RV camping near Pownal, Vermont provides access to the southern part of the Green Mountains, with elevations ranging from 800 to 3,800 feet across the region. Located near the border of New York and Massachusetts, this tri-state area offers varied terrain and camping options. Seasonal temperature fluctuations are significant, with summer highs around 80°F and winter lows frequently below freezing.
What to Do
Hiking at Hamilton Falls: Jamaica State Park Campground offers access to a flat river trail leading to Hamilton Falls. "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," explains Chris D.
Water Activities: From relaxing floats to more adventurous rapids, the West River provides water recreation options. "In the Spring the water is released behind Ball Dam, creating a white water adventure. The prime lean-to sites on the water are beautiful and spacious," notes M.A.D. P.
Local Attractions: Nearby Manchester offers shopping and historical sites within 20 minutes of Pownal. "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," shares a camper at Dorset RV Park.
What Campers Like
Swimming Areas: Natural water features provide refreshing alternatives to pools. "The area is beautiful and good food across the street! There is plenty of trails in the area and you can go to the waterfall/rock slides and take a dip in the pools," mentions Jackie G. about Jamaica State Park.
Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards. "Shower house was clean, sites are relatively spacious and you aren't too close to your neighbor, but the sewer lines were a bit close to you and your picnic table in the loop," reports a camper at Dorset RV Park.
Farm Features: Some campgrounds offer unique agricultural elements. "Great location near a fantastic quarry, country store, and Manchester shopping. The camp grounds were family friendly and quiet. They even had rabbits and chickens for the kids to enjoy," explains Rachelle S..
What You Should Know
Cell Service Variations: Beyond the general reception issues mentioned in the Green Mountains, specific campground locations can significantly impact connectivity. One Jamaica State Park visitor noted, "Find something that you don't like about this park... go ahead, I'll wait. Small town general store, no cell service and a gorgeous back drop is a perfect spot to just unwind from the real world." (Brittany B.).
Site-Specific Challenges: Some RV sites require particular approach angles. At Krawczyk Farm, "While we found the concrete pad on which to park, we were unable to get onto it with our travel trailer because of the tight parameters in which to maneuver. We were, however, able to level-up on the gravel drive next to it and plug into the electric," shares a reviewer.
Seasonal Booking Patterns: Fall foliage seasons require advance planning. Campgrounds fill quickly from late September through mid-October. Summer weekends also book early, particularly at the more popular locations with water access or full hookup availability.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground Access: Select campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "For us, they also had a playground to play at, and a boat dock to kayak. The bugs were not fun in the summer. At night, we all had a great sleeping night with no crazy neighbors or dogs," shares Meike W. about Jamaica State Park.
Kid-Friendly Hiking Options: Choose trails appropriate for children. "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," notes Fransheska A..
Wildlife Viewing: Some campgrounds offer wildlife encounters. At Piebald Mountain, a camper reported, "Excellent week at piebald mountain! We were greeted by some turkey and visited by some deer. Comfy and cozy setting."
Tips from RVers
Site Selection: Request specific sites based on your rig size and requirements. "The roads and campsites are gravel with varying degrees of levelness but some sites were definitely not level. 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 a camper at Dorset RV Park.
Maneuvering Challenges: Tree-lined drives require careful navigation. Consider approaching certain sites from specific angles. "Next morning we were able to see how we could have possibly gotten onto the pad by circling around through the wet grassy field and pulling through onto the pad," explains a Krawczyk Farm visitor about accessing their concrete pad.
Seasonal Closures: Most area RV campgrounds close from late October through April. Confirm operating dates when planning spring or fall trips, as opening and closing dates may shift based on weather conditions and seasonal staffing availability.
