Camping options near Plymouth, Vermont range from established state parks to private campgrounds, all situated within the Green Mountains at elevations between 1,000 and 2,500 feet. The camping season typically extends from May through mid-October, with night temperatures often dropping into the 40s even during summer months. Most campgrounds in this region feature wooded sites with varying degrees of privacy and access to nearby recreation.
What to do
Hiking on established trails: At Coolidge State Park Campground, trails for all abilities provide mountain views and forest exploration opportunities. "The CCC trail cuts through. Ash and maple woods. Clean, well kept," notes one visitor. Another camper recommends taking "a walk to the picnic pavilion which has a great view. Trail around Slack Hill has view of Ascutney."
Historic site exploration: Several campgrounds offer access to local history within a short drive. "Take advantage of the historical site nearby (President Calvin Coolidge's homestead) and long trail brewing," suggests a camper who stayed at Coolidge State Park. The area connects visitors to Vermont's heritage while providing camping accommodations.
Water activities: Camp Plymouth State Park Campground offers lake access for swimming and boating. "Camp Plymouth has cabins to rent and there is space for group camping... This Park has a huge beach and picnic area with a snack bar and boat rentals. We made a day of it and enjoyed the whole shebang!" reports a visitor. The park's location on Echo Lake makes it ideal for water-based recreation.
Wildlife viewing: Opportunities to observe wildlife exist throughout the region's wooded campsites. At night, owls can often be heard, and during daytime hours, deer frequently visit campground edges. Bird watching is particularly rewarding during spring and fall migrations, with multiple species passing through the area.
What campers like
Mountain vistas: Mount Ascutney State Park Campground provides exceptional views that campers consistently praise. "WOW What a view!!! Had a great hike and lunch at top of mountain. Climbed weather tower and was an awesome experience," writes one enthusiastic visitor. The park sits at the base of the 3,144-foot mountain with trails leading to panoramic outlooks.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region maintain high standards of cleanliness. "The bathrooms were clean and the coin-operated showers were great. Each site was neatly maintained. Above all else, the staff here was phenomenal," notes a recent visitor to Coolidge State Park. Another camper at a different park added that "Bathrooms are about average for state parks. They were definitely cleaned daily."
Privacy between sites: Gifford Woods State Park Campground receives praise for its site spacing. "Upper Loop sites are spaced further apart. Wooded," observes one camper. Another reports, "The sites are large, private, and wooded, and there are clean restrooms with hot showers. The highlight is the hiking, both in the park and just outside of it."
Ranger programs: State parks often provide educational programming, especially during peak summer weekends. Rangers lead nature walks, wildlife talks, and historical presentations that enhance the camping experience with local knowledge and conservation information.
What you should know
Bear activity: Proper food storage is essential as bears are active in the region. Several campgrounds post warnings during times of increased bear sightings. Campers should store food in vehicles or use provided storage options rather than keeping food items in tents.
Weather variability: Mountain weather changes rapidly, requiring preparation for multiple conditions. "Vermont parks are just some the most lush you've ever seen. Our trip was a bit 'dampened' by an extremely rainy Memorial Day weekend," shares a camper who visited Quechee State Park Campground. Pack layers and rain gear even during summer months.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for popular weekends and specialized accommodations. "This is a popular camp ground so reserve as early as 11 months before arrival," advises a visitor to Emerald Lake State Park. Holiday weekends typically fill months in advance.
Road noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise due to proximity to highways. "The road noise from interstate 91 was extremely loud," notes a visitor to Mount Ascutney State Park. Research site locations when making reservations if quiet is a priority.
Tips for camping with families
Lean-to options: For families new to camping or concerned about weather, lean-tos provide added protection. "We stayed at a lean to site at this campground. Facilities were great," reports a camper at Emerald Lake State Park Campground. These structures typically accommodate 4-6 people and provide shelter while maintaining the outdoor experience.
Kid-friendly programming: Some campgrounds offer specific activities for children. "Rangers also run fun programs for children- my children churned butter and made popcorn over the campfire one night, and made tie dyed T-shirts the next (for no fee)," shares a parent who stayed at Quechee State Park. Check with park offices for scheduled events.
Site selection considerations: When camping with children, location within the campground matters. A parent recommends, "If you have little ones, check out the map before you reserve a site and find one on the opposite side of the ledge." Sites near bathrooms but away from busy roads often work best for families with young children.
Recreation fields: Some campgrounds include open spaces for play. One camper at Coolidge State Park mentioned their site "had direct access down a path to a large recreation field that included a volleyball net. Our children and their friends loved biking around the field and exploring it while waiting for meals."
Tips from RVers
Length limitations: Many campgrounds in the Plymouth area have size restrictions for RVs. "I accidently booked a tent site, and my popup camper and truck almost didn't fit. We will have to go back and get a shelter site," reports an RV camper at Coolidge State Park, highlighting the importance of checking site specifications before booking.
Limited hookups: Most state parks offer basic or no hookups. At Wilgus State Park Campground, a camper notes, "There are no hookups but they do have a dump station if you are in an RV." Plan for self-contained camping or research private campgrounds with full hookups if needed.
Navigating campground roads: Narrow access roads can present challenges. One RVer shared, "Driving out of the site was just as bad. You have to go down a small hill and bottom out the front and then drag the backend out of the dirt." Research campground layouts and access before arrival, especially with larger rigs.
Seasonal considerations: Many RVers find late September through early October ideal for camping near Plymouth, combining comfortable temperatures with fall foliage. However, nights can be cold, requiring heat sources and proper insulation. Some campgrounds close water systems after the first frost, typically in early October.
