Central Vermont around Florence features wooded terrain at 500-600 feet elevation with several freshwater bodies including Lake Bomoseen and Kent Pond. The region has cold winters with snowfall from December through March, while summer temperatures average 65-80°F. Campgrounds typically operate from May through mid-October with peak season running from late June through August.
What to do
Hiking access from campsites: At Gifford Woods State Park Campground, trails connect directly to the Appalachian Trail. "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. The highlight (for me) is access to the Appalachian Trail. The AT runs directly through this park," notes one experienced hiker.
Historic site exploration: From Quechee State Park Campground, Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park in Woodstock is 20 minutes away. "The town of Woodstock is a short drive west, and Killington Resort is a bit west of that. Killington offers summer mountain biking, zip lines, adventure climbs and roller coasters, as well as the K1 Gondola to the peak," a camper shares.
Fishing options: Kent Pond near Gifford Woods provides trout fishing access. One visitor mentioned, "There's a short trail from the visitor center to the bottom of the gorge, and on fall weekends it's super crowded. The park is close to good shopping, and also the Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park in Woodstock, which is an awesome destination for families."
What campers like
Lake access for paddling: At Half Moon Pond State Park Campground, you can paddle right from waterfront sites. "We really liked this campground. Sites are a good size and we were able to snag a water front site which was really beautiful. There are also lean-to sites and some cabins. We fished and kayaked right from our site," explains a recent visitor.
Spacious, private campsites: Emerald Lake State Park Campground offers well-separated sites. "Larchmont is our favorite camp site. It is much larger than most sites, a short walk to the showers and a bit tucked away for privacy. We had two tents set up there, which is impossible for most sites," recommends a regular camper.
Clean facilities: Many campers praise the cleanliness of Vermont state parks. At Quechee State Park, one camper noted, "Might be the nicest bathrooms I've seen in decades of camping. Big, flat, beautiful sites. Road noise isn't super loud, but it's constant."
What you should know
Site-specific considerations: At Emerald Lake State Park, the terrain impacts site selection. "While there are trails down to the lake from the campground, none of the sites are waterfront, or even water view. In fact, many of them are perched on a steep ledge, making them a bit sketchy for families with kids."
Shower arrangements: Most Vermont state parks have coin-operated showers. At Emerald Lake, "Pay showers so save your quarters. Nice lake for canoeing with trails from the camping area. Family friendly with semi private sites. A little road noise from nearby highway but it quiets down for a good night's rest."
Seasonal variations: Glamping close to Florence, Vermont has different benefits by season. At Lake Bomoseen KOA, a fall visitor noted, "Tented here for long weekend... no wireless really, which disappointed. Few flat, even spots but we liked #136. Showers were awesome!!! Campground is very dog friendly."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Lake George RV Park provides extensive water recreation options. "The campground is so clean and nice! Perfect for the dogs with best dog park I ever saw. Pools and hot tubs extremely clean and the grounds looked more like a hotel resort than campground. Water park was great, kids spent all day there."
Ranger-led programs: Many Vermont state parks offer educational activities. At Quechee State Park, "Rangers also run fun programs for children- my children churned butter and made popcorn over the campfire one night, and made tie dyed T-shirts the next (for no fee)."
Site selection for family comfort: When glamping with children near Florence, Vermont, choose sites carefully. "If you have little ones, check out the map before you reserve a site and find one on the opposite side of the ledge," advises a family camper at Emerald Lake State Park.
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: At Moose Hillock Camping Resorts, RV sites are spacious but require planning. "Each site is gigantic and well thought out and can easily say there is not a bad site in the place. Best sites are along the outer perimeter as they provide more privacy. We stayed in site 137 and had woods and some flat grassy areas behind us."
Hookup considerations: Understand the utility setups before arrival. At Quechee Pine Valley KOA, "Some sites are full hookup while others are not and that is reflected in the cost. We paid $57/night for our full hookup site which is pretty costly especially since we did not use any of the amenities."
All-weather camping: For luxury glamping near Florence, Vermont in variable weather, choose sites with appropriate protection. "The campground at Gifford Woods State Park is a hiker's campground for sure. The sites are large, private, and wooded, and there are clean restrooms with hot showers. We stayed in the Elm lean-to, which sits up on a wooded hill."
