Camping options near Grafton, Vermont include both developed campgrounds and luxury glamping accommodations throughout the southern Vermont region. The area sits within the Green Mountains at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 feet, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions. Temperatures can drop below 50°F even during summer nights, particularly at higher elevation camping areas.
What to do
Explore the Appalachian Trail: The AT runs directly through Gifford Woods State Park Campground, offering easy access to nearby hiking destinations. "We especially loved the trail around the lake - quiet with good swimming all around. The vista trail has an awesome view of the lake from across the road, and the meadow trail leads to an old cemetery, which is kind of fun to explore," notes one visitor about nearby hiking options.
Paddle the rivers and lakes: The Ashuelot River Campground provides water recreation right at camp. "Beautiful river to float down or paddle up. Saw a bald eagle this past weekend while paddling up past the campground," explains a camper who visited this New Hampshire site, just across the Vermont border.
Winter glamping opportunities: While many campgrounds close after Columbus Day weekend, some glamping sites near Grafton, Vermont remain open year-round. Luxury canvas structures at NV Farms Outfitters and Cabins provide winter accommodations with proper heating systems.
What campers like
Access to multiple hiking trails: Gifford Woods State Park Campground receives consistent praise for its trail connections. "The Appalachian Trail runs right through the park and you can hike up to Deer Leep, around Kent Pond, or to Thundering Falls right from the campground," one reviewer highlights.
Swimming opportunities: Natural water access rates highly among visitors to the region. At Emerald Lake State Park Campground, campers appreciate the swimming options: "There's a small, sandy beach at one end of the lake, with a bath house and changing rooms nearby. Swimmers can swim out the a small island in the middle of the lake."
Clean facilities: Quechee State Park Campground maintains particularly clean amenities according to multiple reviews. "Very clean and quiet, good for kids and pets are welcome. There are 2 bathrooms with coin operated showers," notes one visitor, while another adds, "The bathrooms are immaculate with coin (quarters)operated showers."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most Vermont state parks operate from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. As one camper at Molly Stark State Park Campground explains: "This park is close to my house in southern Vermont. We usually visit during the day to hike to the top of the Mt. Olga firetower. It's always clean and very quiet."
Shower costs: Prepare quarters for showers at most Vermont state parks. "Pay showers so save your quarters. Nice lake for canoeing with trails from the camping area," advises one camper about facilities at Emerald Lake.
Road noise factors: Some campgrounds experience road noise due to proximity to main routes. At Molly Stark State Park, one camper notes: "It is near Route 9 so not much quiet during the day, but at night its great. There is also hiking at the campground and that is a definite plus!"
Tips for camping with families
Best sites for children: At Woodford State Park Campground, site selection matters with young ones. "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 one experienced camper about certain elevated sites that may pose challenges for families.
Educational programs: Look for ranger-led activities at Quechee State Park Campground: "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.)"
Kid-friendly campgrounds: When seeking luxury glamping near Grafton with children, consider the campground vibe. At Woodford State Park Campground, a camper notes: "If you're looking for a quiet spot maybe don't look here. If you have kids and don't mind them making friends and roaming the campground then this is great! Boat rentals!"
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: At Crows Nest Campground in nearby New Hampshire, RV site selection requires attention. "Camped here Labor Day Weekend in our 40 ft 5th wheel. We had a pull thru site. Easy to drive into the campground and into the site. We had no issues at all," reports one RVer.
Hook-up availability: Most Vermont state parks lack electrical connections. As one camper at Quechee State Park notes: "There are no hookups but they do have a dump station if you are in a RV."
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads for larger RVs. One visitor to Caton Place Campground cautions: "The roads aren't wide enough to take a motorhome into. The pull through site is not level and is barely long enough to fit my 43' rig."
