187 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The southern Vermont landscape surrounding Chester features a mix of state parks, private campgrounds, and forest service sites that accommodate various camping styles. Horseshoe Acres Campground, located directly in Chester, provides full hookup sites for RVs and tent camping areas from May through November. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access Tree Farm Campground in Springfield, which maintains well-kept grounds with both primitive and serviced sites. The Connecticut River valley to the east and Green Mountain National Forest to the west create natural boundaries that define the camping options in this region, with most facilities situated along river corridors or nestled in forested hillsides.
Most campgrounds in the Chester area operate seasonally from May through mid-October, with Columbus Day weekend marking the end of the camping season for many facilities. Vermont state parks typically do not offer electrical hookups, as noted by campers seeking more amenities. Cell service varies considerably throughout the region, with better coverage in valley areas and limited or no service in more remote mountain locations. According to one visitor at Mount Ascutney State Park, "The road nearby is noisy. Because of its location, you can hear both the local highway and I91. If being in the quiet wilderness is important to you, this campground might not work out."
Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the region. Several state parks feature swimming areas, boat launches, and waterfront campsites that receive consistently positive reviews. The area's rivers and ponds support activities like kayaking, fishing, and swimming during summer months. Campground facilities generally include clean bathrooms and coin-operated showers, with many sites offering fire rings and picnic tables. Privacy between sites varies by location, with some campgrounds providing more spacious and secluded options than others. Fall foliage season brings increased visitation, particularly at higher elevation campgrounds like Coolidge State Park, where one camper noted, "This place gets my vote for best campground in Vermont, especially 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."
"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 delightful visit. They worked with us to get the right site."
from $20 - $42 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $26 - $36 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability"The campground is located where Winhall River meets the West River."
"There is a small group of camp sides with electricity and water but most sites have none. The bathrooms are clean. Where the two rivers intersect is a nice sport to put your feet in the water."
from $24 - $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"Beautiful campground in south central Vermont. On a lovely emerald green small lake with nice beach. Good for fishing and kayaking. Well kept."
"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."
from $37 - $57 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $50 - $132 / night
Check Availability
TravelerThis is a good spot if you don’t mind being social. The main camping area is a large grassy opening where multiple people park and camp together, and there is a bathroom, but there isn’t much privacy between sites. If you continue farther down the forest road, there are several smaller pull-offs with much more private dispersed camping spots. I’d recommend checking those out if you’re looking for a quieter experience.
ScoutReally enjoyed the setting at Crow’s Nest. There are lots of trees and having the Sugar River running alongside the campground gives the whole place a nice New Hampshire feel. We were mostly looking for somewhere to disconnect for a couple of days, cook outside, fish a little, and enjoy being away from home. Crow’s Nest was a great fit for that.
ScoutWhat we liked most about Crow’s Nest was being able to choose between doing absolutely nothing or heading out and exploring. One day we stayed around the campground, went swimming and relaxed by the river. The next day we got out and explored more of the Lake Sunapee area. It made a really good home base and it was always nice coming back to our campsite at the end of the day.
ScoutDyrt done messed up! So far, very disappointed in this app. Difficult to use! We reserved this spot through Dyrt. The directions to the campground are way off. The host was not notified that we were coming. Don’t trust Dyrt; contact the campground asap after you reserve through Dyrt to confirm the reservation directly and confirm the address and directions.
ScoutWhere does one even begin to explain how great this campground is?! There’s truly a little bit of something for everyone here!
We absolutely loved our campsite. It had plenty of room, a good amount of privacy, and great tree coverage. Even when it rained, our fire pit somehow stayed pretty dang dry, which was a huge plus!
The rec hall was awesome and had so many cool arcade games to check out. They also offer kayak and canoe rentals for the pond, which has surprisingly clear, beautiful water.
One thing that REALLY stood out to us was how incredibly clean the bathrooms and showers were. They were well maintained and practically bug-free, which is almost unheard of at a campground!
On top of all that, everyone we came across—from the staff to the other campers—was super friendly, welcoming, and down-to-earth. It just had an all-around great atmosphere.
Seriously, don’t skip over this campground. If you’re on the fence, just book it. You won’t regret it! We’ll definitely be back!
ScoutVery Disappointed With the Changes
Crown Point Campground used to be a wonderful place to camp. Unfortunately, since Happy Grounds purchased the campground, we have seen a significant decline in the overall experience.
I do want to make one thing very clear: the woman managing the campground is absolutely wonderful. She genuinely cares about the campers, is kind, helpful, and does her best to make people feel welcome. Our frustrations are not directed toward her. She deserves recognition for the effort she puts in, especially given the circumstances.
Unfortunately, there are serious concerns with the direction the campground has taken. There is no reliable Wi-Fi or cell service, which is especially concerning because there is no dependable way to call out in the event of an emergency. We have also seen a significant change in the atmosphere and clientele. Drugs have been found on the premises, including needles, which is extremely concerning for the safety of campers, especially families with children.
The campground has also become increasingly overcrowded. Tent sites have had upwards of 10 people on a single site, creating a very different camping experience from what many long-time campers originally signed up for.
Seasonal campers were told that there would be a gradual increase over two years to bring rates up to the new “going rate.” However, when the new contracts came out for next year, the price had increased by approximately $900. That is a substantial increase for a campground that, in our opinion, has continued to decline rather than improve.
What was perhaps most disappointing was how campers' concerns were handled. When people questioned the increase and expressed their frustrations, the response from the corporation was, and I quote:
“Get out and leave. I’ve heard enough complaints. Just leave if you don’t like it.”
That is an incredibly disappointing way to speak to people who have supported this campground for years.
It is heartbreaking to see what Crown Point Campground has become. There are good people here, and the campground itself has so much potential. Most importantly, the manager genuinely cares about the campers, and she deserves credit for that.
Our hope is that Happy Grounds will listen to the people who have invested years of their time and money here, address the safety and overcrowding concerns, and bring back the sense of community that once made Crown Point such a wonderful place to camp.
TravelerGreat little dispersed camping area off Forest Road 71 in West Dover, Vermont. Once you get onto the forest service road, everything is gravel/dirt, with several small pull-offs and primitive campsites scattered along the road. Some sites are only a few feet from the road, while others are tucked back around 100 feet and offer a little more privacy.
The individual pull-offs can be a little more challenging to reach. Most involve some combination of hills, rocks, ruts, and mud, although nothing was too crazy. Some spots are definitely easier to get into than others, so having a vehicle with decent ground clearance is helpful.
There was a decent amount of traffic passing through the area while we were there, but nothing too crazy or disruptive. The campsite we stayed at had a fire pit, but there was no running water at our site, and I don’t believe the other dispersed sites have running water either.
Overall, a pretty good option if you’re looking for a primitive, low-key camping spot with multiple sites to choose from. Just don’t expect complete solitude, especially during busier times.
GuideThe first time we stayed here, we were in a different site. It was fine, but not near the water. This time, we chose a site near the water, but it's literally surrounded by three other sites. It's not shown like that on the map. We had to drive through someone else's setup to get to our site. There's no privacy as there was in our previous site. This is one of the few state parks in Massachusetts with a dump station
ScoutCrow’s Nest was a really convenient stop for us while traveling through New Hampshire. Getting our RV situated was easy and we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay.
Campsites near Chester, Vermont generally operate seasonally from May through October, with average summer temperatures ranging between 65-80°F. The Williams River flows through Chester, creating multiple water-based recreation options beyond the more publicized Connecticut River. Most campgrounds in the region sit at elevations between 800-1,500 feet, with some hiking destinations reaching over 3,000 feet at nearby peaks.
Hike to waterfalls: At Jamaica State Park Campground, trails lead 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 which then leads up hill for another mile to the falls. People have lost their lives at these falls so be extra cautious with children around the falls," advises Chris D.
Rent kayaks on the river: Wilgus State Park Campground offers rentals for paddling the Connecticut River. "The best part about camping here is getting out on the water. You can rent kayaks and canoes, and the river moves slowly enough to paddle up stream," shares one camper. "If you choose this option, be sure to stop at Artisan Park, right on the river and have lunch at Harpoon Brewery."
Mountain biking trails: Dedicated trails for cyclists exist at many area campgrounds. "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," notes a rider at Mount Ascutney State Park.
Waterfront sites: Riverside camping is highly rated in the region. "Most sites have a great view of the river, but I won't go so far as to call them waterfront as there is a bank covered with lush foliage between the sites and the water," reports a camper at Wilgus State Park.
Site privacy and landscape: Tree Farm Campground receives consistent praise for site spacing. "The campground is clean and quiet, with sites that are spacious and private. There's a cozy lounge room to hang out in with games, books, crayons, and puzzles; a dog park with toys included; and fabulous hiking trails," writes Lee A.
Swimming options: Natural water features enhance many campsites near Chester. A visitor to Winhall Brook Camping Area reports, "Where the two rivers intersect is a nice spot to put your feet in the water. Kids enjoy tubing the small rapids." Another camper notes, "Beautiful campground. Lush grass meadows. 2 rivers intersect in the campground. Most sites are on or just off the river."
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds report spotty coverage. "No service or wifi," notes a visitor to Winhall Brook. Another camper adds that in some locations you'll find "bad phone signal and everything seemed far away, like Walmart was an hour away!"
Bathroom facilities vary: Most state parks offer basic facilities. At Emerald Lake State Park Campground, "You need quarters for showers. Restrooms are about average for state parks. They were definitely cleaned daily," reports Cynthia K.
Terrain challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads or steep sites. At Horseshoe Acres Campground, a reviewer warns, "We knew the moment we started going up the hill we wouldn't be getting down unscathed. Our 42 foot fifth wheel hit the road going up it, then severely drugged down the hill going down it extremely slowly."
Playground facilities: Horseshoe Acres Campground provides dedicated recreation areas. One visitor notes: "Mini golf, playground and swimming pool for the kids. Three large field areas with lots of families and plenty of space for kids to meet others and ride bikes."
Safe swimming areas: Choose locations with designated swim spots. "Nice little weekend getaway. Clean bathrooms, roomy tent sites, nice staff. Fun playground and nature area for kids. Very family friendly place with beautiful hikes to Hamilton falls," reports Fransheska A. about Jamaica State Park.
Group-friendly sites: Some campgrounds accommodate larger family gatherings. At Crown Point Camping Area, a visitor highlights its family orientation: "They have a lagoon for kids, with built in water rafts in the middle for kids to jump in. They have scheduled events that occur including family and adult only fire truck rides around the campground."
Water and electric hookups: Only a few campgrounds offer full connections. Tree Farm Campground provides full hookups but one camper notes, "Safari field isn't nice, they crowd you in."
Seasonal sites: Many campgrounds dedicate prime spots to seasonal campers. "The campground is more for seasonal campers," notes a visitor to Caton Place Campground. This means weekend or short-term visitors may find limited availability for premium sites.
Site leveling and access: Pay attention to site descriptions for larger rigs. "We had a pull thru site. Easy to drive into the campground and into the site. We had no issues at all," reports a 40-foot fifth-wheel owner at Caton Place Campground. However, another camper at the same location had a different experience: "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Chester, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Chester, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 187 campgrounds and RV parks near Chester, VT and 23 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Chester, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chester, VT is Jamaica State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 22 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Chester, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 free dispersed camping spots near Chester, VT.
What parks are near Chester, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Chester, VT that allow camping, notably Townshend Lake and North Hartland Lake.
Keep Exploring
