Campsites in the Norwich region range from 500 to 1,200 feet in elevation with notable seasonal temperature variations—average summer highs reach 83°F while dropping to 25°F in winter months. The Connecticut River Valley offers a mix of woodland and riverfront camping options. Fall camping season typically extends through mid-October when nighttime temperatures consistently drop below freezing.
What to do
Hiking from campground connections: Gifford Woods State Park Campground has direct access to the Appalachian Trail. "The Appalachian Trail runs right through the park and you can hike up to Deer Leep, around Kent Pond, or to Thundering Falls right from the campground," notes camper Tara S.
River activities: Plymouth Sands Camping Area features sandy riverfront access with multiple water activities. "The river is very clean and a nice spot to hang out in the sun and splash around (not very deep most of the year)," explains Tyler A. Another visitor mentions creating their own river adventure: "My favorite activity was putting in a couple miles up river and floating back to camp over the course of a few hours, ultimate lazy river."
Off-site adventure access: Baker River Campground provides an ideal base for rock climbing enthusiasts. "Nice private campground. Bathrooms were clean and recently remodeled. Host is extremely nice and welcoming. We have stayed here on multiple occasions when in the Rumney area for climbing and biking," notes Dana M.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Gifford Woods State Park Campground consistently receives positive feedback for site spacing. "The sites are large, private, and wooded, and there are clean restrooms with hot showers," writes Tara S. Another camper adds, "Sites are nicely spaced and seem to accommodate big rigs rather well."
Unique accommodation options: Baker Rocks offers yurt camping near Norwich, Vermont with multiple camping styles. "Baker Rocks had a host of different camping options onsite including tent platforms, yurts, and cabins. The site had a large tent platform they could fit multiple tents, a brand new picnic table, a fire ring (with a free bundle of firewood), two chairs by the fire ring, and even a few strings of solar lights," describes Justin P.
Waterfront access: Ricker Pond State Park Campground features water-adjacent camping options. "If you paddle or swim to the other side of the camp ground, there is a huge rock with a rope swing," shares Hannah H. Another visitor highlights site selection: "The sites on the pond are beautiful if you can get one! The campground has a small beach, boat launch and it's right on the Cross Vermont Trail."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Ricker Pond State Park's limited season runs from "Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend" according to official listings. A visitor notes: "I've been visiting Ricker Pond for nearly 20 years (except for the years that I don't book enough in advance and aren't able to secure a spot for my desired length of stay)."
Limited connectivity: Cell service is sparse across the Norwich camping region. At Quechee State Park Campground, visitors note mixed experiences with traffic noise: "Road noise isn't super loud, but it's constant." Michele S. shares that at Ricker Pond State Park "There is absolutely no cell service for miles, so plan accordingly."
Shower facilities: Most campgrounds offer coin-operated showers. "The bathrooms are clean. Hosts sponsor activities that are fun for all, like a balloon launch, cook outs, etc. Love it there," mentions Melissa R. at Quechee State Park. Another camper notes: "There ishiking close by as well."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Moose Hillock Camping Resort offers extensive recreational options. "The pool is the main attraction and really great but gets very very busy," notes Lauren Q. Another visitor adds: "This campground was clean, nice sites, private, amenities galore, friendly staff and AMAZING pool!!!!!!"
Educational opportunities: Quechee State Park provides ranger-led educational programs. "Rangers also run fun programs for children- my children churned butter and made popcorn over the campfire one night, and made tie dyed T-shirts the next (for no fee)," explains Jen B.
Space considerations: Campsite privacy varies significantly between locations. At Plymouth Sands: "The sites are decently spacious and have various configurations for utilities," shares Jeremiah C. For yurt camping near Norwich, Vermont, April W. reports: "We stayed 2 nights in the double bell tent with two clean full size beds and a 3rd night in the yurt both were spacious and wonderful, among tall trees and pines."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Pine Haven offers various hookup options. "We had a nice tent site by the brook. Booking the site was seamless to do online and the campground hosts quickly answered a question when I sent them an email," says Shiloh. Another camper mentions: "The bathhouse was clean for a busy weekend."
Road access considerations: Campground roads vary in quality and grade. At Moose Hillock, one visitor notes: "The campground is very hilly and kids are ripping around in pedal and motorized bikes and scooters which is fine but no control at all in regards to speed and helmets."
Winter considerations: Most campgrounds close between mid-October and Memorial Day weekend. Jan B. recommends site selection at Quechee State Park: "If you stay in the back it's quieter. The bathroom is very clean. They offer showers that cost you a few quarters. There are no hookups but they do have a dump station if you are in a RV."
