Camping sites near Brownsville, Vermont offer options across different terrain levels, from lower elevation river sites at 300 feet to mountain-based campgrounds reaching 2,500 feet. The camping season typically starts earlier at Connecticut River valley locations, with Wilgus State Park opening May 1, weeks before most mountain campgrounds. Temperature variations between river valley and mountain sites can reach 10-15 degrees, providing camping options for different weather preferences.
What to do
Kayak or canoe the Connecticut River: Access the river directly from Wilgus State Park Campground, where kayak and canoe rentals are available. "There is a boat launch for drift boats as well. Quiet campsite with hiking trails right from the campground," notes a camper.
Hike to viewpoints: The trails at Mount Ascutney State Park Campground range from easy to challenging. "The hiking trails are awesome and the hiking is fantastic! We stayed for 3 nights but next time we will stay longer as there is much to do in the area," a visitor reports.
Explore historic sites: Visit President Calvin Coolidge's homestead near Coolidge State Park. A camper mentions, "Take advantage of the historical site nearby (President Calvin Coolidge's homestead) and long trail brewing."
Mountain biking: The maintained trail network at Mount Ascutney includes a 3-mile beginner-friendly loop accessible from the campground. "The state park maintains its own mountain biking trail loop, which is accessible directly from the campground. It is a 3 mile beginner friendly loop, with some nice rollers and moderate terrain."
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Coolidge State Park Campground offers secluded camping with good separation between sites. "I loved this campground especially my site! Private and well kept sites, clean bathrooms, friendly service, gorgeous Mountain View, gave me the real feel of camping outdoors."
Clean facilities: Gifford Woods State Park Campground maintains exceptionally clean restrooms and shower facilities. "The faculties are decorated with wildflowers," and "Bathrooms are super clean. Staff is friendly. Seasoned firewood available for purchase ($6 a stack)."
Lean-to options: Many campgrounds offer lean-tos as alternatives to tent sites. At Coolidge, "Our site was a lean to, well constructed and in great shape." Another camper at Gifford Woods noted, "Then we moved to lean to ELM in the upper campground and it was a nice private site."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds provide swimming access. At Crown Point Camping Area, "They have a lagoon for swimming and a children's playground. They have a lagoon for kids, with built in water rafts in the middle for kids to jump in."
What you should know
Road noise varies by site: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise. A Mount Ascutney camper noted, "I cannot give this a 5 star rating solely for the fact of road noise. We were in site 27 and it was a beautiful site but the road noise from interstate 91 was extremely loud."
Campground terrain: Many sites are built on slopes or hills. At Quechee State Park Campground, "The campground is in a good location; it is right next to the road. The sites are large. If you stay in the back it's quieter."
Shower facilities: Most Vermont state parks have coin-operated showers. "They offer showers that cost you a few quarters," at Quechee, while at Crown Point, "The showers are free too which is nice, no need to worry about quarters."
Proximity to towns: Many campgrounds are conveniently located near small towns. A Wilgus visitor shared, "There is a great local pond for swimming that had dive docks, diving boards and lifeguards on duty that was less than 10 minutes away."
Tips for camping with families
Scheduled activities: Quechee-Pine Valley KOA offers organized programs for kids. "They have scheduled events that occur including family and adult only fire truck rides around the campground. There are bonfires, shuffle board and corn hole tournaments."
Ranger programs: State parks host educational activities. At Quechee State Park, "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.)"
Recreation fields: Some campgrounds have dedicated play areas. At Mount Ascutney, "Our campsite was a prime site. It was very large, and quite private. As a bonus, it even had direct access down a path to a large recreation field."
Easy hikes for kids: Look for family-friendly trails. At Quechee, "There is a short trail from the visitor center to the bottom of the gorge," while Wilgus has "walking the trail behind the campsites along the river to the beautiful vista views with a group with young kids."
Tips from RVers
Larger sites for big rigs: Not all campgrounds accommodate large RVs. At Tree Farm Campground, a reviewer noted, "Nicely spaced sites, level and welcoming hosts."
Hookup availability: Most Vermont state parks don't offer hookups. A Quechee State Park visitor shared, "There are no hookups but they do have a dump station if you are in a RV."
Roads and access: Consider campground road conditions. At Caton Place, an RVer warned, "The roads aren't wide enough to take a motorhome into. The pull through site is not level and is barely long enough to fit my 43' rig."
Seasonal sites: Tree Farm Campground has specific areas for seasonal and visitor campers. "Fullhook up. Friendly staff. Clean. Field and pavilion sits below main campground, but great to rent for groups or events."
