Camping near Peru, VT

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Camping near Peru, Vermont ranges from full-hookup RV parks to free dispersed sites, with tent camping at state parks and federal campgrounds within 10-15 miles. Hapgood Pond Campground and Emerald Lake State Park Campground provide established sites within 10-15 miles of Peru, while Winhall Brook Camping Area offers riverside camping along the West River. These mixed-use campgrounds accommodate tents, RVs, and some offer cabins, particularly at Dorset RV Park which includes full hookups. Grout Pond provides a more primitive option with walk-in tent sites, while the Downed Bridge Camp area allows free dispersed camping.

    Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October, closing for the harsh Vermont winters. "The campground is meticulous as it is run by the Army Corps and they have done a great job," noted one Winhall Brook visitor. Road access varies considerably, with some sites requiring short walks from parking areas, particularly at Grout Pond. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, with visitors reporting "Verizon service and Starlink worked great" at Hapgood Pond, while many other areas have limited coverage. Reservation requirements differ by location, with state parks and some federal campgrounds accepting reservations up to 11 months in advance, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Peru area. Several developed campgrounds sit adjacent to swimming areas, with Emerald Lake State Park featuring what one visitor called "an awesome park for kids, and the turquoise water is a dream to cool off in." Winhall Brook provides riverside camping where "two rivers intersect in the campground" creating opportunities for tubing and wading. Campers seeking more privacy should consider sites at Hapgood Pond or dispersed camping options, as reviews indicate some campgrounds have closely spaced sites with limited screening. Amenities vary widely across the region's campgrounds, from primitive sites with vault toilets to more developed facilities offering showers, electric hookups, and camp stores. Firewood availability differs between locations, with some requiring campers to bring their own supplies.

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    Best Campgrounds near Peru (216)

      1. Emerald Lake State Park Campground

      4.6(20)7mi from PeruRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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."

      2. Jamaica State Park Campground

      4.6(22)11mi from PeruRVs, Tents

      "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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      3. Winhall Brook Campground

      4.5(11)6mi from Peru111 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "The campground is located where Winhall River meets the West River."

      "There is a small group of camp sides with electricity and water but most sites have none. The bathrooms are clean. Where the two rivers intersect is a nice sport to put your feet in the water."

      from $24 - $30 / night

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      4. Camping On The Battenkill

      4.5(20)16mi from Peru5 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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

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      5. Grout Pond Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

      4.7(9)13mi from Peru18 sitesRVs, Tents

      "My friend and I were desperately looking for a place to spend the weekend, and with Covid making it a little more difficult to rely on walking in and finding a campsite, we made a blind reservation for"

      "We were the only campers along the waterfront, but there were a few car campers in the sites near the road."

      from $16 / night

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      6. Hapgood Pond NF Campground

      4.0(4)2mi from PeruRVs, Tents

      "The surrounding grounds are mostly manicured fields."

      "We appreciate the pond for swimming and the nice easy pond loop trail for hiking. Hapgood is in close proximity to Manchester and near the Appalachian Trail."

      7. Dorset RV Park

      3.7(6)9mi from PeruRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      8. Hapgood Pond

      4.0(3)2mi from Peru30 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Vermont to begin with is beautiful. Getting into a national park to begin with is usually a fee, and then camping is a separate fee."

      "All of the campsites are just a minute walk to the water. There is also a nice trail the leads all the way around the water."

      from $20 - $50 / night

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      9. Greendale Campground

      3.6(5)9mi from PeruRVs, Tents

      "Greendale Campground is a small remote campground located along Greendale Brook in Weston, VT. There are 11 campsites available in a wooded setting."

      "We picked a nice site next to a babbling brook. While we only tent camped we plan to return with our new to us pop up this year. We only saw two cars during our entire stay."

      10. Downed Bridge Camp

      5.0(2)8mi from PeruRVs, Tents

      "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. "

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    Recent Reviews near Peru, VT

    927 Reviews of 216 Peru Campgrounds


    • Alison S.
      Aug. 23, 2026

      Shir-Roy Camping Area

      Great spot

      Where does one even begin to explain how great this campground is?! There’s truly a little bit of something for everyone here!

      We absolutely loved our campsite. It had plenty of room, a good amount of privacy, and great tree coverage. Even when it rained, our fire pit somehow stayed pretty dang dry, which was a huge plus!

      The rec hall was awesome and had so many cool arcade games to check out. They also offer kayak and canoe rentals for the pond, which has surprisingly clear, beautiful water.

      One thing that REALLY stood out to us was how incredibly clean the bathrooms and showers were. They were well maintained and practically bug-free, which is almost unheard of at a campground!

      On top of all that, everyone we came across—from the staff to the other campers—was super friendly, welcoming, and down-to-earth. It just had an all-around great atmosphere.

      Seriously, don’t skip over this campground. If you’re on the fence, just book it. You won’t regret it! We’ll definitely be back!

    • K
      Aug. 22, 2026

      Crown Point Camping Area

      Disappointed

      Very 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.

    • Dayton B.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 21, 2026

      42.99045° N, 72.98195° W

      Forest Service Road 71, West Dover, VT

      Great little dispersed camping area off Forest Road 71 in West Dover, Vermont. Once you get onto the forest service road, everything is gravel/dirt, with several small pull-offs and primitive campsites scattered along the road. Some sites are only a few feet from the road, while others are tucked back around 100 feet and offer a little more privacy.

      The individual pull-offs can be a little more challenging to reach. Most involve some combination of hills, rocks, ruts, and mud, although nothing was too crazy. Some spots are definitely easier to get into than others, so having a vehicle with decent ground clearance is helpful.

      There was a decent amount of traffic passing through the area while we were there, but nothing too crazy or disruptive. The campsite we stayed at had a fire pit, but there was no running water at our site, and I don’t believe the other dispersed sites have running water either.

      Overall, a pretty good option if you’re looking for a primitive, low-key camping spot with multiple sites to choose from. Just don’t expect complete solitude, especially during busier times.

    • Noah P.
      Aug. 19, 2026

      Crow's Nest Campground

      Comfortable Stay

      Crow’s Nest was a really convenient stop for us while traveling through New Hampshire. Getting our RV situated was easy and we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay.

    • Matt S.
      Aug. 19, 2026

      Moose Hillock Camping Resorts

      Huge sites but sloped, dirty, and pricey

      We spent a long weekend at Moose Hillock in Fort Ann, New York, to visit Lake George. This is a difficult place for me to review. But I’ll do my best to share my experience. 

      The pool is the main attraction here and probably the largest and most ridiculous I’ve ever seen at a campground. Great for young kids. 

      THINGS I LIKED:

      — The sites are enormous and private, probably the biggest sites we’ve ever seen at any campground we’ve stayed at.

      — The mature trees are everywhere, great for privacy.

      — It’s located about 25-minutes to the heart of Lake George. Easy drive away but not in the loud and busy area.

      — The camp store is pretty good and sells snacks, drinks, basic supplies, and souvenirs. 

      THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:

      — Our site(# 709) was sloped, so much that even with leveling boards under the rear wheels, rear jacks fully extended and front jacks fully retracted, we couldn’t level. That’s annoying and so easily fixed by a campground this size with this array of equipment and resources.

      — Except for the entry roads, the rest of the park is gravel and dirt, which was extremely dusty. Our vehicles and our stuff were instantly covered by this dusty dirt which was a never-ending battle to keep outside.

      — I’m ok paying premium money for a great site, but this site wasn’t matched to the price. I paid$647.38 for 3-nights. That’s$215.79 per night. 

      WOULD WE COME BACK? 

      Probably not. For me, having a level site that’s not covered in dirt and dust is important— especially when it costs$215 per night. There’s a much nicer park about 10-minutes away(closer to Lake George) where we’ve stayed in the past. The sites are smaller, but they’re level.

    • Isaiah D.
      Aug. 15, 2026

      Crow's Nest Campground

      Kids Stayed Entertained

      We brought the kids here for a few days and they had a blast. Between swimming, exploring around the campground, and just riding around and making friends, they always had something to do. For us, it was nice being able to actually relax while the kids stayed entertained. We cooked at the campsite most nights and spent the evenings around the fire. Great family trip.

    • Shannon C.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 14, 2026

      NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

      Barebones, well maintained and private

      My 2008 Prius handled the road with ease. Sites were spaced out. There was hiking at the end of the road but not too much space to wander around from the sites given the road’s high speed limit. Sites had fire pits and that was it. Very quiet and fairly accessible from society. Given the lack of free camping in the southern northeast this spot is a gem!

    • William P.
      Aug. 13, 2026

      Crow's Nest Campground

      Our Favorite Part Of Staying

      The Sugar River was probably our favorite part of staying here. There is something really relaxing about waking up, making coffee, and being able to walk down by the river first thing in the morning. We spent our days fishing, hanging around the campground, and exploring the area. Crow’s Nest has a classic New Hampshire campground feel and we would definitely come back.

    • J
      Aug. 11, 2026

      Lake Lauderdale Campground

      Nice little spot

      Very welcoming... great place. Upkept everything is up to par. Showers are prolly the nicest as far as campgrounds goes.


    Guide to Peru

    Peru, Vermont sits nestled within Green Mountain National Forest, offering access to several developed campgrounds and dispersed camping areas. Hapgood Pond Campground and Winhall Brook Camping Area provide established camping options for tent and RV camping, while Grout Pond Campground offers a more primitive experience. Most campgrounds in the area feature both tent and RV sites, with Dorset RV Park and Camping on the Battenkill providing additional amenities like electric hookups and water access. The Downed Bridge Camp area offers free dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking a more rustic experience.

    The camping season in this region typically runs from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend, with most facilities closing during the colder months. "Weather is amazing. The lake is just amazing. A lot of owls at night!" noted one visitor about Emerald Lake State Park. Road conditions vary throughout the area, with some campgrounds requiring travel on unpaved forest roads. Cell service can be limited at many locations, though some visitors report adequate coverage at specific campgrounds. Reservations are recommended for most established campgrounds, especially during peak summer weekends and holiday periods. Several campgrounds offer reservable sites through recreation.gov or state park reservation systems.

    Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the Peru area. Many campgrounds feature proximity to lakes, ponds, or rivers that provide swimming and paddling opportunities. "Beautiful campground with access to 3 river streams. Bathrooms were clean," reported one camper at Winhall Brook. Mixed-use campgrounds like Emerald Lake State Park offer both water recreation and hiking trails. Visitors frequently mention the quiet atmosphere despite occasional road noise at some locations. Amenities vary significantly between developed sites and more primitive options—some provide showers, flush toilets, and electric hookups while others offer only basic facilities. Several camping areas feature fire rings and picnic tables, though firewood availability differs by location.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where can I find camping in Peru, Vermont?

    Peru, Vermont offers excellent camping options within a short drive. Hapgood Pond in nearby Manchester provides affordable camping in the Green Mountain National Forest for just $10 per night, with a peaceful setting that's never too crowded. Another great option is Woodford State Park Campground, located between Wilmington and Bennington in southern Vermont. It surrounds Adams Reservoir and holds the distinction of being the highest elevation state campground in Vermont, featuring two beaches including a day-use area. For RV travelers, Camping On The Battenkill near Arlington offers drive-in sites with water hookups and big-rig-friendly accommodations.

    What outdoor activities are available near Peru, Vermont?

    Peru, Vermont and its surrounding areas offer diverse outdoor activities for campers and adventure seekers. At Jamaica State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy activities along the West River in a private, quiet setting. Mount Ascutney State Park Campground provides excellent mountain biking trails for all skill levels. The region offers hiking opportunities throughout the Green Mountains, swimming in natural lakes and ponds, fishing, and paddling. Moosalamoo Campground provides access to cascading waterfalls, mountain views, and incredible swimming holes. During winter, Peru is close to popular ski areas including Bromley Mountain. The Long Trail and Appalachian Trail also pass near the area, offering day-hiking and backpacking opportunities.

    What is the best time of year to visit Peru, Vermont for camping?

    The best time to camp in Peru, Vermont is from late May through early October when weather conditions are most favorable. Wilgus State Park Campground opens earlier than most Vermont state parks, welcoming campers in early May with camping cabins available for those wanting to beat the crowds despite cooler temperatures. For peak fall foliage, plan your trip for late September to early October. Gifford Woods State Park Campground is particularly beautiful during autumn, though cell reception may slow during this popular season. Summer months offer warm temperatures ideal for swimming and water activities, while spring brings beautiful wildflowers but potentially muddy conditions. Winter camping is possible for experienced campers, but many campgrounds close for the season.