214 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
"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."
from $38 / night
Check Availability"Nice rustic ,small all amenities park.Great place to explore Vermont ,hundreds of things to do and see in the area. Really like this park."
"While staying here I could enjoy some fishing, taking the dog for a nice walk, enjoy the evening with a nice fire, camp side, and go swimming on those hot summer days."
"The state park had everything we were looking for: close proximity to mountain bike trails, beautiful hiking trails, available leantos, and less than two hours from our home."
"Vermont parks are just some the most lush you’ve ever seen."
from $59 - $99 / night
Check Availability"This place gets my vote for best campground in Vermont. Especially true if you're lucky enough to get one of the few sites on the outside of A loop that has a Lean-to with a view."
"Coolidge is off the beaten path but well worth the wander! There are no water sites, it’s on the side of a heavily wooded mountain with a few sites having amazing views!"
"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."
from $30 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Wilgus State Park is the first Vermont state park to open each spring, well before Memorial Day each year."
"Wilgus state park has amazing campsites, very friendly staff, and great access to the Connecticut River. This campground was beautiful and very quiet even though it was full."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability"I tent camped here in August while doing a section hike of the Appalachian Trail. "
"Note this is a back country shelter along the Appalachian Trail, so it is 100% long hike in with no guaranteed water and a basic privvy."
ScoutReally enjoyed the setting at Crow’s Nest. There are lots of trees and having the Sugar River running alongside the campground gives the whole place a nice New Hampshire feel. We were mostly looking for somewhere to disconnect for a couple of days, cook outside, fish a little, and enjoy being away from home. Crow’s Nest was a great fit for that.
ScoutWhat we liked most about Crow’s Nest was being able to choose between doing absolutely nothing or heading out and exploring. One day we stayed around the campground, went swimming and relaxed by the river. The next day we got out and explored more of the Lake Sunapee area. It made a really good home base and it was always nice coming back to our campsite at the end of the day.
ScoutVery Disappointed With the Changes
Crown Point Campground used to be a wonderful place to camp. Unfortunately, since Happy Grounds purchased the campground, we have seen a significant decline in the overall experience.
I do want to make one thing very clear: the woman managing the campground is absolutely wonderful. She genuinely cares about the campers, is kind, helpful, and does her best to make people feel welcome. Our frustrations are not directed toward her. She deserves recognition for the effort she puts in, especially given the circumstances.
Unfortunately, there are serious concerns with the direction the campground has taken. There is no reliable Wi-Fi or cell service, which is especially concerning because there is no dependable way to call out in the event of an emergency. We have also seen a significant change in the atmosphere and clientele. Drugs have been found on the premises, including needles, which is extremely concerning for the safety of campers, especially families with children.
The campground has also become increasingly overcrowded. Tent sites have had upwards of 10 people on a single site, creating a very different camping experience from what many long-time campers originally signed up for.
Seasonal campers were told that there would be a gradual increase over two years to bring rates up to the new “going rate.” However, when the new contracts came out for next year, the price had increased by approximately $900. That is a substantial increase for a campground that, in our opinion, has continued to decline rather than improve.
What was perhaps most disappointing was how campers' concerns were handled. When people questioned the increase and expressed their frustrations, the response from the corporation was, and I quote:
“Get out and leave. I’ve heard enough complaints. Just leave if you don’t like it.”
That is an incredibly disappointing way to speak to people who have supported this campground for years.
It is heartbreaking to see what Crown Point Campground has become. There are good people here, and the campground itself has so much potential. Most importantly, the manager genuinely cares about the campers, and she deserves credit for that.
Our hope is that Happy Grounds will listen to the people who have invested years of their time and money here, address the safety and overcrowding concerns, and bring back the sense of community that once made Crown Point such a wonderful place to camp.
Scout⭐**Gunstock Campground: Apparently Your Reserved Site Is More of a Suggestion**
I don't believe I have**ever** left a negative Google review. I generally think that when something goes wrong, you contact the business, give them an opportunity to make it right, and most businesses are genuinely interested in doing exactly that.
Gunstock Campground has cured me of that quaint notion.
I reserved a full-hookup campsite for two nights. I was unable to make it there the first night, but arrived shortly after 7:00 a.m. the next morning. The camp store, where registration takes place, wasn't open yet, so I headed out for my planned hike— about six miles through the Belknaps, including summiting Rowe twice and Gunstock.
By the time I returned, I was utterly exhausted, starving, and actually feeling weak. My ambitions for the afternoon were modest:**eat something, take a shower, and collapse at the campsite I had paid for.**
The staff at the camp store greeted me warmly, checked me in, and sent me on my way.
I drove to my site. There was already a camper in it. Not merely*parked* there, mind you. They had apparently moved right in. They were hooked up to**my site's water and electric**, with water spraying from their ill-fitting hose connection and forming a rather impressive puddle underneath the camper.
I returned to the camp store to report that someone had apparently activated Gunstock's new**"Choose Any Site You Like"** camping plan. A staff member went down to speak with them and came back to tell me they were "packing up." Excellent! My mistake was assuming" packing up" meant**leaving**. It did not.
Apparently these campers had actually reserved a site**two rows away** that had**no water or electric**. Yet somehow, sometime after arriving the previous night, they had accidentally found themselves two rows over, in my clearly different site, connected to utilities their reservation didn't include.
We've all made mistakes. I've occasionally parked one space away from where I intended. I've never accidentally parked**two rows away, hooked myself up to someone else's electricity and water, and spent the night.**
But perhaps I lack imagination.
After they had now consumed about an hour of my afternoon— which, incidentally, is an hour I normally bill at attorney rates— I went back toward my site expecting to find it finally vacated.
And it was! Because Gunstock had moved these folks to another site**two spaces away from me**, apparently allowing them to pay for the upgrade they had already been test-driving. So the people who knowingly or unknowingly occupied my reserved full-hookup site, used the utilities, and delayed me from getting into the site I paid for were rewarded with...a nearby full-hookup site.
They never walked over to apologize. At that point, I no longer felt comfortable staying. It's difficult to relax at a campground when you've just discovered that site assignments appear to operate somewhat on the honor system— and that when someone helps themselves to your reserved site and utilities, management's solution is apparently to make sure *they* remain comfortably accommodated nearby. So I left. On my way home, I called Gunstock and asked for a refund. Surely, I thought, this would be the easy part. After all, I had paid for two nights, hadn't used the first, couldn't get into my site when I arrived for the second, waited while unauthorized occupants vacated it, and ultimately left because the entire experience had become so unpleasant.
Nope. Instead, the staff member **defended the other campers**. I was told they arrived late and "mistakenly" took my site. I was even told they supposedly **hadn't used the utilities**. This was particularly fascinating information for me to receive because **I PERSONALLY SAW THEM HOOKED UP TO THE WATER AND ELECTRIC.** I also took photographs. Including the enormous puddle underneath their camper from the leaking water connection. But apparently my eyewitness account and photographs were no match for the alternative version of events.
For my inconvenience, however, Gunstock did give me a coupon for a **free Bavarian pretzel**. So there is that.
I paid for a full-hookup campsite. Someone else occupied it and used the hookups. I lost roughly an hour waiting to access what I had reserved. The other campers were accommodated with an upgraded site nearby. I left because I no longer felt comfortable staying. And when I asked Gunstock to make the situation right, they refused to refund me and instead argued with me about things **I had personally witnessed and photographed**. The most disappointing part isn't that another camper took my site. Campers can behave badly. Businesses can't control everything their customers do. **What a business CAN control is how it responds when that happens. ** Gunstock had every opportunity to turn this into a mildly annoying story about a camping mix-up. Instead, they turned it into my first negative Google review.
But hey... **I do have that free pretzel coupon.**
ScoutCrow’s Nest was a really convenient stop for us while traveling through New Hampshire. Getting our RV situated was easy and we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay.
ScoutWe brought the kids here for a few days and they had a blast. Between swimming, exploring around the campground, and just riding around and making friends, they always had something to do. For us, it was nice being able to actually relax while the kids stayed entertained. We cooked at the campsite most nights and spent the evenings around the fire. Great family trip.
ScoutThe Sugar River was probably our favorite part of staying here. There is something really relaxing about waking up, making coffee, and being able to walk down by the river first thing in the morning. We spent our days fishing, hanging around the campground, and exploring the area. Crow’s Nest has a classic New Hampshire campground feel and we would definitely come back.
TravelerNo major complaints. Beautiful location, easy to get to, convenient RV hookups. Goose poop everywhere so watch your step. Showers are relatively expensive. Sites are very very close together.
ScoutPeaceful, quiet, relaxing space. Super friendly staff.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 214 campgrounds and RV parks near Hartford, VT and 20 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 20 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.
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