Quechee-Pine Valley KOA campground features well-maintained pet areas and accommodates dogs across its tent sites, RV spaces, and cabins. The fenced dog park provides ample space for pets to run off-leash after being confined during travel. Nearby Abel Mountain Campground and Silver Lake State Park also welcome pets with specific amenities designed for four-legged campers. Most campgrounds in the region maintain a clean, pet-friendly environment with designated waste disposal stations. Sites are typically level and spacious enough for camping setups that include pet gear. The Quechee KOA receives consistently positive reviews for its pristine grounds and pet policies, though one reviewer noted it's "not tent friendly" compared to its RV accommodations.
Riverside sites at Henderson's Hideaway offer direct water access where dogs can splash and cool off during summer camping trips. Many campgrounds maintain walking paths along waterways perfect for daily pet exercise. Lake Champagne Resort features separate dog parks for large and small dogs, enhancing safety for all pets. The region's extensive trail system includes sections of the Appalachian Trail accessible with leashed pets. Wildlife encounters require vigilance when camping with dogs, particularly during dawn and dusk hours. White River access points provide swimming opportunities for water-loving breeds during warmer months. Temperatures in Vermont's camping season (typically May through October) range from comfortable to occasionally chilly at night, requiring appropriate pet bedding or shelter options.
$38 / night
"Clean and quiet, good for kids and pets are welcome. There are 2 bathrooms with coin operated showers. There are sites for campers, tents, and a handful of lean tos."
"The Quechee Gorge, best accessed from the back of the lawn behind the bathhouse, is the deepest in Vermont.. which is kind of like saying the best bagel or most populous city in Vermont."
"This place was very clean and loaded with amenities: pool, dog park, events, open fields, deer, store, etc."
"Our site, was located in the back of the park in a quieter section because it was away from most of the activities and park entrance."
"Decent bathroom situation--I've seen better and I've seen worse in Vermont."
"The park is amazingly clean, well run, located just of RT 4 and very near to Killington, Vermont. It has multiple lean-to sites which are in wooded areas."
"Surrounded by breathtaking mountain-scapes. Facilities are nice and the lake is lovely with some great fishing. You can swim, walk around it or rent a vessel to cruise around in."
"Enjoy the serenity of the forest surrounding you, while you glimpse stars, and warm your innards beside a fire."
"Campsites are spread out, great dog walking areas , and very spacious dog parks, one for big dos and one for little ones."
"I chose to stay here while I was finishing up the VT 4000-footers because it was midway between the trails for Mt Ellen/Abram and Killington."
"This place gets my vote for best campground in Vermont. Especially true if you're lucky enough to get one of the few sites on the outside of A loop that has a Lean-to with a view."
"My wife and I along with our dog Wyatt make an annual trip to CC. There is a great secluded site off the road into the park."
$45 / night
"I spent a couple of days at Abel Mountain with my dog, and we both had a nice stay."
"WE camp on a site on the river, some sites you can hear the river rushing over the rocks and some not but we like the view of the river when outside. "
ScoutThis is one of our favorite places to camp in Vermont. The sites are fairly private without being built too close together. Lake is clean and has a great concrete dock that the kids love to jump off. They have boat rentals and nature tours on the lake led by the state park faculty. When the kids get tired from swimming they're a nice beach area and playground.
GuideVery nice, clean campsite. Staff are very friendly and helpful. Campsites are spread out, great dog walking areas , and very spacious dog parks, one for big dos and one for little ones.
GuideWe just spent 5 days at this wonderful campground. They have paid attention to all of the finer details. Beautiful landscaping, well leveled sites, very clean and neat. The staff is wonderful. My only disappointment with the camp is that there are only a few sites with sewer hookup. However, the dumping station is conveniently located, so if you have a small tank, daily trips are not a problem. There is plenty to do in the area - Littleton is a beautiful little town. The old houses in are incredible. New Hampshire is not a dog friendly state, but a short Drive into Vermont gets you access to many fine restaurants where you can bring your dog. Be sure to visit Dog Mountain in Vermont- a truly touching memorial to departed pets.
LegendThis tops our list for camping in Vermont. There is so much to do here, and yet the campground feels very private and quiet. There are 41 tent/RV sites to choose from and 18 lean-tos. Some of the lean-tos are situated right on the West River, but they are well-loved and coveted so we've never actually stayed in one.
For our July trip, we stayed in the Juniper lean-to, which is incredibly quiet and near the overlook hiking trail. The park is small enough to walk to the swimming area from your campsite, as well as into town. Note that you will not get cell service here, but if you walk into the village of Jamaica, you will find Wi-Fi hotspots at the library or the grocery store.
Here are all the awesome things to do in Jamaica State Park:
Learn about the first peoples who lived here: The area along the West River was an important trade route for the Abenaki tribe. Throughout the park, there are interpretive signs with lots of information about the Abenaki, as well as the archaeological dig that was conducted here in 2010.
2. Cool off in the West River: The main swimming area is at Salmon Hole, right in the campground, but you can swim anywhere in the West River. It's awesome!
Ride your bike to the Ball Mountain Dam: There's a bike trail that leads from the campground all the way to the federally-owned Ball Mountain Dam, which provides great views of Ball Mountain Lake and the surrounding mountains. It's a 5-mile ride from the campground, round-trip.
Learn about Jamaica's railroad history: It's crazy that the rail trail was really a railroad at the turn of the century. It's a narrow, mountainous route. As you ride along the trail, stop and read the signs. No wonder it was called 36 miles of trouble!
5. Hike the Overlook Trail: It's a 2.5-mile loop that brings you up on a ridge with great views.
Hike to Hamilton Falls: It's actually easier to bike part of the way on the rail trail and then hike the 1.1 miles to the falls. Otherwise, it's a 6-mile hike round-trip. Hamilton falls is 125 feet tall, and one of the loveliest waterfalls in Vermont.
Walk into the village of Jamaica for donuts: Seriously! Head to D&K Grocery for the best donuts ever, or stock up on camping provisions.
TravelerWe stayed in a cabin with our pup. This place was very clean and loaded with amenities: pool, dog park, events, open fields, deer, store, etc. This was glamping with a fire pit 😃 There were plenty of sites for all size RV’s with hook-ups. A town with lots to do and see is nearby including hiking trails.
LegendWilgus State Park is the first Vermont state park to open each spring, well before Memorial Day each year. While it's still pretty cold for camping in Vermont in early May, you can get a jump start on the season by renting one of the four camping cabins. I'll admit that I haven't stayed in one of the Wilgus cabins, but they are pretty much the same all over Vermont - nothing fancy - just four solid walls, bunk beds, and a small table.
Usually when we stay at Wilgus State Park, we rent a lean-to or stay in site #16, which is the very last tent site, and the most private. All sites have a great view of the river, but I won't go so far as to call them waterfront as there is a bank covered with lush foliage between the sites and the water. There is also a short trail that runs between the campsites and the water - a great place to watch the sunrise!
The best part about camping here is getting out on the water. You can rent kayaks and canoes, and the river moves slowly enough to paddle up stream. There is also a shuttle service run by Great River Outfitters upstream in Windsor. If you make reservations, the come to the park (I think on Wednesdays and Fridays), and they will pick you up in the morning, drive you up river to Windsor, outfit you with a canoe or kayak, and let you paddle back to the park. Later in the evening they will come back and pick up the boats. If you choose this option, be sure to stop at Artisan Park, right on the river and have lunch at Harpoon Brewery.
The campground is really small (under 25 sites) and super quiet. Restrooms are clean. There is a short hiking trail, which is just okay - no views or anything. The ranger has been there for years and is an expert fisherman. He's got lots of tips if you ask. For good hiking, be sure to check out Mt. Ascutney, which is just a few miles away.
ScoutWe are pleasantly surprised! The adage "you get what you pay for" just isn't true here. This campground is my new favorite. The owners, Liz and Ben, are super friendly, easy-going, and welcoming. The campground is clean and quiet, with sites that are spacious and private. The wifi is pretty darn good. There's a cozy lounge room to hang out in with games, books, crayons, and puzzles; a dog park with toys included; and fabulous hiking trails with lots to see, including a pond, waterfalls, and streams.
We'll definitely be returning!
TravelerClean and quiet, good for kids and pets are welcome. There are 2 bathrooms with coin operated showers. There are sites for campers, tents, and a handful of lean tos. It’s a short hike down to Quechee Gorge, where you can cool off in the shallow water.
It’s very close to Quechee village and Woodstock so there are plenty of other activities, shopping, and dining options near by.
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.)
Pets are welcome.
ScoutWe travelled as a group with family (4 sites). When we booked all our sites were right next to each other. When we arrived not a single one of us were even on the same road. The biggest issue with this, is that there were plenty of sites available next to each other. My parents paid for 50 amp electric and the site next to them was using it instead of the 30amp they were meant to have. Also, while the campground is pet friendly, a warning about free roaming chickens would have been nice. I would not have brought my (prey driven) dogs if I had known there were free roaming chickens.
Camping options near South Royalton, Vermont range from state parks to privately owned facilities, with most sites available from May through October. Summer temperatures typically reach highs in the 70s-80s°F, while evenings can drop into the 50s even in midsummer. The White River watershed provides natural water features at many campgrounds, though sites along the river may flood during spring runoff.
Hiking to scenic overlooks: Gifford Woods State Park Campground offers direct access to multiple trails including a section of the Appalachian Trail. "We were able to walk to the gorge as well as to the Antique mall. The staff was very friendly and accommodating with us," notes William P. from Quechee State Park Campground.
Swimming in natural settings: Natural water features provide cooling options during summer months. "There is a beach with wading depth, sand for playing, buoys to mark the shallow area, a large dock to jump from with a ladder for climbing out," explains Hannah H. from Silver Lake State Park Campground.
Ranger-led programs: State parks offer educational activities for visitors. "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)," says Jen B. from Quechee State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campsites provide fishing access. "There are great picnic spots located off to the side all along the water front with more fishing opportunities," notes Hannah H. from Silver Lake State Park Campground.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks high among camper priorities. "The park is amazingly clean, well run, located just of RT 4 and very near to Killington, Vermont. It has multiple lean-to sites which are in wooded areas. Cool stone bathrooms and playing fields for kids," says Sarah K. from Gifford Woods State Park Campground.
Privacy between sites: Site spacing impacts overall camping satisfaction. "The campsites are all wooded. Some are private, while others are a little crowded together," explains Tara S. from Quechee State Park Campground.
Water recreation options: Access to water features provides recreation opportunities. "Rowboats, paddleboats, cannoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards are all available for rent during the day and the dock where the boats are stored is a great place to fish from," reports Hannah H. about Silver Lake State Park.
Pet friendly camping policies: Many sites welcome dogs with specific amenities. "Very spacious dog parks, one for big dos and one for little ones," notes Christopher S. about Lake Champagne Resort, highlighting the pet friendly camping near South Royalton, Vermont.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for prime sites. "Get a site in the upper loop if you can, but no complaints for not making advance reservations on July 4th weekend," advises Emil about Gifford Woods State Park Campground.
Generator policies: Rules regarding generators vary between campgrounds. "The issue I had was the camp next to ours had the generator on all night long and I had a hard time getting back to sleep after going to the bathroom. Next time I will get a volunteer or park ranger to get it turned off," cautions William P. about Quechee State Park.
Weather preparedness: Vermont camping requires preparation for temperature changes. "Temperatures in Vermont's camping season (typically May through October) range from comfortable to occasionally chilly at night," requiring appropriate clothing layers.
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise. "Camping was fairly quiet, except for the noise from the road, which is very close to the park," reports Tara S. about Quechee State Park Campground.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "Located at the beach area is also lawn space for games, a volleyball court, a fantastic playground," notes Hannah H. about Silver Lake State Park.
Educational activities: State parks often provide learning opportunities. "The rangers gave great suggestions," shares Michael L. from Coolidge State Park Campground, which offers educational programs during summer months.
Swimming safety: Water features require supervision. "There is a beach with wading depth, sand for playing, buoys to mark the shallow area," mentions Hannah H. about Silver Lake State Park, highlighting the safety features for young swimmers.
Level sites for family setup: Family camping requires adequate space. "Sites are large. If you stay in the back it's quieter," advises Jan B. about Quechee State Park.
Site selection strategy: RV campers should consider site location carefully. "Upper Loop sites are spaced further apart," notes Rachel C. about Gifford Woods State Park.
Hookup availability: Utility connections vary widely between campgrounds. "There are no hookups but they do have a dump station if you are in an RV," explains Jan B. about Quechee State Park.
Pull-through access: Some sites offer easier access for larger vehicles. "I was at site 72, an easy pull-through with plenty of shade," reports Corby M. from Abel Mountain Campground, a pet friendly camping option near South Royalton, Vermont.
Leveling requirements: Ground conditions affect setup difficulty. "Site 16 is one of the smaller sites and is not super level, but we were able to get the Subaru backed in and relatively level for camping," explains Emil about Gifford Woods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near South Royalton, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near South Royalton, VT is Quechee State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near South Royalton, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 159 dog-friendly camping locations near South Royalton, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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