Best Campgrounds near Peru, VT
The Green Mountain National Forest surrounding Peru, Vermont features several developed camping areas alongside dispersed options. 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 camping experience 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.
