Castleton, Vermont sits in the Slate Valley at an elevation of 480 feet, surrounded by a mix of small mountains and open valleys. Temperatures range from 75-85°F in summer days, with cooler 50-60°F nights. The area's dog friendly campgrounds offer direct access to multiple lakes with shoreline camping, most within a 15-minute drive from town.
What to do
Kayak at Half Moon Pond: Launch directly from waterfront sites at Half Moon Pond State Park. "Cute little state park. Pretty tight along the left side of the pond. The right hand side is very quiet and more wooded. The pond itself is pretty shallow and has some weeds, but there is a deeper swimming area. Great for a little kayaking," reports Michele S.
Explore local trails: The Moosalamoo Recreation Area connects to several dog-permitted trails. "There are a couple of small hikes in the park and more hiking nearby. The beach is small, but it is never busy. No hookups but the bathrooms are clean and the showers ($) are hot," says Susan E. about Half Moon Pond State Park Campground.
Fish in Lake Bomoseen: The largest lake entirely within Vermont offers good fishing opportunities. "This campground is located on lake bomoseen. The campground is small which makes it nice. It has three pools. A kiddie pool, a water slide pool and a larger pool that goes from 3 ft to 6 ft. There is a boat launch and docks to keep your boat," notes Becca D. from Lake Bomoseen KOA.
Visit historic sites: Explore the Hubbardton Battlefield, just 10 minutes from most Castleton campgrounds. "Easy to get to, close to Castleton, Rutland, and Hubbarton Battlefield. Great spot for a family get-a-way," mentions Michelle R.
What campers like
Private waterfront camping: Many sites at Half Moon Pond face directly onto water. "We really liked this campground. Sites are a good size and we were able to snag a water front site which was really beautiful. There are also lean-to sites and some cabins. We fished and kayaked right from our site," says Rebecca D.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain modern shower houses and restrooms. "The bathhouse was very clean, the swimming beach is small but perfect, and there are even cabins for rent on the other side of the pond," explains Tara S. from Bomoseen State Park Campground.
Quiet environment: Smaller state parks offer peaceful settings. "We camped here for two nights for a mid-week getaway. The park is small, quiet and very well cared for. Restrooms are modern and clean. Everyone seems to adhere to quiet hours so it was easy to get a good night's sleep," explains Cynthia K.
Well-spaced sites: Many campgrounds offer good separation between campers. "Each site is separated with trees, offering some privacy and a greater sense of nature," notes M.A.D. P.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Several campgrounds have spotty or non-existent coverage. "The campground is ok. It was a little tight for our 36ft 5th wheel but managable. The sites are a good size and relatively level. We visited mid-week so it was quiet, but there are a lot of seasonal rigs there so weekends could be busy. There is NO cell coverage and the Wi-Fi is poor and very slow if you can connect," warns Dave S.
Weedy lake areas: Parts of Lake Bomoseen have thick aquatic vegetation. "Nice campground, lots of amenities. Sites a little tight and some stuff a little tired/dated but overall nice place, friendly staff with lots of things to do and see in the area. No cell coverage and poor wi-fi if that is important. Access to far end of Lake Bomoseen with boat rental and dock space but area pretty overgrown with lake weeds," mentions Rick G.
Weather variations: Prepare for temperature swings. "Moosalamoo Campground is smack in the middle of the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area, in the Green Mountains of VT. 18 campsites, 8 of which are first come, first serve. Ample toilets and potable water available," shares Nancy M. from Moosalamoo Campground.
Limited hook-ups: Most state parks lack full services. "No hookups but the bathrooms are clean and the showers ($) are hot," notes Susan E.
Tips for camping with families
Look for lean-tos: These structures provide extra protection from weather. "We had a lean to site at this campground. facilities were great. the lake was beautiful and rented boats and canoes. Swimming is also available. Good central location," recommends Debbi B. from Emerald Lake State Park Campground.
Book waterfront early: Lake-view sites fill quickly. "We camped for two nights in Lean-tos with 20 Girls and Leaders. It's a great place to bring a Troop and use the lake and trails for badges plus cooking badges as well," shares Tammy E.
Pack for bugs: Insect protection needed especially at dusk. "I saw bear storage lockers but I did not use them as I had my bear keg with me. Behind the parking spur at the site there is gravel with picnic table and fire pit. Beyond that in the trees was a spot for the tent. I didn't experience many bugs, no mosquitoes, what I saw the most of were caterpillars," notes Lauren S.
Bring quarters: Required for hot showers at most state parks. "Showers were awesome!!! Campground is very dog friendly," mentions Robert L.
Tips from RVers
Reserve spacious sites: Many areas accommodate larger rigs with advance planning. "This campground is a very pleasant surprise to us. The staff was very kind and accommodating. The park was clean and typical of all Vt. State Parks. The real surprise was the things to do at the park and close bye," shares M.A.D. P.
Check site leveling: Many Vermont campgrounds have sloped terrain. "Large sites, friendly campground host, the moosalamoo trailhead right next to campground. The trail connects to many others. You will pass several trailheads on your way up to the campground," advises Lauren S. from Gifford Woods State Park Campground.
Book mid-week: Weekends fill quickly at pet-friendly Castleton campgrounds. "This is our first time at this KOA, been a rewards card member for years. It's very peaceful and quiet here. The scenery was beautiful as well. They had boat rentals, game room, indoor mini golf and even soft serve ice cream. The staff was very friendly," reports Jason A.
Prepare for limited connectivity: Bring offline activities. "We stayed at Bomoseen State Park on a busy weekend in the squirrel lean-to, which was right on the water. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are happy to report that everyone wore masks in public spaces (restrooms), and that there was plenty of room for social distancing," notes Tara S.
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