Camping near Manchester Center, Vermont takes place in the Green Mountains, with elevations ranging from 750 to 3,800 feet in the surrounding area. Summer temperatures typically range from 45°F to 80°F, with cooler nights at higher elevations. Fall foliage season begins in mid-September and peaks in early October, creating high demand for campgrounds across the region.
What to do
Waterfall hikes: Jamaica State Park Campground offers access to Hamilton Falls via a 3-mile trail system. "I love the area around Jamaica State Park and have stayed a few times! There is plenty of trails in the area and you can go to the waterfall/rock slides and take a dip in the pools," notes Jackie G.
Swimming in natural quarries: The Dorset Quarry provides a unique swimming experience just minutes from certain campgrounds. "Great location near a fantastic quarry, country store, and Manchester shopping. The camp grounds were family friendly and quiet. They even had rabbits and chickens for the kids to enjoy," reports Rachelle S. from Dorset RV Park.
Forest exploration: Tree Farm Campground features on-site hiking trails with diverse natural features. "There's a cozy lounge room to hang out in with games, books, crayons, and puzzles; a dog park with toys included; and fabulous hiking trails with lots to see, including a pond, waterfalls, and streams," says Lee A.
What campers like
Riverside camping sites: Several campgrounds offer direct water access for added privacy and atmosphere. "The campsites were beautiful with the river behind us. Not to many people there so we're got the best spot. The bathrooms are sanitary and are not port-a-potties," shares Meike W. about Jamaica State Park Campground.
Fall color viewing: The surrounding mountains provide optimal fall foliage viewing from September through mid-October. "We managed to get a prime leanto site right on the river. We were only there for an overnight but we will be back. In the Spring the water is released behind Ball Dam, creating a white water adventure," explains M.A.D. P.
Well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently mention the cleanliness of Vermont campgrounds. "Facilities were extremely well kept. Host was very helpful," reports Keith M. about Dorset RV Park. Similarly, at Tree Farm Campground, campers note "Spacious, wooded sites, super clean...friendly, helpful owners and gorgeous setting!"
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites near Manchester Center, Vermont require leveling blocks due to terrain. "Our site was level but some definitely were not," one camper noted at a nearby park, highlighting the importance of bringing proper equipment.
Limited connectivity: Cell service and WiFi can be extremely variable throughout the region. "Small town general store, no cell service and a gorgeous back drop is a perfect spot to just unwind from the real world," mentions Brittany B. about Jamaica State Park Campground.
Package delivery complexities: Some campgrounds have complicated systems for receiving mail. "If you have packages sent to the campground, be ready for some frustration," warns Katie E., detailing a confusing delivery process at one area campground.
Seasonal amenities: Most swimming areas and water attractions close by mid-September. "Nice Spot. Great spot near the river with a flat trail and a waterfall near by," mentions Larry A., though these water features may not be accessible during cooler months.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "Fun playground and nature area for kids. Very family friendly place with beautiful hikes to Hamilton falls," says Fransheska A. about Jamaica State Park Campground.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites within driving distance provide learning experiences. "For us, they also had a playground to play at, and a boat dock to kayak. The bugs were not fun in the summer. At night, we all had a great sleeping night with no crazy neighbors or dogs," Meike W. explains.
On-site activities: Some campgrounds provide structured recreation. "We needed some serious forest bathing and spontaneously decided to head to the green mountains... It had well-maintained grounds and some cute activities for the younger kids. Even blueberry picking on site," shares Emily H. about Tree Farm Campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup consistency: Full-service RV sites near Manchester Center require different setup configurations. "The hookups were all well-placed and we didn't have any issues with the electric and the wifi at our site worked well. We had a picnic table and fire pit," reports Nancy W.
Navigation challenges: RV drivers report tight turns and narrow roads at some campgrounds. "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," warns Katie E. about one area campground.
Site privacy considerations: Site arrangements vary significantly between campgrounds. "The sites next to us were not occupied which was nice because otherwise it would have felt a little tight. We did notice a bit of road noise when sitting outside," notes Nancy W. at Dorset RV Park.
