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Campgrounds near Reading, Vermont are nestled within the scenic Green Mountains, providing a mix of state park and private camping options. Several established campgrounds in this area, including Coolidge State Park and Mount Ascutney State Park, offer accommodations ranging from tent sites to lean-tos and cabins. Camp Plymouth State Park features both tent sites and cabins along Echo Lake, while Crown Point Camping Area provides water access with both RV and tent options. The developed campgrounds typically include amenities such as drinking water, toilets, and fire rings, with many offering picnic tables and showers.
Most campgrounds in the Reading area operate seasonally, typically from May through mid-October, with many closing after Columbus Day weekend. Reservations are recommended, particularly for prime sites with mountain views. "Coolidge is off the beaten path but well worth the wander! There are no water sites, it's on the side of a heavily wooded mountain with a few sites having amazing views," noted one visitor. Mount Ascutney State Park features multiple hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, while some campgrounds provide mountain biking access directly from campsites. Winter weather conditions often make camping impractical during colder months, and spring can bring muddy conditions that affect accessibility, particularly at higher elevations.
Campers consistently praise the views from elevated sites at Coolidge State Park, where prime lean-to sites overlook the Green Mountains. These scenic spots tend to book quickly, especially during fall foliage season. One review described Mount Ascutney State Park as having "quiet and peaceful" sites with "amazing views" from the mountain summit. The region's mixed-use campgrounds balance natural settings with convenient amenities like showers and firewood availability. Road noise can be an issue at some locations, particularly at Mount Ascutney State Park where proximity to Interstate 91 affects some sites. Most camping areas feature well-maintained facilities with clean bathrooms and showers, though many require quarters for hot water.
"The Quechee Gorge, best accessed from the back of the lawn behind the bathhouse, is the deepest in Vermont.. which is kind of like saying the best bagel or most populous city in Vermont."
"Got there close to the time the rangers left for the night, Nick was really kind to make sure I got situated before he left."
from $38 / night
Check Availability"This place gets my vote for best campground in Vermont. Especially true if you're lucky enough to get one of the few sites on the outside of A loop that has a Lean-to with a view."
"We decided to check out Coolidge State Park after reading the reviews on their website. They have some of the most amazing views right from your campsite."
"The state park had everything we were looking for: close proximity to mountain bike trails, beautiful hiking trails, available leantos, and less than two hours from our home."
"Vermont parks are just some the most lush you’ve ever seen."
"Wilgus State Park is the first Vermont state park to open each spring, well before Memorial Day each year."
"Wilgus state park has amazing campsites, very friendly staff, and great access to the Connecticut River. This campground was beautiful and very quiet even though it was full."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Easy to drive into the campground and into the site. We had no issues at all. Hosts were very friendly and helpful. Campground was very clean and well manicured."
"Decent bathroom situation--I've seen better and I've seen worse in Vermont."
"The park is amazingly clean, well run, located just of RT 4 and very near to Killington, Vermont. It has multiple lean-to sites which are in wooded areas."
"Nice rustic ,small all amenities park.Great place to explore Vermont ,hundreds of things to do and see in the area. Really like this park."
"While staying here I could enjoy some fishing, taking the dog for a nice walk, enjoy the evening with a nice fire, camp side, and go swimming on those hot summer days."
"From there we were able to access the small boat access and kayak beautiful Echo Lake. This Park has a huge beach and picnic area with a snack bar and boat rentals."
"This is a great campground set in a thick pine forest near a large pond. They have a lagoon for swimming and a children's playground. Hiking trails nearby. Canoes for rent."
"They have scheduled events that occur including family and adult only fire truck rides around the campground."
from $50 - $132 / night
Check Availability"While searching online we learned that Vermont state parks do not have hook ups. We are a family of five with a pop up pull behind and the Glamping lifestyle is a little bit easier on us these days ."
"There are a few trails around the campground and it is close to Mt Ascutney which if you are feeling a bit lazy there is an auto rd that goes about 3/4 of the way up. 3 mi."
from $26 - $36 / night
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ScoutWe spent several days here during the summer and had a really good experience. Some days we stayed busy swimming and exploring, while other days we barely left our campsite. That was probably what we enjoyed most.
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.
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.
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.
ScoutCrow’s Nest was a really convenient stop for us while traveling through New Hampshire. Getting our RV situated was easy and we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay.
LegendWe spent a long weekend at Moose Hillock in Fort Ann, New York, to visit Lake George. This is a difficult place for me to review. But I’ll do my best to share my experience.
The pool is the main attraction here and probably the largest and most ridiculous I’ve ever seen at a campground. Great for young kids.
THINGS I LIKED:
— The sites are enormous and private, probably the biggest sites we’ve ever seen at any campground we’ve stayed at.
— The mature trees are everywhere, great for privacy.
— It’s located about 25-minutes to the heart of Lake George. Easy drive away but not in the loud and busy area.
— The camp store is pretty good and sells snacks, drinks, basic supplies, and souvenirs.
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
— Our site(# 709) was sloped, so much that even with leveling boards under the rear wheels, rear jacks fully extended and front jacks fully retracted, we couldn’t level. That’s annoying and so easily fixed by a campground this size with this array of equipment and resources.
— Except for the entry roads, the rest of the park is gravel and dirt, which was extremely dusty. Our vehicles and our stuff were instantly covered by this dusty dirt which was a never-ending battle to keep outside.
— I’m ok paying premium money for a great site, but this site wasn’t matched to the price. I paid$647.38 for 3-nights. That’s$215.79 per night.
WOULD WE COME BACK?
Probably not. For me, having a level site that’s not covered in dirt and dust is important— especially when it costs$215 per night. There’s a much nicer park about 10-minutes away(closer to Lake George) where we’ve stayed in the past. The sites are smaller, but they’re level.
ScoutWe brought the kids here for a few days and they had a blast. Between swimming, exploring around the campground, and just riding around and making friends, they always had something to do. For us, it was nice being able to actually relax while the kids stayed entertained. We cooked at the campsite most nights and spent the evenings around the fire. Great family trip.
Camping spots near Reading, Vermont range in elevation from 600 to 2,000 feet across the region's varied terrain. Winter closure typically begins after Columbus Day weekend, with many campgrounds reopening in early May when snow melt has subsided. Sites along ridgelines experience temperature drops of 10-15°F compared to valley locations, creating microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the season.
Hiking at Gifford Woods: Access the Appalachian Trail directly from Gifford Woods State Park Campground, where camping puts you steps from multiple trail options. "The Appalachian Trail runs right through the park and you can hike up to Deer Leep, around Kent Pond, or to Thundering Falls right from the campground," notes one visitor. Nearby hikes include trails to Killington and Pico peaks.
River paddling: Camp at Wilgus State Park Campground for direct Connecticut River access. "We rented kayaks and fished from the boat launch," shares a camper. The river current is gentle enough for upstream paddling, with shuttle services available from Great River Outfitters on select days.
Mountain biking: Camp at Mount Ascutney and access both beginner-friendly and challenging trails. "The state park maintains its own mountain biking trail loop, which is accessible directly from the campground. It is a 3 mile beginner friendly loop, with some nice rollers and moderate terrain," reports one visitor who explored the network.
Lean-to sites: Coolidge State Park Campground offers sturdy lean-tos that provide protection from weather. "I highly recommend the lean-to's. The bathrooms were clean and the coin-operated showers were great. Each site was neatly maintained," writes one camper. Lean-tos are equipped with brooms for sweeping out debris.
Private, wooded sites: Mount Ascutney State Park Campground provides secluded camping among trees. "Due to the spacing between sites, and all the trees, it was quiet and peaceful. The campground couldn't have been more than a third full, but I bet it would still be quiet if it were more populated," notes a visitor who appreciated the privacy.
Clean facilities: Many campers note the well-maintained bathhouses. "Might be the nicest bathrooms I've seen in decades of camping," says a visitor to Quechee State Park. Showers typically require quarters, with rates around $1 for 10 minutes at most locations.
Road noise concerns: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds. "The road nearby is noisy. Because of its location, you can hear both the local highway and I91. If being in the quiet wilderness is important to you, than this campground might not work out," warns a camper about Tree Farm Campground.
Weather variability: Spring conditions often include mud and cooler temperatures, especially at higher elevations. "We had a great hike and lunch at top of mountain. Climbed weather tower and was an awesome experience," notes a visitor to Mount Ascutney, but conditions change rapidly.
Limited hookups: Quechee State Park Campground and most state parks don't offer electric hookups. "No Electric or hookups," confirms a reviewer, though dump stations are available at many locations. Expect rustic accommodations at state parks.
Swimming options: Crown Point Camping Area provides family-friendly water access. "They have a lagoon for kids, with built-in water rafts in the middle for kids to jump in," reports one visitor. Most swimming areas lack lifeguards, so supervision is necessary.
Ranger programs: Several parks offer educational activities led by staff. "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 a parent who camped at Quechee State Park.
Field space for play: Look for campgrounds with open areas. At Coolidge State Park, one site has "direct access down a path to a large recreation field that included a volleyball net. Our children and their friends loved biking around the field and exploring it while waiting for meals," notes a family.
Size restrictions: Many state parks have limited capacity for large rigs. "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," warns a camper about Caton Place Campground.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at some sites. "The RCA on the sites probably could have spread out better and made more level. Also tough to drive a stake into," mentions a visitor to Quechee State Park regarding site conditions.
Full-hookup options: For those needing connections, Quechee-Pine Valley KOA offers more amenities than state parks. "The park is a large park that is terraced since it is in a pretty hilly area. There is the range of sites from pull-thrus, pull-ins and back-in sites and can accommodate RVs of any size. Some sites are full hookup while others are not," explains an RVer who stayed for five nights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Reading, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Reading, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 203 campgrounds and RV parks near Reading, VT and 32 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Reading, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Reading, VT is Quechee State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 24 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Reading, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 32 free dispersed camping spots near Reading, VT.
What parks are near Reading, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Reading, VT that allow camping, notably North Hartland Lake and Green Mountain National Forest.
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