Gifford Woods State Park Campground welcomes pets throughout its wooded campsites and rustic cabins near Killington Mountain. Leashed dogs are permitted in all camping areas including tent sites, RV spots, and the park's distinctive lean-to shelters. The campground features clean facilities with hot showers and direct access to the Appalachian Trail for hikers with dogs. Multiple pet-friendly options exist within 30 minutes of Killington Resort, including Quechee-Pine Valley KOA where dogs can stay in both standard campsites and pet-friendly cabins. Sites at Gifford Woods provide good spacing between neighbors with picnic tables and fire rings at each location. Pets must remain leashed at all times while in the campground areas and on trails.
Michigan Brook Road and Michigan Brook offer primitive camping with dogs in Green Mountain National Forest, providing free dispersed sites beside the river with existing fire rings. These backcountry locations require no reservations but have no facilities or amenities - pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. The dirt road access becomes challenging during spring thaw with mud and ruts, requiring higher clearance vehicles. Coolidge State Park and Quechee State Park campgrounds also permit pets with similar leash requirements while offering more developed facilities including showers and water access. Nearby hiking options include the Kent Pond Loop and Thundering Falls trail accessible directly from Gifford Woods, both suitable for dogs on leash. During peak seasons, campers should book pet-friendly sites well in advance as the most popular locations like Gifford Woods' Apple and Hemlock lean-tos fill quickly.
"The park is amazingly clean, well run, located just of RT 4 and very near to Killington, Vermont. It has multiple lean-to sites which are in wooded areas."
"Each site had a fair amount of isolation and trees surrounding it, and the mosquitoes aren't too bad there either. 10 minutes away is the trail head for the Bucklin Trail (one of the most difficult trails"
"My wife and I along with our dog Wyatt make an annual trip to CC. There is a great secluded site off the road into the park."
"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."
$38 / night
"Clean and quiet, good for kids and pets are welcome. There are 2 bathrooms with coin operated showers. There are sites for campers, tents, and a handful of lean tos."
"There is a “campers only” access trail to Quechee Gorge that we took advantage of, which then gave us access to the Dewey Pond trail."
"Surrounded by breathtaking mountain-scapes. Facilities are nice and the lake is lovely with some great fishing. You can swim, walk around it or rent a vessel to cruise around in."
"Enjoy the serenity of the forest surrounding you, while you glimpse stars, and warm your innards beside a fire."
"I stayed at this campsite located at the end of upper Michigan road. It is winter and there is a lot of snow. The main road to the parking lot is plowed and sanded."
"Few nice ones near the creek. I stayed at one on top of a lots of space at mine."
$15 / night
"Nice hiking trails close to long trail, really tucked away a few miles off 73. Great if you’re looking for some solitude."
"Well maintained, and nice access to trails right from the campground."
$15 / night
"there are no amenities other than cascading waterfalls, mountain views, incredible swimming hole, a nearby lake, a picnic table and a fire ring. the easiest access to sites one and two is the Silver Lake"
"Access to campground is on a gravel road but my van did okay. It is small and primitive and there is a camp host who is very nice."
"Drive in about a mile after the parking lot!! Can use car to get in! There’s 3 camping spots. 1 before the bridge and 2 after the bridge!"
"This place was very clean and loaded with amenities: pool, dog park, events, open fields, deer, store, etc."
"Our site, was located in the back of the park in a quieter section because it was away from most of the activities and park entrance."
TravelerIt’s been a few years since we were there last but always enjoyed going here. Facilities were always clean. Campground is pet friendly and have a small dog park. Pool was looking a bit outdated when we were last there but totally functional. We’d go back in a second.
GuideCampground is placed 10 minutes from the bottom of Lake George with great hiking trails in the surrounding area. The campground it’s self it’s very clean in every aspect. On a river with water activities, beach, pool, a BAR, and so many more outdoor activities. Every night there are wagon tours of the campground, staff is seen frequently but very relaxed environment. Very family and pet friendly (They have their own dog park!) This was my 5th summer going up with friends and about our 8th trip overall and every time it’s a great experience!
ScoutThis is one of our favorite places to camp in Vermont. The sites are fairly private without being built too close together. Lake is clean and has a great concrete dock that the kids love to jump off. They have boat rentals and nature tours on the lake led by the state park faculty. When the kids get tired from swimming they're a nice beach area and playground.
ScoutSites-the section we were in the sites were huge and clean, the grass needed to be cut.
Staff was excellent! Helpful and Courteous
If you need a baby sitter this is a place for you,
No adult supervision . Kids riding motorized scooters, mini bikes, and driving golf carts.
Definitely going over the 5mph posted limit.
Dog park needed to have the grass cut.
Bugs are horrible bring bug spray and a screenhouse.
Don't pay xtra for water site on frog pond. That's exactly what you get a grass and frog swap.
Boat launch clearly marked no swimming and no going to the other side. Clearly people can not read.
If you have young children this is the place for you, many activities for children.
Wi-Fi - If you need internet they charge you for it. Most campgrounds offer free Wi-Fi (we did pay the $15 because we needed it for work).
Over priced if you don't have children to take advantage of the activities offered.
Suggestion allow pet swimming at the boat launch.
GuideVery nice, clean campsite. Staff are very friendly and helpful. Campsites are spread out, great dog walking areas , and very spacious dog parks, one for big dos and one for little ones.
LegendThis tops our list for camping in Vermont. There is so much to do here, and yet the campground feels very private and quiet. There are 41 tent/RV sites to choose from and 18 lean-tos. Some of the lean-tos are situated right on the West River, but they are well-loved and coveted so we've never actually stayed in one.
For our July trip, we stayed in the Juniper lean-to, which is incredibly quiet and near the overlook hiking trail. The park is small enough to walk to the swimming area from your campsite, as well as into town. Note that you will not get cell service here, but if you walk into the village of Jamaica, you will find Wi-Fi hotspots at the library or the grocery store.
Here are all the awesome things to do in Jamaica State Park:
Learn about the first peoples who lived here: The area along the West River was an important trade route for the Abenaki tribe. Throughout the park, there are interpretive signs with lots of information about the Abenaki, as well as the archaeological dig that was conducted here in 2010.
2. Cool off in the West River: The main swimming area is at Salmon Hole, right in the campground, but you can swim anywhere in the West River. It's awesome!
Ride your bike to the Ball Mountain Dam: There's a bike trail that leads from the campground all the way to the federally-owned Ball Mountain Dam, which provides great views of Ball Mountain Lake and the surrounding mountains. It's a 5-mile ride from the campground, round-trip.
Learn about Jamaica's railroad history: It's crazy that the rail trail was really a railroad at the turn of the century. It's a narrow, mountainous route. As you ride along the trail, stop and read the signs. No wonder it was called 36 miles of trouble!
5. Hike the Overlook Trail: It's a 2.5-mile loop that brings you up on a ridge with great views.
Hike to Hamilton Falls: It's actually easier to bike part of the way on the rail trail and then hike the 1.1 miles to the falls. Otherwise, it's a 6-mile hike round-trip. Hamilton falls is 125 feet tall, and one of the loveliest waterfalls in Vermont.
Walk into the village of Jamaica for donuts: Seriously! Head to D&K Grocery for the best donuts ever, or stock up on camping provisions.
LegendWilgus State Park is the first Vermont state park to open each spring, well before Memorial Day each year. While it's still pretty cold for camping in Vermont in early May, you can get a jump start on the season by renting one of the four camping cabins. I'll admit that I haven't stayed in one of the Wilgus cabins, but they are pretty much the same all over Vermont - nothing fancy - just four solid walls, bunk beds, and a small table.
Usually when we stay at Wilgus State Park, we rent a lean-to or stay in site #16, which is the very last tent site, and the most private. 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. There is also a short trail that runs between the campsites and the water - a great place to watch the sunrise!
The best part about camping here is getting out on the water. You can rent kayaks and canoes, and the river moves slowly enough to paddle up stream. There is also a shuttle service run by Great River Outfitters upstream in Windsor. If you make reservations, the come to the park (I think on Wednesdays and Fridays), and they will pick you up in the morning, drive you up river to Windsor, outfit you with a canoe or kayak, and let you paddle back to the park. Later in the evening they will come back and pick up the boats. If you choose this option, be sure to stop at Artisan Park, right on the river and have lunch at Harpoon Brewery.
The campground is really small (under 25 sites) and super quiet. Restrooms are clean. There is a short hiking trail, which is just okay - no views or anything. The ranger has been there for years and is an expert fisherman. He's got lots of tips if you ask. For good hiking, be sure to check out Mt. Ascutney, which is just a few miles away.
TravelerWe stayed in a cabin with our pup. This place was very clean and loaded with amenities: pool, dog park, events, open fields, deer, store, etc. This was glamping with a fire pit 😃 There were plenty of sites for all size RV’s with hook-ups. A town with lots to do and see is nearby including hiking trails.
ScoutWe are pleasantly surprised! The adage "you get what you pay for" just isn't true here. This campground is my new favorite. The owners, Liz and Ben, are super friendly, easy-going, and welcoming. The campground is clean and quiet, with sites that are spacious and private. The wifi is pretty darn good. There's a cozy lounge room to hang out in with games, books, crayons, and puzzles; a dog park with toys included; and fabulous hiking trails with lots to see, including a pond, waterfalls, and streams.
We'll definitely be returning!
Camping near Killington, Vermont offers extensive options for outdoor recreation in the Green Mountain National Forest. The area sits at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 4,235 feet with a humid continental climate that creates distinct seasons. Summer temperatures average 70-80°F during the day with cooler nights in the 50s, while sites typically have established fire rings and require bear-safe food storage.
Hiking accessibility: At Moosalamoo Campground, trails connect directly to camping areas. "There is some decent hiking from the campground, one hike of maybe 2 miles (one way) to a reservoir, and another of 3 miles (one way) to the 'Falls of Lana,' which is really just a cascade, but nice nonetheless," notes Thomas R.
Fishing options: Kent Pond and nearby water access provide fishing opportunities. "It's a short hike back to the pond, which is very pretty and is along the Appalachian Trail," reports Alyssa C. from Gifford Woods State Park Campground.
Nearby attractions: Explore local historic sites within short driving distance. "Take advantage of the historical site nearby (President Calvin Coolidge's homestead) and long trail brewing," suggests Danielle S. when camping at Coolidge State Park Campground.
Mountain biking: Forest service roads and designated trails accommodate various skill levels. "Moosalamoo campground has awesome bike trails with smooth trail beds and nice rolling bumps," writes 10-year-old AJB in a review.
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites with natural buffers. At Quechee State Park Campground, "many sites are large and private. Bathrooms are clean. Hosts sponsor activities that are fun for all, like a balloon launch, cook outs, etc.," according to Melissa R.
Lean-to options: These covered structures provide weather protection and solid sleeping platforms. "We stayed in the Elm lean-to, which sits up on a wooded hill. The only down side is that the lean-to opening faces the road instead of the woods, which would have been better for privacy," notes Tara S.
Night sky viewing: Limited light pollution allows for excellent stargazing opportunities. Alan reports from Moosalamoo: "At night, you can go out to the bicycle pump track and lay a blanket on the grassy hill against the track and look at stars in COMPLETE darkness."
Water features: Many campgrounds have access to streams, ponds, or lakes. "The beach is great with a fun dock to jump off of. It is a great lake for kayaking and paddleboarding," writes Lynn D. about Silver Lake State Park Campground.
Primitive camping regulations: Free dispersed sites require proper waste management and have no facilities. At Michigan Brook Road Camping, "some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!" warns Thomas and James S.
Reservation timing: Book early for peak seasons, particularly for unique sites. "Get a site in the upper loop if you can, but no complaints for not making advance reservations on July 4th weekend," notes Emil about Gifford Woods.
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds involves unpaved roads. "There is a 2.5 mile dirt road with a steady incline into the camp, which my subie had no issue with, but not sure how well an RV would fair," reports Jessica C. about Chittenden Brook Campground.
Bear precautions: Some areas have active bears requiring proper food storage. At Coolidge State Park, "We were advised that there was an active bear in the campground, but we took the advice of Sean the park ranger," explains Michael L.
Activity planning: Many campgrounds offer organized events for children. At Quechee-Pine Valley KOA, "There are tons of amenities and things for kids to do – swimming pool, fishing ponds, bike rental, scheduled activities, propane sales, camp store, fire wood delivery, and more," explains Nancy W.
Playground access: Several campgrounds have dedicated play areas. Silver Lake State Park "has a beach with wading depth, sand for playing, buoys to mark the shallow area, a large dock to jump from with a ladder for climbing out. Located at the beach area is also lawn space for games, a volleyball court, a fantastic playground," according to Hannah H.
Ranger programs: Educational activities run by park staff provide learning opportunities. Jen B. notes that at Quechee State Park, "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: Consider campgrounds with water access for hot days. "The beach is great with a fun dock to jump off of. It is a great lake for kayaking and paddleboarding," notes Lynn D. about Silver Lake State Park.
Site limitations: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Killington have size restrictions for larger vehicles. "We had our pick of sites and no issues staying for 2 days. Sites were gravel which helped keep the dog and van clean when we had a thunderstorm with lots of rain," reports Dana M. from Moosalamoo.
Water and power access: Most forest campgrounds lack hookups. "No running water or electricity. No cell service a few miles leading up the site, so download your maps in advance," advises Jessica C. about Chittenden Brook.
Navigating terrain: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "The road can be a little confusing but there is no traffic to worry about," mentions Danielle S. about Coolidge State Park.
Dump station locations: Plan for waste management needs. Nancy W. notes that at Quechee-Pine Valley KOA, "Some sites are full hookup while others are not and that is reflected in the cost. We paid $57/night for our full hookup site which is pretty costly especially since we did not use any of the amenities."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Killington, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Killington, VT is Gifford Woods State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 17 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Killington, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 144 dog-friendly camping locations near Killington, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
