Orwell, Vermont sits at the western edge of the state, with an elevation of about 400 feet above sea level near Lake Champlain. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from November through March, while summer camping season features average highs in the 70s and 80s. Cell service varies throughout the region, with mountain terrain creating numerous dead zones even for campers with signal boosters.
What to do
Swimming and beach access: Branbury State Park Campground offers a beach on Lake Dunmore with swimming areas and boat launch facilities. "The day use section has a wonderful beach with a swimming area and boat launch. Large trees provide shade on a grassy lawn, and grills are available," notes Lisa S., who appreciates the concession stand that operates during day use hours.
Hiking nearby trails: Access mountain trails directly from some campgrounds in the region. At Branbury State Park Campground, campers can tackle moderate to challenging terrain. "A five minute hike - though it is quite a rocky, boulder-y hike - from the sites leads to a small river and swimming hole," explains Nicole E., who recommends proper footwear for the terrain.
Water activities: Many campgrounds provide equipment rentals for enjoying local lakes and rivers. "There are plenty of outdoor activities to do such as swimming, tubing, kayaking, sports, and bike rentals," according to Christina M., who visited Lake George Escape Campground with family. The seasonal rental operations typically run from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campgrounds near Orwell often feature well-sized camping spots. At Branbury State Park, Catherine M. observed, "I couldn't believe how large the lots were. While they aren't super far from one another, they are large enough that they seem further than they are."
Cleanliness: Campground maintenance receives consistent praise in the region. At Lake George RV Park, visitors note the exceptional standards. "The campground is so clean and nice! Perfect for the dogs with best dog park I ever saw. Pools and hot tubs extremely clean and the grounds looked more like a hotel resort than campground," reports Michael C.
Family activities: RV parks in the area provide organized events for all ages. Michelle D. from Lake George Escape comments, "So many activities in this area. Archery was awesome!" while another visitor at the same location notes, "There was a dance floor and kids meals comes in frisbee plates. You can mine for gold, chill by the pool or even try your shot at archery!"
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most RV campgrounds around Orwell operate from May through October only. Brookwood RV Resort in Ticonderoga runs May 15-October 15, and Jean C. notes, "With COVID-19 restrictions this year, the bathrooms are closed to those who have facilities in their RV. There's also a drought and they're on a well, so water conservation is essential."
Site variability: Campsite conditions differ dramatically even within the same campground. Nancy W. observed at Lake George Escape: "Campsites in the park are pretty inconsistent – meaning some are long and wide with good privacy but others are not. With over 400 campsites there are a lot to chose from and hard to know which is best for you unless you have been there before."
Wildlife awareness: Campers should take precautions with food storage. At Branbury State Park, signs warn visitors about native wildlife: "Just make sure you put your food and trash away - there are black bears in the area!" cautions Nicole E.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated family facilities. At Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks, Krys M. reports, "Husband and I took a trip with all 3 pups and I couldn't even tell you who had more fun!! The doggos and husband absolutely loved being able to walk the beautiful trail in the cooler weather."
Activities for rainy days: Vermont weather can change quickly, requiring indoor options. Christina M. shares her experience: "We unfortunately got hit with some pretty bad weather so we couldn't enjoy the grounds as much as we would have liked to but that was obviously not their fault. We made the most of our rainy weekend by checking out the town and some caves."
Playground access: Most family-oriented campgrounds maintain play areas for children. At Ledgeview Village RV Park, Valeria C. appreciated the "friendly staff, pool, playgrounds, large rec room. My son had a great time. Only downfall was the sandy lots."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness concerns: Prepare leveling blocks for uneven sites at RV campgrounds near Orwell, Vermont. Nancy W. noted about Dorset RV Park: "Our site was level but some definitely were not. We got twenty or so television channels with the cable hookup. The hookups were all well-placed and we didn't have any issues with the electric."
Road challenges: Navigation through some campgrounds requires care for larger motorhomes. At Alpine Lake RV Resort, April L. cautions: "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."
Utility considerations: Water pressure can fluctuate during peak usage times. April L. reported: "Had an issue with water pressure on Saturday around 10am and called the office to make sure there was not a known water issue. Front desk knew nothing and said they would send maintenance but we never saw anyone. The situation improved so we think it was just a high demand time of day."
