Best Campgrounds near Dorset, VT

We loved this quiet, small campground near Mass Moca and Mt Greylock. It was very well maintained, and the staff were friendly. Sites are either wooded or open in the sun, with good distance between sites. The bathhouse was clean and well maintained. It is important to follow the directions and turn off of Rt. 2 onto Central Shaft Road (google maps labels it Shaft Road. It is between the Blue Vista Motor Lodge and Hoosac Range Preserve). The other road that accesses the campground is nearly unpassable with an rv, and there are signs about being toed at your own expense).

My family and I’s experience at Northstar Campgrounds was disappointing and fell far below our expectations. During our stay, an individual who identified himself as Chad approached us and asked us to be quiet, despite it being approximately an hour and a half before the official quiet hours, which begin at 11:00 PM. Chad claimed that our children were too loud while playing, even though their noise level was a little loud, they were simply enjoying their time at this campground. Additionally, Chad consistently stated in his argument that he heard us by the bridge, which is located roughly 300 feet away from our site. This whole entire excuse was ridiculous as one of my friends, who was coming back from the bathroom(which is about 50 feet), said that our music was barely noticeable and perfectly fine and reasonably within our site. What was particularly frustrating was the timing and tone of the interaction. Approaching guests almost two hours before quiet hours, and implying that the noise was unacceptable at that time, felt unnecessary and overly strict. It created an uncomfortable atmosphere and made us feel unwelcome, especially since we had been respectful of the campground rules prior to this. Additionally, there was a lack of clear communication about the campground's policies and a seeming inflexibility that negatively impacted our overall experience. As a family, we value a relaxed and friendly environment, and this incident certainly detracted from that expectation. Regrettably, based on this encounter, I cannot recommend Northstar Campgrounds for families or anyone seeking a peaceful and welcoming outdoor experience with their kids. We hope management will consider giving their valued guests a more memorable, and fun experience.

This could be a nice campground and day use area. Unfortunately VT State Parks Leadership has allowed Fort Dummer State Park to become a haven for criminals and drug users. This campground and park are not safe. Within the first month of opening in 2025 there have been two assaults, multiple incidents of heroine and meth use and drug dealing, a DUI within the park, a trespass citation, multiple reports of high power automatic weapons being shot, and one of the park managers filed a restraining order against a camper for him threatening to “hit her in the mouth” when she tried to enforce the campground rules. Brattleboro police will not respond to incidents within the park boundary as it’s technically in the town of Guilford. VT State police will not respond to issues within the campground- it took 5 call to 911 over 6 hours for them to respond to the repeated DUI offenses in the park. VT F&W Officers are over half an hour away and are understaffed. VT State Parks policy states that their campgrounds are not a short term housing solution, but homeless have taken over the park and trash their sites and the public bathrooms. Highly suggest not hiking or camping at this location for your own safety. If you like used needles, the roar of highway traffic and sleeping next to felons, this is the park for you 🥴

Please note Crane Pond Road from the lower parking lot to the pond itself is NOT maintained and often gets very muddy. 4WD is required, if you go back there without it your day is gonna suck. From experience - if your vehicle isn't lifted you may come out with a ding or two from rocks and other things jutting out of the ground. Not fit for an RV in any capacity. The parking lot at the end of Crane Pond Road is relatively small but can fit at least 6 vehicles. There is an outhouse near that lot and a foot bridge off to the right, leading to Pharaoh Mtn Trail. 

If you're staying to camp there are (9) sites only accessible by boat (I haven't found a map that numbers/letters them), except the one right by the parking lot. There is a trail leading to that one. My family and I have never used the other sites so I can only attest to the one which is freaking GREAT. There is a stone cliff near it that goes down about 12(?) feet and is great for fishing or jumping off of. There is also a stone area right by the water if you want to fish or just sunbathe. Stone fireplace on site. The view right there is beautiful and at night you can hear the loons (visible during the day as well).