Vermont's Reading area sits within the Green Mountain range at elevations averaging 1,400 feet, creating distinct seasonal camping patterns. Most campgrounds in this region operate from May through mid-October due to seasonal weather constraints. Several camping options near Reading provide recreational activities centered around mountain trails, river access, and forest exploration.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: Jamaica State Park Campground offers access to multiple waterfall destinations. "There is plenty of trails in the area and you can go to the waterfall/rock slides and take a dip in the pools. The area is beautiful and good food across the street!" notes Jackie G. The park features Hamilton Falls along with river access points.
Mountain biking: Mount Ascutney State Park Campground maintains dedicated mountain biking trails accessible directly from the campground. "The state park maintains its own mountain biking trail loop, which accessible directly from the campground. It is a 3 mile beginner friendly loop, with some nice rollers and moderate terrain," according to one visitor. Additional biking networks exist at the Mount Ascutney Outdoor Center about 10 minutes away.
Summit hiking: Several marked trails lead to mountain viewpoints throughout the region. At Gifford Woods State Park Campground, "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," writes Tara S. The park provides direct connection to the Appalachian Trail system.
What campers like
Swimming opportunities: Natural swimming areas provide relief during summer months. At Jamaica State Park Campground, campers appreciate river access. "The campsites were beautiful with the river behind us. Not to many people there so we're got the best spot," reports Meike W. However, visitors should note safety concerns at certain swimming locations: "People have lost their lives at these falls so be extra cautious with children around the falls."
Private wooded sites: Tree cover and site spacing create privacy at many campgrounds. Tree Farm Campground provides "spacious, wooded sites, super clean...friendly, helpful owners and gorgeous setting," according to Amanda M. The campground features both open and forested camping areas.
Fall foliage viewing: Autumn camping offers exceptional leaf-viewing opportunities. At Mount Ascutney State Park Campground, "Go in early-mid October to enjoy the fall colors and to find more peace and quiet," suggests Harry H. The mountain's summit provides panoramic views across the Connecticut River Valley.
What you should know
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience highway noise despite forested settings. At Mount Ascutney State Park, "The road nearby is noisy. Because of its location, you can hear both the local highway and I91," notes Rita M. Sites furthest from roadways provide quieter experiences.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. At Sandy Beach Campground near Contoocook, visitors report workable but limited service: "I work remotely, so having internet access is mandatory, we were able to use our AT&T hotspot with decent service."
Seasonal operations: Most RV campgrounds near Reading, Vermont close by mid-October. Dorset RV Park operates "May 1 - Oct 31" according to their listing, while Jamaica State Park runs "May 12 to Columbus Day weekend." Winter camping options are extremely limited in this region.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated children's play areas. Sandy Beach Campground provides recreational facilities for younger visitors: "Playground is on the beach. They don't allow sparklers so that was a bummer ok the 4th, but still got to see fireworks," reports Nicole.
Educational trails: Nature-focused walking paths suit family exploration. At Gifford Woods State Park Campground, "there is a sweet little nature loop in the campground with signs identifying different trees," which provides educational opportunities for children.
Animal encounters: Some campgrounds feature small animal areas. Dorset RV Park provides unique animal interactions as noted by Rachelle S.: "They even had rabbits and chickens for the kids to enjoy. Spotless grounds and helpful staff. We loved the vibe."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature sloped terrain requiring leveling equipment. At Dorset RV Park, one RVer noted "Our site was level but some definitely were not," indicating variable site conditions even within the same campground.
Hookup positioning: Full-hookup sites may have inconveniently placed utilities. At Tree Farm Campground, "Sites are level and had full hookup... the sewer connections are at the very rear of the sites," requiring extension hoses for some RV configurations.
Turning radius limitations: Several campgrounds have tight turns that challenge larger rigs. At Dorset RV Park, one RVer warned about "Tree placement and a pretty sharp 110+ degree turn makes it challenging to maneuver. I don't think campground staff is familiar with their own campground and that larger rigs are likely to have issue in this loop."
