability"We stopped on our way through to Stowe Vermont."
"The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on. There were only about 10 spots along the access road."
"A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."
"I got in around the afternoon and there were already a few camp sites taken. Which is to be expected on the fourth."
"Great little campground close to Albany. We needed a place to stop for the night but could have stayed all weekend. There is a small pond that is fun to fish and swim in."
"It is a really cute little campground with a pond and surrounded by small mountains/hills covered in trees. We had a full hookup site and everything worked well."
from $41 - $57 / night
Check Availability"There are two lakes and another nearby. It is close to many hiking trails. We arrived an hour after the water was turned off due to freezing temps."
"Absolutely beautiful campsites near water, good facilities and a cozy lodge space."
"Nestled in the Berkshires and basically walking distance to Vermont, Clarksburg State Park provides a comfortable and semi-private tent site."
"Our site was right next to another with little in between and our neighbors had a big rig and ran the generator long chunks of the day."
from $17 - $55 / night
Check Availability"We arrived at the shelter and there were some campers we greeted and then we pitched a tent nearby (vincinity camping allowed)."
"The site was clean, dry, and a nice walk off the main trail. The staff was friendly as well. We hikes around during the days and saw some spectacular views."
from $8 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Great access to Mt Greylock and LOTS of hiking close by. Staff was so accommodating-always willing to spend time giving recommendations."
"Great family atmosphere w very positive neighbors and owners... Fantastic. 5 stars"
from $40 - $70 / night
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GuideWe love camping in VT State parks and this is another humdinger of a park. Lots of room between sites, well-cared for, walkable to lovely lake… excellent camping experience.
ScoutOnly about 7-8 spots to camp but super spread out down a gravel road. I pulled in at 8 ish and grabbed the last or one of the last spots. Super quiet and out of the way
LegendPros- easy on off of the interstate. Very nice people! Nicely kept grounds. Cool camp store. Nice playground and green space. Scenic small river runs along the back of the property. Beautiful surrounding area!
Cons- swimming isn't allowed in the river! It's crystal clear and deep in spots right next to camp sites. Crushing blow that we couldn't play in it. Sites pretty tight. Moderate highway noise. Only full hookup sites are up by the highway without any nature to speak of.
If you are like us and want to play in the creek, drive or walk a half a mile up the road and take a little path right before the low bridge. Great swimming hole in some of the clearest water I have ever seen.
ScoutI originally was scheduled to be working the whole weekend but ended up getting the time off and rushed to somewhere I could camp on the fourth. I got in around the afternoon and there were already a few camp sites taken. Which is to be expected on the fourth. I left on the 6th and it does seem that there’s a continuous flow of people in and out of the sites but for the most part it’s quiet and you can’t hear your neighbors. Law enforcement does drive by about once or twice a day which is nice. There is probably 4-5 usable sites. There are a few spots that someone could back a trailer into but I drive a hatchback so take that information as you will. It also looks to be that there are at least 2-3 sites that have become overgrown unclear if they are official sites or just large pull offs. Be wary in a small car that many of the entrances to the sites are either muddy and deeply rutted or a combination of steep and rutted out. Great place would definitely come back in the fall
TravelerOverall, it was fairly quiet, considering it was the Fourth of July there were somebody in the parking lot set off a couple of small fireworks, but it was a quick woo hoo. There are some run down trailers and some trash sadly. :( please pack it in pack it out! And Patronage to the distillery who provides this free parking. Lots of vehicles in/ out during the day. Great hike to fire tower. Lots of bugs (horseflies, knots and mosquitoes) no shade so be prepared if it’s hot. Hogback Mt gift shop and museum across street must stop. Trailhead for fire tower next to distillery.
GuideAdjacent to Green Mtn National Forest, situated in a beautiful meadow with dozens of apple trees, visited by wild animals of every kind, wild berries, giant fire pit & walking distance to swimming hole in river, beer shop, pizza shop, coffee shop, restaurant, cannabis dispensary, bike shop, kayak/paddle board shop, ski and snowboard shop, general store, fuel stop… but in sight of none of it! Beautiful sunsets and sunrises with wide open southern sky, stretching to both the east and west!
TravelerI called as we were 3 hours away for a spot for the night. The lady who answered was amazing and asked everything to pick us the right spot. We showed up after hours and found our spot. It was so peaceful and so beautiful. Bathrooms were extremely clean! I recommend this spot to everyone! Well worth it!
ScoutJust about what you would expect in a national forest. Nice dirt road without too many potholes. As far as I can tell about 10 different sites, maybe more, all spaced out enough you don’t see anyone else. No toilet or water but there is a fire ring.
ScoutThis year we returned to Clarksburg state park, and again, we were blown away by the beauty of the park. Plenty of families stayed during the weekend, but the site never fails to give the isolation needed from the noise.
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.
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.
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."
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."
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near Bennington, VT?
Woodford State Park Campground is consistently rated as one of the best options near Bennington. Located in the southern part of Green Mountain National Forest, it offers private sites, beautiful lake views, and clean facilities. Many campers appreciate its proximity to both Bennington and Wilmington. Another excellent choice is Clarksburg State Park Campground, just across the Massachusetts border. This quiet park in the Berkshires provides a peaceful retreat while remaining within easy driving distance of Vermont attractions. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Greenwood Lodge & Campsites offers a traditional camping experience closer to downtown Bennington.
How much does camping in Bennington, VT typically cost?
Camping costs around Bennington vary by amenities and location. At Hapgood Pond in the Green Mountain National Forest, sites run about $10 per night, making it one of the most affordable options in the area. For those looking for free camping, Hog Mountain Trailhead provides overnight parking for up to 48 hours at no cost. State parks like Woodford typically charge $18-30 per night depending on residency and amenities. Private campgrounds like Pine Hollow or Greenwood Lodge will generally cost $25-45 per night for basic tent sites, while full-service RV sites with hookups can range from $35-60. Many campgrounds offer weekly rates at a discount.
What tent camping options are available in Bennington, VT?
Jamaica State Park Campground offers 41 tent/RV sites and 18 lean-tos, some situated right on the West River. The park provides private, quiet camping while still offering plenty of activities. For a tent camping experience at higher elevation, Brattleboro North KOA is another option within driving distance of Bennington. It features tent sites with amenities like clean bathrooms, laundry facilities, and recreational activities for families. In addition, Lake Lauderdale Campground is just 20 minutes from the Vermont border and offers beautiful lakeside tent sites. Most campgrounds in the area provide standard amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restroom facilities.
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