Glamping close to Cavendish, Vermont offers diverse camping experiences in the Green Mountains with elevations ranging from 600 to 2,000 feet throughout the region. The area experiences warm summers with average temperatures around 75°F and cool evenings dropping to 55°F, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Most campgrounds maintain operation from late May through mid-October with peak foliage colors typically arriving in late September.
What to do
Explore Quechee Gorge trails: The campground at Quechee State Park Campground provides access to moderate hiking opportunities beyond the gorge itself. "We hit this campground for one overnight as we past through. Good spot with easy access to the Gorge. Bathroom were clean and the grounds were quite at night," notes Douglas L. The park includes multiple hiking options including a trail with "both some level spots and a nice overlook."
Kayaking on local waterways: Ashuelot River Campground offers direct river access approximately 30 miles from Cavendish. "We took a lazy tube ride from one side of the campground to the other. It has been quite dry in the area, so they are experiencing a drought. However, a little rain in the week got the river moving a bit," reports Rae-Ann W. The campground provides canoes, kayaks, and a shuttle service for water activities.
Swimming in natural settings: The swimming areas near Emerald Lake State Park Campground provide refreshing alternatives to traditional pools. "There's a small, sandy beach at one end of the lake, with a bath house and changing rooms nearby. Swimmers can swim out the a small island in the middle of the lake and check out the rope swing," explains Tara S. The lake's turquoise water creates excellent conditions for cooling off during summer heat.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Attention to maintenance stands out at many local camping areas. At Caton Place Campground, visitors appreciate the well-kept grounds and amenities. "Bath House is currently being updated. It is very clean," notes William. Another camper adds, "Camped here Labor Day Weekend in our 40 ft 5th wheel. We had a pull thru site. Easy to drive into the campground and into the site. We had no issues at all. Hosts were very friendly and helpful."
Family programming: Organized activities enhance the camping experience for families with children. "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)," shares Jen B. about Quechee State Park. The campground provides recreational opportunities suitable for various ages and interests.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds in the region offer room to spread out. "The sites are large. If you stay in the back it's quieter. The bathroom is very clean. They offer showers that cost you a few quarters. There are no hookups but they do have a dump station if you are in a RV," explains Jan B. about her stay at Quechee State Park Campground. Sites with additional space allow for more privacy between campers.
What you should know
Seasonal timing matters: The camping season typically runs from May through mid-October with varying conditions. "Went there with our RV group (NE Pacers) for a weekend rally and had a great time. The staff was so friendly and helpful. The sites we good sized (had water and 30amp) and the campground was very clean and well kept," notes John O. about Ashuelot River Campground, which operates May 1 through October 31.
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic sound due to proximity to main roads. At Woodford State Park Campground, campers note "the noise from the road, which is very close to the park." Another reviewer adds, "It looks like there are 4-5 stunningly beautiful sites in each of the three loops and everything else is jammed in. We were at the end of the middle loop and could clearly see into four neighboring sites."
Reservation planning: Popular sites book quickly, especially during peak foliage season. "We unexpectedly had a free Saturday afternoon and night and 2 borrowed kayaks. This was our first visit to Woodford. Site 13 was the only one available," reports Melissa S. about Woodford State Park. Advance planning becomes particularly important for holiday weekends and fall color season.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Campgrounds with recreation options keep children engaged. "The park is in a good location; it is right next to the road. We were at sight #3. We were able to walk to the gorge as well as to the Antique mall. The staff was very friendly and accommodating with us. My wife really enjoyed it and had a lot of fun. The ice cream was really close and really good," shares William P. about his experience at Quechee State Park.
Social camping opportunities: Some locations create natural environments for children to interact. At Woodford State Park, campers note it's "Great for kids! If you have kids and don't mind them making friends and roaming the campground then this is great! Boat rentals!" Another camper adds, "If you're looking for a quiet spot maybe don't look here. If you have kids and don't mind them making friends and roaming the campground then this is great!"
Access to swimming: Water features provide entertainment for families with children. "This campground is very well kept and very clean. The bathrooms were the cleanest campground bathrooms I've ever seen! The campsites are pretty big and somewhat private which is nice. There's a small reservoir with a little beach that you can swim or kayak/canoe in. There's a bunch of fish and other little creatures so it's fun to explore," explains Jenny A. about Woodford State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV campers should research site dimensions carefully before booking. At Quechee-Pine Valley KOA, "The park is a large park that is terraced since it is in a pretty hilly area. There is the range of sites from pull-thrus, pull-ins and back-in sites and can accommodate RVs of any size," notes Nancy W. Larger rigs require specific considerations for access and parking.
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary between campgrounds. "The sites are nicely spaced and seem to accommodate big rigs rather well. We have seen all shapes and sizes come and go, as well as tent campers, and they offer lean to's as well. There are plenty of fresh water spigots and a spacious dump site if needed," reports Chris A. about Quechee State Park. Most campgrounds with RV sites provide at minimum a dump station.
Terrain challenges: The mountainous topography creates leveling issues at some sites. "You have to go down a small hill and bottom out the front and then drag the backend out of the dirt. This campground is not big rig friendly," cautions Jim B. about Caton Place. Careful site selection becomes essential for larger rigs to avoid difficult positioning and potential damage.
