Camping opportunities near Randolph, Vermont include both public forest sites and established commercial campgrounds set amid Vermont's Green Mountains. The region's elevation ranges from 700 feet in the valleys to over 3,500 feet at higher peaks, creating varied camping microclimates. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F with cool evenings, while spring and fall camping requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can drop below freezing.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Moosalamoo Campground offers excellent access to bike-friendly paths. "Moosalamoo campground has awesome bike trails with smooth trail beds and nice rolling bumps," notes a 10-year-old reviewer. The campground connects to extensive trail networks within Moosalamoo National Forest.
Fishing access: River Meadow Campground provides direct Connecticut River access. "My friend and I took my son fishing and we landed some nice size fish big enough it scared my 7 year old son and he made me real it in," shares one camper at River Meadow Campground.
Swimming opportunities: Branbury State Park offers both lake swimming and nature exploration. "The beach was nearby and included in the stay with horseshoes and a playground. There was hiking nearby, but with the rain we weren't able to go," mentions a visitor. Across from the campground is "access to the lake with plenty of grassy areas to hang out. And beautiful sunsets at night!"
Stargazing: Moosalamoo Campground provides exceptional dark sky viewing. "At night, you can go out to the bicycle pump track and lay a blanket on the grassy hill against the track and look at stars in COMPLETE darkness," reports one camper who appreciated the remote setting and minimal light pollution.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Campers consistently appreciate the site layout at Moosalamoo Campground. "The campsites are well spaced and staggered for maximum privacy. Hosts are pleasant and very helpful," notes one visitor. Another adds that "each site is spaced from each other with good tree/brush coverage and beautiful forest surroundings."
Family-friendly activities: Sugar Ridge RV Village earns praise for its recreational options. "Horse carriage rides, paved roads, 2 pools, playgrounds, mini golf, fireworks..." lists one enthusiastic reviewer. Another mentions they have "a great little store and now they have Vermont Maple soft serve ice cream."
Clean facilities: Despite being a primitive campground, Moosalamoo receives compliments for maintenance. "Surprisingly clean vault toilets. No showers. There are dumpsters on the way out for trash and recycling," notes a visitor. Another camper specifically mentioned "the cleanest most order free toilet vaults we have ever seen."
Waterfront options: Kampersville provides both lake and pool access. "Beautiful lake. Crazy pool," summarizes one grandmother who took seven kids camping. The location balances water activities with land-based recreation for multi-generational groups.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the region close during winter. Branbury State Park operates from "Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend," while Sugar Ridge RV Village runs from "May 1 to Oct 31." Plan accordingly as camping options become extremely limited after mid-October.
Bear awareness: While not a major concern, proper food storage is advised. At Branbury State Park Campground, visitors note, "Just make sure you put your food and trash away - there are black bears in the area!" Moosalamoo provides bear storage lockers, though one camper mentioned the camp host indicated bears were "not so much."
Variable cell service: Connectivity varies widely by location and carrier. One RV camper at Sugar Ridge notes, "Decent cell phone signal (Verizon)," while others report minimal coverage in more remote areas. Download maps and information before arriving.
Water conservation: During dry periods, some campgrounds implement restrictions. One visitor noted, "With COVID-19 restrictions this year, the bathrooms are closed to those who have facilities in their RV. There's also a drought and they're on a well, so water conservation is essential."
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with diverse activities: Kampersville offers multiple recreation options. "There was definitely something for everyone. Teens hung out, boys used those RC cars to run on dirt roads. Little kids rode bikes," reports one grandmother, noting many other grandparents with kids.
Consider noise levels: Family-oriented campgrounds tend to be livelier. "This is not a place to visit if you want to have early quiet time in the evening or sleep in late in the morning as there is always a lot of noise," notes one Kampersville visitor who added, "This was exactly what our family likes though."
Look for water activities: Branbury State Park offers rentals and swimming. "Fishing, kayak, canoe, paddle boat and paddle board rentals. Theres a nature center with all kinds of information and activities," mentions one visitor who appreciated the family-friendly amenities.
Check for playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas. Sugar Ridge has "two playgrounds" according to reviewers, while Branbury State Park offers "a large playground" that complements other recreation options.
Tips from RVers
Verify site dimensions: For RV sites near Randolph, Vermont, confirm specific measurements before booking. "Our site looked angled on map so thinking it would be easier to approach from a certain direction to back in, drove in as I needed but found site was perpendicular to road," notes one Sugar Ridge camper who recommended site map updates.
Ask about electrical service: Electrical hookups vary between campgrounds. At Brookside RV Camping, "electric hookups only" are available on limited sites. Another camper at Sugar Ridge mentioned their neighbors "found their site had 50 amp service not the expected 30 amp and they needed to borrow an adapter cord."
Consider pass-through options: Some campgrounds offer convenient overnight stays for those traveling through. "We were looking for a Passport America campground in the Middlebury area for a quick stay to clean tanks and refresh water after days of boondocking," explains a Kampersville visitor who found it suitable for "one night to clean tanks."
Book early for peak season: The most desirable RV sites fill quickly. "It can be tough to get into because so nice and popular in a good location," reports one Sugar Ridge camper. Many sites are taken by seasonal campers who return yearly.
