Nestled in the heart of Vermont's marble valley, Proctor sits at 465 feet above sea level with surrounding mountains creating distinct microclimates ideal for camping. Seasonal temperature swings can be significant, with summer nights often 20-30 degrees cooler than daytime temperatures, making proper gear essential even during luxury glamping in Proctor, Vermont.
What to do
Hiking the Appalachian Trail sections: Experience sections of the famous Appalachian Trail near Gifford Woods State Park Campground. The park serves as a direct connection point to the trail. "For a shorter or less-intensive hike, walk about 2.5 miles to the Deer Leap Overlook for some incredible views of the mountain ranges nearby," recommends Kyle R.
Fishing in Half Moon Pond: Cast a line at Half Moon Pond State Park Campground where the small, quiet pond offers good fishing opportunities. "The pond is very weedy, so fishing was not so great, but the hiking trails around the park were fun," notes Cynthia K. The park's waterfront sites allow direct access for anglers.
Boating on Lake George: Rent watercraft at Lake George just 45 minutes from Proctor. "There's a boat inspection station, boat ramp, and mooring as well as a beach. Ticonderoga offers some history and is worth a half-day visit," suggests Jean C. The northern end of the lake provides calmer waters than the busier southern portions.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers frequently mention site spacing at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts as a major draw. "The sites at this park are huge. You could have parked three RVs in our site. Added bonus is that there is nice separation between sites with trees and shrubs that block out your neighbors and provide lots of privacy," explains Nancy W.
Clean facilities: Bathhouse cleanliness ranks high on camper satisfaction. At Quechee State Park Campground, "Bathroom were clean and the grounds were quite at night," notes Douglas L. Most Vermont state parks offer pay showers requiring quarters, with average costs around $0.50 for 5 minutes.
Water activities: Lake access and swimming opportunities are plentiful. At Half Moon Pond State Park, one camper shared, "We fished and kayaked right from our site. Oddly, our fire pit faced the neighboring site rather than the pond." The small pond offers calm waters perfect for beginner paddlers.
What you should know
Seasonal openings: Most campgrounds in the region operate from mid-May through mid-October. At Emerald Lake State Park Campground, "It was very quiet when we visited though I suspect it's much busier in mid summer," notes Christina S. Memorial Day through Labor Day sees the highest occupancy.
Limited connectivity: Cell coverage and Wi-Fi can be spotty throughout the region. At Lake Bomoseen KOA, "There is NO cell coverage and the Wi-Fi is poor and very slow if you can connect," reports Dave S. Consider downloading offline maps before arrival.
Reservation requirements: Popular sites book quickly, especially for luxury glamping options. Most Vermont state parks allow reservations 11 months in advance. "Reserve as early as 11 months before arrival," advises one camper about Emerald Lake State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Lake George Escape Campground offers structured programs for different age groups. "There are tons of activities, a waterslide, peddle carts, kayaks and boats for rent, dancing, and teen specific activities too!" reports Meag F. Many locations offer weekend ranger programs designed for children.
Swimming options: Emerald Lake State Park provides excellent swimming areas for children. "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," says Tara S.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds and open spaces. "There is a nice trail to walk that follows along the shoreline. Each site has a fireplace and table," notes Lauren S. about Rogers Rock Campground. Most campgrounds post quiet hours starting between 9-10pm.
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: RV site dimensions vary significantly. At Quechee-Pine Valley KOA, "The park is a large park that is terraced since it is in a pretty hilly area. There is the range of sites from pull-thrus, pull-ins and back-in sites and can accommodate RVs of any size," explains Nancy W.
Hookup availability: Verify hookups when booking as options vary widely. "Some sites are full hookup while others are not and that is reflected in the cost," continues Nancy W. about Quechee-Pine Valley KOA. Most luxury glamping sites near Proctor don't require hookups but offer electricity.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "Some roads are unpaved, unmarked with directional signs, very narrow, and tough to navigate," warns Kim T. about Rogers Rock Campground. Many smaller Vermont state parks have limited turning radius space for larger rigs.
