Recreational vehicle camping near Manchester, Vermont offers opportunities for RVers to experience the Green Mountains region. The area sits at elevations between 700-1200 feet with surrounding mountains rising to over 3,800 feet. Fall temperatures can drop below freezing at night while summer days typically reach the mid-70s, creating distinct seasonal camping experiences.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Jamaica State Park Campground provides easy access to the West River Trail leading to Hamilton Falls. "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 which then leads up hill for another mile to the falls," reports one visitor who recommends caution around the falls.
Swimming in quarries: Dorset RV Park's location offers access to nearby swimming spots. "Great location near a fantastic quarry, country store, and Manchester shopping," writes a camper who stayed at the park. The natural swimming areas provide a refreshing alternative to campground pools during summer months.
Historic exploration: Brookwood RV Resort offers proximity to Fort Ticonderoga for history enthusiasts. "Ft. Ticonderoga and Lake George are right around the corner," notes a reviewer, making it an ideal base for exploring Revolutionary War sites within a 40-minute drive of Manchester.
White water adventures: Jamaica State Park provides seasonal white water opportunities. "In the Spring the water is released behind Ball Dam, creating a white water adventure," explains one reviewer who enjoyed the park's riverside location, adding that "The prime lean-to sites on the water are beautiful and spacious."
What campers like
Recreational facilities: Lake George RV Park offers extensive recreation options within the campground. "Great for families. Nicely wooded and not crazy packed," notes one visitor who appreciated the grounds. Another mentions the "indoor pool, outdoor pool and another (new) water park with zero-entry pool."
River access: Campers enjoy sites along waterways at Jamaica State Park. "The campsites were beautiful with the river behind us. Not to many people there so we're got the best spot," shares a reviewer who also mentioned the "bathrooms are sanitary and are not port-a-potties."
Family activities: Lake George Escape Campground provides numerous activities for families. A visitor notes, "This camp ground is very family friendly and has many different activities that are great for families as well. Wether you are sliding down the water slide, taking a dip in the pools, playing at the arcade or doing some shopping in the area you are bound to have a great time!"
Cell-free relaxation: Some campers appreciate the lack of connectivity. As one Jamaica State Park visitor noted, "small town general store, no cell service and a gorgeous back drop is a perfect spot to just unwind from the real world."
What you should know
Campground closures: Most RV parks around Manchester, Vermont close by late October. Brookwood RV Resort operates "May 15-October 15" according to their listing, which aligns with the typical season for most campgrounds in the area.
Site leveling challenges: Campsite elevation varies considerably throughout the region. At Alpine Lake RV Resort, "Once in our site had a steep drop off to the lake, not all are like this, but be cautious about this if you have young kids." Site selection matters for safety and comfort.
Navigation difficulties: Some campgrounds have challenging internal roads. According to a visitor at Alpine Lake, "The roads are narrow and many should be one way, but are not. It would have been impossible many places in the grounds to pass a rig on the road due to the amount of other's vehicles, golf carts, decorations etc... so patience is important when arriving and departing."
Water pressure fluctuations: Water systems can experience strain during peak hours. "Had an issue with water pressure on Saturday around 10am," reports an Alpine Lake RV Resort camper, noting the situation improved later, suggesting it was "just a high demand time of day."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Ledgeview Village RV Park receives positive reviews for family amenities. "The place was packed but you wouldn't know it. So peaceful. The pool was very cold but spotless, which was surprising since there's pine trees all around," notes a reviewer who also mentioned it has "a playground and pool. Kids enjoyed the area."
Nature programs: Jamaica State Park offers educational opportunities for children. "Fun playground and nature area for kids. Very family friendly place with beautiful hikes to Hamilton falls," says a visitor who appreciated the clean facilities and family-oriented atmosphere.
Pet considerations: Some parks have specific pet amenities. "Campground is pet friendly and have a small dog park," noted a Lake George Escape visitor, though pet policies vary between campgrounds, with some restricting pets entirely.
Safety precautions: Water features require supervision. At Jamaica State Park, a visitor warns, "People have lost their lives at these falls so be extra cautious with children around the falls," highlighting the importance of water safety when camping with children in the region.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose sites carefully at Dorset RV Park. A camper in a 45-foot motorhome advises, "Tree placement and a pretty sharp 110+ degree turn makes it challenging to maneuver. I don't think campground staff is familiar with their own campground and that larger rigs are likely to have issue in this loop." Site selection makes a significant difference for larger rigs.
Package delivery complications: Extended-stay RVers should know about delivery protocols. At Dorset RV Park, "If you have packages sent to the campground, be ready for some frustration. Apparently, the process for USPS packages are to deliver next door, then 'Vicki' brings them over at some point," reports one frustrated camper.
Utility placement: RV sites vary in hookup configurations across Manchester area campgrounds. A camper at Dorset RV Park noted, "the sewer lines were a bit close to you and your picnic table in the loop," suggesting campers check utility placement when selecting sites.
Seasonal site advantages: Many campgrounds have a mix of transient and seasonal campers. At Lake George Schroon Valley Resort, "Most of the campers in the campground seem to be weekend warriors who leave their campers on premises to enjoy them on the weekends," providing insight into the camping community you'll encounter.
