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Abel Mountain Campground's pet-friendly sites offer spacious pull-through options with full hookups for RVs and tent camping areas along a beautiful river. Dogs are welcome throughout the campground with proper documentation, and many sites provide ample shade for pets to stay cool during summer months. Lake Champagne Resort features dedicated dog parks—one for small dogs and another for larger breeds—with spacious walking areas for exercising pets. The campground maintains clean facilities and well-manicured grounds with sites spread out to provide adequate space between campers. Most pet-friendly campgrounds in the Rochester area enforce standard leash policies and require proof of current vaccinations upon check-in.
Green Mountain National Forest offers several dispersed camping options where pets are allowed, including Michigan Brook Road camping and FR207 sites. These free primitive camping areas provide excellent opportunities for camping with dogs in a natural setting without designated facilities. Trails throughout the region accommodate dogs on leashes, with many campers noting the tranquil swimming holes and streams where dogs can cool off during hikes. Chittenden Brook Campground provides pet-friendly cabin options in addition to tent and RV sites, with nearby hiking trails accessible directly from the campground. The surrounding area features multiple waterfalls and mountain views ideal for day hikes with pets. Wildlife encounters are common in the Green Mountain region, so keeping dogs leashed and supervised is essential for their safety and the protection of local wildlife.
"there are no amenities other than cascading waterfalls, mountain views, incredible swimming hole, a nearby lake, a picnic table and a fire ring. the easiest access to sites one and two is the Silver Lake"
"Access to campground is on a gravel road but my van did okay. It is small and primitive and there is a camp host who is very nice."
from $15 / 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."
"If you're considering a spot in Vermont to camp, come here! Also, make sure your car has a bit of clearance as some sports have dips in the ground."
"Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests. Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles."
"Nice hiking trails close to long trail, really tucked away a few miles off 73. Great if you’re looking for some solitude."
"Well maintained, and nice access to trails right from the campground."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"I stayed at this campsite located at the end of upper Michigan road. It is winter and there is a lot of snow. The main road to the parking lot is plowed and sanded."
"Few nice ones near the creek. I stayed at one on top of a lots of space at mine."
"A great peaceful spot right next to the river."
"Loved camping next to the water and hearing the river as we slept. There are fire rings. No bugs."
"I spent a couple of days at Abel Mountain with my dog, and we both had a nice stay."
"WE camp on a site on the river, some sites you can hear the river rushing over the rocks and some not but we like the view of the river when outside. "
from $45 / night
Check Availability"This 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."
"Lovely place, free camping, fire pits at the campsite, and access to the water. We camped in the off season, but in the on season there are pit toilets and campground stewards."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"A little more than half of the sites can be driven to and others require a very short walk (50 ft?). "
"Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome. Very pretty area."
"Campsites are spread out, great dog walking areas , and very spacious dog parks, one for big dos and one for little ones."
"I chose to stay here while I was finishing up the VT 4000-footers because it was midway between the trails for Mt Ellen/Abram and Killington."
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.
GuideI have a 24’ RV towing a 30 foot trailer for perspective. I easily fit in site 107 and lots of other sites would have worked. They have a place to drop trailers if you don’t fit.
Sites 90 to 108 are best. Spaced out under trees.
Sites 1 to 16 are close to each other.
Sites 113 to 119 are bad. Very close to each other. No redeeming qualities.
Sites have 30 amp electric and water but might need a longish cord or hose. Clean easy to use dump with water.
Tent sites looked nice.
Short walk to nice beach or you can drive a car. Short tunnel so no campers or bikes on the roof.
Right next to rails to trails path that goes onto a causeway over the lake. There is a bike ferry to keep going. Nice ride.
Nice dog park 3/4 miles to the South on the trail.
Far away from noise. Can’t comment on loud campers.
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.
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.
RangerI’d say this was one of Vermont’s best kept secrets, except I don’t think it’s exactly a secret. Even in October, the Park seemed full with visitors and Stowe was hopping! Leaf peepers were in full force and the grounds were absolutely spectacular- I really picked the perfect time of year to go. Nights got pretty brisk, but the foliage was breathtaking.
The Park, located along scenic Rte108, has about 20 tent sites and 14 lean-to’s well dispersed throughout the grounds. A couple spots were drive-in sites, accessible to those with disabilities; most had small pathways and/or stairwells leading to their platforms. There was not a bad site within the entire vicinity. All were fully shaded and extremely private. Although, I’d be curious about checking out Sites 1 or 16 next time around!
Bathrooms were clean and the main office sold firewood at the entrance. Facilities are also pet friendly. Plus, there are so many hiking trails and recreational opportunities in and around the Park-from Stowe Mountain Resort to the quaint shops in town and local craft breweries. And even with the Park seeming “full”, the grounds were perfectly quiet, without the incessant sound of generators you find at larger state parks.
Without a doubt, Smugglers Notch State Park is a favorite of mine!
Green Mountain National Forest surrounds Rochester, Vermont, with elevations ranging from 900 to 3,500 feet, creating varied camping microclimates throughout the area. Campgrounds near Rochester frequently experience temperature swings of 20-30 degrees between day and night, even in summer. The region's numerous streams and small waterfalls provide natural white noise at many campsites.
Hiking with dogs on Clark Brook Trail: The 3-mile Clark Brook Trail connects with the Appalachian Trail/Long Trail and offers multiple stream crossings where dogs can cool off. At Green Mountain National Forest FR207, Tim M. notes that "Clark Brook Trail is a 3 mile hike connecting with the AT/LT" making it ideal for day hikes with pets.
Visit mountain waterfalls: The Falls of Lana are accessible via a 3-mile one-way hike from Moosalamoo Campground. Thomas R. describes the falls as "really just a cascade, but nice nonetheless," providing a scenic destination for a day trip from camp.
Swimming in natural forest pools: Silver Lake offers excellent swimming areas with a concrete dock that's popular with kids. Shawn B. shares that the "lake is clean and has a great concrete dock that the kids love to jump off" and mentions that "they have boat rentals and nature tours on the lake led by the state park faculty."
Private, well-spaced sites: Campers appreciate the privacy found at Moosalamoo Campground, where sites are strategically designed for seclusion. Jill B. explains the campground has "awesome bike trails with smooth trail beds and nice rolling bumps" and that "campsites are spread out and it's nice and quiet with great privacy."
Stream-side camping spots: At White River & Gulf Brook, sites adjacent to running water create a peaceful atmosphere. Lena mentions, "Loved camping next to the water and hearing the river as we slept," noting the campground was "great bc we had it all to ourselves."
Affordability and primitive camping: Free camping options exist throughout the Green Mountain National Forest. J W. describes Texas Falls Primitive campsites: "Past the gate at the end of the Texas Falls recreation area we found several sites with only a fire pit along the brook. Brook water filtered fine and was tasty."
Road conditions and vehicle clearance: Many forest roads require higher clearance vehicles, especially during mud season. At Michigan Brook Road Camping, Thomas and James S. warn that "road goes in pretty far. Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!"
Limited or no cell service: Prepare for disconnection at most forest campsites. Keegz M. emphasizes "THIS LOCATION DOES NOT PROVIDE CELL PHONE SERVICE OR WIFI CONNECTION" when describing Michigan Brook Road, adding that service is available only "if you walk to the end of upper Michigan Brook road."
Bear precautions: Though bear encounters are uncommon, proper food storage is essential. Lauren S. noted at Moosalamoo, "I saw bear storage lockers but I did not use them as I had my bear keg with me."
Lake activities for children: Gifford Woods State Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities near water features. Katy Z. appreciated that there was a "peaceful pond with fishing across the street" and mentions the "campground is very clean, friendly, peaceful and lots of room."
Easy trails for beginners: Short hiking options suitable for young children are accessible from several campgrounds. Nancy M. notes that Moosalamoo has "lots of great hiking accessible from the campground, or within a short drive. Silver Lake and Lake Dunmore are nearby. Both have beaches: Silver Lake is accessible only by foot, down a .6 mile trail from the parking area."
Playground options: Some campgrounds provide play areas for kids to burn energy between outdoor adventures. Shawn B. mentions Silver Lake has "a nice beach area and playground" for when "the kids get tired from swimming."
Limited hookup options: Most pet-friendly camping near Rochester, Vermont offers primitive sites with few amenities for larger rigs. At Abel Mountain Campground, Sandie B. notes "sites are large enough so that you feel you have your own site and stretch out some. Good electric etc, some sites with sewer."
Pull-through accessibility: Several campgrounds provide easier access points for larger vehicles. Corby M. stayed "at site 72, an easy pull-through with plenty of shade" at Abel Mountain Campground, which helped make setup smoother.
Pack-in requirements: Many smaller campgrounds require carrying gear from parking areas. Katy Z. explains that Silver Lake Campground "is hike in only and from the parking lot it's about .5 mile. The hike is short but it's also a hike down to the lake and back up with all your gear so be prepared!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Rochester, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Rochester, VT is Moosalamoo Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Rochester, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 147 dog-friendly camping locations near Rochester, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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