213 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Manchester Center, Vermont spans from developed RV sites with full hookups to primitive tent camping and dispersed sites in the national forest. Emerald Lake State Park, located about 10 miles north of Manchester in Dorset, offers tent and RV camping with lean-to shelters available at select sites. Camping on the Battenkill in nearby Arlington provides riverfront sites with full hookups for RVs. The Green Mountain National Forest encompasses much of the region, with Hapgood Pond Campground offering affordable camping just 15 minutes from Manchester. Woodford State Park, situated at the highest elevation of all Vermont state campgrounds, provides a cooler retreat during summer months with waterfront sites and cabin options.
Most campgrounds in the Manchester area operate seasonally from late May through mid-October, with Columbus Day weekend marking the end of the camping season for most facilities. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends and during fall foliage season. Vermont state parks typically do not offer electrical hookups, as noted by one camper: "While searching online we learned that Vermont state parks do not have hook ups." Dispersed camping is available in certain areas of the Green Mountain National Forest, though access roads can become challenging in spring. According to a visitor at Hapgood Pond: "You can stay in the National Green Mountain forest for only ten dollars a night. It's never been too busy, and it's based on a trust system."
Waterfront camping locations receive consistently high ratings from visitors to the Manchester area. Emerald Lake State Park earns praise for its "lovely emerald green small lake with nice beach" and proximity to Manchester's amenities. Campers at Woodford State Park appreciate the privacy of sites and water views, with one reviewer noting "the sites are nice and private. The views on some of the sites to the lake are beautiful." Many campgrounds feature clean facilities, with showers typically available for a small fee (quarters required). The region's campgrounds serve as excellent bases for exploring southern Vermont, with Manchester offering restaurants, shops, and hiking trails including the popular Lye Brook Falls trail about 20 minutes from Emerald Lake.
"Beautiful campground in south central Vermont. On a lovely emerald green small lake with nice beach. Good for fishing and kayaking. Well kept."
"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."
"Our first time in Vermont and we picked an awesome campground. This place has a great layout with lots of great sites to choose from. There are several sites right on the river!
Clean bath houses."
"Site 16 had a path to the river and was slightly tucked away. Sites 13 and 14 were cool spots too, I’d imagine in the summer you may have less privacy because it’s near the swimming area."
from $45 - $57 / night
Check Availability"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."
"This was our second stay at this Vermont State Park. It was a great three days. The park rangers were tremendous in ensuring we had a delightful visit. They worked with us to get the right site."
from $20 - $42 / night
Check Availability"The campground is located where Winhall River meets the West River."
"There is a small group of camp sides with electricity and water but most sites have none. The bathrooms are clean. Where the two rivers intersect is a nice sport to put your feet in the water."
from $24 - $30 / night
Check Availability"My friend and I were desperately looking for a place to spend the weekend, and with Covid making it a little more difficult to rely on walking in and finding a campsite, we made a blind reservation for"
"We were the only campers along the waterfront, but there were a few car campers in the sites near the road."
from $16 / night
Check Availability"The location was very good in allowing us to visit family in nearby village and go into nearby Manchester Center. Much more of an RV Park (name is on the money) than camping where we had our site."
"The roads and campsites are gravel and a little tight to get around because of all the trees but we were able to manage in our 45’ motorhome."
"Woodford State Park is situated between Wilmington and Bennington VT in the southern part of the Green Mountain National Forest."
"The views on some of the sites to the lake are beautiful. the grounds and facilities are well kept. and you are close to both Bennington and Wilmington. a great spot to camp at in Southern Vermont!"
"The surrounding grounds are mostly manicured fields."
"We appreciate the pond for swimming and the nice easy pond loop trail for hiking. Hapgood is in close proximity to Manchester and near the Appalachian Trail."
"Easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center. We had this all to ourselves in our Bean teardrop. "
"Hiking trail to Stratton Pond close by."
"Vermont to begin with is beautiful. Getting into a national park to begin with is usually a fee, and then camping is a separate fee."
"All of the campsites are just a minute walk to the water. There is also a nice trail the leads all the way around the water."
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availability
TravelerThis is a good spot if you don’t mind being social. The main camping area is a large grassy opening where multiple people park and camp together, and there is a bathroom, but there isn’t much privacy between sites. If you continue farther down the forest road, there are several smaller pull-offs with much more private dispersed camping spots. I’d recommend checking those out if you’re looking for a quieter experience.
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.
TravelerDyrt done messed up! So far, very disappointed in this app. Difficult to use! We reserved this spot through Dyrt. The directions to the campground are way off. The host was not notified that we were coming. Don’t trust Dyrt; contact the campground asap after you reserve through Dyrt to confirm the reservation directly and confirm the address and directions.
ScoutWhere does one even begin to explain how great this campground is?! There’s truly a little bit of something for everyone here!
We absolutely loved our campsite. It had plenty of room, a good amount of privacy, and great tree coverage. Even when it rained, our fire pit somehow stayed pretty dang dry, which was a huge plus!
The rec hall was awesome and had so many cool arcade games to check out. They also offer kayak and canoe rentals for the pond, which has surprisingly clear, beautiful water.
One thing that REALLY stood out to us was how incredibly clean the bathrooms and showers were. They were well maintained and practically bug-free, which is almost unheard of at a campground!
On top of all that, everyone we came across—from the staff to the other campers—was super friendly, welcoming, and down-to-earth. It just had an all-around great atmosphere.
Seriously, don’t skip over this campground. If you’re on the fence, just book it. You won’t regret it! We’ll definitely be back!
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.
TravelerGreat little dispersed camping area off Forest Road 71 in West Dover, Vermont. Once you get onto the forest service road, everything is gravel/dirt, with several small pull-offs and primitive campsites scattered along the road. Some sites are only a few feet from the road, while others are tucked back around 100 feet and offer a little more privacy.
The individual pull-offs can be a little more challenging to reach. Most involve some combination of hills, rocks, ruts, and mud, although nothing was too crazy. Some spots are definitely easier to get into than others, so having a vehicle with decent ground clearance is helpful.
There was a decent amount of traffic passing through the area while we were there, but nothing too crazy or disruptive. The campsite we stayed at had a fire pit, but there was no running water at our site, and I don’t believe the other dispersed sites have running water either.
Overall, a pretty good option if you’re looking for a primitive, low-key camping spot with multiple sites to choose from. Just don’t expect complete solitude, especially during busier times.
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.
LegendWe spent a long weekend at Moose Hillock in Fort Ann, New York, to visit Lake George. This is a difficult place for me to review. But I’ll do my best to share my experience.
The pool is the main attraction here and probably the largest and most ridiculous I’ve ever seen at a campground. Great for young kids.
THINGS I LIKED:
— The sites are enormous and private, probably the biggest sites we’ve ever seen at any campground we’ve stayed at.
— The mature trees are everywhere, great for privacy.
— It’s located about 25-minutes to the heart of Lake George. Easy drive away but not in the loud and busy area.
— The camp store is pretty good and sells snacks, drinks, basic supplies, and souvenirs.
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
— Our site(# 709) was sloped, so much that even with leveling boards under the rear wheels, rear jacks fully extended and front jacks fully retracted, we couldn’t level. That’s annoying and so easily fixed by a campground this size with this array of equipment and resources.
— Except for the entry roads, the rest of the park is gravel and dirt, which was extremely dusty. Our vehicles and our stuff were instantly covered by this dusty dirt which was a never-ending battle to keep outside.
— I’m ok paying premium money for a great site, but this site wasn’t matched to the price. I paid$647.38 for 3-nights. That’s$215.79 per night.
WOULD WE COME BACK?
Probably not. For me, having a level site that’s not covered in dirt and dust is important— especially when it costs$215 per night. There’s a much nicer park about 10-minutes away(closer to Lake George) where we’ve stayed in the past. The sites are smaller, but they’re level.
Camping around Manchester Center sits in a region of southern Vermont characterized by elevations ranging from 800 feet in the valley to 3,800 feet on the surrounding mountains. The area's diverse terrain creates a notable temperature differential between valley campgrounds and those at higher elevations, with Woodford State Park being 2,400 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds in the region typically open mid-May and close by mid-October, with limited water availability during early spring visits.
Swimming in mountain waters: Hapgood Pond Campground offers a sandy beach area just 15 minutes from Manchester Center. Visitor Lilah notes, "All of the campsites are just a minute walk to the water. There is also a nice trail the leads all the way around the water."
River activities: At Camping on the Battenkill, tubing and swimming in the Battenkill River provide popular summer activities. A camper shares, "The beach on the river is beautiful and clean! Easy swimming for all." The river offers gentle currents suitable for beginners with deeper swimming holes at certain sections.
Mountain biking: Trails near Jamaica State Park connect to broader networks in the Green Mountain National Forest. According to Chris, "Great hiking or biking along the West River!" The West River Trail extends beyond the campground and connects to multiple loops ranging from beginner to advanced difficulty.
Waterfall exploration: Multiple waterfall hikes exist within 20-30 minutes of Manchester Center campgrounds. At Jamaica State Park, a visitor recommends, "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."
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and dusk offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. At Woodford State Park, a camper reports, "We heard coyotes at night and loons in the morning." The park's higher elevation creates distinct wildlife habitats.
Waterfront privacy: Several campgrounds offer secluded waterfront sites that require advance booking. At Grout Pond, a visitor explains, "The sites are well dispersed and private. I'm excited to camp here next season." These sites typically book 6-11 months in advance, especially for summer weekends.
Cooler temperatures: Higher elevation campgrounds provide relief during summer heat. Woodford State Park camper Melissa notes, "Small Quiet Getaway... The reservoir is beautiful- plenty of space to spread out for paddling and swimming." The park's 2,400-foot elevation averages 10-15 degrees cooler than Manchester Center.
Community activities: Some campgrounds organize regular social events. At Dorset RV Park, a reviewer mentions, "There are community activities like bonfires, bingo, pot luck dinners, and complementary donuts & coffee every Sunday morning."
Spring mud season challenges: Forest roads leading to dispersed camping areas can become difficult to navigate in spring. A camper at a Forest Road 71 dispersed site reports, "This particular campsite is very muddy. Well, at least today it is. I have an SUV and I didn't trust it to get through, and I didn't want to get stuck."
Variable cell coverage: Cell service ranges from non-existent to spotty across the region. At Hapgood Pond, a visitor notes, "A little bit of cell service (2 bars) with Verizon." Winhall Brook campers report "No service or wifi" throughout the campground.
Limited shower facilities: Many state parks have token-operated showers with limited stalls. One Woodford State Park camper mentions, "Long waits in the morning- two shower stalls and lots of teenagers." Most campgrounds charge 25-50 cents for 5-minute showers.
Camping platforms: At Grout Pond, tents must use provided platforms. A visitor explains, "Most wonderful place! 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! We had 30mph winds and luckily the platforms had tie downs!!"
Youth group accommodations: Emerald Lake State Park offers facilities for organized youth camping trips. A group leader shares, "We camped for two nights in Lean-tos with 20 Girls and Leaders. It's a great place to bring a Troop and use the lake and trails for badges plus cooking badges as well."
Beach access considerations: Some campgrounds require a walk from camping areas to swimming areas. At Emerald Lake, a visitor explains, "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. As a result, we drove even though there were paths."
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated play areas. At Jamaica State Park, a camper notes, "Clean bathrooms, roomy tent sites, nice staff. Fun playground and nature area for kids. Very family friendly place with beautiful hikes to Hamilton falls."
Site selection for young children: Look for sites away from water and steep drop-offs. An Emerald Lake visitor advises, "Many of them are perched on a steep ledge, making them a bit sketchy for families with kids. If you have little ones, check out the map before you reserve a site and find one on the opposite side of the ledge."
Limited hookup availability: Vermont state parks typically don't offer electrical connections. At Dorset RV Park, a visitor reports, "Our site was level but some definitely were not. We got twenty or so television channels with the cable hookup. The hookups were all well-placed and we didn't have any issues with the electric and the wifi at our site worked well."
Maneuverability challenges: Tree placement can create tight turns in some campgrounds. One camper warns, "Larger rigs might want to avoid loop 6-14, especially for sites 8-12. Tree placement and a pretty sharp 110+ degree turn makes it challenging to maneuver."
Seasonal considerations: RV campgrounds typically open earlier and close later than state parks. Camping on the Battenkill operates from "End of April to mid-October" while most state parks open Memorial Day weekend.
Reservation recommendations: For RVs needing full hookups, advance reservations are essential. A seasonal Battenkill camper shares, "Our site has S/W/E with cable and wifi, and is nicely shaded. We are here May 1-Oct12, and sad to leave every year and anxious to return every spring!"
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities do Manchester Center camping areas typically offer?
Camping areas around Manchester Center typically offer a range of amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. Silver Lake Campground provides boat rentals and guided nature tours on the lake led by state park staff, along with a concrete dock perfect for swimming. Woodford State Park Campground features two beaches around Adams Reservoir with day-use areas and swimming access. Most campgrounds in the region offer clean restrooms and well-maintained facilities. Many state parks provide a mix of tent/RV sites and lean-tos or cabins for those seeking more shelter. The level of amenities varies by location, with RV parks typically offering more facilities like laundry and recreation rooms, while forest service campgrounds maintain a more rustic experience.
When is the best season for camping in Manchester Center?
The prime camping season around Manchester Center runs from late May through early October, with summer offering warm days perfect for swimming and hiking. Wilgus State Park Campground opens earlier than most Vermont parks (early May) and offers camping cabins for those wanting to get a jump on the season when temperatures can still be chilly. Fall is particularly spectacular with Gifford Woods State Park Campground providing a front-row seat to Vermont's famous foliage, though cell service may slow during peak color season due to visitor volume. Vermont winters are generally too harsh for tent camping, though some hardy campers visit during early spring or late fall. Always check park websites for seasonal closing dates, as many Vermont state parks close after mid-October.
Where are the best campgrounds near Manchester Center, Vermont?
For camping near Manchester Center, Hapgood Pond is an excellent choice located in the Green Mountain National Forest. At just $10 per night, it offers affordability in a beautiful Vermont setting without ever feeling overcrowded. Another great option is Dorset RV Park, which provides a convenient location for visiting Manchester Center with extremely well-maintained facilities. The park features both RV sites and more remote tent camping areas. For those willing to drive a bit further, Woodford State Park near Bennington offers camping around Adams Reservoir at the highest elevation of all Vermont state campgrounds, while Camping On The Battenkill provides sites with drive-in access and various amenities including water and toilets.
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