Woodford State Park sits at 2,400 feet elevation, making it the highest-elevation state park campground in Vermont. Located near the Green Mountain National Forest, the area features a mix of hardwood forests and alpine vegetation with notably cooler temperatures than surrounding lowland areas. Summer nights typically drop into the 50s even when daytime temperatures reach the 70s.
What to do
Hiking Mt. Olga: Take the 1.7-mile round-trip trail at Molly Stark State Park to the fire tower summit. "The hike up Mt. Olga is 1.7 miles (round trip). There's a fire tower at the top, which provides awesome views of the Green Mountains," notes one visitor. The trail connects to additional miles of paths in the Hogback Mountain Conservation area.
Paddle Adams Reservoir: Woodford State Park Campground offers canoe and kayak rentals for exploring its 25-acre reservoir. "There's a small reservoir with a little beach that you can swim or kayak/canoe in. There's a bunch of fish and other little creatures so it's fun to explore," mentions a camper who visited with family.
Visit nearby towns: Explore Bennington's historic sites and covered bridges just a short drive from your campsite. "You are close to both Bennington and Wilmington, a great spot to camp at in Southern Vermont!" notes a reviewer from Woodford State Park. Many campers recommend stopping at local farm stands for fresh produce during summer months.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Emerald Lake State Park Campground offers sites with good separation between neighbors. A reviewer noted, "We had a lean to site at this campground. Facilities were great. The lake was beautiful and rented boats and canoes. Swimming is also available. Good central location."
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained bathhouses throughout the region. One visitor to Molly Stark State Park Campground was impressed with "THE BATHROOM was the best I've seen camping very clean and updated and honestly gorgeous. Everyone else there was super nice and quiet."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. "A lot of owls at night!" exclaimed one Emerald Lake visitor. Loons, beavers, and various waterfowl are commonly spotted around the reservoirs and lakes in the region, with early morning being the prime viewing time.
What you should know
Temperature variations: The elevation affects temperatures significantly, with Woodford State Park being notably cooler than Manchester. "This campground offers great hiking and a casual feel to it. Good for passer byes or staying the weekend to go fishing," mentions one visitor who appreciated the cooler mountain climate.
Seasonal considerations: Most state parks operate from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend, with some facilities closing earlier. Private campgrounds like Grateful Acres Vermont may offer longer seasons for yurt campers. The site "overlooks a lake that has amazing sunsets and wildlife!" according to a recent visitor.
Reservation requirements: Book yurt accommodations well in advance, especially for summer weekends and fall foliage season. Most state parks allow reservations up to 11 months in advance, with lean-tos and cabins filling fastest. One camper mentioned, "This is a popular camp ground so reserve as early as 11 months before arrival."
Tips for camping with families
Best sites for kids: Choose sites away from steep terrain if camping with small children. A family who visited Caton Place Campground noted it's "Very clean and well manicured Campground. Friendly. Helpful staff." Another visitor mentioned that "It's perfect for families! There are tons of different types of campsites with either tent spots, lean-tos, and a few (hard to get) cabins."
Kid-friendly activities: Woodford State Park offers ranger-led programs during summer weekends that appeal to young campers. "This campground is very well kept and very clean. The campsites are pretty big and somewhat private which is nice. They also have cabins you can rent which is nice," reported a visitor who appreciated the family-oriented amenities.
Swimming areas: Several parks feature designated swimming areas with gradual entry points. Emerald Lake has "a small, sandy beach at one end of the lake, with a bath house and changing rooms nearby," making it convenient for families with children of various ages.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Lake Lauderdale Campground offers full hookup sites with 30 and 50-amp service. "The campground is acres and acres of beautiful land. The management is very friendly," notes one RVer who appreciated the spacious sites and utility connections.
Access considerations: Most yurt camping locations have limited space for large rigs. Many sites require careful navigation on narrow camp roads. One camper at Caton Place Campground cautioned that "The roads aren't wide enough to take a motorhome into. The pull-through site is not level and is barely long enough to fit my 43' rig."
Site leveling: Pack leveling blocks as many campsites throughout the region require adjustments. This is particularly true in mountainous areas like Woodford where natural terrain creates uneven sites. State parks typically offer more rustic camping with fewer amenities for larger RVs compared to private campgrounds.
