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Best Campgrounds near Manchester Center, VT

824 Reviews

State parks and national forest lands surround Manchester Center, Vermont, providing a range of camping experiences from developed sites to more primitive options. 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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Manchester Center, Vermont (202)

    1. Emerald Lake State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Danby, VT
    7 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."

    2. Camping On The Battenkill

    20 Reviews
    Arlington, VT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 375-6663

    $45 - $57 / night

    "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."

    3. Jamaica State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Jamaica, VT
    14 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."

    4. Dorset RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Dorset, VT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 867-5754

    "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."

    5. Winhall Brook Camping Area - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    10 Reviews
    South Londonderry, VT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 824-4570

    $20 - $26 / night

    "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."

    6. Grout Pond Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

    7 Reviews
    Sunderland, VT
    10 miles
    +1 (802) 362-2307

    $16 / night

    "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."

    7. Woodford State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Bennington, VT
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 447-7169

    "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!"

    8. Hapgood Pond

    3 Reviews
    Peru, VT
    9 miles
    Website

    $20 - $50 / night

    "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."

    9. Hapgood Pond NF Campground

    3 Reviews
    Peru, VT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 362-2307

    "The surrounding grounds are mostly manicured fields."

    "The pond has a nice easy 1 mile trail that loops around the pond. A little bit of cell service (2 bars) with Verizon"

    10. Dispersed site along Forest RD 71

    3 Reviews
    Sunderland, VT
    10 miles

    "One of many locations along Forest rd 71, this spot was a good place to pitch a tent for the night while exploring the area even in the rain."

    "There are a few spots around you can park at. I chose a more sunny and open spot with less trees. So there's more options. It's very quiet definitely check it out."

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Recent Camping Photos near Manchester Center, VT

643 Photos of 202 Manchester Center Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Manchester Center, VT

824 Reviews of 202 Manchester Center Campgrounds

Guide to Manchester Center

Camping near Manchester Center, Vermont, offers a mix of beautiful nature and cozy campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are great trails nearby, including those leading to scenic views. One camper mentioned, "The hiking trails throughout the campground are fantastic!" at Quechee State Park Campground.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, the rivers and lakes in the area provide excellent spots. A visitor at Camping On The Battenkill said, "There are several sites right on the river!"
  • Exploring local towns: The nearby towns have shops and restaurants worth checking out. One camper noted, "Stores are within biking and walking distance of the campground entrance" at Quechee State Park Campground.

What campers like:

  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer large, private sites. A reviewer at Woodford State Park Campground said, "Our site was pretty well surrounded with trees so it feels very private and secluded."
  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. One visitor at Greenfield State Park Campground mentioned, "Showers were free and nice and clean."
  • Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have welcoming staff. A camper at Lake George RV Park shared, "The staff treated us so nicely and the array of resort-level amenities are beautifully maintained."

What you should know:

  • Limited cell service: Some campgrounds have poor cell reception. A visitor at Monadnock State Park Campground noted, "No cell/data service... I wish this were clearer on their website."
  • Bugs can be a problem: Be prepared for insects, especially in warmer months. One camper at Monadnock State Park Campground humorously remarked, "The bugs… holy hell, the bugs."
  • No electric hookups at some sites: If you need power, check ahead. A reviewer at Jamaica State Park Campground mentioned, "No hookups in the campground."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. A parent at Jamaica State Park Campground said, "Great playground and fun playing in the river."
  • Safety first: Keep an eye on kids while biking or hiking. One camper at Lake George Escape Campground mentioned, "I was a little nervous for the kids riding bikes because of all the traffic."
  • Pack snacks: Having snacks on hand can make outings easier. A visitor at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts suggested, "The store was fairly well stocked with things you might’ve forgot to pack."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Lake George RV Park noted, "Our pull-thru site was level and the full hookups all worked fine."
  • Be prepared for dirt: Some sites have sandy or dirt surfaces. A camper at Lake George RV Park mentioned, "It was impossible to keep the dirt and sand out of our RV."
  • Plan for amenities: Look for campgrounds with good facilities. A visitor at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts said, "Clean facilities and a beautiful pool with 2 water slides."

Camping near Manchester Center, Vermont, has something for everyone. With spacious sites, friendly staff, and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot for your next outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Manchester Center, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Manchester Center, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 202 campgrounds and RV parks near Manchester Center, VT and 23 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Manchester Center, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Manchester Center, VT is Emerald Lake State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 18 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Manchester Center, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 free dispersed camping spots near Manchester Center, VT.

What parks are near Manchester Center, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Manchester Center, VT that allow camping, notably Townshend Lake and Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests.

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