Camping options around Londonderry, Vermont include private and public facilities within a 30-mile radius of town. Many sites sit at elevations between 1,000-1,500 feet, creating cooler evening temperatures even in summer months. Cell reception becomes increasingly unreliable as campers venture into more remote locations in the surrounding Green Mountains.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Jamaica State Park Campground offers direct access to Hamilton Falls via West River Trail. "My girlfriend and I stayed here May 11-13th... We hiked the west river trail (which leads right out of the campground) to Hamilton falls which is a gravel closed road that follows the west river upstream 2 miles to Hamilton falls trail which then leads up hill for another mile to the falls," explains Chris D.
Kayaking and swimming: Camping On The Battenkill provides river access for water activities. "I stayed right on the river in site 14 with a small popup. The river is beautiful and the site was huge. We did some fishing and swimming," shares Michele S. Sites directly adjacent to the river are particularly spacious.
Paddling on quiet ponds: Grout Pond Campground offers secluded paddle-in camping experiences. "Has an awesome spot to go paddle boarding or kayaking! In fact you can load up your water vessel and go across the lake to your campsite!" notes Cortne. The walk-in sites require planning for mud and distance.
What campers like
Wooded privacy: Tree Farm Campground near Springfield provides spacious sites with natural separation. "Spacious, wooded sites, super clean...friendly, helpful owners and gorgeous setting!" reports Amanda M. Many campers mention the quiet atmosphere and well-maintained grounds.
Riverside relaxation: Many visitors appreciate Camping On The Battenkill's riverfront sites. Heather P. explains, "Friends and I camp here every June, and we love being close to the river. We sleep in tents so the sound of the river put you to sleep at night. Excellent campground for cooking delicious meals over the fire and sitting around the fire later."
Wildlife viewing: Woodford State Park Campground offers opportunities to see and hear local wildlife. One camper reported, "We heard coyotes at night and loons in the morning." The park features a reservoir with diverse aquatic species.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds operate from May through early-mid October, with Columbus Day weekend marking the end of season for many facilities. Jamaica State Park's season runs "May 12 to Columbus Day weekend," while Tree Farm Campground operates "May 10th to Oct 19th," extending slightly later.
Challenging access: Some campgrounds require significant walking or have difficult approach roads. At Grout Pond, "Getting to the campground alone was crazy- dirt roads and very deep potholes that you can just barely avoid. Our site was a half a mile away from the lot," describes Molly G. Sites beyond the first few require extra planning for gear transport.
Variable facilities: Bathroom and shower quality varies significantly between locations. "Bathroom(Yes, one bathroom) was horrendous. it went days without any attempt of cleaning or restocking. There were two days where we just had to bring in our own TP," reports one Grout Pond visitor. Always pack emergency supplies regardless of listed amenities.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playground access: Bomoseen State Park Campground provides family-friendly recreation areas. "We stayed 2 nights me my mom and 7 kids all my moms grandkids it was alot of fun we got 2 leantos they are great it was my kids first time camping EVER they loved it. our spot was close to the beach which had a fantastic park," shares Cristy-Ann L.
Consider lean-to sites: Several state parks offer lean-to structures that simplify family camping. At Bomoseen State Park, "The waterfront lean-tos are kind of close together. Because we are all here together, this is not a problem for us."
Know child safety issues: Sites with water access require vigilance. At Jamaica State Park, "People have lost their lives at these falls so be extra cautious with children around the falls," warns Chris D. regarding Hamilton Falls.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions matter: At Krawczyk Farm, Connie C. reports, "While we found the concrete pad on which to park, we were unable to get onto it with our travel trailer because of the tight parameters in which to maneuver." Always verify turning radius requirements when booking.
Leveling challenges: At rv campgrounds near Londonderry, Vermont, terrain often creates uneven sites. One visitor to Dorset RV Park noted, "Our site was level but some definitely were not." Bring leveling blocks and chocks for sloped areas.
Hookup variations: Full-service rv campgrounds around Londonderry, Vermont vary in hookup types. Tree Farm Campground offers "Fullhook up" with water, electric, and sewer connections. Campsites at Lake George RV Park feature unusual hookup placement: "The hookups were all well-placed and we didn't have any issues with the electric and the wifi at our site worked well."
