Emerald Lake State Park Campground serves as an access point for outdoor recreation in south central Vermont, sitting at about 1,200 feet elevation in the Green Mountains. The park spans over 400 acres of mixed forest and is home to a mineral-rich lake that gives it its characteristic green color. Local camping conditions typically include moderate summer temperatures ranging from 55-85°F, with cooler nights even in peak season.
What to do
Kayaking and paddling experiences: Explore the calm waters at Half Moon Pond State Park, where waterfront sites allow direct water access. A camper noted, "We were easily able to go straight from the tent to our kayak, which was so awesome." The pond is ideal for novice paddlers or families with children due to its small size and protected waters.
Swimming options: Lake Bomoseen provides a contrast to Emerald Lake with its larger swimming area. "The dock area filled with weeds," mentioned one visitor to Lake Bomoseen KOA, indicating that swimming conditions vary by location on the lake. Choose beach areas for clearer swimming conditions.
Hiking near camp: The Vista Trail at Woodford State Park Campground offers mountain views with moderate difficulty. "There are a bunch of different types of campsites with either tent spots, lean tos, and a few (hard to get) cabins," explains one reviewer, highlighting how you can access trails directly from various accommodation types.
Wildlife watching: Early mornings offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities. "We heard coyotes at night and loons in the morning," shared a Woodford State Park visitor, pointing to the diverse wildlife present in the region's forested areas.
What campers like
Private camping areas: Campers consistently appreciate the natural buffers between sites. At Moreau Lake State Park Campground, "Campsites are spacious, shady, and had good separation between the neighboring sites which we enjoyed." This privacy factor is especially valued during summer weekends when parks reach capacity.
Water access options: Direct water access from campsites ranks high on camper preferences. One visitor to Half Moon Pond State Park explained, "We stayed in site T06, which is right on the water. We were easily able to go straight from the tent to our kayak, which was so awesome."
Clean facilities: Modern bathhouse facilities with reliable hot water are consistently mentioned in reviews. "Bathroom in the first loop is fine (cold water sinks, hand soap, paper towels). Token operated showers," noted a Woodford visitor, highlighting the typical shower setup found in Vermont state parks.
Yurt camping near Pawlet: For campers seeking alternative accommodations, Lake George Escape Campground offers yurt options within a 45-minute drive of Pawlet. These structures provide a glamping-style experience with more protection from the elements than traditional tents.
What you should know
Reservation timing: State parks in the Pawlet region open booking 11 months in advance. "Larchmont is our favorite camp site... This is a popular camp ground so reserve as early as 11 months before arrival," advised a camper about Emerald Lake, indicating how quickly premium sites fill.
Weather considerations: The area experiences significant seasonal variation. "We got hit with some pretty bad weather so we couldn't enjoy the grounds as much as we would have liked to," explained a Lake George Escape visitor, highlighting the importance of preparation for sudden weather changes.
Shower costs: Most state parks in the region use quarter-operated showers. "Don't forget to bring quarters for the shower," reminded a Moreau Lake camper. Typical rates are $0.50-$1.00 for 5 minutes of hot water.
Campsite selection strategy: Research site layout before booking. "The angled sites and wide roads make backing in very easy," explained a Moose Hillock Camping Resort visitor, pointing to how site configuration can impact your camping experience, especially for larger rigs or less experienced campers.
Tips for camping with families
Group camping arrangements: Emerald Lake accommodates organized youth groups. One reviewer shared, "We camped for two nights in Lean-tos with 20 Girls and Leaders. It's a great place to bring a Troop and use the lake and trails for badges plus cooking badges as well." Larger groups should reserve adjacent sites at least 6 months in advance.
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's programming. "The staff was pleasant, camp sites were clean and accommodating," noted a Woodford State Park visitor, where ranger-led programs run regularly during summer months.
Swimming beach considerations: Choose parks with gradual-entry swimming areas for young children. At Gifford Woods State Park Campground, a visitor shared it's "Good 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!"
Safety features: Parks with lifeguarded swimming areas provide extra peace of mind for parents. "The beach has a lifeguard to watch over the swimmers," noted a Rogers Rock Campground reviewer, pointing out an important safety feature for families with children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many campsites in the region require leveling equipment. "Fantastic stay! There is a trolley to get around the camp ground as well as to the local outlets. Sites are decent size, but be sure to bring boards to level your trailer for some sites are quite uneven!" advised an RVer at Lake George RV Park.
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites are limited at state parks. For those requiring utilities, Moose Hillock Camping Resort offers comprehensive options. "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."
Road access considerations: Some parks have challenging access roads. "Roads in the park are confusing because none are parallel or perpendicular so we had to go slow just to make sure we didn't miss a turn in the RV," shared a Lake George Escape camper, highlighting navigation challenges for larger vehicles.
