Vermont's Green Mountains create a unique camping environment near Pittsford, with elevations ranging from 400 to 2,000 feet in the surrounding areas. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F with cooler evenings, making the region's glamping options particularly appealing for those wanting outdoor experiences with climate-controlled accommodations. The Pittsford area serves as a gateway to both the Appalachian Trail and Green Mountain National Forest.
What to do
Paddle local waterways: Half Moon Pond State Park Campground offers excellent kayaking opportunities with convenient water access. "We were easily able to go straight from the tent to our kayak, which was so awesome," explains one camper. "Though Half Moon Pond is very small it offered a calm relaxing time on the water."
Explore historic sites: Within 10 miles of Quechee State Park Campground, visitors can discover the Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park. "There's a nice 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."
Hike mountain trails: The area offers numerous hiking options from moderate to challenging. At Gifford Woods State Park Campground, "nearby hikes include the Bucklin Trail to the top of Killington, Sherburne Pass to Pico Peak, and Canty Trail to Blue Ridge Mountain. So many choices!" Some trails connect directly to campgrounds, allowing campers to start right from their sites.
Fish in stocked ponds: Several area lakes and ponds offer fishing opportunities. "We fished and kayaked right from our site," notes a visitor to Half Moon Pond. The ponds near Pittsford are known for bass, perch, and trout, with licenses available online or at local outfitters in Rutland.
Visit local maple farms: Within 20 minutes of most Pittsford-area campgrounds, visitors can tour working maple syrup operations. "The campground is located near the Queechee Gorge, covered bridges, hiking trails, good dining, maple syrup/cheese farm, the Marsh Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park," reports one Quechee-Pine Valley KOA visitor.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many Vermont campgrounds offer well-separated camping spots. At Moose Hillock Camping Resorts, "the sites are huge. Plenty of room for our RV, and small tent. Private. Can't say enough about the pool. We had multi-generations camping. From the great grandmother to 2 1/2 yr toddler we all enjoyed the pool."
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Vermont state parks consistently earn praise for cleanliness. "The bathhouse was very clean, the swimming beach is small but perfect, and there are even cabins for rent on the other side of the pond," notes a Half Moon Pond camper. Another adds, "Restrooms are modern and clean. Everyone seems to adhere to quiet hours so it was easy to get a good night's sleep."
Waterfront camping options: Several campgrounds offer sites directly on water. "Site T06, which is right on the water," reports a Half Moon Pond State Park Campground visitor. "We were easily able to go straight from the tent to our kayak, which was so awesome." These waterfront sites typically cost $2-5 more per night than standard sites.
Old-growth forests: Vermont's mature forests create unique camping environments. "The campground is small, quiet and very well cared for. Restrooms are modern and clean," mentions a Half Moon Pond reviewer. The hardwood forests provide natural shade and habitat for wildlife.
Winter camping options: While most glamping sites close in October, traditional camping offers winter opportunities at select locations. "We stayed in site 15 in the lower campground for a few nights and it was level and spacious but pretty close to neighbors compared to other sites. Then we moved to lean to ELM in the upper campground and it was a nice private site," notes a Gifford Woods camper.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for premium sites. "We have stayed at this campground twice and have been so happy with it every time. The facilities are great for a state park and the sites are large," notes a Gifford Woods visitor. Reservations for Vermont state parks open 11 months in advance.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds near Pittsford operate from mid-May through mid-October. "This campground is located on lake bomoseen. The campground is small which makes it nice. It has three pools. A kiddie pool, a water slide pool and a larger pool that goes from 3 ft to 6 ft," explains a Lake Bomoseen KOA visitor. Check specific opening dates when planning trips.
Limited connectivity: Cell service and Wi-Fi are inconsistent throughout the region. "The campground is ok. It was a little tight for our 36ft 5tg wheel but managable. The sites are a good size and relatively level. There is NO cell coverage and the Wi-Fi is poor and very slow if you can connect," reports a Lake Bomoseen KOA camper.
Bear safety: The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends storing food securely. Proper food storage in vehicles or bear-proof containers is essential, and cooking areas should be kept separate from sleeping areas.
Firewood regulations: To prevent the spread of invasive species, campgrounds require purchasing firewood on-site. "Seasoned firewood available for purchase ($6 a stack)," notes one camper at Gifford Woods State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Lean-to options: Multiple Vermont parks offer lean-tos as alternatives to traditional tents. "We camped here for two nights in Lean-tos with 20 Girls and Leaders. It's a great place to bring a Troop and use the lake and trails for badges plus cooking badges as well," shares a visitor to Emerald Lake State Park Campground.
Scheduled activities: Some campgrounds offer organized programs for younger campers. "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)," explains a Quechee State Park camper.
Site selection for safety: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain for families with small children. "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 an Emerald Lake visitor. "The campground is large, with three camping loops. While there are trails down to the lake from the campground, none of the sites are waterfront, or even water view."
Swimming options: Most campgrounds feature swimming areas with varying amenities. "The beach has a lifeguard to watch over the swimmers. Dogs are not permitted on the beach," notes a Rogers Rock Campground reviewer. Many lakes have designated swimming areas with roped boundaries and sandy bottoms.
Kid-friendly trails: Several parks offer shorter hiking options suitable for families. "Nearby Hikes include the Bucklin Trail to the top of Killington, Sherburne Pass to Pico Peak, and Canty Trail to Blue Ridge Mountain. So many choices!" shares a Gifford Woods camper.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Many Vermont state parks have minimal or no hookups for RVs. "Cute little state park. Pretty tight along the left side of the pond. The right hand side is very quiet and more wooded. Not many rv, mostly tents and pop ups," reports a Half Moon Pond visitor.
Dump station locations: RVers should plan for dump stations that may be shared across multiple campgrounds. "No hookups but they do have a dump station if you are in a RV," notes a Quechee State Park camper.
Navigating narrow roads: Some campgrounds have challenging access for larger rigs. "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," explains a Lake George Escape Campground visitor.
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds require leveling equipment. "Sites aren't particularly level or large. Cell phone coverage is spotty, I was getting 1-2 bars with Verizon," notes a Rogers Rock Campground visitor.
Seasonal site availability: For those seeking luxury RV camping near Pittsford, availability expands in shoulder seasons. "We camped here for a mid-week getaway. The park is small, quiet and very well cared for," shares a Half Moon Pond camper.
