Best Campgrounds near Cavendish, VT

Campgrounds in the Cavendish, Vermont area range from state parks to private facilities, with several options within a short drive of town. Caton Place Campground, located directly in Cavendish, offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations from Memorial Day through November 1. Within 20 miles, campers can access additional options including Coolidge State Park, Wilgus State Park, and Mount Ascutney State Park, all featuring tent and RV sites with varying amenities. Several campgrounds incorporate natural water features, with Wilgus State Park situated along the Connecticut River and others offering swimming areas or pond access.

Road conditions and accessibility vary considerably depending on the campground location and season. Most state park campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically from May through mid-October or Columbus Day weekend. "This is a small park, but it's a good spot to stay to explore the area," noted one visitor about Wilgus State Park, highlighting the strategic location for regional adventures. Private campgrounds like Caton Place and Tree Farm Campground often offer more extensive hookups and amenities than state parks, with water, electric, and sewer connections available at select sites. Cell service can be inconsistent throughout the region, particularly in more remote or mountainous campgrounds like Coolidge State Park.

Campers consistently mention the natural beauty and peaceful settings of the area's campgrounds. Reviews indicate Wilgus State Park receives high marks for its river access, with kayaking being a major attraction. One camper described it as "a tad close to Route 5, but it quiets down in the evening. Sites are also a bit small but well spaced from others." Several campgrounds provide recreational amenities beyond camping, with facilities like hiking trails at Mount Ascutney State Park and swimming areas at other locations. Reviews suggest that while some campgrounds like Caton Place have updated facilities, others maintain more rustic amenities typical of Vermont state parks. Most campgrounds in the region are family-friendly, with Crown Point Camping Area specifically noted for its kid-oriented activities including a swimming lagoon and playground.

Best Camping Sites Near Cavendish, Vermont (182)

    1. Coolidge State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Plymouth, VT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 672-3612

    "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."

    "Coolidge is off the beaten path but well worth the wander! There are no water sites, it’s on the side of a heavily wooded mountain with a few sites having amazing views!"

    2. Wilgus State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Ascutney, VT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 674-5422

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Wilgus State Park is the first Vermont state park to open each spring, well before Memorial Day each year."

    "Wilgus state park has amazing campsites, very friendly staff, and great access to the Connecticut River. This campground was beautiful and very quiet even though it was full."

    3. Caton Place Campground

    7 Reviews
    Cavendish, VT
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 226-7767

    "Easy to drive into the campground and into the site. We had no issues at all. Hosts were very friendly and helpful. Campground was very clean and well manicured."

    4. Mount Ascutney State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Ascutney, VT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 674-2060

    "The state park had everything we were looking for: close proximity to mountain bike trails, beautiful hiking trails, available leantos, and less than two hours from our home."

    "Vermont parks are just some the most lush you’ve ever seen."

    5. Quechee State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Quechee, VT
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 295-2990

    $38 / night

    "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."

    "Got there close to the time the rangers left for the night, Nick was really kind to make sure I got situated before he left."

    6. Tree Farm Campground

    7 Reviews
    Springfield, VT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 885-2889

    $26 - $36 / night

    "While searching online we learned that Vermont state parks do not have hook ups. We are a family of five with a pop up pull behind and the Glamping lifestyle is a little bit easier on us these days ."

    "There are a few trails around the campground and it is close to Mt Ascutney which if you are feeling a bit lazy there is an auto rd that goes about 3/4 of the way up. 3 mi."

    7. Jamaica State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Jamaica, VT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 874-4600

    $20 - $42 / night

    "This 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."

    "This was our second stay at this Vermont State Park. It was a great three days. The park rangers were tremendous in ensuring we had a great visit. They worked with us to get the right site."

    8. Crown Point Camping Area

    2 Reviews
    Ascutney, VT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 263-5555

    "This is a great campground set in a thick pine forest near a large pond. They have a lagoon for swimming and a children's playground. Hiking trails nearby. Canoes for rent."

    "They have scheduled events that occur including family and adult only fire truck rides around the campground."

    9. Emerald Lake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Danby, VT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 362-1655

    "The camp sites are quite a bit of a walk up the hill from the lake where there is swimming, kayaking, paddle boating and picnicking."

    "Beautiful campground in south central Vermont.  On a lovely emerald green small lake with nice beach. Good for fishing and kayaking.  Well kept."

    10. Greendale Campground

    5 Reviews
    Weston, VT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "Greendale Campground is a small remote campground located along Greendale Brook in Weston, VT. There are 11 campsites available in a wooded setting."

    "We picked a nice site next to a babbling brook. While we only tent camped we plan to return with our new to us pop up this year. We only saw two cars during our entire stay."

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Recent Reviews near Cavendish, VT

659 Reviews of 182 Cavendish Campgrounds


  • S.D.G The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Quechee State Park Campground

    Great stop on any trip

    Clean, good facilities. Price has gone up to $38 a night. Got there close to the time the rangers left for the night, Nick was really kind to make sure I got situated before he left. Walking distance from the antique mall which is a stop everyone should make as well as good food and pizza right nearby. Great spot to stop at on any trip

  • Carroll K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Gus's Gardens Camping

    It was quite and peaceful

    We enjoyed our stay with Gus very much. With the email to confirm our stay, there were excellent directions to get there. It is behind his home by a lake with creek nearby. There is also a hiking trail. We had no problems. If we are in the area again, we would camp here again.  Thanks

  • Lin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Spacious Skies French Pond

    Best Camp in the area

    I am enjoying this camp still, even after 6 months. Management is wonderful and attentive. They take great care of the whole camp and us campers. Fun events are scheduled on the regular!

  • Keith L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Jamaica State Park Campground

    Great Camping Experience at Jamaica State Park

    This was our second stay at this Vermont State Park. It was a great three days. The park rangers were tremendous in ensuring we had a great visit. They worked with us to get the right site. The bathroom facilities, while rustic, were clean. There is a plethora of things to do in the park itself and in the local community. Nonetheless, it starts and ends with the management of the campground. Lauren, the campground manager, and her team of professionals, do a great job. We will definitely return.

  • B The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Quechee State Park Campground

    Beautiful, road noise, not a lot there

    Big, flat, beautiful sites. Road noise isn't super loud, but it's constant. Might be the nicest bathrooms I've seen in decades of camping.

    The weird thing is that there just isn't much here. 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. Prepared to be whelmed.

    It's a ~30 minute hike, you can access some slow semi-rapids at the bottom.

    Camping at the SP does give access to another trail that's moderately challenging and has both some level spots and a nice overlook.

    Don't regret the trip at all but it seems more like an awesome stopover than a worthwhile destination. Some decent restaurants in the area and even more in nearby Lebanon/White River Junction.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Kampersville

    Nice

    The campsites are all in the trees with some sites not clearly defined. The sites seem good sized with new bathroom and showers, with individual showers with a toilet. There are a lot of monthly staying here. Overall a nice park

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Ashuelot River Campground

    Nice ‘n Easy campground

    We stayed for 3 days off season so not busy. Sites located along the river are wooded, field sites are very open great for seeing the stars at night. Sites have fire rings with excellent airflow for good burning with low smoke. Hook ups are in great condition for power, water, sewer. Showers and bath house on site. Laundry and game room at office area. Office staff was very helpful and they’re open later into the day til 7 PM. Good firewood and large bundle delivered for $15 to your site. We passed over this site on our first trip to the area but are glad we came here and we’re planning to return. Follow the website directions to get here as there are covered bridges in the area with low Clearance and low weight limits.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Branch Pond on National Forest Hwy

    Amazing camping spots with fire pits!

    Tons of different styles of camping spots (if you get there while its still sunlight you can pick a spot by a flowing stream/river). No public bathrooms, no hookups, I personally didn’t have service.


Guide to Cavendish

Camping near Cavendish, Vermont, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking Trails: Explore the stunning trails around the area. One camper mentioned, "There’s a hiking trail beside of 37 and it’s steep going down and up but well worth it," referring to the trails near Quechee State Park Campground.
  • Swimming and Fishing: Enjoy the water at local lakes and rivers. A review from Emerald Lake State Park Campground highlights, "The lake and beach is lovely, clean, and the water is warm and clear."
  • Local Attractions: Visit nearby towns for dining and shopping. One camper suggested, "If you’re looking for different places to eat, go to White River Junction. Lots of options!" after their stay at Quechee State Park Campground.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A review for Jamaica State Park Campground states, "The bathrooms were immaculate and seem to be somewhat newer than the other state parks."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer plenty of space between sites. One camper at Gifford Woods State Park Campground noted, "Plenty of space between sites."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. A review for Camping On The Battenkill says, "Check-in people were super nice and welcoming!"

What you should know:

  • No Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Coolidge State Park Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A camper noted, "Be prepared for no hookups but there is a dump station for self-contained toilets."
  • Coin-Operated Showers: Expect to pay for showers at some locations. A review for Emerald Lake State Park Campground mentions, "Showers were hot but minimal pressure. No hot water at the sinks."
  • Wildlife Awareness: Be mindful of local wildlife. One camper at Gifford Woods State Park Campground mentioned, "There has been an increase in Black Bear activity but that won't deter us from ever coming back."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and programming for kids. A review for Jamaica State Park Campground highlights, "Amazing programming options from the ranger staff each day."
  • Spacious Campsites: Choose campgrounds with larger sites for family gatherings. One camper at Quechee State Park Campground said, "The tent sites are so spacious and clean."
  • Safety First: Ensure kids can safely play. A review for Jamaica State Park Campground mentions, "The kids were able to safely ride bikes on the camp roads."

Tips from RVers:

  • Big Rig Friendly: Look for campgrounds that accommodate larger RVs. A review for Camping On The Battenkill states, "This place has a great layout with lots of great sites to choose from."
  • Check Site Size: Make sure to check the size of your site before booking. One camper at Lake Bomoseen KOA noted, "The sites are spacious enough, but are very close to each other."
  • Plan for Connectivity: Be prepared for limited cell service in some areas. A review for Lake Bomoseen KOA mentions, "Cell service is very limited. Very remote... the WiFi didn’t even work at the office."

Camping near Cavendish, Vermont, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're in an RV or tent camping, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Cavendish, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Cavendish, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 182 campgrounds and RV parks near Cavendish, VT and 28 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Cavendish, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cavendish, VT is Coolidge State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 13 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cavendish, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 free dispersed camping spots near Cavendish, VT.

What parks are near Cavendish, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Cavendish, VT that allow camping, notably North Hartland Lake and Townshend Lake.