Woodford State Park and surrounding campgrounds offer natural wooded settings with elevations ranging from 1,900 to 2,400 feet above sea level. Located in Vermont's Green Mountains, the region experiences cool summer nights with temperatures typically dropping into the 50s even during July and August. Most camping areas feature forested sites on hilly terrain with distinct seasonal access limitations.
What to do
Hiking access: Mount Greylock State Reservation provides numerous trail connections directly from campsites. "Trails also leave here and head to the summit of Greylock or to the Stony Ledge Overlook," notes Jean C. from Sperry Road Campground.
Kayaking and canoeing: The reservoir at Woodford provides calm waters suitable for paddling. "The reservoir is beautiful- plenty of space to spread out for paddling and swimming," reports Melissa S. Clarksburg State Park offers similar opportunities with reviewers noting, "Great for kayaking or Stand up paddling."
Swimming options: Multiple water bodies provide swimming access beyond Woodford's beaches. At Camping On The Battenkill, Christina M. describes "The beach on the river is beautiful and clean! Easy swimming for all." Several campgrounds offer alternatives to the more crowded state park beaches.
Wildlife observation: The region supports diverse wildlife including black bears, owls, and aquatic species. At Mount Greylock, visitors mention that "black bears live in the park" while at Woodford, campers report hearing "coyotes at night and loons in the morning."
What campers like
Privacy variations: Site privacy differs significantly between campgrounds. At Pine Hollow Campground, Erin O. notes "We put our trailer sideways and faced the pond. It was very lovely with a great breeze." Consider outer loop sites for more seclusion at several campgrounds.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain exceptionally clean facilities. At Molly Stark State Park, Beck P. mentions "THE BATHROOM was the best I've seen camping very clean and updated and honestly gorgeous." Similarly, Lawrence P. describes Greenwood Lodge as having "sites are pretty level and well maintained."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing access beyond what's available at Woodford. David A. from Pine Hollow notes their "swimming/fishing pond" while the Battenkill River provides "world-class trout fishing" according to Judy J., making these locations popular with anglers.
Natural sounds: Many campers value the natural soundscape. Heidi R. describes Mount Greylock as "SO PEACEFUL! You will hear the bard owls call at night and not much else." At Camping on the Battenkill, reviewers appreciate "the sound of the river put you to sleep at night."
What you should know
Limited services: Most dispersed camping areas lack basic amenities. At George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, campers report "no services" but note "att cell reception" is available, making it suitable for those prepared for self-sufficient camping.
Weather considerations: The mountain location brings variable conditions. Matthew D. found a "Large open site just off of Forest Road 273" but other reviewers noted some NFR 273 sites "were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck."
Seasonal limitations: Operating dates vary but generally run mid-May through mid-October. Molly Stark State Park operates "Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend" while Camping on the Battenkill runs "End of April to mid-October." Reservations for holiday weekends often fill months in advance.
Noise factors: Proximity to roads affects sound levels. Angelica H. notes Molly Stark is "not the quietest campground" during the day due to being "on Route 9" but "at night its great." Site selection can significantly impact noise exposure.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly environments: Several campgrounds specifically accommodate families. At Greenwood Lodge & Campsites, campers appreciate the "beautiful setting" with "two lakes" and mention the "cozy lodge space" makes it welcoming for all ages.
Activity planning: Organized programs exist at select locations. At Clarksburg State Park, "Rangers provided programming for kids and families on the weekends" according to Kaileigh K., offering structured activities beyond self-directed recreation.
Site selection for families: Consider specific site locations based on family needs. At Woodford, one reviewer noted "If you're looking for a quiet spot maybe don't look here. If you have kids and don't mind them making friends and roaming the campground then this is great!"
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment. At Aqua Vista Valley Campgrounds, Mary F. reports "We went for the Halloween event, and the kids had a great day and evening! They really enjoyed trick or treating!!!" showing the seasonal activities available.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RV sites vary considerably in size and layout. At Camping on the Battenkill, "Our site has S/W/E with cable and wifi, and is nicely shaded-25b" reports Judy J., demonstrating the specific hookup options available for larger rigs.
Hookup availability: Electric and water options differ between campgrounds. Pine Hollow Campground offers "sites with Electric and Water hook up" and "sewer hook up available also" according to Andrzej K., providing more services than state parks typically offer.
Access considerations: Road conditions affect RV accessibility. Robert K. found Pine Hollow accommodating, noting "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," highlighting the practical access information.
Seasonal site options: Some campgrounds offer longer-term arrangements. Kim H. at Aqua Vista explains "We chose a site right by the river and were able to adjust it to our needs" as seasonal campers, showing the flexibility for extended stays at private campgrounds.
