Woodford State Park lies at an elevation of 2,400 feet, making it Vermont's highest elevation state park campground. Located in the Green Mountain National Forest, this area experiences cooler temperatures than surrounding valleys and can see frost even during summer months. The campgrounds near North Bennington represent a range of camping styles from rustic tent sites to luxury glamping accommodations with varying levels of amenities.
What to do
Hike to local viewpoints: Several trails near Molly Stark State Park Campground connect to broader networks. "There is a hiking trail at the campground and that is a definite plus! I loved staying in the lean-tos because it is perfect camping no matter the weather," notes one visitor who appreciates the on-site recreation.
Visit nearby towns: The location provides easy access to surrounding communities. At Molly Stark State Park Campground, one camper mentioned, "We enjoyed a fun day at Mount Snow which is close by with restaurants and things to do in that area, as well as the fun town of Brattleboro in the other direction which is always a great place to visit."
Paddle on local waters: Lakes and reservoirs in the region offer boating opportunities. A camper at Emerald Lake State Park Campground shared, "We try and get to Emerald Lake State Park at least a few times every summer. It's an awesome park for kids, and the turquoise water is a dream to cool off in."
What campers like
Private, spacious campsites: Many campgrounds offer good site separation. At Piebald Mountain, a visitor noted, "Beautiful Views, comfy and cozy. Feel so connected to nature."
Diverse accommodation options: The range of camping structures supports different comfort levels. "We unexpectedly had a free Saturday afternoon and night and 2 borrowed kayaks. This was our first visit to Woodford. Site 13 was the only one available," said one Woodford camper who appreciated the spontaneous getaway option.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers are consistently mentioned. A reviewer at Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground commented, "My pup and I spent two nights here and were very happy. While this campground is bare-bones (no pool) it is perfect for anyone who wants to just chill and do nothing or hit the mountains / local area and do some hiking."
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds operate from Memorial Day to Columbus Day weekend. One camper at Lake Lauderdale Campground explained, "We visited last year and were blown away by the beauty. So many things near by to exlore. Lake lauderdale state park and Vermont is just 20 mins away."
Wildlife encounters: The region has active wildlife populations. "We heard coyotes at night and loons in the morning," noted one Woodford State Park visitor, highlighting the natural soundscape.
Site selection matters: Some campgrounds have significant differences between sites. As one Emerald Lake camper advised, "While there are trails down to the lake from the campground, none of the sites are waterfront, or even water view. In fact, many of them are perched on a steep ledge, making them a bit sketchy for families with kids."
Tips for camping with families
Look for water features: Lakes provide natural entertainment for children. "The campground has a nice grassy area on the water that's dog-friendly, and a separate little no-dog swimming and paddle boat area," observed one Woodford visitor about the designated swimming spaces.
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds are known for being family-focused. A reviewer at Grateful Acres Vermont appreciated the "Cute and private" setting that "Over looks a lake that has amazing sunsets and wildlife!"
Check for playgrounds and activities: Structured recreation areas help keep kids entertained. "If you're looking for a quiet spot maybe don't look here. If you have kids and don't mind them making friends and roaming the campground then this is great! Boat rentals!" advised one Woodford State Park camper.
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: RV sites vary significantly between campgrounds. In Moreau Lake State Park, a visitor reported, "The road to our campsite was paved and in good shape but there were a few tight spots because of the trees that make it tricky for a big rig (Loop A seems to be the best for big-rigs)."
Utility availability: Full hookups are limited to certain campgrounds. One camper noted about Molly Stark that it offers water hookups but limited electrical connections.
Leveling requirements: Some sites require additional equipment. "Sites are nicely level and well maintained," mentioned another visitor about the glamping options close to North Bennington, Vermont.
