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Campgrounds near Putney, Vermont range from state parks to private resorts, primarily concentrated along Route 5 and the West River valley. Jamaica State Park and Fort Dummer State Park offer tent and RV camping with basic amenities in natural settings, while private campgrounds like Kampfires (formerly Hidden Acres) and Brattleboro North KOA provide full hookup sites and cabin rentals. The region's mix of wooded and riverfront camping areas accommodates various preferences from primitive tent sites to full-service RV camping.
The camping season in southern Vermont typically runs from mid-May through mid-October, with most campgrounds closing after Columbus Day weekend. "This is a small and super friendly park with several hiking options. Sites are clean and surrounded by forest," noted one visitor about Townshend State Park. Winter conditions and spring mud season make most camping areas inaccessible outside the main season. Reservations are strongly recommended for summer weekends and holiday periods when campgrounds reach capacity. Many campgrounds in the Putney area feature water access, with the Connecticut River and West River providing recreational opportunities, though water levels can fluctuate throughout the season.
Waterfront sites at campgrounds like Bald Mountain receive particular attention from visitors. A camper described, "River front sites are not usually available for a weekend but you can always access the West River via the 2 beaches set aside for campers." Several reviewers noted the family-friendly atmosphere at many of the established campgrounds in the region. Kampfires earned mentions for its amenities including a pool, mini-golf, and an ice cream shop. The proximity to downtown Brattleboro (approximately 15-20 minutes from most campgrounds) allows campers to enjoy local shops and dining while maintaining a rural camping experience. Many camping areas provide hiking access, with trails in Fort Dummer State Park and Jamaica State Park connecting directly to campground facilities.
"We had easy access to trails that went along the river behind some of the sites with a few paths down to the river. Everyone we encountered was friendly and respectful."
"Large, open campground surrounded by the Ashuelot River. Friendly owners who go around delivering wood and ice to guests given the pandemic right now."
from $47 - $70 / night
Check Availability"This tops our list for camping in Vermont. There is so much to do here, and yet the campground feels very private and quiet. There are 41 tent/RV sites to choose from and 18 lean-tos."
"This was our second stay at this Vermont State Park. It was a great three days. The park rangers were tremendous in ensuring we had a delightful visit. They worked with us to get the right site."
from $20 - $42 / night
Check Availability"you might figure that being so close to the city, and the highway, it would be somewhat abused, but not so. Very clean and well kept."
"This campground is pretty centrally located with easy access to grocery stores, gas, and the highway. It is down a quiet road far enough that you do not hear any traffic noise."
"They have an ice cream shop attached to their office/store, mini golf just outside of it too. There is an amphitheater for concerts and shows throughout the summer."
"Even though it is off season, there are several units throughout but dispersed so no one was right next to us. The site was somewhat level with a gravel base. FHU at each site made hook up easy."
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability"This park is close to my house in southern Vermont. We usually visit during the day to hike to the top of the Mt. Olga firetower."
"There are no hookups at any Vermont state parks (Molly Stark included). We stayed at site T16. It's a pull through RV site with a fire ring & picnic table."
"It was only like 40 mins away from us. Just to get away. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable of the area . They had activities for kids and adults. They had a rec."
"The pool was sparkling clean and the best part, not a bunch of screaming kids running around. There's a market next door with fresh fruit and veggies for sale. The store is large and well stocked."
"Sites are clean and surrounded by forrest"
"There were trails nearby and the dam was a short drive away. The only downside is that there is no washing station for dishes and the sites are close together. "
"The campground is located where Winhall River meets the West River."
"There is a small group of camp sides with electricity and water but most sites have none. The bathrooms are clean. Where the two rivers intersect is a nice sport to put your feet in the water."
from $24 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Used by a lot of offroad bikes on weekends. Great swimming pool! Spent a week plus there and had no problems with the dirt bikes and loved the pool."
"Plenty of trails close to everything you need. Full hookup site was awesome"
from $65 / night
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TravelerThis is a good spot if you don’t mind being social. The main camping area is a large grassy opening where multiple people park and camp together, and there is a bathroom, but there isn’t much privacy between sites. If you continue farther down the forest road, there are several smaller pull-offs with much more private dispersed camping spots. I’d recommend checking those out if you’re looking for a quieter experience.
ScoutReally enjoyed the setting at Crow’s Nest. There are lots of trees and having the Sugar River running alongside the campground gives the whole place a nice New Hampshire feel. We were mostly looking for somewhere to disconnect for a couple of days, cook outside, fish a little, and enjoy being away from home. Crow’s Nest was a great fit for that.
ScoutWhat we liked most about Crow’s Nest was being able to choose between doing absolutely nothing or heading out and exploring. One day we stayed around the campground, went swimming and relaxed by the river. The next day we got out and explored more of the Lake Sunapee area. It made a really good home base and it was always nice coming back to our campsite at the end of the day.
TravelerDyrt done messed up! So far, very disappointed in this app. Difficult to use! We reserved this spot through Dyrt. The directions to the campground are way off. The host was not notified that we were coming. Don’t trust Dyrt; contact the campground asap after you reserve through Dyrt to confirm the reservation directly and confirm the address and directions.
ScoutWhere does one even begin to explain how great this campground is?! There’s truly a little bit of something for everyone here!
We absolutely loved our campsite. It had plenty of room, a good amount of privacy, and great tree coverage. Even when it rained, our fire pit somehow stayed pretty dang dry, which was a huge plus!
The rec hall was awesome and had so many cool arcade games to check out. They also offer kayak and canoe rentals for the pond, which has surprisingly clear, beautiful water.
One thing that REALLY stood out to us was how incredibly clean the bathrooms and showers were. They were well maintained and practically bug-free, which is almost unheard of at a campground!
On top of all that, everyone we came across—from the staff to the other campers—was super friendly, welcoming, and down-to-earth. It just had an all-around great atmosphere.
Seriously, don’t skip over this campground. If you’re on the fence, just book it. You won’t regret it! We’ll definitely be back!
ScoutVery Disappointed With the Changes
Crown Point Campground used to be a wonderful place to camp. Unfortunately, since Happy Grounds purchased the campground, we have seen a significant decline in the overall experience.
I do want to make one thing very clear: the woman managing the campground is absolutely wonderful. She genuinely cares about the campers, is kind, helpful, and does her best to make people feel welcome. Our frustrations are not directed toward her. She deserves recognition for the effort she puts in, especially given the circumstances.
Unfortunately, there are serious concerns with the direction the campground has taken. There is no reliable Wi-Fi or cell service, which is especially concerning because there is no dependable way to call out in the event of an emergency. We have also seen a significant change in the atmosphere and clientele. Drugs have been found on the premises, including needles, which is extremely concerning for the safety of campers, especially families with children.
The campground has also become increasingly overcrowded. Tent sites have had upwards of 10 people on a single site, creating a very different camping experience from what many long-time campers originally signed up for.
Seasonal campers were told that there would be a gradual increase over two years to bring rates up to the new “going rate.” However, when the new contracts came out for next year, the price had increased by approximately $900. That is a substantial increase for a campground that, in our opinion, has continued to decline rather than improve.
What was perhaps most disappointing was how campers' concerns were handled. When people questioned the increase and expressed their frustrations, the response from the corporation was, and I quote:
“Get out and leave. I’ve heard enough complaints. Just leave if you don’t like it.”
That is an incredibly disappointing way to speak to people who have supported this campground for years.
It is heartbreaking to see what Crown Point Campground has become. There are good people here, and the campground itself has so much potential. Most importantly, the manager genuinely cares about the campers, and she deserves credit for that.
Our hope is that Happy Grounds will listen to the people who have invested years of their time and money here, address the safety and overcrowding concerns, and bring back the sense of community that once made Crown Point such a wonderful place to camp.
TravelerIt’s super cute here, there’s a rec room for older kids and playground for younger kids. It’s a short walk to a fishing spot and it’s very clean. Our site had a plug, there’s a laundry machine on site and the owner is super sweet.
TravelerGreat little dispersed camping area off Forest Road 71 in West Dover, Vermont. Once you get onto the forest service road, everything is gravel/dirt, with several small pull-offs and primitive campsites scattered along the road. Some sites are only a few feet from the road, while others are tucked back around 100 feet and offer a little more privacy.
The individual pull-offs can be a little more challenging to reach. Most involve some combination of hills, rocks, ruts, and mud, although nothing was too crazy. Some spots are definitely easier to get into than others, so having a vehicle with decent ground clearance is helpful.
There was a decent amount of traffic passing through the area while we were there, but nothing too crazy or disruptive. The campsite we stayed at had a fire pit, but there was no running water at our site, and I don’t believe the other dispersed sites have running water either.
Overall, a pretty good option if you’re looking for a primitive, low-key camping spot with multiple sites to choose from. Just don’t expect complete solitude, especially during busier times.
GuideThe first time we stayed here, we were in a different site. It was fine, but not near the water. This time, we chose a site near the water, but it's literally surrounded by three other sites. It's not shown like that on the map. We had to drive through someone else's setup to get to our site. There's no privacy as there was in our previous site. This is one of the few state parks in Massachusetts with a dump station
Camping areas near Putney, Vermont are situated along the Connecticut River Valley at elevations between 400-600 feet. The region features gentle rolling terrain with mixed hardwood forests and river valleys that influence local camping conditions. Weather can shift rapidly in southern Vermont, with summer temperatures ranging from 60-85°F and occasional evening thunderstorms common from June through August.
Kayaking the Ashuelot River: Just across the New Hampshire border, Ashuelot River Campground offers water recreation opportunities. "Great riverfront location. Huge sites and a very helpful owner. What more could you want?" notes Wayne B. The campground provides canoe rentals and shuttle service for water activities.
Hiking Mt. Olga: The 1.7-mile round-trip trail at Molly Stark State Park Campground rewards hikers with panoramic views from a fire tower. "You can continue on the hiking trail to a cute brewery/pizza place or even a distillery. If hiking is not for you it's a 3 minute car ride away," reports Kitty. The trail connects to the Hogback Mountain Conservation area, providing additional miles of hiking options.
Rail trail access: Some campgrounds offer direct access to converted rail trails. "You can pick up the Ashuelot Rail Trail at the campground. They have canoes and kayaks on site, plus a shuttle service for water sports or biking," explains Carry M. about Ashuelot River Campground. These flat, graded paths are suitable for family biking or walking.
River swimming spots: Campers particularly value river access for cooling off during summer months. At Winhall Brook Camping Area, "Where the two rivers intersect is a nice sport to put your feet in the water. Kids enjoy tubing the small rapids," shares Melissa L. Some campgrounds have designated swimming areas with rocky beaches.
Privacy between sites: Site layout varies widely across campgrounds, affecting privacy levels. "My tent was squished in between a permanent trailer and a weekend fifth wheeler," reports Sara Q. about one campground. In contrast, at Kenolie Village Campground, "Only about ten tenting sites here where the ground is nice thick grass to tent on and blocked off by all trees leaving you in your own area of the woods!" according to Lucas L.
Clean facilities: Many reviewers note facility cleanliness as a priority. "Bathrooms are clean. Only one shower stall, but hot water. Clean dishwashing station," notes Jae H. about Winhall Brook. Other campers mention that Army Corps of Engineers sites tend to have particularly well-maintained facilities.
Cell service limitations: Coverage can be spotty throughout the region. One Winhall Brook camper mentioned "bad phone signal and everything seemed far away, like Walmart was an hour away!" Be prepared with offline maps and information about local resources.
Road access constraints: Some campgrounds have specific approach routes required. At Fort Dummer State Park Campground, "Sites are large and well maintained. Plenty of space between sites... It is very close to Brattleboro, VT." However, campers should be aware of access limitations at other campgrounds: "Highly suggest reading the directions on the campgrounds website about the covered bridge you're not allowed to cross- we discovered this the hard way," warns Mallory P.
Water level fluctuations: River conditions change throughout the season, affecting water recreation. "The river fluctuates in water level so experiences can vary throughout the year," note several campers. Early summer typically offers higher water levels for activities like tubing, while late summer may have shallower conditions.
Kid-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds offer specific amenities for children. Kampfires (formerly Hidden Acres) stands out with diverse recreational options. "They have an ice cream shop attached to their office/store, mini golf just outside of it too. There is an amphitheater for concerts and shows throughout the summer," reports Sammii D.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment for younger visitors. "There's a neat small playground with swings for the kids, a big rec hall for groups to gather and clean rest rooms," notes one camper about Bald Mountain Campground. At larger facilities, sports fields for volleyball or other activities may also be available.
Wildlife education opportunities: The forest setting offers chances to observe local animals. "Heard many awesome noises from lots of wildlife!" mentions Lucas L. about Kenolie Village. Some campgrounds provide nature programs during summer months, offering structured learning activities about local ecology.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites can be limited at state parks. "There are a few sites with hookups but since we like to be near the river, we opted for other areas," explains Gail P. about Winhall Brook. Private campgrounds generally offer more hookup options, while state parks often have more limited electrical and water connections.
Site leveling challenges: Many Vermont campgrounds have varying degrees of level sites. "Sites are good sized (had water and 30amp) and the campground was very clean and well kept," notes John O. about Ashuelot River Campground. Campers should bring leveling blocks as terrain throughout the region can be uneven.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dumping. "Dumpsters are a mile from your campsite," notes Neal C. about waste disposal at one location. RVers should confirm dump station availability and location when booking, as some facilities require off-site dumping at designated stations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping sites in Putney?
The Putney region offers several excellent camping options. Brattleboro North KOA is just a short drive from Putney and provides a family-friendly environment with numerous amenities. Fort Dummer State Park Campground in nearby Guilford offers drive-in sites with beautiful forest surroundings. For those willing to travel slightly farther, several other state parks and private campgrounds are within a 30-minute drive of Putney, making it an excellent base for exploring southeastern Vermont.
What amenities are available at Putney camping grounds?
Kampfires offers extensive amenities including an ice cream shop, mini golf, an amphitheater for summer concerts and shows, and recreational facilities like badminton, basketball, horseshoe pits, and shuffleboard courts. The campground also provides both RV and tent sites, along with a dog park. Wilgus State Park Campground features camping cabins for those seeking more comfort, especially during cooler weather, and is known for opening earlier in the season than other Vermont state parks.
When is the best season for camping in Putney?
Late spring through early fall offers the most pleasant camping weather in the Putney area. Jamaica State Park Campground is particularly popular in summer months when visitors can enjoy swimming and hiking in comfort while still experiencing the privacy and quiet of the Vermont woods. For early season campers, Mount Ascutney State Park Campground provides excellent facilities with mountain biking trails and beautiful scenery coming to life in late spring. Fall brings spectacular foliage viewing opportunities, making September and early October an exceptional time to visit despite cooler nights.
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