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Coolidge State Park Campground's pet-friendly sites provide a wooded retreat on the side of a heavily forested mountain with secluded lean-tos and tent camping options for visitors with dogs. Paths between campsites allow pets to explore while keeping to leash rules. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table with some featuring views of the Green Mountains. The park's spacious, semi-secluded sites ensure pets have room to settle comfortably without disturbing neighboring campers. Quechee State Park Campground and Mount Ascutney State Park also welcome pets with accommodations ranging from traditional tent sites to cabins. Campsites are well maintained and clean with decent spacing between sites that provide privacy for pets who may be nervous around strangers or other animals.
Hiking trails throughout these pet-friendly campgrounds offer excellent opportunities for dogs to exercise, with Mount Ascutney featuring multiple routes of varying difficulty levels that dogs can traverse alongside their owners. The trails at Coolidge State Park include paths through ash and maple woods where pets can enjoy natural terrain. The nearby Echo Lake at Camp Plymouth provides crystal clear water access, though pets must remain leashed near swimming areas. During peak summer months, early morning walks are recommended to avoid overheating pets on trails. Wildlife is active in these areas, so keeping dogs secured prevents unwanted encounters with local fauna. Nearby towns offer basic veterinary services and pet supplies for camping emergencies.
"Clean and quiet, good for kids and pets are welcome. There are 2 bathrooms with coin operated showers. There are sites for campers, tents, and a handful of lean tos."
"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."
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."
"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."
"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"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."
"This place was very clean and loaded with amenities: pool, dog park, events, open fields, deer, store, etc."
"Our site, was located in the back of the park in a quieter section because it was away from most of the activities and park entrance."
"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."
"They have scheduled events that occur including family and adult only fire truck rides around the campground."
"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."
"There's a cozy lounge room to hang out in with games, books, crayons, and puzzles; a dog park with toys included; and fabulous hiking trails with lots to see, including a pond, waterfalls, and streams."
"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 ."
from $26 - $36 / night
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ScoutThis is one of our favorite places to camp in Vermont. The sites are fairly private without being built too close together. Lake is clean and has a great concrete dock that the kids love to jump off. They have boat rentals and nature tours on the lake led by the state park faculty. When the kids get tired from swimming they're a nice beach area and playground.
LegendThis tops our list for camping in Vermont. There is so much to do here, and yet the campground feels very private and quiet. There are 41 tent/RV sites to choose from and 18 lean-tos. Some of the lean-tos are situated right on the West River, but they are well-loved and coveted so we've never actually stayed in one.
For our July trip, we stayed in the Juniper lean-to, which is incredibly quiet and near the overlook hiking trail. The park is small enough to walk to the swimming area from your campsite, as well as into town. Note that you will not get cell service here, but if you walk into the village of Jamaica, you will find Wi-Fi hotspots at the library or the grocery store.
Here are all the awesome things to do in Jamaica State Park:
Learn about the first peoples who lived here: The area along the West River was an important trade route for the Abenaki tribe. Throughout the park, there are interpretive signs with lots of information about the Abenaki, as well as the archaeological dig that was conducted here in 2010.
2. Cool off in the West River: The main swimming area is at Salmon Hole, right in the campground, but you can swim anywhere in the West River. It's awesome!
Ride your bike to the Ball Mountain Dam: There's a bike trail that leads from the campground all the way to the federally-owned Ball Mountain Dam, which provides great views of Ball Mountain Lake and the surrounding mountains. It's a 5-mile ride from the campground, round-trip.
Learn about Jamaica's railroad history: It's crazy that the rail trail was really a railroad at the turn of the century. It's a narrow, mountainous route. As you ride along the trail, stop and read the signs. No wonder it was called 36 miles of trouble!
5. Hike the Overlook Trail: It's a 2.5-mile loop that brings you up on a ridge with great views.
Hike to Hamilton Falls: It's actually easier to bike part of the way on the rail trail and then hike the 1.1 miles to the falls. Otherwise, it's a 6-mile hike round-trip. Hamilton falls is 125 feet tall, and one of the loveliest waterfalls in Vermont.
Walk into the village of Jamaica for donuts: Seriously! Head to D&K Grocery for the best donuts ever, or stock up on camping provisions.
GuideVery nice, clean campsite. Staff are very friendly and helpful. Campsites are spread out, great dog walking areas , and very spacious dog parks, one for big dos and one for little ones.
RangerThis place is pretty awesome. They have an ice cream shop attached to their office/store, mini golf just outside of it too. There is an amphitheater for concerts and shows throughout the summer. RV Spots, tent camping spots, a dog park, badminton, basketball, horseshoe, shuffleboard, the works. The bathrooms are beautifully redone and clean. The laundry room is pretty good too. Its close to Brattleboro and Putney and just across the border to New Hampshire. I'd most definitely stay again when I'm in the area. The other guest were very nice and we could also have packages delivered.
LegendWilgus State Park is the first Vermont state park to open each spring, well before Memorial Day each year. While it's still pretty cold for camping in Vermont in early May, you can get a jump start on the season by renting one of the four camping cabins. I'll admit that I haven't stayed in one of the Wilgus cabins, but they are pretty much the same all over Vermont - nothing fancy - just four solid walls, bunk beds, and a small table.
Usually when we stay at Wilgus State Park, we rent a lean-to or stay in site #16, which is the very last tent site, and the most private. All sites have a great view of the river, but I won't go so far as to call them waterfront as there is a bank covered with lush foliage between the sites and the water. There is also a short trail that runs between the campsites and the water - a great place to watch the sunrise!
The best part about camping here is getting out on the water. You can rent kayaks and canoes, and the river moves slowly enough to paddle up stream. There is also a shuttle service run by Great River Outfitters upstream in Windsor. If you make reservations, the come to the park (I think on Wednesdays and Fridays), and they will pick you up in the morning, drive you up river to Windsor, outfit you with a canoe or kayak, and let you paddle back to the park. Later in the evening they will come back and pick up the boats. If you choose this option, be sure to stop at Artisan Park, right on the river and have lunch at Harpoon Brewery.
The campground is really small (under 25 sites) and super quiet. Restrooms are clean. There is a short hiking trail, which is just okay - no views or anything. The ranger has been there for years and is an expert fisherman. He's got lots of tips if you ask. For good hiking, be sure to check out Mt. Ascutney, which is just a few miles away.
TravelerWe stayed in a cabin with our pup. This place was very clean and loaded with amenities: pool, dog park, events, open fields, deer, store, etc. This was glamping with a fire pit 😃 There were plenty of sites for all size RV’s with hook-ups. A town with lots to do and see is nearby including hiking trails.
ScoutWe are pleasantly surprised! The adage "you get what you pay for" just isn't true here. This campground is my new favorite. The owners, Liz and Ben, are super friendly, easy-going, and welcoming. The campground is clean and quiet, with sites that are spacious and private. The wifi is pretty darn good. There's a cozy lounge room to hang out in with games, books, crayons, and puzzles; a dog park with toys included; and fabulous hiking trails with lots to see, including a pond, waterfalls, and streams.
We'll definitely be returning!
TravelerClean and quiet, good for kids and pets are welcome. There are 2 bathrooms with coin operated showers. There are sites for campers, tents, and a handful of lean tos. 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.
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.)
Pets are welcome.
ScoutWe travelled as a group with family (4 sites). When we booked all our sites were right next to each other. When we arrived not a single one of us were even on the same road. The biggest issue with this, is that there were plenty of sites available next to each other. My parents paid for 50 amp electric and the site next to them was using it instead of the 30amp they were meant to have. Also, while the campground is pet friendly, a warning about free roaming chickens would have been nice. I would not have brought my (prey driven) dogs if I had known there were free roaming chickens.
Vermont's state parks and private campgrounds near Reading offer diverse pet-friendly camping experiences at elevations ranging from 500 to 3,000 feet. The area sits within the southern Green Mountains region, characterized by densely forested hills, clear streams, and abundant wildlife. Summer temperatures typically reach highs in the 70s-80s°F, with cooler nights in the 50s-60s°F.
Swimming access at Echo Lake: Camp Plymouth State Park has "a huge beach and picnic area with a snack bar and boat rentals" where visitors can enjoy "crystal clear water." The park staff is known to be "extremely friendly" and honors camping passes from other Vermont state parks.
Multiple hiking trails: Mount Ascutney offers various routes accessible directly from its campground. "There is a 3.7 mile road that is extremely steep but paved, and goes to the summit of the mountain. Less than 1 mile hike from there to the observation tower. Great views. Lots of hiking trail trails," notes one visitor.
Mountain biking options: Tree Farm Campground provides on-site recreation with "fabulous hiking trails with lots to see, including a pond, waterfalls, and streams." The nearby Mount Ascutney area also features mountain biking trails for various skill levels.
River activities: Wilgus State Park Campground offers direct Connecticut River access. "Wilgus state park has amazing campsites, very friendly staff, and great access to the Connecticut River... We loved walking the trail behind the campsites along the river to the beautiful vista views with a group with young kids, rented kayaks and fished from the boat launch."
Private camping settings: Mount Ascutney State Park Campground offers secluded sites. "The campground is lovely. Forest Ed and beautiful fall colors in October. Good facilities. Friendly staff." Sites provide good spacing and natural barriers for a quiet experience.
Natural surroundings: Gifford Woods State Park features "gorgeous sites. Upper Loop sites are spaced further apart. Wooded. AT goes right through the campground." Campers appreciate how "the Appalachian Trail runs directly through this park" offering immediate hiking access.
Well-maintained facilities: Coolidge State Park Campground receives praise for its "clean updated restrooms" and site quality. "Very clean and well manicured sites, clean bathrooms, friendly service, gorgeous Mountain View, gave me the real feel of camping outdoors. Quiet, relaxing and peaceful."
Excellent views: Campers highlight the panoramic scenery at some parks. "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."
Reservations required early: The most desirable sites at dog friendly campgrounds near Reading book quickly. "We were not lucky enough to get one because you have to book far in advance to get those campsites," notes one Coolidge State Park visitor.
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds have proximity to highways. At Quechee State Park Campground, "road noise isn't super loud, but it's constant" and "if you stay in the back it's quieter."
Wildlife awareness: Active wildlife including bears necessitates proper food storage. "We were advised that there was an active bear in the campground, but we took the advice of Sean the park ranger."
Seasonal variations: Most campgrounds operate from May through mid-October. Facilities like showers and water may have limited availability in shoulder seasons, with full services typically running Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Water recreation options: Crown Point Camping Area provides excellent swimming facilities. "They have a lagoon for kids, with built-in water rafts in the middle for kids to jump in... They have a playground with a large tent for parents to sit under with picnic tables."
Educational programs: Several parks offer ranger-led activities. "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.)"
Field space for play: At multiple campgrounds, open areas provide activity space. "As a bonus, it even had 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."
Book early for lean-tos: Sheltered options provide convenience for families. "The lean-to was very clean, and recently painted. It had ample room for 6, and could fit 8 as well. The lean-tos come with a bench that can be used inside, or out by the fire which was a nice touch."
Site selection: At Quechee Pine Valley KOA, "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."
Hookup availability: Most state parks lack full hookups. "There are no water sites, it's on the side of a heavily wooded mountain with a few sites having amazing views!" For those needing amenities, private campgrounds offer more options.
Size limitations: Some campgrounds have restrictions. "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. This campground is not big rig friendly."
Dump stations: Verify services before arrival. "They do have a dump station if you are in a RV" but hours and seasonal availability may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Reading, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Reading, VT is Quechee State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Reading, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 147 dog-friendly camping locations near Reading, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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