Best Campgrounds near Hartford, VT

Hartford's surrounding area encompasses both established campgrounds and more primitive camping opportunities. Quechee State Park Campground, located along Woodstock Road, provides tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping accommodations with access to hiking trails and natural attractions. The Quechee-Pine Valley KOA in nearby White River Junction offers similar mixed-use camping with additional amenities such as electric hookups, water access, and sewer connections for RVs. Mount Ascutney State Park Campground, approximately 20 miles south of Hartford, features tent and RV sites set against the backdrop of the 3,200-foot mountain with access to numerous hiking trails.

Campground operations in the Hartford region typically run from May through mid-October, with most facilities closing during winter months. Road access to camping areas varies, with some sites requiring higher clearance vehicles, particularly after spring thaw when dirt roads can become rutted. "Vermont parks are just some the most lush you've ever seen. Our trip was a bit 'dampened' by an extremely rainy Memorial Day weekend, but what we did see was beautiful," noted one visitor to Mount Ascutney State Park. Cell service ranges from adequate to spotty depending on location and carrier, with Verizon coverage generally more reliable throughout the region. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, especially during peak foliage season in September and October when tourism increases significantly.

The Connecticut River provides opportunities for waterfront camping experiences near Hartford. Several visitors highlighted the tranquil river settings as particular highlights. A camper wrote, "Wilgus State Park is the first Vermont state park to open each spring, well before Memorial Day each year. All sites have a great view of the river, but I won't go so far as to call them waterfront as there is a bank covered with lush foliage between the sites and the water." For those seeking more seclusion, backcountry shelters along the Appalachian Trail provide primitive camping options with toilet facilities but few other amenities. Families particularly appreciate the swimming areas at several campgrounds, with some locations offering concrete docks, boat rentals, and beach areas suitable for children.

Best Camping Sites Near Hartford, Vermont (207)

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Recent Reviews near Hartford, VT

838 Reviews of 207 Hartford Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Spacious Skies French Pond

    Helpful staff

    The staff was friendly. Don't forget the flashlight. There is very little lighting to find your way around the winding roads of the campground which adds to the charm.

  • Marc D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Mount Ascutney State Park Campground

    Great state park

    This is a beautiful state park at the base of Mt ascutney. The campground is lovely. Forest Ed and beautiful fall colors in October. Good facilities. Friendly staff. Some noise from the interstate but not terrible. There is a 3.7 mile road that is extremely steep but paved, and goes to the summit of the mountain. Less than 1 mile hike from there to the observation tower. Great views. Lots of hiking trail trails.

  • S.D.G
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Quechee State Park Campground

    Great stop on any trip

    Clean, good facilities. Price has gone up to $38 a night. Got there close to the time the rangers left for the night, Nick was really kind to make sure I got situated before he left. Walking distance from the antique mall which is a stop everyone should make as well as good food and pizza right nearby. Great spot to stop at on any trip

  • Marc D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Gunstock Campground

    Great Spot

    Fairly extensive camp ground associated with Gunstock ski area on central New Hampshire. We arrived without a reservation a bit after the office closed, but Elena, the manager came out to let us in and allowed us to check in. She was great. Dogs must have proof of rabies vaccine. Very nice showers. Beautiful fall colors.

  • Panvira T.
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Fransted Family Campground

    Good location

    The place so nice and cleaned,quite also close to you must see and things to do. The price reasonable too. Highly recommended

  • Lin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Spacious Skies French Pond

    Best Camp in the area

    I am enjoying this camp still, even after 6 months. Management is wonderful and attentive. They take great care of the whole camp and us campers. Fun events are scheduled on the regular!

  • Keith L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Jamaica State Park Campground

    Great Camping Experience at Jamaica State Park

    This was our second stay at this Vermont State Park. It was a great three days. The park rangers were tremendous in ensuring we had a great visit. They worked with us to get the right site. The bathroom facilities, while rustic, were clean. There is a plethora of things to do in the park itself and in the local community. Nonetheless, it starts and ends with the management of the campground. Lauren, the campground manager, and her team of professionals, do a great job. We will definitely return.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Austin Brook

    Site is mislabeled as FR 25

    There are a handful of sites down Austin Brook road, I had trouble finding a level spot. Minimal ATT reception but overall pretty area

  • B The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Quechee State Park Campground

    Beautiful, road noise, not a lot there

    Big, flat, beautiful sites. Road noise isn't super loud, but it's constant. Might be the nicest bathrooms I've seen in decades of camping.

    The weird thing is that there just isn't much here. The Quechee Gorge, best accessed from the back of the lawn behind the bathhouse, is the deepest in Vermont.. which is kind of like saying the best bagel or most populous city in Vermont. Prepared to be whelmed.

    It's a ~30 minute hike, you can access some slow semi-rapids at the bottom.

    Camping at the SP does give access to another trail that's moderately challenging and has both some level spots and a nice overlook.

    Don't regret the trip at all but it seems more like an awesome stopover than a worthwhile destination. Some decent restaurants in the area and even more in nearby Lebanon/White River Junction.


Guide to Hartford

The Hartford area offers camping experiences at elevations ranging from 400 to 3,200 feet, providing varied terrain and vegetation across the Connecticut River Valley. Many campgrounds in this region maintain shorter operating seasons than other parts of Vermont, with most opening in mid-May and closing by mid-October due to the area's colder spring and fall conditions.

What to do

Hiking to mountain summits: Mount Ascutney State Park Campground provides access to multiple summit trails with excellent vantage points. "The shelter was the basic AT 3-sided wood structure and was generally in good shape. The water source here was dry during my trip which was expected during the drought (August 2022)," notes Justin P. about the Velvet Rocks Shelter Backcountry Campground along the Appalachian Trail.

Mountain biking: The area offers trails for all skill levels, from beginner loops to challenging terrain. "The state park maintains its own mountain biking trail loop, which accessible directly from the campground. It is a 3 mile beginner friendly loop, with some nice rollers and moderate terrain," shares Rita M. about her experience at Mount Ascutney State Park Campground.

Swimming in natural settings: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas in ponds, rivers, or pools. "Quechee State Park is in a good location; it is right next to the road. We were at sight #3. We were able to walk to the gorge as well as to the Antique mall," explains William P. about the hiking and swimming options at the gorge.

What campers like

Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained bathrooms and showers at Hartford area campgrounds. "This campground is the cleanest and most pristine campground we have ever stayed at! We come every year and love it!" reports Rhonda B. about Quechee-Pine Valley KOA.

Spacious sites: Many sites offer good separation and privacy from neighbors. "Many sites are large and private. Bathrooms are clean. Hosts sponsor activities that are fun for all, like a balloon launch, cook outs, etc. Love it there," writes Melissa R. about Quechee State Park.

Trail access: Direct access to hiking and biking trails ranks high among camper priorities. "The shelter had a ground floor and a loft but each floor could maybe fit 4-5 people comfortably, but I decided to tent camp. There were a bunch of level tent camp sites around the shelter," describes Justin P. about Happy Hill Backcountry Shelter on the Appalachian Trail.

What you should know

Seasonal water availability: Many backcountry sites and shelters have intermittent water sources. "There wasn't any water at the source while I was staying here and it looks like a seasonal source," reports Justin P. about Happy Hill Backcountry Shelter.

Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience road noise due to proximity to major routes. "I loved this campground especially my site! I stayed at the Basswood lean to site. Private and well kept sites, clean bathrooms, friendly service, gorgeous Mountain View," shares Melanie P. about Coolidge State Park Campground, though other reviewers note highway noise at some sites.

Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "We hit this campground for one over night as we past through. Good spot with easy access to the Gorge. Bathroom were clean and the grounds were quite at night," notes Douglas L. about his stay at Quechee State Park.

Tips for camping with families

Look for ranger programs: Some parks offer educational activities for children. "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)," shares Jen B. about Quechee State Park Campground.

Consider recreation fields: Open play areas provide additional entertainment options. "It's a beautiful campground and peaceful place. The owners are nice and friendly," comments Jeff D. about Rest N Nest Campground, which includes play areas and recreation fields.

Pack for variable weather: Spring and fall camping can experience significant temperature swings. "It was a very quiet location. There was plenty of room between sites. The roads going in and leaving were well maintained," notes William P. about his stay at Coolidge State Park.

Tips from RVers

Site selection matters: Many campgrounds have varied site layouts that affect RV parking. "I had site 1 which is near office but away from all other sites so it was very quiet. It's a large site with a nearby brook on 2 sides... Only complaint is the site is set up 'backwards' - the electric hookups are on door side of rv," reports Amy G. about Storrs Pond Recreation Area.

Limited hookup availability: Full hookups are available at select campgrounds only. "Just finishing up a week in Quechee State Park campground and have to say the place is really really nice. The sites are nicely spaced and seem to accommodate big rigs rather well... No Electric or hookups," explains Chris A. about the facilities at Quechee State Park.

Leveling challenges: Some sites require significant leveling. "Awesome owners with a small campground! Swimming pond and pool. Small Playground. Pull through, back in, tent sites.. we go here every memorial day for their 1 set of awning to awning sites with our camping buddies!" shares Jen C. about Rest N Nest Campground, one of the best places to camp near Hartford, Vermont with level RV sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Hartford, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hartford, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 207 campgrounds and RV parks near Hartford, VT and 19 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Hartford, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hartford, VT is Quechee State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 24 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hartford, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 free dispersed camping spots near Hartford, VT.

What parks are near Hartford, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Hartford, VT that allow camping, notably North Hartland Lake and Union Village Dam.