4 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Coolidge State Park Campground, located in the Plymouth region, permits pets in its wooded campsites. Five pet-friendly state parks serve the area, including Camp Plymouth, Gifford Woods, and Mount Ascutney, each maintaining clean facilities for campers with dogs. The sites offer varying levels of privacy, with Coolidge's secluded lean-to sites particularly popular among pet owners. Campers consistently note the campground's cleanliness and well-maintained bathroom facilities. Most campgrounds require pets to remain leashed at all times, with designated pet waste disposal stations throughout. Both tent and RV camping options accommodate pets, while Caton Place Campground extends pet-friendly policies to its cabin and yurt rentals.
The Appalachian Trail runs directly through Gifford Woods State Park, providing excellent hiking opportunities for campers and their dogs. Pets must be under control at all times due to increased black bear activity reported in several campgrounds. Echo Lake at Camp Plymouth offers dog-friendly water access, though pets are restricted from designated swimming beaches. Campers should pack extra towels for muddy paws during Vermont's variable weather conditions. Most parks sell firewood on-site, eliminating the need to transport wood that might harbor invasive species. The private sites at Coolidge's upper loop provide the most seclusion for reactive dogs, situated away from main camping areas and with less foot traffic. Veterinary services are available in nearby Killington and Woodstock for emergency pet care.
"This place gets my vote for best campground in Vermont. Especially true if you're lucky enough to get one of the few sites on the outside of A loop that has a Lean-to with a view."
"My wife and I along with our dog Wyatt make an annual trip to CC. There is a great secluded site off the road into the park."
"Decent bathroom situation--I've seen better and I've seen worse in Vermont."
"The park is amazingly clean, well run, located just of RT 4 and very near to Killington, Vermont. It has multiple lean-to sites which are in wooded areas."
"Clean and quiet, good for kids and pets are welcome. There are 2 bathrooms with coin operated showers. There are sites for campers, tents, and a handful of lean tos."
"The Quechee Gorge, best accessed from the back of the lawn behind the bathhouse, is the deepest in Vermont.. which is kind of like saying the best bagel or most populous city in Vermont."
from $38 / night
"Easy to drive into the campground and into the site. We had no issues at all. Hosts were very friendly and helpful. Campground was very clean and well manicured."
"The bathrooms are updated and have been well maintained.Although there is no swimming in the campground, the state park a few miles away is included with the park pass and has a nice lake beach, although"
"We stayed in the Willow lean-to, and while our site didn't have a view, it was one of the most private sites we've stayed in and just a short walk to the bathhouse. "
"The state park had everything we were looking for: close proximity to mountain bike trails, beautiful hiking trails, available leantos, and less than two hours from our home."
"Vermont parks are just some the most lush you’ve ever seen."
"Wilgus State Park is the first Vermont state park to open each spring, well before Memorial Day each year."
"Wilgus state park has amazing campsites, very friendly staff, and great access to the Connecticut River. This campground was beautiful and very quiet even though it was full."
from $20 - $30 / night
"We camped here with our dog on a tent site in camping area B."
"Dogs are allowed and I find that sites where dogs are present have less of a critters problems like racoons."
"Camp Plymouth has cabins to rent and there is space for group camping. The campground also has buildings to rent for large gatherings."
"This place was very clean and loaded with amenities: pool, dog park, events, open fields, deer, store, etc."
"Our site, was located in the back of the park in a quieter section because it was away from most of the activities and park entrance."
ScoutIt was dark. I arrived after 7p. There were 3 rv camps already going on. All 3 had camp fires. Many fire rings for many groups. No hassles at all. It's off the beaten path but worth it. The first 4 camp sites were open. Made a fire. Ate some food. I got a good night sleep. Nothing ate me or attacked me so that's 5 star in my book.
ScoutThe recreation hall was a nice surprise. We had some rainy weather one afternoon and the kids were able to play games while we relaxed for a bit. Saved the day honestly😂
ScoutWe came up looking for a campground where we could actually spend a few days without constantly driving somewhere. Ended up fishing, swimming, walking along the river and exploring the area. The campground gave us plenty to do, but it was also nice having the option to just sit at the campsite and do nothing. Would definitley come back.
ScoutWe have a big RV and had no trouble getting settled in. Having the full hookups made things super easy, especially for a longer stay.
ScoutNothing beats sitting by the river after a long day of exploring. We visited a few places around the Lake Sunapee area and this was a really convenient home base.
GuideThere was a few sites 5-6 we didn’t get to the eastern loop. But the sites we saw were very secluded. All had fire pits ours had a picnic table. And was right next to the creek. Would highly recommend if you want to get away from city lights. All sites are not maintained. We had a small off road camper it was easy In and out some sites could be hard with larger pull behinds. Some sites might need 4wd to get in and out we had lots of mud after a lot of rain.
ScoutWe brought the kids and they found plenty to do. Between the pool, river and recreation area, they were pretty much entertained the entire trip.
ScoutWe rented a cabin and honestly it was perfect for what we needed. Spent the days exploring around Lake Sunapee and came back here to relax at night.
GuideNice campground near Killington, VT. Water and dump station. Not for big rigs we have a 21 ft TT. Things were tight but doable. One of the few Vermont state campgrounds that is still open. Most close from second Monday in October until Memorial Day.
Plymouth region campgrounds offer access to 4,000-foot peaks in the Green Mountains and 140+ miles of hiking trails. Temperatures range from summer highs around 80°F to autumn lows in the 40s. Fall camping peaks in late September when foliage colors reach maximum intensity along Vermont's Route 100 corridor.
Paddle Echo Lake: At Camp Plymouth State Park Campground, you can access boat rentals and crystal-clear water. "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 M.A.D. P.
Hike the Appalachian Trail: Gifford Woods State Park Campground provides direct access to renowned hiking routes. "The Appalachian Trail runs right through the park and you can hike up to Deer Leep, around Kent Pond, or to Thundering Falls right from the campground," notes Tara S. The 2.5-mile trail to Deer Leap Overlook offers mountain views without the intensity of other local hikes.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk provide prime wildlife watching hours at Wilgus State Park Campground. "We brought a drift boat and fishing gear and had a blast! There was sites for tents, as well as cabins and lean-tos," explains Franklin R. The riverside location attracts diverse bird species including great blue herons and bald eagles.
Mountain vistas: Mount Ascutney State Park Campground features elevation gains with rewarding views. "We hiked the Weathersfield Trail (2.9 miles from trailhead to summit). It was a challenge, but well worth it. There were several lookout points with spectacular views," shares Emma N.
Private lean-to sites: Coolidge State Park Campground offers elevated camping options. "I loved this campground especially my site! I stayed at the Basswood lean to site. Private and well kept sites, clean bathrooms, friendly service, gorgeous Mountain View," says Melanie P. Lean-tos typically cost $5-10 more than standard tent sites but provide shelter from Vermont's unpredictable weather.
Riverside relaxation: Quiet waterfront access makes for peaceful camping experiences. "Set on the banks of CT River Wilgus has tent sites, lean to's and 4 newly built cabins. There is also a boat launch for drift boats as well," notes Tim K. Many sites include river views with the sound of moving water enhancing the camping experience.
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds operate from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. "Just finishing up a week in Quechee State Park campground and have to say the place is really really nice," writes Chris A., adding "They also sell ice and firewood at the check in station."
Black fly season: May through mid-June brings heavy insect activity. "Bugs. Mosquitos. Black flies. Deer flies. All of them biting," warns Jeff N. about Greendale Campground. Pack insect repellent with at least 30% DEET for effective protection.
Shower facilities: Quechee State Park Campground and other state parks require quarters for showers. "The bathrooms are immaculate with coin (quarters)operated showers," notes Chris A. Plan to bring $1-2 in quarters per shower.
Educational programs: Rangers organize activities tailored for children at many parks. "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 Jen B.
Accessible swimming: Emerald Lake State Park Campground offers family-friendly water access. "It's an awesome park for kids, and the turquoise water is a dream to cool off in. There's a small, sandy beach at one end of the lake, with a bath house and changing rooms nearby," explains Tara S. The swimming area includes a shallow entry point suitable for younger children.
Choose sites wisely: Not all sites work equally well for families with small children. "If you have little ones, check out the map before you reserve a site and find one on the opposite side of the ledge," advises Tara S. regarding Emerald Lake. Many campgrounds offer interactive maps online for site selection.
Site accessibility: Caton Place Campground accommodates larger RVs but requires caution. "Camped here Labor Day Weekend in our 40 ft 5th wheel. We had a pull thru site. Easy to drive into the campground and into the site," reports David. However, other reviews note challenges for larger rigs.
Leveling challenges: Many Vermont campgrounds sit on uneven terrain. "The RCA on the sites probably could have spread out better and made more level. Also tough to drive a stake into," notes Chris A. Bring additional leveling blocks and stabilizers when camping in the area.
Dump station access: Few dog friendly campgrounds near Plymouth offer full hookups. Most provide dump stations instead, requiring strategic tank management. "There are no hookups but they do have a dump station if you are in a RV," explains Jan B. The dump stations typically operate during daylight hours only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Plymouth, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Plymouth, VT is Coolidge State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 13 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Plymouth, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 140 dog-friendly camping locations near Plymouth, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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