Best Campgrounds near Rutland, VT

Camping near Rutland, Vermont, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a place buzzing with fun, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

• Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the scenic trails around the area. One camper mentioned, “We came here to hike the Dalley Loop Trail (which is a great trail full of history), but we wish we had camped here instead of the private campground 45 minutes away where we did stay.”
• Swimming and Boating: Enjoy the local lakes and rivers. A review highlighted, “The lake and beach is lovely, clean, and the water is warm and clear,” making it a perfect spot for families.
• Fishing: Many campgrounds are near great fishing spots. One visitor noted, “Love emerald lake! Clear waters, calm lake. Sites are on the smaller side but plenty of room. Great hikes and fishing!”

What campers like

• Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites. A review stated, “This campground was perfect for our group that had 5 small children. The kids were able to safely ride bikes on the camp roads, sites were large and well spaced out from each other.”
• Clean Facilities: Cleanliness is a big plus. One camper remarked, “The bathrooms are BEAUTIFUL! the nicest I've seen yet. Very clean, well stocked with toilet paper and soap.”
• Friendly Staff: Many reviews mention the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor shared, “Shelly-Ann and Alan are great hosts and keep a very tidy campground.”

What you should know

• Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in some areas. One camper noted, “Zero Verizon service but Wi-Fi at the pool for getting some work done.”
• No Electric Hookups: Some campgrounds, like Emerald Lake State Park Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A visitor mentioned, “Showers were hot but minimal pressure. No hot water at the sinks.”
• Road Conditions: Some access roads can be rough. A camper warned, “The road into the campground is super rough though.”

Tips for camping with families

• Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. One review highlighted, “There is a FULL schedule of themed activities for the kiddos, weekly.”
• Safety on Camp Roads: Keep an eye on kids riding bikes. A parent mentioned, “I was a little nervous for the kids riding bikes because of all the traffic.”
• Pack Snacks: Some campgrounds have limited stores. A camper advised, “Make sure you stock up before you get there, stuff is expensive at the corner stores.”

Tips from RVers

• Level Sites: Choose campgrounds with level sites for easier setup. A review noted, “Our site was fine and large enough to accommodate our RV and tow car.”
• Check for Amenities: Look for campgrounds with full hookups and clean facilities. One RVer shared, “The campground labels itself as a resort however the small amounts of amenities make it difficult for me to agree.”
• Be Prepared for Fees: Some campgrounds charge for early arrivals or amenities. A visitor mentioned, “Had to pay $100 for early arrival!!!”

Camping around Rutland, Vermont, has something for everyone. From spacious sites to friendly staff, you’ll find a spot that fits your needs.