Camping near Putney, Vermont offers access to the western edge of the Connecticut River Valley, with elevations ranging from 300 to 1,700 feet across the region. The camping season typically runs from mid-May through mid-October, with July and August temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and cooler nights in the 50s.
What to do
River activities on the West River: Ashuelot River Campground provides excellent water recreation opportunities just across the state line in New Hampshire. "Great riverfront location. Huge sites and a very helpful owner," notes Wayne B. The campground features river access for tubing and paddling, with one reviewer mentioning "we brought our kayaks and had no problem kayaking on the flat surface river."
Rail trail hiking: Bring your hiking shoes to explore converted rail corridors near Ashuelot River Campground. "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," writes Carry M. The trail offers easy walking with minimal elevation gain.
Waterfall exploration: Visit Hamilton Falls when staying at Jamaica State Park Campground. "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. The falls require caution as "people have lost their lives at these falls so be extra cautious with children around the falls."
What campers like
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Fort Dummer State Park Campground receives high marks for its upkeep. "Bathrooms/showers were very clean. No electric hookups and if you're on solar power as we were, choose a site (#26 is a good choice) with fewer trees," notes one camper. Another visitor mentions the "very clean, serene and private!" atmosphere.
Open meadows and scenic water access: The grounds at Winhall Brook Camping Area offer a different camping experience. "Lush grass meadows. 2 rivers intersect in the campground. Most sites are on or just off the river. Huge volleyball and sports meadow," describes Melissa L. Another camper adds that "where the two rivers intersect is a nice sport to put your feet in the water. Kids enjoy tubing the small rapids."
Recreation amenities: Kampfires (formerly Hidden Acres) offers numerous on-site activities. "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," writes Sammii D., who also mentions "badminton, basketball, horseshoe, shuffleboard, the works."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Late summer can bring drought conditions to the region. At Ashuelot River Campground, one camper noted "they are experiencing a drought. However, a little rain in the week got the river moving a bit. We were able to enjoy a nice, slow drift around the campground."
Cell service limitations: Don't count on reliable connectivity throughout the region. At Winhall Brook Camping Area, campers report "bad phone signal and everything seemed far away, like Walmart was an hour away!" Another notes "No service or wifi" at this location.
Wildlife awareness: Bear activity occurs in the pet friendly camping areas near Putney, Vermont. "When I went to hook up the water, a pile of fresh bear scat was right there!" reports Ralph L. about Kampfires campground. This emphasizes the importance of proper food storage and waste management, especially when camping with pets.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Jamaica State Park Campground offers water features for families. "You can go to the waterfall/rock slides and take a dip in the pools," mentions Jackie G. Another visitor recommends the "prime lean-to sites on the water" which are described as "beautiful and spacious."
Playground access: Molly Stark State Park Campground provides recreational structures for children. "There is also hiking at the campground and that is a definite plus!" writes Angelica H. Another camper notes that there's "a cute playground with swings for the kids" at Bald Mountain Campground.
Noise considerations: Sound travels across some campgrounds with open layouts. At Winhall Brook, one camper mentions "the spaces are very open and visible and some are mowed lawns" while another notes "campsites are really close together so not much privacy." Consider site placement when booking if noise sensitivity is a concern.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: When visiting Brattleboro North KOA, consider its layout for RVs. "Small and quiet. The pool was sparkling clean and the best part, not a bunch of screaming kids running around," reports Rebecca S. The campground offers accessibility with a reviewer noting that "owners very accommodating."
Hookup availability: While many campgrounds offer electric service, full hookups can be limited. At Kampfires, "FHU at each site made hook up easy" according to one reviewer. For those depending on solar power at Fort Dummer State Park, one camper recommends choosing "a site (#26 is a good choice) with fewer trees."
Covered bridge cautions: When traveling to campgrounds near Putney with larger RVs, watch for low clearance structures. At Ashuelot River Campground, campers advise "follow the website directions to get here as there are covered bridges in the area with low Clearance and low weight limits" and another warns they "discovered this the hard way."
Ranger
