Camping near Belmont, Vermont offers visitors access to Green Mountain National Forest through both developed campgrounds and dispersed sites. The region sits at approximately 1,600 feet above sea level with humidity levels typically lower than surrounding valleys. Summer temperatures average 75-80°F during daytime, dropping to 50-55°F overnight, creating comfortable sleeping conditions in tents and cabins.
What to do
Swimming and paddling opportunities: Emerald Lake State Park Campground in Dorset features a turquoise lake with a small sandy beach and facilities for cooling off. "We try and get to Emerald Lake State Park at least a few times every summer. It's an awesome park for kids, and the turquoise water is a dream to cool off in. Swimmers can swim out to a small island in the middle of the lake and check out the rope swing," notes one visitor.
Hiking access: Little Rock Pond Group Camp offers tent platforms with direct pond access maintained by the Green Mountain Club. A visitor shares: "Operated by the Green Mountain Club caretaker who lives onsite, this campsite costs only $5 per person per night. There's a big 3-wall cabin with room for at least 12, several tent platforms, and there's even a composting privy (#2 only)!"
Historic sites: Coolidge State Park Campground offers camping near President Calvin Coolidge's homestead. A camper explains: "Take advantage of the historical site nearby (President Calvin Coolidge's homestead) and long trail brewing."
What campers like
Quiet natural settings: Greendale Campground in Weston provides a secluded experience with a stream running through the property. "My family and I went on our first camping trip together here in September of 2019. It was quiet and peaceful. There were no other campers and we had our pick of any site we liked. We picked a nice site next to a babbling brook," one camper reports.
Mountain views: Coolidge State Park offers elevated camping with panoramic vistas. A visitor mentions: "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. I grew up camping here, my parents took us up here every Columbus Day weekend when the color of the leaves were stunning."
Waterfront options: Jamaica State Park Campground provides river access from select sites. "We managed to get a prime leanto site right on the river. We were only there for an overnight but we will be back. In the Spring the water is released behind Ball Dam, creating a white water adventure. The prime lean-to sites on the water are beautiful and spacious."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular sites at Gifford Woods State Park Campground book quickly, especially lean-tos. "This is a popular camp ground so reserve as early as 11 months before arrival," advises a frequent camper.
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds have significant variation between sites. "The prime lean tos have great views. Sites for tents offer some set away but further from water and toilet. Other sites closer, but also closer together," notes a visitor about choosing locations.
Weather preparedness: Evening temperatures drop significantly, even in summer. "The campground is super busy on summer weekends, but if you want solitude, hike some of the beautiful trails in the park. We especially loved the trail around the lake - quiet with good swimming all around," shares a visitor.
Dispersed options: Downed Bridge Camp provides primitive camping with no facilities. "If you're looking for the ideal spot to stay a few days make sure you show in daylight so you can explore. But ours was a night stop on a trip so showing up in the dark and waking up in the forest was a little magical."
Tips for camping with families
Swim-friendly campgrounds: Emerald Lake's beach area caters to families with children. "There's a small, sandy beach at one end of the lake, with a bath house and changing rooms nearby. The campground is large, with three camping loops."
Group camping facilities: Group sites work well for family reunions or scout troops. A visitor to Jamaica State Park explains: "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 lake and trails for badges plus cooking badges as well."
Kid-friendly amenities: Some private campgrounds offer additional activities. A visitor to Horseshoe Acres Campground notes: "Mini golf, playground and swimming pool for the kids. Three large field areas with lots of families and plenty of space for kids to meet others and ride bikes."
Tips from RVers
Road access challenges: Many of the best places to camp near Belmont require careful navigation. "Our 42 foot fifth wheel hit the road going up it, then severely drugged down the hill going down it extremely slowly. We have a drop frame, so it didn't make matters any better," warns one RVer.
Utility availability: Most state parks have limited hookups, so plan accordingly. "There are a few sites with hookups but since we like to be near the river, we opted for other areas," notes a camper at Winhall Brook Camping Area.
Site leveling: Be prepared with leveling blocks at many locations. "Site 16 is one of the smaller sites and is not super level, but we were able to get the Subaru backed in and relatively level for camping."
