The Green Mountain National Forest region surrounding Readsboro, Vermont sits at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,800 feet, creating diverse camping microclimates. Summer temperatures typically range from 50°F at night to 75°F during the day, with higher elevations being noticeably cooler. Fall camping near Readsboro often experiences 15-20°F temperature swings between day and night.
What to do
Kayaking on ponds and reservoirs: Woodford State Park Campground offers a reservoir with separate designated areas for different water activities. According to a visitor, "The reservoir is beautiful- plenty of space to spread out for paddling and swimming. We drove down to the second loop and parked on the side of the campground road and carried our kayaks down to the camper's beach" (Melissa S.).
Hiking Mt. Olga: Molly Stark State Park Campground provides direct access to this popular trail. A camper noted, "The hike up Mt. Olga is 1.7 miles (round trip). There's a fire tower at the top, which provides awesome views of the Green Mountains. It's also fun to explore the relics of the old Hogback Ski Resort" (Tara S.).
Cultural attractions in nearby towns: Use campgrounds as a base for exploring local culture. "This campground is fairly small with a lot of diversity in campsite size, privacy, and levelness... The day use area is very nice with grass, shade and beach and swim area though it is a bit too far to walk especially with littles so be ready to drive over there" (Kaileigh K.).
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, campers value the seclusion. "At least a dozen spots, some very spacious. Only crashed for 1 night but will be coming back to spend a few, this area was excellent!" (Michele N.). The dirt access road may require careful navigation but rewards with peaceful sites.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise maintenance standards at state parks. One visitor to Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground stated, "My pup and I spent two nights here and were very happy. The entire campground was very clean, as were the bathrooms. At check-in they will give you maps of hiking routes" (Dawn S.).
Wildlife viewing: Sperry Road Campground — Mount Greylock State Reservation offers excellent nature observation opportunities. "We heard coyotes at night and loons in the morning" (Melissa S.). Another camper mentioned, "Sitting by my camp fire super happy. Beautiful grounds, super clean, nice staff. A great escape from the world right now" (Dakota B.).
What you should know
Bear precautions: Many campgrounds in the region provide bear boxes. At Mohawk Trail State Forest Campground, "Each campsite has a bear box and fire ring, there is easy access to hiking trails and flush-toilet bathrooms with sinks are located throughout. There is only one dumpster though and it's a walk to get to – store your trash in your car or drive it each night" (Ryan A.).
Cell service limitations: Service varies significantly by location. A camper at Clarksburg State Park noted, "3 bars USCellular LTE" (Tim M.), while another at Savoy Mountain reported, "Very limited cell service" (Lauren).
Weather preparedness: Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly. "We took the family up here for a long weekend. The weather quickly made this an overnight stay instead, as the rain was relentless. Our site (#6) was on a slope, and there was the telltale sign of stormwater runoff tracks running through the middle" (Cynthia K.).
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Woodford State Park Campground offers dedicated programming for younger visitors. "Rangers provided programming for kids and families on the weekends. Great for kayaking or Stand up paddling" (Kaileigh K.). Another visitor mentioned, "Perfect for families! there are tons of different types of campsites with either tent spots, lean tus, and a few (hard to get) cabins" (Sambath T.).
Campground loops for biking: Some campgrounds feature safe areas for children to ride. "Campground has a nice loop for the kids to bike. North Pond has a small beach for swimming" (Lauren).
Site selection for larger groups: Look for connected sites when camping with multiple families. "10 & 11 are connected by a path, good for people traveling in a group" (Lauren).
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Gus's Gardens Camping offers easier RV access than some forest roads. "This place was really nice. Easy to pull our 20ft camper in. Two minutes drive to the very cute town of Wilmington. Good places to eat there" (Rachael K.).
Site leveling: Be prepared to level your rig at many area campgrounds. "The sites were large and well spaced but they had trees in between so that you felt privacy" (Erin B.).
Utility limitations: Most dispersed camping options lack hookups. "Picnic table & grated fire ring close to small pond, with ducks, frogs, & a heron during our stay. Short setback from Rte 9, (can be a bit of road noise during day, quieter at night). Sites are pretty flat, easy access" (Tim M.).
