220 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
"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"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."
"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"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"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."
from $16 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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"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!"
"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. "
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.
ScoutMy family and I go here every year durning the summer. Big campsites (must of them are shaded), great for tent or RV camping, easy parking in sight. Great lake for swimming. Lots of things to do, very friendly staff, clean bathrooms located all around the campground and even a bigger bathroom with showers.
ScoutMy family and I enjoy going here durning the summer. Always clean campsites and bathrooms.
ScoutClean campground, lots of sites. Lots of activities for the family. No pool, but clean showers. Quiet.. but I was here when it was pretty empty. Close to highways.
TravelerSo peaceful and serene
TravelerI had many sites to choose from. Definitely remote and private.
Camping options near Dorset, Vermont extend throughout the Green Mountain National Forest where elevations range between 1,000 and 3,000 feet. Most campgrounds in the region are situated along waterways, with several offering direct access to ponds, rivers, and reservoirs. The typical camping season runs May through mid-October with overnight temperatures that can drop into the 40s even during summer months.
Swimming at clear quarries: The Dorset RV Park puts you close to local swimming holes. "Great location near a fantastic quarry, country store, and Manchester shopping," notes Rachelle S., who appreciated the family-friendly atmosphere.
River tubing: Camping On The Battenkill offers direct river access. "We also tube down the river. Very clean restrooms and nice staff," shares Heather P., who camps there annually with friends. The Battenkill provides both gentle swimming areas and sections suitable for floating.
Hiking to waterfalls: Several trails lead to impressive falls within short drives. "We hiked the west river trail (which leads right out of the campground) to Hamilton falls," reports Chris D. from Jamaica State Park Campground, adding that the falls require caution but reward visitors with stunning views after a 3-mile hike.
Winter camping opportunities: For those seeking off-season experiences, some areas remain accessible year-round. "Great spot for a little winter camping," writes Erik C. about Grout Pond Campground, noting that "the trails are great for hiking, and the pond and the reservoir are beautiful when frozen over."
Quieter camping after Labor Day: Many campers note reduced crowds in September. "Camping Grout Pond Loop is truly nice after Labor Day," reports one visitor who found sites more available with temperatures ranging from "65-70°F during day" and "45-55°F" at night.
Access to local shopping: Visitors appreciate the proximity to towns with amenities. "Close to both Bennington and Wilmington," notes Sandy M. about Woodford State Park Campground, highlighting the convenience of nearby towns while maintaining a natural setting.
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards receive consistent praise. "The grounds were beautiful with nice tall trees. The roads and campsites are gravel and a little tight to get around because of all the trees," observes Nancy W. about Dorset RV Park, where the bathroom facilities were "spotless."
Free-range chickens: Dorset RV Park offers an unusual amenity. "They even had rabbits and chickens for the kids to enjoy," mentions Rachelle S., while another reviewer notes they "have roaming chickens with FREE eggs, first come first serve."
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies widely. "No service or wifi," reports Meredith N. about Winhall Brook Camping Area, which is typical for many forest campgrounds in the region.
Shower preparations: Many state parks require tokens or quarters. "Pay showers so save your quarters," advises Gary C. about Emerald Lake State Park, a common feature at Vermont state park campgrounds.
Mud management: Spring and fall camping often means navigating wet ground. "If you plan on staying past campsites 1-3 bring extra socks and rain boots because it gets muddy," warns Jenny J. about Grout Pond, adding that "the walk is pretty long to other campsites."
Reservation recommendations: Weekends fill quickly during peak seasons. One camper notes Jamaica State Park is "super busy on summer weekends," while another mentions Emerald Lake requires booking "as early as 11 months before arrival" for popular sites.
Playgrounds and activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. "Nice playground and nature area for kids," notes Fransheska A. about Jamaica State Park Campground, adding it's a "very family friendly place."
Group camping experiences: Consider organizing multi-family trips. "We camped for two nights in Lean-tos with 20 Girls and Leaders. It's a great place to bring a Troop," shares Tammy E., who brings her Girl Scout troop to Emerald Lake annually.
Selecting child-friendly sites: Site location matters for families with young children. Some sites at Jamaica State Park are "perched on a steep ledge, making them a bit sketchy for families with kids," advises one camper who recommends consulting the map before reserving.
Learning opportunities: Educational experiences abound in the region. The Battenkill River offers "nice rocky beachesque swimming area" where kids can observe "fish and other little creatures," making exploration educational and entertaining.
Site selection for larger rigs: Carefully research campground layouts before arriving. "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," warns one Dorset RV Park visitor.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited in the region. Camping On The Battenkill offers "W/E/S is available at some sites and W/E at others (nearest the river)," according to Judy J., who stays seasonally in a fifth wheel.
Leveling challenges: Be prepared to adjust. "Our site was level but some definitely were not," reports a camper about Dorset RV Park, a common situation throughout the mountainous terrain.
Generator etiquette: Some campgrounds have noise issues. "One site down and across a large RV ran their generator from 7 to 10 am or so and again from 4 to 9 pm," notes Bob W. about Hapgood Pond, suggesting that quieter sites may be found at more remote campgrounds.
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 220 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 20 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.
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