RV camping near Dorset, Vermont offers full-service options from May through October when temperatures typically range from 40-80°F. The Green Mountain region experiences colorful foliage in late September through mid-October, with cooler nighttime temperatures even in summer. Sites in the area require reservations especially during peak foliage season, with many campgrounds situated along local waterways.
What to do
Hiking at Jamaica State Park: Access the West River Trail directly from the campground leading to Hamilton Falls, a moderate 3-mile trek. "I love the area around Jamaica State Park and have stayed a few times! There is plenty of trails in the area and you can go to the waterfall/rock slides and take a dip in the pools," notes Jackie G. from Jamaica State Park Campground.
Swimming at natural pools: Local waterways provide natural swimming areas throughout the region. "We've visited this park and campground numerous times! The sites are great and well cared for with friendly staff and clean amenities. Book your site early to get a lean-to or a site near the river...it's stunning in the morning with the mountain mist rolling through!!" shares Jaime R. about Jamaica State Park.
Blueberry picking: Some campgrounds offer on-site berry picking during summer months. One camper at Tree Farm Campground mentioned, "This was a very simple basic campground but the best part was that it was very quiet and cool despite the highest temps VT had seen in a long time. It had well-maintained grounds and some cute activities for the younger kids. Even blueberry picking on site."
What campers like
River access sites: Waterfront camping spots provide direct access to fishing and relaxation. "We managed to get a prime leanto site right on the river. We were only there for an overnight but we will be back. In the Spring the water is released behind Ball Dam, creating a white water adventure. The prime lean-to sites on the water are beautiful and spacious," shares M.A.D. P. about their experience at Jamaica State Park.
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds feature wooded areas between campsites. As Elizabeth M. notes about Tree Farm Campground: "Plenty of room, busy on holiday weekends generally very quiet. Wooded and trees between sites. Fullhook up. Friendly staff. Clean."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms and grounds as important factors. "Great spot near the river with a flat trail and a waterfall near by," Larry A. writes about Jamaica State Park, while Chris S. adds, "Clean well kept level areas! Staff was friendly! Great hiking or biking along the West River!"
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have spotty coverage due to mountainous terrain. "Small town general store, no cell service and a gorgeous back drop is a perfect spot to just unwind from the real world," shares Brittany B. about Jamaica State Park.
Site leveling requirements: Many RV sites require leveling blocks. According to Nancy W. at Lake George RV Park: "Overall, this was not our kind of campground. There are lots of amenities and activities for kids and families but we typically do not use those. Campsites in the park are pretty inconsistent– meaning some are long and wide with good privacy but others are not."
Road noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise from nearby highways. One Lake George Schroon Valley Resort visitor, Jeffrey B., notes: "Right on the beautiful Schroon River and only fifteen minutes to Bolton Landing shops and restaurants. The downside is the noise from the Northway within earshot and from the noisy seasonal campers who insist on blasting their music to the whole campground."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with swimming options. "The campsites were beautiful with the river behind us. Not to many people there so we're got the best spot. The bathrooms are sanitary and are not port-a-potties. For us, they also had a playground to play at, and a boat dock to kayak," explains Meike W. about Jamaica State Park Campground.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "Nice little weekend getaway. Clean bathrooms, roomy tent sites, nice staff. Fun playground and nature area for kids. Very family friendly place with beautiful hikes to Hamilton falls," says Fransheska A. about Jamaica State Park.
Indoor options for rainy days: Some resorts provide indoor recreation areas. The Tree Farm Campground offers "a cozy lounge room to hang out in with games, books, crayons, and puzzles; a dog park with toys included; and fabulous hiking trails with lots to see, including a pond, waterfalls, and streams," according to Lee A.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Choose sites carefully based on size requirements and privacy needs. At Dorset RV Park, one visitor noted: "The campground was clean and tidy with nice tall trees. 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."
Navigating tight turns: Many Vermont RV parks have tree-lined roads requiring careful maneuvering. As Katie E. reports about Dorset RV Park: "Larger rigs might want to avoid loop 6-14, especially for sites 8-12. Tree placement and a pretty sharp 110+ degree turn makes it challenging to maneuver. I don't think campground staff is familiar with their own campground and that larger rigs are likely to have issue in this loop."
Group camping considerations: When traveling with multiple RVs, confirm site placements in advance. "We travelled as a group with family (4 sites). 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. The biggest issue with this, is that there were plenty of sites available next to each other," writes Allie about Dorset RV Park.
