Several campgrounds near Castleton, Vermont provide camping options beyond standard RV parks. The area sits in the Taconic Mountains region with elevations ranging from 500-1,000 feet, creating varied camping terrain. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during peak camping season, with nights cooling to the 50s even in July.
What to do
Lake activities: swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding. At Alpine Lake RV Resort, campers enjoy multiple water recreation options. "Waterfront sites worth the dollars! Bring your boats and SUP boards for lots of fun!" notes one visitor. The resort features a peaceful lake setting with hiking trails throughout the property.
Hiking trails: varied difficulty levels. Jamaica State Park Campground offers multiple trail options, including a path to Hamilton Falls. "We hiked the west river trail (which leads right out of the campground) to Hamilton falls which is a gravel closed road that follows the west river upstream 2 miles to Hamilton falls trail," shares a camper. The falls require caution due to steep drop-offs.
Family entertainment: outdoor recreation options. Campgrounds like Lake George RV Park provide structured activities for children. "Every time I found something new I was more impressed. Animal shows kept daytime events going strong. Water park was great, kids spent all day there," reports one camper who visited with family.
What campers like
Clean facilities: well-maintained bathrooms. Many campers highlight the cleanliness at Brookwood RV Resort near Castleton. "Well maintained campground. Shop onsite with all you can possibly need. Beautiful pool," writes one visitor. The resort offers full hookup sites with sewer, water, and 50-amp electrical service.
Dog-friendly amenities: dedicated pet areas. Some parks offer exceptional pet facilities. "Best part- the 2 acre dog park with shaded seating for humans, bathrooms and a dog wash station," mentions a camper about Lake George RV Park. This feature allows pets to exercise off-leash in a controlled environment.
Spacious sites: room between campers. Campers appreciate the layout at Ledgeview Village RV Park, noting "Big sites, grounds were very clean, level sites, quiet, staff was very pleasant." The park maintains space between sites while providing full hookups for RVs.
What you should know
Weather considerations: plan for temperature swings. The Castleton area experiences significant day-night temperature differences, especially in spring and fall. Pack appropriate clothing layers for comfort.
Reservation timing: book early for fall. Fall foliage season brings heavy demand to Vermont campgrounds. Sites fill quickly from mid-September through October.
Site variations: levelness can be an issue. At Dorset RV Park, located about 20 miles from Castleton, campsite quality varies. "Our site was level but some definitely were not," notes a camper. The park offers wooded sites with gravel roads and electrical service.
Cell service: spotty in mountainous areas. Coverage varies significantly throughout the region, particularly in valleys and more remote campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: look for campground activities. Many parks offer structured recreation. "There are SO MANY activities in this area. Archery was awesome!" shares a visitor to Lake George Escape Campground. The campground includes pools, arcade games, and organized events.
Playground access: check facility quality. Multiple campgrounds feature play areas of varying sizes and conditions. Some include newer equipment while others maintain basic structures.
Swimming options: pools vs. natural water. Some campgrounds offer heated pools for comfortable swimming regardless of weather. "The heated pool was a big plus! The river is beautiful and serene," notes a camper at Lake George Schroon Valley Resort.
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: tight turns in some parks. Several RV parks near Castleton have narrow roads with tree obstacles. Larger rigs should call ahead to confirm accessibility for specific sites.
Hookup placement: varies by site. Many campgrounds have inconsistent hookup locations. "The hookups were all well-placed and we didn't have any issues with the electric," notes a camper at Dorset RV Park, though experiences vary by specific site.
Site surface: mostly gravel with varying levelness. Most RV parks in the Castleton area feature gravel pads rather than concrete. Bring leveling blocks as many sites require adjustment for proper stabilization.
