226 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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."
"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"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."
from $45 - $57 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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"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."
"The surrounding grounds are mostly manicured fields."
"We appreciate the pond for swimming and the nice easy pond loop trail for hiking. Hapgood is in close proximity to Manchester and near the Appalachian Trail."
"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. "
"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."
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Water is available at a creek and a spring nearby. There's a huge jumping rock on the far side of the pond."
from $5 / night
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TravelerFor the price, it’s not bad. For about $50/night, we got a nice even sandy campsite with a picnic table and fire ring. Not much privacy, though- the neighboring sites are not separated by trees or bushes or anything.
GuideThis is a very nice campground but it is not at Lake George. It is about 25 min to Lake George Village. We had no trouble getting level and the bathhouse was very nice and CLEAN! The owners are very friendly and receptive to suggestions.
RangerWe camped here in the fall and really enjoyed our time here. We had.to hike about 500 feet from our car to our site, but we're no strangers to backpacking, and it was a really.quick jaunt. Our site was right near the water. Great place.
TravelerI selected a semi shaded site about 25 feet off the road about 2 miles in. There are many sites but you may have to look as a lot are overgrown. I am glad I selected the site I did as it stayed “dry” through 48 hrs of torrential downpours. I had very few problems with the bugs: have a nice smoky fire…best repellant out there!
TravelerThis is one of the nicest state campgrounds I've ever been in. Typical state campground, they often no services at this sites. They do have a dump station and potable well water, and trash disposal. The public restrooms are nice. Token operated showers are nice too. Very quiet campground, some road noise during the day but not at night!. Sites around the open field offer good solar and open sky for Starlink.
ScoutI wanted to get into camping at a place I knew was going to have a grocery store near by and close to the Comnecticut River. This has all that plus well kept bathrooms and kayak rentals. All very cool and easy accessible.
TravelerPrivate, large site. This was the first site in the road. We have a low clearance car and it was a bit bumpy. This site was amazing, clean and easy pull in pull out.
GuideClean, spacious sites. O shower in this loop.
ScoutMy family has camped here for three years and we love it. We rent a canoe and paddle all the way down to the furthest campsites. The ability to hike to your spot or canoe makes it a blast, and it is a nice stepping stone to full backpacking if you ever want to get there.
For the past two seasons there was a Loon on the which is always a plus.
The toilets are great and fresh water is available from a well were you park. One of the greatest spots we have found.
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 226 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 20 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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