Campsites near Londonderry, Vermont provide access to outdoor recreation throughout the Green Mountains, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 feet creating varied camping experiences. The region receives approximately 43 inches of precipitation annually, making for lush forests and reliable water sources at most campgrounds. Weather patterns can shift quickly, especially during summer thunderstorms that typically develop in late afternoon.
What to do
Hiking to overlooks: Molly Stark State Park Campground features a trail to Mount Olga with panoramic views. "It's a short hike back to the pond, which is very pretty and is along the Appalachian Trail," reports one visitor about nearby Gifford Woods. Another camper notes you can "continue on the hiking trail to a cute brewery/pizza place or even a distillery."
Fishing in tranquil waters: Woodford State Park Campground offers fishing opportunities on its reservoir. "We heard coyotes at night and loons in the morning," shares one camper who enjoyed the natural surroundings. Another visitor mentions the "great location within a short driving distance from Lake George" where additional fishing spots can be found.
Historical exploration: Visit nearby towns with preserved architecture dating to the 1800s. "We were able to walk to the gorge as well as to the Antique mall," notes a visitor at Quechee State Park. The region features several museums documenting Vermont's rural heritage within 30 minutes of most campgrounds.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Emerald Lake State Park Campground provides wooded separation between campsites. "We had a lean to site and good privacy from the sites around us," mentions one camper. Another notes, "I really appreciated the VT state parks interactive campground map, which allowed us to see the sites from home and choose the one that would suit us best."
Clean facilities: Quechee State Park Campground maintains well-kept bathhouses and common areas. "Might be the nicest bathrooms I've seen in decades of camping," reports a visitor. Another camper describes the entire campground as having "cleanliness and friendliness" that makes them "look forward to a yearly visit."
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening wildlife sightings enhance the camping experience. "A lot of owls at night!" exclaims one Emerald Lake visitor. At Woodford State Park, a camper spotted "plenty of fish and other little creatures so it's fun to explore" while another mentioned hearing loons calling across the water at dawn.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most state parks operate from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. A camper at Woodford notes they "unexpectedly had a free Saturday afternoon and night and 2 borrowed kayaks" but recommends checking operating dates carefully.
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise due to proximity to main routes. "There is some road noise from the campground at night, but overall this is a pretty fantastic camping experience," reports an Emerald Lake visitor. At Quechee, a camper mentioned "road noise isn't super loud, but it's constant."
Weather preparedness: Grateful Acres Vermont and other sites experience rapid weather changes due to mountain location. "Camping at the SP does give access to another trail that's moderately challenging and has both some level spots and a nice overlook," suggests a visitor who recommends bringing appropriate gear for variable conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Group camping options: Gifford Woods State Park Campground accommodates larger family gatherings. "We camped for two nights in Lean-tos with 20 Girls and Leaders. It's a great place to bring a Troop," shares one group leader who found the staff "very helpful to make it a great time."
Educational opportunities: Rangers at many parks offer programs specifically designed 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)," reports a parent who visited with their family.
Swimming accessibility: Several parks have designated swimming areas with varied depths. "Perfect for families! There are tons of different types of campsites with either tent spots, lean tos, and a few cabins," notes a Woodford visitor. Families should check water conditions before arrival, as drought can affect swimming opportunities.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Caton Place Campground accommodates some larger rigs but access can be challenging. "Camped here Labor Day Weekend in our 40 ft 5th wheel. We had a pull thru site. Easy to drive into the campground and into the site," reports one visitor, though another cautions the "roads aren't wide enough to take a motorhome into."
Limited hookup availability: Most state parks offer primitive camping without electric or water connections. "There is a nice camp store with everything from t-shirts to RV supplies to food," notes a visitor to a nearby private campground that offers more amenities than state parks.
Leveling challenges: Many campsites require blocking equipment for proper leveling. "Site 16 is one of the smaller sites and is not super level, but we were able to get the Subaru backed in and relatively level for camping," shares a visitor to Gifford Woods, recommending RVers bring adequate leveling equipment.
