Vermont's camping spots near South Londonderry combine mountain and river landscapes within the southern portion of the Green Mountain National Forest. The area sits at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 feet with significant seasonal temperature variations. Spring conditions often create challenging access with mud persisting on forest roads and trails until late May when most campgrounds open for the season.
What to do
Swimming and water activities: The Battenkill River at Camping on the Battenkill provides reliable swimming throughout summer. "The beach on the river is beautiful and clean! Easy swimming for all," reports Christina M. The campground offers tubing opportunities with convenient river access.
Trail hiking: Trails connect directly from Grout Pond Campground into the surrounding national forest. "Lots of trails here at this campsite," notes Cortne. Multiple campers mention the 1-mile loop trail around the pond as ideal for morning or evening walks. For those seeking elevation, trails from the campground connect to the Long Trail system.
Waterfall visits: Hamilton Falls is accessible via hiking trails from Jamaica State Park. "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," explains Chris D. The falls require caution, especially with children, as steep drops exist around the main cascade.
What campers like
Lean-to shelters: Vermont's distinctive lean-to shelters at Emerald Lake State Park Campground provide weather protection. "We had a lean to site at this campground. Facilities were great," reports Debbi B. The lean-tos provide reliable shelter during rain and typically include a fire ring and picnic table.
Quiet locations: Several campgrounds offer notably peaceful environments. At Jamaica State Park, one camper appreciated the digital disconnect: "find something that you dont like about this park... small town general store, no cell service and a gorgeous back drop is a perfect spot to just unwind from the real world," says Brittany B.
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance standards vary, with Winhall Brook Camping Area receiving high marks. "Great campground nestled between the Winhall river and west river. Super clean facilities and grounds," notes Mike C. The Army Corps of Engineers maintains this campground with regular bathroom cleaning and well-groomed sites.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds in this region fill quickly during peak periods. For Emerald Lake, "This is a popular camp ground so reserve as early as 11 months before arrival," advises Ming R. Waterfront sites at all campgrounds book fastest, particularly during July and August.
Bathroom facilities: Expect varying bathroom standards depending on location. At Hapgood Pond NF Campground, "Super nice bathroom and shower facilities" according to Zach P. Conversely, at Grout Pond, one camper noted: "The bathroom went days without any attempt of cleaning or restocking. Highly suggest bringing your own TP."
Bugs and insects: Insect activity becomes significant from late May through August. "We were there in late May and the bugs ate us alive. It was miserable. Smoke seemed to work the best," reports Molly G. about Grout Pond. The mosquito season peaks in June and July, with black flies most active in May and June.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds provide designated play areas. "Mini golf, playground and swimming pool for the kids. Three large field areas with lots of families and plenty of space for kids to meet others and ride bikes," notes Douglas L. about Horseshoe Acres Campground.
Swimming options: Safe swimming locations vary by campground. At Jamaica State Park, "The campsites were beautiful with the river behind us. For us, they also had a playground to play at, and a boat dock to kayak," says Meike W. Water temperatures remain cold through June, with most comfortable swimming in July and August.
Educational opportunities: Nature programs run seasonally at several locations. "Fun playground and nature area for kids. Very family friendly place with beautiful hikes to Hamilton falls," reports Fransheska A. about Jamaica State Park. Check with park offices for scheduled ranger-led activities during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Several campgrounds present challenges for larger rigs. At Caton Place, one RVer reported: "You have to go down a small hill and bottom out the front and then drag the backend out of the dirt. This campground is not big rig friendly." Most sites in the region accommodate RVs under 30 feet more easily than larger units.
Electric availability: Power connections vary widely between campgrounds. Winhall Brook offers limited electric sites: "There are a few sites with hookups but since we like to be near the river, we opted for other areas," notes Gail P. Most national forest campgrounds provide no hookups, while private campgrounds typically offer more connection options.
Terrain considerations: Access roads and site leveling present common challenges. "Severe damage to our rig. If we knew ahead of time, we would have taken a different site," warns Melody C. about steep hills at Horseshoe Acres. Many campgrounds in this mountain region feature significant grades that may require additional leveling equipment.
