Glamping in South Londonderry, Vermont offers campers access to the Green Mountain National Forest at elevations ranging from 800 to 3,000 feet. The region experiences distinct seasons with warm summer days in the 70s and cool nights in the 50s, making sleeping conditions comfortable even in July and August. The surrounding landscape features hardwood forests dominated by maple, birch, and beech trees that create spectacular fall colors from mid-September through mid-October.
What to do
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: The famous long-distance trail passes near several campgrounds in the area, making day hikes accessible. At Gifford Woods State Park Campground, "The AT runs directly through the park. While on a 4 state section hike I traveled by foot through this park. The ranger gave me an ice cream, pointed me to the showers and then chatted with me for an hour about my hike so far."
Explore local waterways: The Ashuelot River provides calm paddling opportunities for campers of all skill levels. "We brought our kayaks and had no problem kayaking on the flat surface river," notes one visitor to Ashuelot River Campground. The campground offers canoe and kayak rentals plus a shuttle service for water activities.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and dusk provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. "We heard coyotes at night and loons in the morning," reports a camper at Woodford State Park Campground. The reservoir at Woodford offers a quiet setting for bird watching with several trails connecting to the water.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Campgrounds in the region offer more separation between campsites than typically found elsewhere. At Moose Hillock Camping Resorts, "The sites at this park 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."
Clean facilities: The state parks in the area maintain high standards for bathrooms and common areas. At Quechee State Park Campground, "Bathrooms are immaculate with coin (quarters)operated showers. There are plenty of fresh water spigots and a spacious dump site if needed."
Ranger-led activities: Several parks offer organized activities for both children and adults. "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)," shares a visitor to Quechee State Park.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular glamping sites book quickly, especially lean-tos and cabins. For Molly Stark State Park Campground, "The outer ring sites on the map have the most seclusion. Not a ton of hiking right from the campground, but we found some fishing and hiking nooks in a short drive."
Shower facilities: Most state parks in the area require quarters for showers. "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."
Weather considerations: Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly in the mountains. "We camped here with our dog on a tent site in camping area B. I really appreciated the VT state parks interactive campground map, which allowed us to see the sites from home and choose the one that would suit us best."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Several campgrounds offer swimming and boating options that appeal to children. "Perfect for families! There are tons of different types of campsites with either tent spots, lean tus, and a few (hard to get) cabins. Bathrooms are plentiful and clean, hot showers for a small price. Beautiful clean swimmable lake with a walking trail around it."
Look for lean-tos: These three-sided shelters provide extra protection from rain and make camping with kids easier. At Caton Place Campground, "We will be back! Very well manicured Camping Area, clean updated restrooms. Friendly campers and great view!"
Choose sites carefully: When glamping with children, site selection matters. "If you have little ones, check out the map before you reserve a site and find one on the opposite side of the ledge... There is a short trail from the visitor center to the bottom of the gorge, and on fall weekends it's super crowded."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the Vermont mountains require extra blocking for RVs. "Camped here Labor Day Weekend in our 40 ft 5th wheel. We had a pull thru site. Easy to drive into the campground and into the site. We had no issues at all. Hosts were very friendly and helpful."
Access limitations: Not all campgrounds can accommodate larger RVs. "This campground is not big rig friendly. Driving out of the site was just as bad. You have to go down a small hill and bottom out the front and then drag the backend out of the dirt."
Utilities availability: Most Vermont state parks don't offer full hookups. "No Electric or hookups. They also sell ice and firewood at the check in station. Recommend site 11 or the BIRCH lean to as the 2 most spacious and/or secluded sites, as the campground is not too far off route 4 and you may hear cars/trucks."
