The Green Mountain National Forest and surrounding areas in southern Vermont provide camping options near Danby, from primitive sites to developed campgrounds. Several state parks and national forest campgrounds are clustered within a 20-mile radius of Danby, including Emerald Lake State Park Campground and Hapgood Pond. The area accommodates various camping styles with tent sites, RV hookups, and lean-to shelters at established locations like Emerald Lake, while dispersed camping can be found at places like Downed Bridge Camp where primitive sites offer more seclusion.
Road conditions can be challenging when accessing primitive camping areas, particularly after rain events or during spring melt. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through October, with state parks typically closing after Columbus Day weekend. A camper noted, "The road into here was easy to drive. The only thing you will find at this primitive site is a fire ring." Many sites require reservations, especially during summer weekends when waterfront locations fill quickly. Cell service is limited throughout the Green Mountain National Forest, and campers should be prepared for varying elevation changes that affect temperature and weather conditions.
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw in the area, with Emerald Lake State Park receiving consistently positive reviews for its swimming beach and water access. The lake features clear, turquoise water popular for cooling off during summer months. A review mentioned, "Beautiful ridgetop campground with large wooded sites and lots of room between sites." Sites at established campgrounds typically include picnic tables and fire rings, while primitive camping areas may have minimal to no facilities. Campers seeking solitude often prefer the dispersed sites in the national forest, which one visitor described as "great for a small group" with "epic" views for those willing to explore the forest roads to find ideal locations. Proximity to Manchester provides convenient access to supplies and restaurants when needed.
"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."
$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 delightful visit. They worked with us to get the right site."
$45 - $57 / night
"Our first time in Vermont and we picked an awesome campground. This place has a great layout with lots of great sites to choose from. There are several sites right on the river!
Clean bath houses."
"Site 16 had a path to the river and was slightly tucked away. Sites 13 and 14 were cool spots too, I’d imagine in the summer you may have less privacy because it’s near the swimming area."
"The roads and campsites are gravel and a little tight to get around because of all the trees but we were able to manage in our 45’ motorhome."
"The location was very good in allowing us to visit family in nearby village and go into nearby Manchester Center. Much more of an RV Park (name is on the money) than camping where we had our site."
"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."
$24 - $30 / night
"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."
"Great location for a small group to camp at. Can't wait to go back. The main area is a walk in and is worth it. The road into here was easy to drive. "
$20 - $50 / night
"Vermont to begin with is beautiful. Getting into a national park to begin with is usually a fee, and then camping is a separate fee."
"All of the campsites are just a minute walk to the water. There is also a nice trail the leads all the way around the water."
"The surrounding grounds are mostly manicured fields."
"The pond has a nice easy 1 mile trail that loops around the pond. A little bit of cell service (2 bars) with Verizon"
$5 / night
"Water is available at a creek and a spring nearby. There's a huge jumping rock on the far side of the pond."
GuideMade the trip on a Friday evening. Set up in freezing drizzle. Not a bad weekend all things considered. Lots of snowmobile traffic, which didn’t bother me. Saturday was the best day by far. Was only one other couple that weekend. Bathrooms were open, but very basic and no water. But grateful nonetheless.
GuideWe loved camping at Crane Pond. It was a little over 3 miles to hike into the waterfront sites. There is an outhouse nearby, several campsites, fire pits, and we went for a swim in the pond. Overall great experience!
ScoutWhen camping in VT it is usually our goal to hike, rest, cook, and relax at camp. We live in a busy/loud city so we really love a rural spot where we can just unplug and enjoy nature. Gifford Woods has great access to the AT and the Long Trail, nice bathrooms, and kind staff... but campers beware- it is wedged between two major highways. Initially we pulled up to the site "Poplar" after driving 4+ hours and I could have cried, this site faces a large DOT/Parks Dept. parking lot with a huge building and trucks everywhere. Luckily the (very sweet) staff said they understood that this was an issue and that they do get lots of complaints about that site. They moved us to T02 which was dramatically better. Unfortunately, you can still hear trucks/car honking/ambulances from that site and I assume all other sites. I understand now that people camp here just for AT access, but I would probably not go back due to the sheer volume of the neighboring highways and quieter camping options nearby.
GuideI stayed at the camp for about 2 months while working up in NH. And it was wonderful big pool and playground for the kids. Plenty of trails close to everything you need. Full hookup site was awesome
GuideThis is a beautiful state park at the base of Mt ascutney. The campground is lovely. Forest Ed and beautiful fall colors in October. Good facilities. Friendly staff. Some noise from the interstate but not terrible. There is a 3.7 mile road that is extremely steep but paved, and goes to the summit of the mountain. Less than 1 mile hike from there to the observation tower. Great views. Lots of hiking trail trails.
TravelerI’m writing this mid-October from western MA. In between homes and looked forward to staying another night, but can not because of a 12 hour advance policy. There were plenty of tent sites available last night. Not a happy camper.
TravelerClean, 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
ScoutWe 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
ScoutThis 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. 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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Danby, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Danby, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 220 campgrounds and RV parks near Danby, VT and 31 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Danby, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Danby, VT is Emerald Lake State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 19 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Danby, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 31 free dispersed camping spots near Danby, VT.
What parks are near Danby, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Danby, VT that allow camping, notably Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests and Townshend Lake.
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