The Green Mountains region surrounding Fair Haven, Vermont, sits at approximately 400 feet above sea level with the nearby Taconic Mountains adding elevation diversity. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F, making camping comfortable from late spring through early fall. Most campgrounds in this region offer both traditional sites and upscale accommodations, creating diverse options for nature enthusiasts seeking different comfort levels.
What to do
Kayaking on calm waters: Half Moon Pond's shallow, calm surface makes it perfect for beginning paddlers. "We were easily able to go straight from the tent to our kayak, which was so awesome," mentions a visitor to Half Moon Pond State Park Campground.
Fishing close to camp: The pond areas contain fish despite some weed growth. A guest at Lake Bomoseen KOA notes: "Access to far end of Lake Bomoseen with boat rental and dock space but area pretty overgrown with lake weeds."
Explore nearby hiking trails: Trails connect various bodies of water in the region. "There are a couple of small hikes in the park and more hiking nearby. The beach is small, but it is never busy," explains a camper about local trail options.
Visit historic sites: The region offers Revolutionary War-era landmarks. "Close to Castleton, Rutland, and Hubbarton Battlefield. Great spot for a family get-a-way," shares a visitor describing the historical attractions accessible from the camping areas.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Half Moon Pond, campsites provide good separation. "The right hand side is very quiet and more wooded. The pond itself is pretty shallow and has some weeds, but there is a deeper swimming area," notes a guest about the campground layout.
Clean facilities: Consistently maintained bathrooms and common areas enhance the experience. "Restrooms are modern and clean. Everyone seems to adhere to quiet hours so it was easy to get a good night's sleep," reports a camper.
Multiple water access points: Several spots allow direct water entry for recreation. At Rogers Rock Campground, a visitor explains: "I was lucky to book a site (#68) on the water. Beautiful views and morning sun. There is a nice trail to walk that follows along the shoreline."
Dog-friendly environments: Many sites accommodate pets with appropriate amenities. "Campground is very dog friendly," states a camper who appreciated the pet policies at local glamping options.
What you should know
Limited cell coverage: Connectivity varies greatly by location. A visitor to Lake Bomoseen KOA reports: "There is NO cell coverage and the Wi-Fi is poor and very slow if you can connect."
Quarters needed for showers: Some facilities require coins for hot water. "Don't forget to bring quarters for the shower," advises a camper about the paid shower facilities.
Site selection matters: Research site specifics before booking, especially when glamping near Fair Haven. "Tented here for long weekend... no wireless really, which disappointed. Few flat, even spots but we liked #136," shares a visitor who found certain sites more accommodating than others.
Weather preparedness: Vermont conditions can change quickly. Campers report occasional heavy storms, requiring proper gear and shelter options.
Tips for camping with families
Plan for indoor alternatives: Some glamping venues offer indoor recreation. At Moose Hillock Camping Resorts, "With the largest walk in heated pool in the north east it is easy to forget there is so much more to the resort. Large private sites, beautiful rental cabins and large custom fire pits at every site."
Consider rental options: Equipment rentals save packing space. "They had kayak and canoe rentals available. However, check the plug at the rear of the kayak!!" cautions a family who encountered equipment issues.
Look for family programming: Some locations provide organized activities. "This is a total family playground and if that is what you are looking for, this is your place! There are tons of activities, lots of families and stuff going on all the time," describes a visitor to Lake George Escape Campground.
Schedule for mid-week visits: Weekends tend to draw crowds. "This place is packed on the weekends. If you want to avoid the rush of campers, definitely try to make the trip on a weekday," recommends an experienced camper.
Tips from RVers
Water and electric connections: Service locations vary by site. "The water/electric was positioned perfectly that we could have gotten away with using 5 foot connections," notes a visitor to Lake George RV Park who appreciated the convenient hookup locations.
Navigating narrow roads: Some campgrounds have challenging access routes. "Roads in the park are confusing because none are parallel or perpendicular so we had to go slow just to make sure we didn't miss a turn in the RV."
Site leveling preparation: Bring leveling equipment for uneven terrain. "Sites are a good size and relatively level," reports one RVer, though others mentioned needing blocks or levelers at certain locations.
Dump station access: Not all glamping locations offer full hookups. Check ahead regarding sanitation facilities, as some require traveling to dump stations outside the immediate camping area.
