Camping near Peru, Vermont offers access to Green Mountain camping between 1,000-2,500 feet elevation. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F, with cooler nights at higher elevations. Fall foliage draws significant crowds from late September through mid-October, with campgrounds frequently reaching capacity during peak color weeks.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 2-mile trail leading to Hamilton Falls is accessible directly from Jamaica State Park Campground. "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 quarries: 15-minute drive from Dorset to local swimming holes. "Great location near a fantastic quarry, country store, and Manchester shopping. The camp grounds were family friendly and quiet," writes Rachelle S. about her stay at Dorset RV Park.
River activities: Tubing and kayaking opportunities abound at Camping on the Battenkill. "Friends and I camp here every June, and we love being close to the river. We also tube down the river," shares Heather P. The Battenkill River provides both swimming and fishing options throughout summer months.
What campers like
Natural swimming areas: The region offers numerous river and lake swimming options. "Find something that you dont like about this park... go ahead, ill wait. Small town general store, no cell service and a gorgeous back drop is a perfect spot to just unwind from the real world," writes Brittany B. about Jamaica State Park.
Spacious, private sites: Many campgrounds feature well-spaced sites with good separation. "The sites are great and well cared for with friendly staff and clean amenities. Book your site early to get a lean-to or a site near the river...it's stunning in the morning with the mountain mist rolling through!!" advises Jaime R.
Pet-friendly facilities: Several RV parks near Peru, Vermont include dedicated dog areas. "They even had roaming chickens and rabbits for the kids to enjoy. Spotless grounds and helpful staff. We loved the vibe," explains Rachelle S. about her experience at Dorset RV Park.
What you should know
Limited cellular coverage: Many campgrounds report inconsistent service. "Small town general store, no cell service and a gorgeous back drop is a perfect spot to just unwind from the real world," notes Brittany B. about Tree Farm Campground.
Variable site conditions: Elevation changes affect campsite leveling. "Our site was level but some definitely were not," reports Nancy W. about her experience at an area campground.
Weather variability: The region experiences significant temperature swings. "Despite the highest temps VT had seen in a long time," Emily H. found Tree Farm Campground to be "very quiet and cool." Pack additional layers for evening temperature drops, particularly at higher elevations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "Nice little weekend getaway. Clean bathrooms, roomy tent sites, nice staff. Fun playground and nature area for kids. Very family friendly place with beautiful hikes to Hamilton falls," writes Fransheska A. about Jamaica State Park Campground.
Safety precautions: Monitor children around water features. "People have lost their lives at these falls so be extra cautious with children around the falls," warns Chris D. about Hamilton Falls. Many natural swimming areas lack lifeguards and have variable depths.
Educational opportunities: Incorporate learning into camping trips. "And a few miles from there was the ski resort, Bromli Mnt. With fun activities to do in the summer or winter!" shares Meike W., describing family-friendly activities near campgrounds.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose wisely for privacy and space. "The tent sites are nice and private near the river. They have laundry and a fenced in dog area that was much appreciated!" notes Katy Z. about Camping on the Battenkill.
Road access considerations: Some RV parks near Peru, Vermont have challenging access routes. "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," explains Nancy W.
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer variable hookup options. "We got twenty or so television channels with the cable hookup. The hookups were all well-placed and we didn't have any issues with the electric and the wifi at our site worked well," reports Nancy W., highlighting the amenities important to RV campers.
