The Lake Champlain region around Florence, Vermont provides both state-managed campgrounds and private facilities with accommodations ranging from primitive tent sites to fully equipped cabins. Lake Bomoseen State Park, Half Moon Pond State Park, and Branbury State Park exemplify the mix of waterfront and forested camping options, with sites suitable for both tent and RV camping. Several developed campgrounds in the area feature boat access, picnic tables, and fire rings, while private campgrounds like Lake Bomoseen KOA offer additional amenities including electric hookups, showers, and cabin rentals.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend, reflecting Vermont's distinct seasonal patterns. Access to many of the developed campgrounds requires reservations during peak summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Several state parks maintain shower facilities and dump stations, though hookup availability varies significantly between private and public campgrounds. The Green Mountain National Forest offers more primitive camping options with fewer amenities but greater seclusion. Cell service can be limited or non-existent in many camping areas, particularly at Lake Bomoseen KOA where several visitors noted connectivity challenges. One camper observed, "There is NO cell coverage and the Wi-Fi is poor and very slow if you can connect."
Waterfront camping represents a particular draw throughout the region, with several campgrounds offering direct lake access. Sites at Half Moon Pond State Park provide water views and easy kayak launching, with campers appreciating the ability to paddle directly from their sites. "We had a waterfront site so we could launch our kayaks right from our site," shared one visitor. Mixed-use campgrounds typically maintain separated areas for tent camping versus RV sites, though proximity varies by location. Developed campgrounds generally provide clean bathroom facilities, though several reviews mention varying degrees of site privacy. The region balances accessibility with natural surroundings, with the more developed sites offering amenities like heated bathrooms and maintained swimming areas while still preserving the Vermont outdoor experience.
"Decent bathroom situation--I've seen better and I've seen worse in Vermont."
"The park is amazingly clean, well run, located just of RT 4 and very near to Killington, Vermont. It has multiple lean-to sites which are in wooded areas."
$15 / night
"there are no amenities other than cascading waterfalls, mountain views, incredible swimming hole, a nearby lake, a picnic table and a fire ring. the easiest access to sites one and two is the Silver Lake"
"Access to campground is on a gravel road but my van did okay. It is small and primitive and there is a camp host who is very nice."
"No ATM on site to get cash… The sites are spacious enough, but are very close to each other. Zero buffer between neighboring sites means encroaching slide outs."
"family camping Kabins, rv, and tent sites, arcade, store, ice cream, and Lake Bomoseen. Easy to get to, close to Castleton, Rutland, and Hubbarton Battlefield. Great spot for a family get-a-way."
"Bomoseen State Park is right down the road, but I recommend staying at Half Moon and taking advantage of the large swimming area at Bomoseen, as well as all the cool ponds, lakes, and hiking trails nearby"
"The pond is clean and swim-able and great for kayaks/canoes (near Glen Lake and Lake Bomoseen for boating and more kayaking/canoeing)."
"The site was so scenic with a little waterfall and stream nearby. The camp staff was so nice. They kept the the bathrooms and areas so clean."
"Love to lake access, secluded camping, the hiking and remote area. Planning on revisiting next summer, even in august the nights get to a good sleeping temperature a vast majority of the time."
$22 - $172 / night
"For the last three years, we have traveled with dozens of friends and families to Rogers Rock Campground, which is tucked into the north end of the gorgeous 32 mile-long oasis that is Lake George."
"Ive been coming to this spot nearly every year since I was a little girl."
"It was during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are happy to report that everyone wore masks in public spaces (restrooms), and that there was plenty of room for social distancing. "
"We had a nice private site, close to amenities and the lake, the beach area was nice, kind of rocky, but had sand for the beach. The play area has a nice set up, overall a nice camping area."
$15 / night
"Nice hiking trails close to long trail, really tucked away a few miles off 73. Great if you’re looking for some solitude."
"Well maintained, and nice access to trails right from the campground."
$10 / night
"This is one of our favorite places to camp in Vermont. The sites are fairly private without being built too close together. Lake is clean and has a great concrete dock that the kids love to jump off."
"Lovely place, free camping, fire pits at the campsite, and access to the water. We camped in the off season, but in the on season there are pit toilets and campground stewards."
"I stayed at this campsite located at the end of upper Michigan road. It is winter and there is a lot of snow. The main road to the parking lot is plowed and sanded."
"Few nice ones near the creek. I stayed at one on top of a lots of space at mine."
GuideRight along the road (so if anything happens you can get help) also has wifi signal. It’s right along a creek that’s clean and beautiful. Crisp air and calming flowing river noises all night made it so I slept like a baby!
ScoutPublic Lands with about 8 semi private sites, each with nice views west or easterly. It's a large meadow and with a breeze, it will keep bugs away. Lacking a breeze, it is tough but still beautiful
ScoutPam met us outside as she said ‘dodging rain drops’ to stack wood. She was warm and friendly. You can tell she runs a tight ship immediately telling us when quite hours were, and letting us know the dogs needed to be on leash and under our control. We brought our 2 labs with us. Only 2 vehicles per site is allowed. You do need tokens to use the shower. 2 tokens was more than enough for me to shower and not feel rushed. The bathrooms are AMAZING! I am looking forward to coming back!
ScoutHad a site booked for Memorial Day weekend but had a complication to my 5th shoulder surgery in 2.5 years and had my 6th which was a 3rd attempt at rotator cuff repair in mid-May. Called to see if I could change my reservation since I cannot drive due to Dr.'s orders but no dice. Could care less and told me too late due to policy. Offered to provide doctors documentation but didn't matter. I did not ask for refund just to change the date. Rude, dismissive and unwilling to work with me. Sad that a family-oriented place is run this way. End result I am out over$600 and they are smiling. As a business owner myself I would be out of business if I treated my customers this way.
ScoutDEC has designated and constructed 12 camp sites in areas around Shelving Rock Road and Dacy Clearing Road. Camping will only be allowed at the designated campsites or more than 500 feet from the Shelving Rock and Dacy Clearing Roads.
ScoutAs noted by others, most of the sites have a fire ring and nothing more. A little more than half of the sites can be driven to and others require a very short walk (50 ft?). The toilets mentioned are at Texas falls area and are not a practical walk from most of the campsites.
There are no showers.
Aside from the loop trail at the falls there are also a couple of snowmobile trails that cross the area.
GuideWe emailed twice and traveled five hours to only find out they have a list of dog breeds they don’t accept. The list has no rhyme or reason. Our 7 year old 95lb Great Dane was not allowed. Ridiculous
RangerStayed here for a week. Josh and Dori were super nice and helpful. Level grass field with water and 30amp hookup. Fire pit port o potty, creek across the street. Very pretty setting. Dark sky area. Cell att and Verizon we decent enough to work plus they had WiFi if needed.
RangerOur favorite campground in the area is Winhall Brook, but it has been closed for about 3 years since the flooding in VT. Hapgood Pond is a good alternative. It is a little more primitive with pit toilets in most of the campground except the bath house. 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.
The Green Mountains around Florence, Vermont sit at approximately 600 feet elevation with surrounding peaks rising to 4,000 feet, creating distinct microclimates for camping throughout the region. Most primitive sites in the national forest require bear-resistant food storage containers from May through October. Winter camping opportunities are limited, with most facilities closing after Columbus Day when overnight temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
Hiking to waterfalls and viewpoints: The Moosalamoo National Recreation Area provides access to several trails directly from campsites. At Moosalamoo Campground, "Lots of great hiking accessible from the campground, or within a short drive. Silver Lake and Lake Dunmore are nearby. Both have beaches: Silver Lake is accessible only by foot, down a .6 mile trail from the parking area," notes camper Nancy M.
Paddling secluded ponds: Half Moon Pond State Park offers quiet water experiences on a small pond. "We had a waterfront site so we could launch our kayaks right from our site. The pond is very weedy, so fishing was not so great, but the hiking trails around the park were fun," shares Cynthia K. This park tends to remain uncrowded even in peak season.
Exploring Appalachian Trail connections: Gifford Woods State Park Campground provides direct access to the famous long-distance route. As Sarah K. explains, "The AT runs directly through this park. While on a 4 state section hike I traveled by foot through this park. The ranger gave me an ice cream, pointed me to the showers and then chatted with me for an hour about my hike so far."
Tent platforms on sloped terrain: Many state park campsites feature wooden platforms that create level sleeping surfaces on otherwise challenging ground. A camper at Chittenden Brook Campground mentioned, "Each site has a fire pit, tent platform, and picnic table. The sites were well cared for... The constant sound of running water from the brook was truly relaxing."
Lean-to options for weather protection: Several campgrounds near Florence feature three-sided shelters as alternatives to tent sites. At Bomoseen State Park, Angela J. notes, "The waterfront lean-tos are kind of close together... We like the waterfront lean-tos so we can keep our kayaks on the water the whole week." These structures typically cost $5-10 more than standard tent sites.
Site privacy and spacing: Moosalamoo Campground receives consistent praise for well-designed site layout. Lauren S. states, "Large sites, friendly campground host, the moosalamoo trailhead right next to campground. The trail connects to many others... Behind the parking spur at the site there is gravel with picnic table and fire pit. Beyond that in the trees was a spot for the tent."
Challenging road access: Some campgrounds require navigating unpaved roads. Jessica C. cautions about Chittenden Brook: "There's a 2.5 mile dirt road with a steady incline into the camp, which my subie had no issue with, but not sure how well an RV would fair."
Limited connectivity: Cell service remains spotty throughout the region. At Lake Bomoseen KOA, Rick G. notes, "No cell coverage and poor wi-fi if that is important. Access to far end of Lake Bomoseen with boat rental and dock space but area pretty overgrown with lake weeds." Download maps before arrival.
Bear safety requirements: Black bears inhabit the Green Mountain National Forest. At Branbury State Park, Nicole E. warns, "Just make sure you put your food and trash away- there are black bears in the area!" Most state parks provide metal food lockers.
Playgrounds and swimming areas: Branbury State Park Campground combines lake access with recreational facilities. J L. reports, "Spacious sites, hiking trails, biking trails, nice beach and grounds. Fishing, kayak, canoe, paddle boat and paddle board rentals. Theres a nature center with all kinds of information and activities. A large playground. Volleyball and horseshoe pits."
Bike-friendly terrain: Many campgrounds offer dedicated cycling paths. At Moosalamoo Campground, ten-year-old reviewer AJB mentions, "Moosalamoo campground has awesome bike trails with smooth trail beds and nice rolling bumps. The kind campground hosts can tell you all about the hiking and biking trails within Mossalamoo National Forest."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds provide ranger-led programs focused on local ecology. Shawn B. describes Silver Lake Campground: "They have boat rentals and nature tours on the lake led by the state park faculty. When the kids get tired from swimming they're a nice beach area and playground."
Dump station availability: While most state parks lack hookups, dump stations are provided at select locations. Trip Over Life shares about Branbury State Park: "No hookups are available but there is a dump station and a bathroom facility with paid showers."
Site leveling challenges: The mountainous terrain means few naturally level pads. Scott A. from Lake Bomoseen KOA advises, "Somehow we managed to get the one pull through spot that was at the end and harder to get in... All in all it is a nice Campground and most of it (the back in spaces) look nice and wooded. I would stay here again despite the small inconveniences but I would definitely pick a different camp site."
Size restrictions: Larger rigs face limitations at most public campgrounds. At Michigan Brook Road Camping, Thomas and James S. warn, "Road goes in pretty far. Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!"
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Florence, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Florence, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 218 campgrounds and RV parks near Florence, VT and 29 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Florence, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Florence, VT is Gifford Woods State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 17 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Florence, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 free dispersed camping spots near Florence, VT.
What parks are near Florence, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Florence, VT that allow camping, notably Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests and Green Mountain National Forest.
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