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Best Campgrounds near Ludlow, VT

712 Reviews

The Green Mountain National Forest and surrounding state parks provide a range of camping experiences within 30 minutes of Ludlow, Vermont. Coolidge State Park in nearby Plymouth offers tent and RV camping with panoramic mountain views from its ridge-top location, particularly from sites with lean-tos. Caton Place Campground in Cavendish provides more amenities including electric hookups, cabins, and yurts for those seeking comfort. Several campgrounds in the area feature water access, with Jamaica State Park's sites along the West River being particularly popular for swimming and paddling. Most established campgrounds operate seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October, coinciding with Vermont's prime outdoor recreation season.

Most Vermont state parks require reservations, especially for summer weekends and fall foliage season when sites fill quickly. Cell service varies considerably throughout the region, with many campgrounds reporting limited connectivity. According to camper reviews, spring camping can be challenging due to muddy conditions on forest roads, particularly at dispersed sites. As one visitor noted, "Vermont unfortunately shuts down most of their campsites from April 15th until Memorial Day to clean and get things in order." Winter camping options are extremely limited, with most facilities closed and unplowed access roads. Campgrounds at higher elevations like Coolidge State Park offer cooler temperatures even during summer heat waves.

Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest ratings from visitors, with swimming holes and paddling opportunities mentioned frequently in reviews. One camper at Jamaica State Park wrote, "The main swimming area is at Salmon Hole, right in the campground, but you can swim anywhere in the West River." Vermont's distinctive lean-to shelters appear at many state parks and provide protection during inclement weather. Campers frequently mention the privacy between sites and well-maintained facilities as highlights. Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, nature programs, and hiking trails accessible directly from campgrounds are common. Fall camping is especially popular for viewing foliage, with one reviewer noting, "Columbus Day weekend when the color of the leaves were stunning" as their favorite time to visit Coolidge State Park.

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Best Camping Sites Near Ludlow, Vermont (190)

    1. Coolidge State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Plymouth, VT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 672-3612

    "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!"

    2. Caton Place Campground

    7 Reviews
    Cavendish, VT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 226-7767

    "Easy to drive into the campground and into the site. We had no issues at all. Hosts were very friendly and helpful. Campground was very clean and well manicured."

    3. Emerald Lake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Danby, VT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 362-1655

    "The camp sites are quite a bit of a walk up the hill from the lake where there is swimming, kayaking, paddle boating and picnicking."

    "Beautiful campground in south central Vermont.  On a lovely emerald green small lake with nice beach. Good for fishing and kayaking.  Well kept."

    4. Jamaica State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Jamaica, VT
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 874-4600

    $20 - $42 / night

    "This 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."

    "Great spot near the river with a flat trail and a waterfall near by."

    5. Greendale Campground

    5 Reviews
    Weston, VT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "Greendale Campground is a small remote campground located along Greendale Brook in Weston, VT.

    There are 11 campsites available in a wooded setting."

    "We picked a nice site next to a babbling brook. While we only tent camped we plan to return with our new to us pop up this year. We only saw two cars during our entire stay."

    6. Wilgus State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Ascutney, VT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 674-5422

    $20 - $30 / night

    "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."

    7. Mount Ascutney State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Ascutney, VT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 674-2060

    "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."

    8. Quechee State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Quechee, VT
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 295-2990

    "This is a nice state park located near the Quechee Gorge, a lovely place to explore and play. Vermont State parks often offer lean-to options and Quechee is no exception."

    "You really can't go wrong with a Vermont State Park. They are meticulously maintained and the folx that work there are super helpful."

    9. Gifford Woods State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Killington, VT
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 775-5354

    "Decent bathroom situation--I've seen better and I've seen worse in Vermont."

    "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."

    10. Horseshoe Acres Campground

    3 Reviews
    Weston, VT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 875-2960

    $37 - $57 / night

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Recent Camping Photos near Ludlow, VT

521 Photos of 190 Ludlow Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Ludlow, VT

712 Reviews of 190 Ludlow Campgrounds

  • Rae-Ann W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Ashuelot River Campground

    Another great trip to Ashuelot River Campground

    We spent another great weekend at the Ashuelot River Campground. We recently purchased a new-to-us camper and wanted to get in a trip or two before putting it away for the winter. This was our 2nd visit to Ashuelot.

    We were in site 59, a pull-through with water and 30/50 amp service. The site was level and easy to get into and park. We were in a fully wooded area on the left side of the campground, which we prefer. They have sites located in fully open areas, as well as some that are partially wooded and have river access. There is a nice mix.

    Having good weather, we took a lazy tube ride from one side of the campground to the other. It has been quite dry in the area, so they are experiencing a drought. However, a little rain in the week got the river moving a bit. We were able to enjoy a nice, slow drift around the campground.

    We thoroughly enjoyed our time again and will definitely be back.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Storrs Pond Recreation Area

    Okay

    Stayed here on a Sunday night in late September. It was very quiet and peaceful. Tent sites were hilly/uneven and extremely far from the toilets and bathhouse. Bathhouse is old and run down. The shower curtains were covered in mildew so we decided not to shower. We were just here overnight and did not make use of the other recreation facilities.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71

    Amazing Numerous Free Dispersed Camping!

    Easy to get to, had service the whole time, fire pits for every spot. I did see a huge blackbear. I didn’t see any bathrooms.

  • Rachael K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Gus's Gardens Camping

    Nice weekend getaway

    This place was really nice. Easy to pull our 20ft camper in. Two minutes drive to the very cute town of Wilmington. Good places to eat there. The campsite was really private. Had a picnic table and fire pit. The pond was sweet and the Deerfield Valley Trail is right off the campsite. We would definitely like to stay there again.

  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Grout Pond Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

    Grout Pond Loop

    Camping Grout Pond Loop is truly nice after Labor Day (Sept 5-7). Campsites 15 & 16 offer pull-out space to turn around truck campers --we lucked out w/ 4 wheel camper pop-up). Over hanging trees would make it difficult for larger equipment, plus saw posting that excludes trailers from certain roads. We reserved well in advance; however many fellow campers were trying to find first come sites and ended up hiking in to camp around pond sites. Sites are in eye-site of each other but you don't feel crowded. Temps during day around 65-70 F. Nights dipped to 45-55F.
    We saw deer & turkeys driving the surrounding woods after short hikes.
    We love chatting w locals and learned of a special shrine that was faithfully built from stone to resemble original in modern day Turkey. What a special & serene place.

  • Andy M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71

    Large Area with Fire Pit in the middle

    This was a great site.  I couldn't believe that the site was not being used at all, especially the just a couple of days before Fourth of July weekend.  Many other sites further south on 71 were filled and some were just TTs holding the space for the upcoming weekend.

    The site was very flat and could accommodate several small campers.  It was quiet during our overnight stay other than a car or two on Stratton-Arlington Rd.  There weren't many mosquitoes either.  Hiking trail to Stratton Pond close by.

  • Kenneth P.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fort Dummer State Park Campground

    Not So Bad

    We spent one night at site #20 and enjoyed our stay.  It was rather peaceful other than the hum of I-91. The staff was friendly and helpful. The sites were generally wooded, pretty level, and fairly spread apart from one another.  I saw no signs of the problems identified in the June 2025 review.  Yes, I must agree that the restrooms are old, but they were clean.  The other problems might happen anywhere and were obviously brought under control.  Clearly, the writer of the June 2025 post knew way more than any weekend camper would be aware of and this shows that is more to their story that should have been revealed in their post.

  • Laura W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Rogers Rock Campground

    Roger's Rock

    It was a pretty good park. Wooded nicely. Big lots where we were. Down near the water the sites were pretty crammed together Not parked in a row like an RV park.

Guide to Ludlow

Camping near Ludlow, Vermont, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking Trails: Explore the stunning landscapes with trails like the one at Quechee State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The tent sites are so spacious and clean. There’s a hiking trail beside of 37 and it’s steep going down and up but well worth it."
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Emerald Lake State Park Campground, families can enjoy swimming and fishing. A visitor shared, "The lake and beach is lovely, clean, and the water is warm and clear."
  • Local Attractions: Check out nearby towns like Woodstock for dining and shopping. One reviewer noted, "If you’re looking for different places to eat, go to White River Junction. Lots of options!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A review from Jamaica State Park Campground states, "The bathrooms were immaculate and seem to be somewhat newer than the other state parks."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer plenty of space between sites. A camper at Gifford Woods State Park Campground mentioned, "Plenty of space between sites. Decent bathroom situation."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. One visitor at Camping On The Battenkill said, "Check-in people were super nice and welcoming!"

What you should know:

  • No Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Coolidge State Park Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A camper noted, "Be prepared for no hook-ups but there is a dump station for self-contained toilets."
  • Coin-Operated Showers: Be ready to bring quarters for showers at places like Quechee State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Showers were hot but minimal pressure."
  • Wildlife Awareness: Campers should be cautious of wildlife. A visitor at Jamaica State Park Campground shared, "There was an active bear around and park staff went around in their cart letting folks know it had chased some hikers earlier in the day."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and safe biking areas. One parent at Jamaica State Park Campground said, "The kids were able to safely ride bikes on the camp roads."
  • Plan Meals: Stock up on groceries before arriving, as nearby stores can be pricey. A camper advised, "Make sure you stock up before you get there; stuff is expensive at the corner stores."
  • Reserve Early: Popular spots fill up fast, especially during peak season. A visitor at Emerald Lake State Park Campground recommended, "Make sure you reserve a table at the public house because they don’t allow walk-ins after a certain hour."

Tips from RVers:

  • Big Rig Friendly: Many campgrounds, like Camping On The Battenkill, accommodate larger RVs. A reviewer noted, "We have seen all shapes and sizes come and go, as well as tent campers."
  • Check Site Size: Make sure to choose a spacious site to avoid feeling cramped. One camper at Lake Bomoseen KOA mentioned, "The sites are spacious enough, but are very close to each other."
  • Connectivity: Be aware that cell service can be spotty. A visitor at Lake Bomoseen KOA said, "Cell service is very limited. Very remote... the Wi-Fi didn’t even work at the office."

Camping near Ludlow, Vermont, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Ludlow, VT?

The Ludlow area offers excellent camping options within a short drive. Jamaica State Park Campground consistently tops visitors' lists with 41 tent/RV sites and 18 lean-tos, some situated along the West River. The campground feels private and quiet while offering numerous recreational activities. Another great option is Mount Ascutney State Park Campground, which features clean facilities and mountain biking trails nearby. For those willing to venture slightly further, Caton Place Campground near Cavendish and Horseshoe Acres Campground near Chester provide additional options with reservable sites and amenities like water and toilets.

When is the best season for camping in Ludlow, Vermont?

Summer and early fall (June through October) offer the most pleasant camping conditions in the Ludlow area. The weather is typically warm with lower humidity compared to other Northeast regions. Wilgus State Park Campground is notable for being the first Vermont state park to open each spring (before Memorial Day), providing early-season opportunities with camping cabins available for those concerned about cold nights. Gifford Woods State Park Campground is particularly popular during fall when the foliage colors are spectacular, though cell reception may slow down during peak leaf-peeping season. Winter camping is limited in the area due to snow and cold temperatures.

What amenities are available at Ludlow campsites?

Campgrounds near Ludlow offer varying levels of amenities. Hapgood Pond in the Green Mountain National Forest provides affordable, basic camping with picnic tables and fire rings. It's never too crowded and offers access to natural features like ponds. For those seeking more facilities, Silver Lake Campground offers clean sites with decent privacy, boat rentals, swimming areas with a concrete dock, and ranger-led nature tours. Other campgrounds in the region typically provide toilets and water access, while some private campgrounds like Jacobs Brook offer wooded sites with separate areas for seasonal and short-term campers. Most state parks include restrooms, fire rings, and picnic tables.

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