Seasonal access presents the primary challenge for camping near Mendon, Vermont. Campgrounds in this Green Mountain region operate primarily from May through October due to snow and mud conditions. Tent sites and RV accommodations at higher elevations require different preparation than lakeside spots in the valley. The area features a diverse range of established campgrounds at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,800 feet.
What to do
Hiking to mountain vistas: Visitors to Branbury State Park Campground can access a range of trails with varying difficulty levels. "Across the street from the campground was access to the lake with plenty of grassy areas to hang out. And beautiful sunsets at night! A five minute hike- though it is quite a rocky, boulder-y hike- from the sites leads to a small river and swimming hole," reports Nicole E.
Mountain biking: The trails around Moosalamoo Campground offer excellent terrain for bikers. "Moosalamoo campground has awesome bike trails with smooth trail beds and nice rolling bumps. The kind campground hosts can tell you all about the hiking and biking trails within Moosalamoo National Forest," writes Jill B.
Historical exploration: Campers staying at Coolidge State Park can visit nearby historical sites. "Take advantage of the historical site nearby (President Calvin Coolidge's homestead) and long trail brewing," suggests Danielle S., highlighting attractions within driving distance of the campground.
What campers like
Waterfront camping: Half Moon Pond State Park Campground offers direct water access from sites. "We stayed in site T06, which is right on the water. We were easily able to go straight from the tent to our kayak, which was so awesome," shares Tara S. about their experience.
Pristine facilities: Bomoseen State Park Campground maintains clean facilities that campers consistently mention. "Bathrooms were the cleanest of any campground we've ever stayed at. Sites are pretty close together but if you can score a lean to your right on the lake with good spacing between each," says Jessica H.
Privacy at dispersed sites: For more seclusion, campers recommend Michigan Brook dispersed camping areas. "Drive in about a mile after the parking lot!! Can use car to get in! There's 3 camping spots. 1 before the bridge and 2 after the bridge! The one before the bridge that's right next to the river is the best one!!" advises a camper known as TRUCKER C.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to Michigan Brook dispersed camping requires preparation. "Drive through the residential neighborhood until you hit a dirt road and see National Forest signs. Beware that in Spring the road gets muddy and quite rutted, I would not recommend driving down there with a car that is low to the ground," warns Maggie F.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. At Lake Bomoseen KOA, campers report: "There is NO cell coverage and the Wi-Fi is poor and very slow if you can connect," according to Dave S. Another camper noted: "Cell service is very limited. Very remote... the WIFI didn't even work at the office."
Site reservations: The best campsites at Coolidge State Park require advance planning. "They have some of the most amazing views right from your campsite. We were not lucky enough to get one because you have to book far in advance to get those campsites," shares Michael L.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access options: Gifford Woods State Park Campground offers convenient facilities for families. "It's just a short hike back to the pond, which is very pretty and is along the Appalachian Trail. Very centrally located and takes no time at all to get to Killington and Rutland," explains Alyssa C.
Kid-friendly amenities: Lake Bomoseen KOA provides specific amenities for children. "This campground is located on lake bomoseen. The campground is small which makes it nice. It has three pools. A kiddie pool, a water slide pool and a larger pool that goes from 3 ft to 6 ft," describes Becca D.
Educational opportunities: Branbury State Park incorporates nature education into the camping experience. "Theres a nature center with all kinds of information and activities. A large playground. Volleyball and horseshoe pits," notes a camper identified as J L.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Chittenden Brook Campground has limitations for larger rigs. "Great tent camping area with good privacy at sites. Would be tough for any but the tiniest RV. No water," explains James K. This campground is better suited to smaller camping vehicles.
Hookup availability: When choosing a campground, check available services. Lake Bomoseen KOA provides more options for RVs than state parks: "The campground is ok. It was a little tight for our 36ft 5th wheel but managable. The sites are a good size and relatively level," reports Dave S.
Parking considerations: At Moosalamoo, site layout works for some smaller RVs. "Then we moved to lean to ELM in the upper campground and it was a nice private site. It was perched on a hill but we were still able to park and sleep in our van next to the lean to," shares Katy Z. about her experience at Gifford Woods.
