Best Campgrounds near Dorset, VT

Campgrounds near Dorset, Vermont range from established facilities with full amenities to more rustic options in the surrounding Green Mountains. Emerald Lake State Park Campground offers tent sites, RV spots, and lean-tos set on a forested ridge above its namesake lake, while Dorset RV Park provides full hookups for recreational vehicles and cabin accommodations approximately 2 miles from downtown Dorset. The area includes several state park campgrounds within a 30-minute drive, with Hapgood Pond in Manchester and Jamaica State Park providing alternatives for tent camping in natural settings. Dispersed camping opportunities exist at locations like the Downed Bridge Camp in the Green Mountain National Forest.

The camping season typically runs from May through mid-October, with most established campgrounds closing after Columbus Day weekend. As one visitor noted, "Bathrooms were clean, it was pretty quiet, and most of the sites were separated by 10-20 feet of trees." Road conditions to campgrounds vary, with some parks having steep or rough entrance roads that can be challenging during wet weather. Facilities differ significantly between locations, from Dorset RV Park's full hookups and WiFi to more primitive setups at forest service sites like Grout Pond. Cell service is generally limited outside of town centers, and most campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly for summer weekends and during fall foliage season when the region experiences peak visitation.

Several campgrounds in the area feature water access as a primary draw. Emerald Lake State Park receives consistently high ratings for its swimming opportunities, with campers praising the "clear waters, calm lake" and mentioning that "the lake was beautiful and rented boats and canoes." While campground sites are typically situated on ridges above the water rather than directly lakeside, hiking trails connect camping areas to beaches and boat launches. Campers report that sites offer good privacy despite their proximity, with adequate spacing and tree cover between neighbors. Visitors to Dorset RV Park note its convenient location for accessing nearby attractions, including the Dorset Quarry for swimming and proximity to Manchester's shopping and dining options.

Best Camping Sites Near Dorset, Vermont (212)

    1. Emerald Lake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Danby, VT
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 362-1655

    "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."

    2. Camping On The Battenkill

    20 Reviews
    Arlington, VT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 375-6663

    $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."

    3. Dorset RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Dorset, VT
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 867-5754

    "nothing special but nothing bad but we really wanted to see the area since we were told the town of Dorset was so pretty."

    "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."

    4. Jamaica State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Jamaica, VT
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 874-4600

    $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 great visit. They worked with us to get the right site."

    5. Winhall Brook Camping Area - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    10 Reviews
    South Londonderry, VT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 824-4570

    $20 - $26 / 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."

    6. Grout Pond Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

    8 Reviews
    Sunderland, VT
    16 miles
    +1 (802) 362-2307

    $16 / night

    "My friend and I were desperately looking for a place to spend the weekend, and with Covid making it a little more difficult to rely on walking in and finding a campsite, we made a blind reservation for"

    "We were the only campers along the waterfront, but there were a few car campers in the sites near the road."

    7. Hapgood Pond

    3 Reviews
    Peru, VT
    11 miles
    Website

    $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."

    8. Hapgood Pond NF Campground

    3 Reviews
    Peru, VT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 362-2307

    "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"

    9. Downed Bridge Camp

    2 Reviews
    Danby, VT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "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. "

    10. Woodford State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Bennington, VT
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 447-7169

    "Woodford State Park is situated between Wilmington and Bennington VT in the southern part of the Green Mountain National Forest."

    "The views on some of the sites to the lake are beautiful. the grounds and facilities are well kept. and you are close to both Bennington and Wilmington. a great spot to camp at in Southern Vermont!"

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Recent Reviews near Dorset, VT

874 Reviews of 212 Dorset Campgrounds


  • Marc D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Mount Ascutney State Park Campground

    Great state park

    This 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.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Zoar Outdoor

    Nice and would like to visit again but not within 12 hours-BOO

    I’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.

  • S.D.G
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Quechee State Park Campground

    Great stop on any trip

    Clean, 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

  • Carroll K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Gus's Gardens Camping

    It was quite and peaceful

    We 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

  • Keith L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Jamaica State Park Campground

    Great Camping Experience at Jamaica State Park

    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 great 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.

  • B The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Quechee State Park Campground

    Beautiful, road noise, not a lot there

    Big, flat, beautiful sites. Road noise isn't super loud, but it's constant. Might be the nicest bathrooms I've seen in decades of camping.

    The weird thing is that there just isn't much here. The Quechee Gorge, best accessed from the back of the lawn behind the bathhouse, is the deepest in Vermont.. which is kind of like saying the best bagel or most populous city in Vermont. Prepared to be whelmed.

    It's a ~30 minute hike, you can access some slow semi-rapids at the bottom.

    Camping at the SP does give access to another trail that's moderately challenging and has both some level spots and a nice overlook.

    Don't regret the trip at all but it seems more like an awesome stopover than a worthwhile destination. Some decent restaurants in the area and even more in nearby Lebanon/White River Junction.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Kampersville

    Nice

    The campsites are all in the trees with some sites not clearly defined. The sites seem good sized with new bathroom and showers, with individual showers with a toilet. There are a lot of monthly staying here. Overall a nice park

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Ashuelot River Campground

    Nice ‘n Easy campground

    We stayed for 3 days off season so not busy. Sites located along the river are wooded, field sites are very open great for seeing the stars at night. Sites have fire rings with excellent airflow for good burning with low smoke. Hook ups are in great condition for power, water, sewer. Showers and bath house on site. Laundry and game room at office area. Office staff was very helpful and they’re open later into the day til 7 PM. Good firewood and large bundle delivered for $15 to your site. We passed over this site on our first trip to the area but are glad we came here and we’re planning to return. Follow the website directions to get here as there are covered bridges in the area with low Clearance and low weight limits.


Guide to Dorset

Camping near Dorset, Vermont, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking and biking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. One camper mentioned, "The park is small, clean and friendly. The sites are semi-secluded and through hikers on the AT/LT can find rest and shelter at this park," referring to the trails available at Gifford Woods State Park Campground.
  • Fishing: Enjoy some quiet time by the water. A visitor at Emerald Lake State Park Campground said, "Great hikes and fishing! And close to the adorable town of Manchester!"
  • Swimming: Take a dip in the lake. One review highlighted, "The lake and beach is lovely, clean, and the water is warm and clear," about Emerald Lake State Park Campground.

What campers like

  • Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the roomy spots. A review noted, "The sites are spacious, shady, and had good separation between the neighboring sites," at Woodford State Park Campground.
  • Clean facilities: Many visitors mention the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One camper said, "The bathrooms are BEAUTIFUL! The nicest I've seen yet," at Woodford State Park Campground.
  • Friendly staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor shared, "The staff treated us so nicely and the array of resort-level amenities are beautifully maintained," at Lake George RV Park.

What you should know

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A camper at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts mentioned, "Showers cost money at $0.25 per 4 minutes, no wifi at all and poor cell reception."
  • Road noise: If you're sensitive to noise, be aware that some campgrounds are near busy roads. One camper noted, "Friday and Saturday night there was a ton of street noise from Rt9," at Hearthstone Point Campground.
  • Seasonal crowds: Expect busier times during peak season. A visitor at Moreau Lake State Park Campground said, "The park was not very crowded when we were there, but we can imagine it could get very busy and noisy in the busy summer season."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for children. One review mentioned, "There is a FULL schedule of themed activities for the kiddos, weekly," at Lake George Escape Campground.
  • Safety: Ensure the campground has safe areas for kids to play. A camper noted, "The kids were able to safely ride bikes on the camp roads," at Jamaica State Park Campground.
  • Plan for meals: Some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. A visitor advised, "Make sure you stock up before you get there, stuff is expensive at the corner stores," about Jamaica State Park Campground.

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Make sure the campground can accommodate your RV. A review mentioned, "Some campsites were pretty small and would not fit large RVs," at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts.
  • Be mindful of road access: Some campgrounds have tricky roads for larger rigs. A camper noted, "The road to our campsite was paved and in good shape but there were a few tight spots because of the trees," at Moreau Lake State Park Campground.
  • Amenities for RVs: Look for campgrounds with full hookups. A visitor shared, "We stayed on a premium site which is larger than their standard," at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts.

Camping near Dorset, Vermont, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is camping from Dorset town center?

Dorset RV Park is the closest camping option to Dorset's town center, located within minutes of the village. For those seeking a different experience, Silver Lake Campground is approximately 25 miles from Dorset and offers sites with good privacy, a clean lake with a concrete dock, boat rentals, and ranger-led nature tours. Most state park campgrounds in the region are within a 30-45 minute drive from Dorset. If you're willing to travel a bit further (about 40-50 minutes), you'll find additional camping options in the Green Mountain National Forest with varying levels of amenities and accessibility.

Where are the best campgrounds in Dorset, Vermont?

The Dorset area offers several excellent camping options. Dorset RV Park provides convenient accommodations with responsive staff and is particularly popular for those wanting to explore the picturesque town of Dorset. For those willing to venture a bit further, Hapgood Pond near Manchester offers an affordable camping experience at just $10 per night within the beautiful Green Mountain National Forest. The area never feels overcrowded and features the natural beauty Vermont is known for. Camping On The Battenkill is another nearby option offering drive-in sites with water and toilet facilities. The southern Vermont region provides numerous state parks and forest service campgrounds within reasonable driving distance of Dorset.

What camping is available near Dorset, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Dorset, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 212 campgrounds and RV parks near Dorset, VT and 26 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Dorset, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dorset, VT is Emerald Lake State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 19 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dorset, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 26 free dispersed camping spots near Dorset, VT.

What parks are near Dorset, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Dorset, VT that allow camping, notably Townshend Lake and Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests.