Best Campgrounds near Reading, VT

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Reading, Vermont (190)

    1. Coolidge State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Plymouth, VT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 672-3612

    "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."

    2. Quechee State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Quechee, VT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 295-2990

    "This is a nice state park located near the Quechee Gorge, a lovely place to explore and play. Vermont State parks often offer lean-to options and Quechee is no exception."

    "You really can't go wrong with a Vermont State Park. They are meticulously maintained and the folx that work there are super helpful."

    3. Mount Ascutney State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Ascutney, VT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 674-2060

    "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."

    4. Wilgus State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Ascutney, VT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 674-5422

    $20 - $30 / night

    "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."

    5. Gifford Woods State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Killington, VT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 775-5354

    "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."

    6. Quechee-Pine Valley KOA

    11 Reviews
    Quechee, VT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 296-6711

    "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."

    7. Caton Place Campground

    7 Reviews
    Chester, VT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 226-7767

    "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."

    8. Camp Plymouth State Park Campground

    1 Review
    Plymouth, VT
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 228-2025

    "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."

    9. Crown Point Camping Area

    2 Reviews
    Ascutney, VT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 263-5555

    "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."

    10. Tree Farm Campground

    7 Reviews
    Springfield, VT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 885-2889

    $26 - $36 / night

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Reading, VT

690 Reviews of 190 Reading Campgrounds


  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Grout Pond Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

    Grout Pond Loop

    Camping Grout Pond Loop is truly nice after Labor Day (Sept 5-7). Campsites 15 & 16 offer pull-out space to turn around truck campers --we lucked out w/ 4 wheel camper pop-up). Over hanging trees would make it difficult for larger equipment, plus saw posting that excludes trailers from certain roads. We reserved well in advance; however many fellow campers were trying to find first come sites and ended up hiking in to camp around pond sites. Sites are in eye-site of each other but you don't feel crowded. Temps during day around 65-70 F. Nights dipped to 45-55F.
    We saw deer & turkeys driving the surrounding woods after short hikes.
    We love chatting w locals and learned of a special shrine that was faithfully built from stone to resemble original in modern day Turkey. What a special & serene place.

  • Andy M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71

    Large Area with Fire Pit in the middle

    This was a great site.  I couldn't believe that the site was not being used at all, especially the just a couple of days before Fourth of July weekend.  Many other sites further south on 71 were filled and some were just TTs holding the space for the upcoming weekend.

    The site was very flat and could accommodate several small campers.  It was quiet during our overnight stay other than a car or two on Stratton-Arlington Rd.  There weren't many mosquitoes either.  Hiking trail to Stratton Pond close by.

  • Kenneth P.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fort Dummer State Park Campground

    Not So Bad

    We spent one night at site #20 and enjoyed our stay.  It was rather peaceful other than the hum of I-91. The staff was friendly and helpful. The sites were generally wooded, pretty level, and fairly spread apart from one another.  I saw no signs of the problems identified in the June 2025 review.  Yes, I must agree that the restrooms are old, but they were clean.  The other problems might happen anywhere and were obviously brought under control.  Clearly, the writer of the June 2025 post knew way more than any weekend camper would be aware of and this shows that is more to their story that should have been revealed in their post.

  • Laura W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Rogers Rock Campground

    Roger's Rock

    It was a pretty good park. Wooded nicely. Big lots where we were. Down near the water the sites were pretty crammed together Not parked in a row like an RV park.

  • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Lazy Lions Campground

    Nice quiet place

    Nice campground with plenty of shade, well maintained and decent restrooms. The showers are ok and cost a quarter for 4 minutes. Our site was level and along with a picnic table, they also provide two Adirondack chairs (plastic) and a fire ring.

  • W
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Quechee State Park Campground

    Good location

    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 staff was very friendly and accommodating with us. My wife really enjoyed it and had a lot of fun. The ice cream was really close and really good. 

    The issue I had was the camp next to ours had the generator on all night long and I had a hard time getting back to sleep after going to the bathroom. Next time I will get a volunteer or park ranger to get it turned off.

  • J
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Plymouth Sands Camping Area

    Nice campground with amenities and friendly owners

    The campground is in a convenient location near lots of hiking trails and attractions. The sites are decently spacious and have various configurations for utilities. There is a nice beach on the river with a rope swing and ability to swim. We were there while the water was fairly low, so it was great for kids. Firewood is available on site. There is a bathroom with a few stalls and sinks that is well kept and clean. The showers are quarter operated with a coin heat lamp as well for the colder seasons. The office has a lending library of games available. The couple that owns the campground are very friendly and have owned it for 3 seasons now and they have done a great job making sure that amenities are kept up and upgrades are being made.

  • licia S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Somerset Airfield

    No Wifi, Resevoir Beautiful

    Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and resevoir- saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping. It's been quiet and peaceful and sometimes generators running all night. I arrived after the 4th of July and a neighbor said it was rowdy during the holiday with illegal fireworks set off every night over the dry forest. These pics are from a weekday morning. It's great to see families camping. There are pit toilets. AT.T service at bridge prior to camp- short walk. SOS only in camp. Another camper told me Starlink works here.

  • Ricky H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    Not terrible

    Site was littered with places previous campers had left human excrement. While not in the site directly, it was all around it. Also had someone who decided to use the area to sight in his rifle. Which was very unexpected as it was incredibly loud with no warning at all. Was not aware this was a gun range. Tried to flag down a park ranger, but he just drove on by.


Guide to Reading

Camping near Reading, VT, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails around Quechee State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "There’s a hiking trail beside of 37 and it’s steep going down and up but well worth it. It takes you out to the gorge and to the visitors center."
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Emerald Lake State Park Campground, families can enjoy a lovely lake with a swimming beach. A visitor shared, "The lake and beach is lovely, clean, and the water is warm and clear."
  • Local Attractions: Check out nearby towns like Woodstock for dining and shopping. One camper noted, "If you’re looking for different places to eat, go to White River Junction. Lots of options!"

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A review for Gifford Woods State Park Campground stated, "Bathrooms were cleaned daily, showers were fine."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer generous space between sites. A visitor at Jamaica State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites were large and well spaced out from each other."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. One review for Quechee-Pine Valley KOA said, "The owners were very helpful, meeting all of our needs promptly and always with a smile."

What you should know

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Lake Bomoseen KOA noted, "Cell service is very limited. Very remote."
  • No Electric Hookups: Some campgrounds, like Moosalamoo Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A visitor mentioned, "No electric or hookups."
  • Coin-Operated Showers: Be prepared to bring quarters for showers at several campgrounds. One camper at Emerald Lake State Park Campground shared, "Showers were hot but minimal pressure. No hot water at the sinks."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and safe biking areas. A review for Jamaica State Park Campground highlighted, "Great playground and fun playing in the river."
  • Reserve Early: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. One camper advised, "MAKE SURE YOU RESERVE A TABLE at the public house because they don’t allow walk-ins after a certain hour."
  • Pack Snacks: Some campgrounds have limited food options. A visitor at Quechee State Park Campground recommended, "I recommend eating at the snack bar! Their food is so good."

Tips from RVers

  • Big Rig Friendly: Many campgrounds, like Gifford Woods State Park Campground, can accommodate larger RVs. A camper noted, "The sites are nicely spaced and seem to accommodate big rigs rather well."
  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A review for Emerald Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The road into the campground is super rough though."
  • Bring Your Own Firewood: While some campgrounds sell firewood, it’s good to have your own just in case. A camper at Moosalamoo Campground said, "They have no firewood for sale."

Camping around Reading, VT, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful scenery!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Reading, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Reading, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 190 campgrounds and RV parks near Reading, VT and 29 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 Coolidge State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 13 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Reading, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 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.