224 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Pawlet, Vermont offer a blend of tent and RV camping options scattered throughout the scenic Green Mountains region, ranging from state park campgrounds with lean-tos and tent platforms to privately operated RV parks with full hookup services. Emerald Lake State Park Campground in nearby Dorset features wooded sites with tent platforms, RV spaces, and lean-tos arranged on a ridge above its namesake lake. Lake St. Catherine State Park Campground in Poultney provides additional developed camping with access to water-based recreation. The region includes both state park campgrounds with basic amenities and privately operated RV parks with full hookup services. Downed Bridge Camp represents one of the few dispersed camping options in the area, while several mixed-use campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV campers with varying levels of amenities.
Most developed campgrounds in the Pawlet area operate seasonally, typically from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October, with some closing after Labor Day. Vermont state parks maintain shower facilities that require quarters for operation, while private campgrounds generally offer more extensive amenities including electric hookups, water, and sewer connections. Road access to most campgrounds is suitable for standard vehicles, though some sites may be challenging for larger RVs. Cell service is generally available but can be spotty in more remote areas. Weather conditions vary significantly by season, with summer temperatures ideal for swimming and fall bringing spectacular foliage displays. A reviewer noted, "The campground was clean. Cory down the road was cool to swim in, lots of shops and outlets to go to. If you need anything you can find it in town."
Campers consistently praise the water features of the region, particularly the swimming opportunities at Emerald Lake State Park. Several visitors mentioned the clear waters of Emerald Lake as a highlight, with one describing it as having "turquoise water" that's "a dream to cool off in." The surrounding towns of Manchester and Dorset provide convenient access to shopping, restaurants, and other amenities, making the area suitable for those who prefer camping with civilization nearby. Hiking trails are accessible from many campgrounds, with some offering lake views or access to old cemeteries and historic sites. While weekend periods see higher occupancy, particularly during summer months, the campgrounds generally maintain a relaxed atmosphere. The mix of natural settings and proximity to small Vermont towns creates an appealing balance for family camping experiences.
"Beautiful campground in south central Vermont. On a lovely emerald green small lake with nice beach. Good for fishing and kayaking. Well kept."
"The camp sites are quite a bit of a walk up the hill from the lake where there is swimming, kayaking, paddle boating and picnicking."
"Our first time in Vermont and we picked an awesome campground. This place has a great layout with lots of great sites to choose from. There are several sites right on the river!
Clean bath houses."
"Site 16 had a path to the river and was slightly tucked away. Sites 13 and 14 were cool spots too, I’d imagine in the summer you may have less privacy because it’s near the swimming area."
from $45 - $57 / night
Check Availability"The roads and campsites are gravel and a little tight to get around because of all the trees but we were able to manage in our 45’ motorhome."
"The location was very good in allowing us to visit family in nearby village and go into nearby Manchester Center. Much more of an RV Park (name is on the money) than camping where we had our site."
"Golf cart rentals (4 and 6 person) were expensive so we just walked the park multiple days. Each site is gigantic and well thought out and can easily say there is not a bad site in the place."
"The park is very large so if you want to be near the pool/entertainment area or nearby bathrooms, pick your site accordingly."
from $55 - $75 / night
Check Availability"Lake St. Catherine state campground is located in the heart of the Slate Valley. There are 50 tent/rv sites and 11 leantos. This lake is known by anglers and boaters alike."
"Great location for a small group to camp at. Can't wait to go back. The main area is a walk in and is worth it. The road into here was easy to drive. "
"We rented a golf cart from an outside course which was SUPER expensive, so it would be nice if the campground offered their own rentals, but if that's our only complaint, we're happy campers."
"**Lake George RV Park may be the greatest campground we’ve stayed at yet!"
"This tops our list for camping in Vermont. There is so much to do here, and yet the campground feels very private and quiet. There are 41 tent/RV sites to choose from and 18 lean-tos."
"This was our second stay at this Vermont State Park. It was a great three days. The park rangers were tremendous in ensuring we had a delightful visit. They worked with us to get the right site."
from $20 - $42 / night
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GuideNice campground near Killington, VT. Water and dump station. Not for big rigs we have a 21 ft TT. Things were tight but doable. One of the few Vermont state campgrounds that is still open. Most close from second Monday in October until Memorial Day.
TravelerLots of beautiful spots to pick from but be careful some are a bit muddy. We brought our school bus down the dirt road just fine and backed right in. They also have fireplaces which was nice!
GuideWonderful owners. A variety of sites to choose from in a relaxing setting. No waste hookups here, but they have a dump station. $51 per night with cash.
LegendThis is a quiet campground in a quiet part of the state. The terrain is mountainous, and all of the sites are private. There are two loops, one for tents/RVs and one for lean-tos. We stayed in the Willow lean-to, and while our site didn't have a view, it was one of the most private sites we've stayed in and just a short walk to the bathhouse.
The campground was created by the CCC in the 1930s, and from what I've heard, it hasn't changed much since that time. While we were here, we visited the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site (very cool), Long Trail Brewing, and the town of Woodstock. Great trip!
GuideFree dispersed camping site in the Green Mountain National Forest, off a dirt road. The site curves around past the driveway so you can tuck up into the trees to be more private. The upper part there has a circular open area, surrounded by thin trees. There’s a fire ring set up midway on the site. It felt more isolated than other sites I’ve stayed at and there were quite a few animal sounds in the woods, including large animal bones left past the treeline. They seem to be left behind from people (based off of how the bones were cut). Dispersed camping so don’t expect facilities of any sort. Decent site and pretty large compared to some of the other spots. Heard Barred Owls in the distance which was awesome. Uploaded a video of the site at night and pics of the area on a map that my friend was able to pull up.
GuideWent with a friend on an impromptu last minute camping trip up in the NF and hoped we could find a spot on a Friday night. Quite a few spots were taken but there were still some free ones. We stayed at one near the creek just over a little bridge. Cute little site, nice fire pit, clean, perfect rock to put a big water jug on. The sound of running water was soothing. In the morning, adorable little red squirrels with big personalities made themselves known and there were wildflowers blooming all over with hummingbirds going about their business. This is dispersed camping so there’s no rest rooms, running water, etc. The particular site we stayed at did have another site on the other side of the creek and we could hear the family during the day and see them as they walked past, so it wasn’t as isolated as some of the other sites. It was a cute spot and I’ll def be back.
TravelerThis is a good spot if you don’t mind being social. The main camping area is a large grassy opening where multiple people park and camp together, and there is a bathroom, but there isn’t much privacy between sites. If you continue farther down the forest road, there are several smaller pull-offs with much more private dispersed camping spots. I’d recommend checking those out if you’re looking for a quieter experience.
TravelerDyrt done messed up! So far, very disappointed in this app. Difficult to use! We reserved this spot through Dyrt. The directions to the campground are way off. The host was not notified that we were coming. Don’t trust Dyrt; contact the campground asap after you reserve through Dyrt to confirm the reservation directly and confirm the address and directions.
ScoutVery Disappointed With the Changes
Crown Point Campground used to be a wonderful place to camp. Unfortunately, since Happy Grounds purchased the campground, we have seen a significant decline in the overall experience.
I do want to make one thing very clear: the woman managing the campground is absolutely wonderful. She genuinely cares about the campers, is kind, helpful, and does her best to make people feel welcome. Our frustrations are not directed toward her. She deserves recognition for the effort she puts in, especially given the circumstances.
Unfortunately, there are serious concerns with the direction the campground has taken. There is no reliable Wi-Fi or cell service, which is especially concerning because there is no dependable way to call out in the event of an emergency. We have also seen a significant change in the atmosphere and clientele. Drugs have been found on the premises, including needles, which is extremely concerning for the safety of campers, especially families with children.
The campground has also become increasingly overcrowded. Tent sites have had upwards of 10 people on a single site, creating a very different camping experience from what many long-time campers originally signed up for.
Seasonal campers were told that there would be a gradual increase over two years to bring rates up to the new “going rate.” However, when the new contracts came out for next year, the price had increased by approximately $900. That is a substantial increase for a campground that, in our opinion, has continued to decline rather than improve.
What was perhaps most disappointing was how campers' concerns were handled. When people questioned the increase and expressed their frustrations, the response from the corporation was, and I quote:
“Get out and leave. I’ve heard enough complaints. Just leave if you don’t like it.”
That is an incredibly disappointing way to speak to people who have supported this campground for years.
It is heartbreaking to see what Crown Point Campground has become. There are good people here, and the campground itself has so much potential. Most importantly, the manager genuinely cares about the campers, and she deserves credit for that.
Our hope is that Happy Grounds will listen to the people who have invested years of their time and money here, address the safety and overcrowding concerns, and bring back the sense of community that once made Crown Point such a wonderful place to camp.
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.
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."
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."
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."
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."
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!"
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Pawlet, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Pawlet, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 224 campgrounds and RV parks near Pawlet, VT and 35 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Pawlet, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pawlet, VT is Emerald Lake State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 20 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pawlet, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 35 free dispersed camping spots near Pawlet, VT.
What parks are near Pawlet, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Pawlet, VT that allow camping, notably Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests and Green Mountain National Forest.
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