Quechee is situated in the Upper Valley region of Vermont at 600 feet elevation, where the Ottauquechee River carves through the landscape creating its famous gorge. Seasonal camping typically runs from mid-May through mid-October with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during the day. Fall camping offers cooler temperatures and colorful foliage, though nights can drop below 40°F by October.
What to do
Hiking trail access: Quechee State Park Campground provides direct access to hiking trails leading to Quechee Gorge via a "campers only" trail. "We hit this campground for one over night as we past through. Good spot with easy access to the Gorge. Bathroom were clean and the grounds were quite at night," notes Douglas L.
River activities: Crow's Nest Campground offers waterfront sites along the Sugar River. "This campground has nice, quiet, shaded riverside sites and other sites options as well. Showers are $0.25 for 8 minutes. Modest camp store. Pallets of firewood are delivered to your site and reasonably priced," shares Brenda H.
Nearby attractions: Emerald Lake State Park Campground serves as a base for exploring Manchester's shopping and dining. "It's a short hike down to Quechee Gorge, where you can cool off in the shallow water. It's very close to Quechee village and Woodstock so there are plenty of other activities, shopping, and dining options near by," says Jen B.
What campers like
Privacy of sites: Moose Hillock Camping Resort is known for spacious sites with good separation. "I'll mention the privacy of sites again because it truly is worth mentioning. Avoid 37 and 40 though- expert opinion," advises Jessica W., adding "The sites are private and wooded, the grounds are beautiful, the natural pond is a great morning excursion."
Clean facilities: Gifford Woods State Park Campground maintains immaculate bathrooms and common areas. "This campground is the number one rated in Vermont for a reason. The staff were wonderful, the sites are pristine and picturesque, the faculties are decorated with wildflowers," reports Thomas M.
River access: Many campers enjoy cooling off in nearby rivers during summer months. "Loved our time here! We had a site right on the river and the view was amazing. The sites are pretty well spaced apart and well kept. The bathrooms were decently clean and the showers did not need quarters (which was a huge plus)," shares Kayleen C. about Pine Haven.
What you should know
Site selection considerations: At Quechee State Park Campground, site location matters significantly. "The sites are large. If you stay in the back it's quieter. The bathroom is very clean. They offer showers that cost you a few quarters. They also have several lean tos that you can rent," recommends Jan B.
Road noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise due to their proximity to main roads. "The weird thing is that there just isn't much here. The Quechee Gorge, best accessed from the back of the lawn behind the bathhouse, is the deepest in Vermont... Road noise isn't super loud, but it's constant," reports reviewer B.
Cell service: Connectivity varies dramatically between camping locations. "No WiFi or cell service except by the pool which can be hard if you need to be contacted. Cable tv at sites was available and intermittent quality," notes Lauren Q. about camping in the region.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Emerald Lake State Park Campground offers organized programs for children. "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.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas appropriate for different ages. "The park is in a good location; it is right next to the road. We were at sight #3. We were able to walk to the gorge as well as to the Antique mall. The ice cream was really close and really good," reports William P.
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds have terrain challenges for families with young children. "The hilly terrain is insaneeee! If you have never been before, book a sight as close as possible to the pool and office, because the further you get, the higher the altitude," warns Jessica W.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Caton Place Campground provides generally level sites for RVs. "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. We had no issues at all. Hosts were very friendly and helpful," shares David.
Hookup options: Quechee-Pine Valley KOA offers a range of hookup options for various RV needs. "From the second we pulled into this campground we were greeted with 5 star service and friendly staff. A woman met us at my truck and checked us in and we were then guided to our site by a gentleman in a light utility vehicle who then marshaled us into our spot," recounts Kevin Ó.
Road considerations: Some roads within campgrounds can be challenging for larger rigs. "The pull through site is not level and is barely long enough to fit my 43' rig (with my motorcycle lift). Driving out of the site was just as bad. You have to go down a small hill and bottom out the front and then drag the backend out of the dirt," cautions Jim B.
