Camping spots near Danby, Vermont often see significant temperature fluctuations with elevation changes of 1,000-2,000 feet common in the Green Mountain National Forest area. Spring camping can be muddy with nighttime temperatures dropping below freezing even in May. Most primitive sites in this region require visitors to pack out all trash and bring their own water.
What to do
Swimming and water activities: Emerald Lake State Park offers clear water for swimming with a sandy beach and changing facilities. One visitor noted, "The turquoise water is a dream to cool off in. There's a small, sandy beach at one end of the lake, with a bath house and changing rooms nearby."
Fishing opportunities: The Battenkill River provides excellent fishing access for campers. "Water is available at a creek and a spring nearby," says one visitor to Little Rock Pond Group Camp & Shelters, while another camper mentioned Emerald Lake is "Good for fishing and kayaking."
Hiking trails: Multiple hiking networks connect camping areas throughout the region. At Jamaica State Park Campground, "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."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Some campgrounds offer more secluded options than others. At Emerald Lake State Park Campground, a reviewer appreciated "Beautiful ridgetop campground with large wooded sites and lots of room between sites."
Waterfront options: Sites near water are consistently rated highest. At Camping On The Battenkill, one camper shared, "I stayed right on the river in site 14 with a small popup. The river is beautiful and the site was huge. We did some fishing and swimming."
Lean-to shelters: These structures provide protection from unpredictable weather. "We had a lean to site at this campground. Facilities were great. The lake was beautiful and rented boats and canoes," reports one visitor to Emerald Lake.
What you should know
Shower facilities: Several campgrounds require coins for showers. At Emerald Lake, "Pay showers so save your quarters. Nice lake for canoeing with trails from the camping area."
Site reservation timing: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. A camper at Dorset RV Park warns, "When we booked all our sites were right next to each other. When we arrived not a single one of us were even on the same road."
Road conditions: Access to primitive sites can be challenging after rain. At Downed Bridge Camp, a visitor reported, "The road into here was easy to drive. The only thing you will find at this primitive site is a fire ring."
Weather preparedness: The area experiences rapid weather changes. "The bugs were not fun in the summer," noted a Jamaica State Park camper, while another mentioned, "We had a lean-to site at this campground" which helps during inclement weather.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Children enjoy swimming areas with gradual entry. A visitor to Emerald Lake shared, "It's an awesome park for kids, and the turquoise water is a dream to cool off in. There's a small, sandy beach at one end of the lake."
Scout
