Camping spots near Rupert, Vermont sit between 800 and 1,500 feet in elevation within the Taconic Mountains region, offering visitors cooler summer temperatures compared to nearby valleys. Fall camping season often extends later than many campgrounds suggest on paper, with sites frequently available into late October despite official closing dates listed as Columbus Day weekend. The region's landscape features a mix of hardwood forests and cleared pastureland typical of Vermont's agricultural heritage.
What to do
Swimming in quarries: Just 15 minutes from Dorset RV Park, you'll find natural swimming options beyond the typical lakes. "Great location near a fantastic quarry, country store, and Manchester shopping. The camp grounds were family friendly and quiet. They even had rabbits and chickens for the kids to enjoy," notes Rachelle S. from Dorset RV Park.
Rope swinging and island exploration: At Emerald Lake State Park Campground, adventurous campers can paddle beyond the main swimming area for added excitement. "There is a rope swing if you paddle away from the beach. It was great fun for the older kids. Also, exploring the island in the middle of the lake is another option," reports Ming R.
River tubing: The Battenkill River provides excellent water recreation opportunities for camping groups. "We sleep in tents so the sound of the river put you to sleep at night. Excellent campground for cooking delicious meals over the fire and sitting around the fire later. We also tube down the river," shares Heather P. who visits Camping On The Battenkill annually.
What campers like
Roomy waterfront sites: Larger camping parties appreciate the generous site dimensions near Rupert. "We were at site 17, and it was a massive site. Lots of room would be great for a large family or group. The beach on the river is beautiful and clean! Easy swimming for all," Christina M. says about Camping On The Battenkill.
Trail connections: Multi-activity campers value the ability to hike directly from campgrounds. "We hiked the west river trail (which leads right out of the campground) to Hamilton falls which is a gravel closed road that follows the west river upstream 2 miles to Hamilton falls trail which then leads up hill for another mile to the falls," explains Chris D. from Jamaica State Park Campground.
Platform tent sites: Some camping areas offer platforms that solve weather-related tent issues. "Most wonderful place! Has an awesome spot to go paddle boarding or kayaking! In fact you can load up your water vessel and go across the lake to your campsite! We had 30mph winds and luckily the platforms had tie downs!!" reports Cortne about Grout Pond Campground.
What you should know
Shower money: Pack quarters when camping near Rupert as many facilities require payment. "Pay showers so save your quarters. Nice lake for canoeing with trails from the camping area. Family friendly with semi private sites. A little road noise from nearby highway but it quiets down for a good night's rest," advises Gary C. about Emerald Lake State Park Campground.
Mud preparation: Spring and fall camping in Vermont's mountains means being ready for soggy conditions. "If you plan on staying past campsites 1-3 bring extra socks and rain boots because it gets muddy. The walk is pretty long to other campsites and getting through all the mud only added to the pain of bringing things back and forth," warns Jenny J. about Grout Pond Campground.
Site selection strategy: "If you have little ones, check out the map before you reserve a site and find one on the opposite side of the ledge," recommends Tara S. about Emerald Lake State Park, noting that "many of them are perched on a steep ledge, making them a bit sketchy for families with kids."
Tips for camping with families
Lean-to advantages: Shelters provide additional protection during unpredictable Vermont weather. "We had a lean to site at this campground. Facilities were great. The lake was beautiful and rented boats and canoes. Swimming is also available. Good central location," shares Debbi B. about Emerald Lake State Park Campground.
Group activities: Some campgrounds regularly host large youth organizations. "We camped for two nights in Lean-tos with 20 Girls and Leaders. It's a great place to bring a Troop and use the the lake and trails for badges plus cooking badges as well," explains Tammy E. about her Girl Scout troop's annual trip to Emerald Lake.
Pet-friendly swimming: Lake Lauderdale Campground allows dogs to join in water recreation. "Big sites! We had our small camper on a tent site to be near the river. Some sites were right on the river, many larger RVs were closer to an open play area/field. There were hookups and dump station. Dog friendly. Fishing and 'swimming' or tubing in season I should think," reports Monica F.
Tips from RVers
Site challenges: Larger rigs face specific limitations at some campgrounds in the region. "Larger rigs might want to avoid loop 6-14, especially for sites 8-12. 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," warns Katie E. about Dorset RV Park.
Full hookup availability: RVers appreciate the relative scarcity of full service sites in this region. "We had site 33 which was nice and large but kinda on top of neighbors. The tent sites are nice and private near the river. They have laundry and a fenced in dog area that was much appreciated! Almost everyone camping had a dog or 2," notes Katy Z. about Camping On The Battenkill.
Campsite landscaping: "The sites are huge. You could have parked three RVs in our site. Added bonus is that there is nice separation between sites with trees and shrubs that block out your neighbors and provide lots of privacy," observes Nancy W. about Moose Hillock Camping Resorts, providing insight into site preferences for RVers seeking more isolation.
