Camping opportunities near Pawlet, Vermont cluster along the western edge of the Green Mountain National Forest at elevations ranging from 600-1,000 feet. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer daytime temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows often below freezing. Most campgrounds close between mid-October and Memorial Day weekend due to the harsh New England winter conditions that make water systems and road access impractical.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: Jamaica State Park Campground offers access to Hamilton Falls via a 3-mile trail. "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," notes Chris D.
Swimming in natural quarries: The Dorset area provides unique swimming opportunities beyond lakes. As one Dorset RV Park camper mentions, "Great location near a fantastic quarry, country store, and Manchester shopping. The camp grounds were family friendly and quiet. They even had rabbits and chickens for the kids to enjoy."
Paddling opportunities: The Battenkill River offers excellent paddling for campers of all skill levels. A visitor to Camping On The Battenkill shares: "I stayed right on the river in site 14 with a small popup. The river is beautiful and the site was huge. We did some fishing and swimming."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate well-spaced sites at certain campgrounds. At Moose Hillock Camping Resorts, just across the New York border, "The sites at this park are huge. You could have parked three RVs in our site. Added bonus is that there is nice separation between sites with trees and shrubs that block out your neighbors and provide lots of privacy."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region typically maintain high standards. A visitor to Jamaica State Park Campground notes: "The staff was very friendly and accommodating, and the tent and lean-to sites were all kept very clean. Bathrooms and showers were also kept nice and clean which is always a plus."
Camping without crowds: For those seeking solitude, dispersed camping offers an alternative to developed campgrounds. A camper at Downed Bridge Camp shares: "If you're lucky enough to get the last spot on the road it's epic. Note that fills quickly on a weekend. But don't worry there is primitive camping starting about a mile down fire road 10."
What you should know
Seasonal shower facilities: Vermont state park showers typically require quarters. A camper at Emerald Lake State Park Campground advises: "Pay showers so save your quarters. Nice lake for canoeing with trails from the camping area. Family friendly with semi private sites. A little road noise from nearby highway but it quiets down for a good night's rest."
Wet firewood concerns: Seasonal moisture can affect firewood quality. One camper notes: "Campfire wood was a reasonable price, but all of it was very wet! Fires were a challenge. I'm assuming that this was just a wet season here."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly across the region. A Jamaica State Park visitor highlighted this as a positive aspect: "Small town general store, no cell service and a gorgeous back drop is a perfect spot to just unwind from the real world."
Tips for camping with families
Lean-to options: Several state parks provide lean-tos that offer protection from rain. A visitor to Emerald Lake explains: "Leantos at this state park give you protection from the elements - mind you not all sites have a leanto. (The kids also enjoyed the view from the top of the leanto but I cannot officially recommend that. : P)"
Swimming safety considerations: Water features require supervision. "People have lost their lives at these falls so be extra cautious with children around the falls," warns a Jamaica State Park visitor about Hamilton Falls.
Group camping possibilities: Lake George RV Park, about 40 minutes west of Pawlet, offers extensive amenities for families. "Great for families. Nicely wooded and not crazy packed. We only stayed one night because we were passing thru but it was easy to get a spot! Too hilly to ride bikes but walking to lake is fine."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Some campgrounds have challenging layouts for big RVs. A visitor to Dorset RV Park cautions: "Larger rigs might want to avoid loop 6-14, especially for sites 8-12. Tree placement and a pretty sharp 110+ degree turn makes it challenging to maneuver."
Seasonal price variations: Campground rates increase substantially during peak periods. One camper noted: "It was $66/night during the first part of our stay but them jumped up to in-season rates that were $99/night plus $20/night because it was a holiday weekend."
Reservation timing: Some campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. A camper at Slateville Secluded Campsites shared a positive experience: "We had an amazing stay at The Hops sight. Gorgeous sunset views! Heather made us feel so welcome by giving us a tour of the land upon arrival and then delivered us some firewood and let us be!"
