Gifford Woods State Park Campground sits at the heart of Vermont's Green Mountains, where old-growth hardwoods create a natural canopy for campers. Located just off Route 100, the campground serves as a gateway to popular hiking destinations including stretches of the Appalachian Trail. The park operates from mid-May through mid-October, with temperatures ranging from 40-80°F depending on the month and elevation.
What to do
Hiking from camp: At Smugglers Notch State Park, trails connect directly to Mount Mansfield's extensive network. "You are minutes from some amazing hiking, which is great when you don't feel like driving long distances after a day hike," notes Ben C., who appreciated the accessibility of Vermont's highest peak.
Fishing opportunities: Kent Pond at Gifford Woods offers trout fishing, while other nearby waters provide different experiences. At Half Moon Pond State Park, "We fished and kayaked right from our site," reports Rebecca D., though she notes the pond is "very weedy, so fishing was not so great."
Water activities: Several parks offer calm paddling for beginners. "The pond is clean and swim-able and great for kayaks/canoes," explains Susan E. about Half Moon Pond. For those seeking larger waters, Lake Bomoseen and Lake Champlain are within driving distance.
Historic exploration: Button Bay State Park's nature trail leads to Button Bay Point, which one camper described as "especially lovely in the evening as the sun is setting." The area around Hancock also features several historical sites, including the remains of a 19th-century settlement accessible from Little River State Park.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Little River State Park offers secluded camping near Waterbury. "The campground is small and quiet. The sites are well maintained," notes Alison O., who appreciated that "the reservoir was a great place to relax after a day of hiking!"
Clean facilities: Most Vermont state parks maintain high standards for bathrooms and showers. At Quechee State Park, Chris A. found "immaculate" bathrooms with "coin (quarters) operated showers." The park also offers "nicely spaced" sites that "seem to accommodate big rigs rather well."
Friendly park staff: Rangers at Vermont parks often go beyond basic duties. A Gifford Woods visitor shared, "The staff were very friendly and accommodating with us." At Mount Philo, campers found the rangers "terrific" and helpful in providing local information.
Diverse accommodation options: Beyond traditional tent sites, many parks offer unique stays. Half Moon Pond has "lean-to sites and some cabins," while Smugglers Notch features both drive-in and walk-in sites, making it feel "very secluded and less like car camping," according to Jess O.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Vermont's camping season runs mainly from May through mid-October. Smugglers Notch has an unofficial winter season where "you just have to call a couple weeks ahead to reserve and make sure you park in the allotted area," shares Ed M., noting there are "no facilities off season."
Reservation requirements: Book early for premium sites. At Mount Philo State Park, where there are only "8 campsites, dispersed in the trees," Kaelin P. recommends securing your spot well in advance. The most secluded sites at Mount Philo are "1, 6 and 8," according to Drew Q.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly. Lake Bomoseen KOA has "NO cell coverage and the Wi-Fi is poor and very slow if you can connect," reports Dave S. Similarly, at Rogers Rock Campground, Jean C. found "cell phone coverage is spotty, I was getting 1-2 bars with Verizon."
Shower facilities: Most Vermont state parks have coin-operated showers. At Mount Philo, it costs "50 cents for 5 minutes, 75 cents for 7:30" of hot water. Budget for this expense if planning extended stays.
Tips for camping with families
Best sites for children: Choose campgrounds with dedicated play areas. At Button Bay State Park, Lacy C. found it "good for families" with "a pool for swimming, paved roads are good for bikes & scooters, pavilion for activities, lake for swimming & fishing and hiking trails."
Educational programs: Many Vermont parks offer ranger-led activities. At Quechee State Park, Jen B. reports "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)."
Swimming options: When glamping close to Hancock, Vermont, swimming locations vary in quality. Half Moon Pond has "a deeper swimming area" despite being "pretty shallow and has some weeds" overall. For Lake Champlain swimming near Mount Philo, Drew Q. recommends "Charlotte town beach," though notes it's "dog unfriendly" and costs "$10 for non-residents."
Kid-friendly hikes: For families with young hikers, try shorter trails. Near Quechee State Park, there's "a short trail from the visitor center to the bottom of the gorge," though Tara S. warns that "on fall weekends it's super crowded." For a quieter experience, Little River's trails to old foundations provide educational hiking opportunities.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Most glamping close to Hancock, Vermont locations have limited space for larger rigs. At Quechee State Park, Chris A. notes "the campground is not too far off route 4 and you may hear cars/trucks," but recommends "site 11 or the BIRCH lean to as the 2 most spacious and/or secluded sites."
Hookup availability: Full hookups are rare in Vermont state parks. Lake Bomoseen KOA offers full hookups, but Dave S. found the sites merely "a good size and relatively level" while noting "there are a lot of seasonal rigs there so weekends could be busy."
Access challenges: Some parks have difficult entry roads. At Rogers Rock, Kim T. warns some roads are "unpaved, unmarked with directional signs, very narrow, and tough to navigate." Plan arrival during daylight hours for easier setup.
Dump stations: Quechee State Park offers "a spacious dump site if needed," according to Chris A., while Button Bay and Gifford Woods also provide sanitary dump facilities for self-contained units.
