South Londonderry camping areas sit in a valley surrounded by the Green Mountains at elevations between 1,200-1,500 feet. The region experiences dramatic seasonal changes with warm summers averaging 75°F and cold winters dropping below freezing. Fall camping offers spectacular foliage viewing opportunities from mid-September through mid-October when maple trees display vibrant red and orange colors.
What to do
Fishing spots: Jamaica State Park Campground offers excellent river fishing access. "The prime lean-to sites on the water are beautiful and spacious," notes camper M.A.D. P., who stayed right on the West River.
Waterfall hiking: 3-mile trek from Jamaica State Park to Hamilton Falls rewards hikers with a 125-foot waterfall. "Beautiful hikes to Hamilton falls," says Fransheska A., who adds it's a "nice little weekend getaway" with "roomy tent sites."
Kayaking and canoeing: Emerald Lake State Park Campground provides small lake paddling 25 minutes from South Londonderry. "Great for fishing and kayaking. Well kept. Was very quiet when we visited though I suspect it's much busier in mid summer," mentions Christina S.
Winter exploration: Grout Pond Campground remains accessible for winter camping with proper preparation. "Great spot for a little winter camping... The trails are great for hiking, and the pond and the reservoir are beautiful when frozen over," writes Erik C.
What campers like
Peaceful riverside sites: Camping on the Battenkill offers direct river access for swimming and relaxation. "We love being close to the river. We sleep in tents so the sound of the river put you to sleep at night," shares Heather P.
Clean facilities: Winhall Brook Camping Area maintains exceptional standards despite its rustic setting. "This campground is meticulous as it is run by the Army Corps and they have done a great job," notes Gail P., adding "The restrooms are immaculate and the sites are grassy."
Local attractions: Vermont Country Store in Weston provides a classic New England shopping experience near several campgrounds. "In Weston you can find the original Vermont Country Store and that is quite the excursion," says a Winhall Brook camper.
Dog exercise areas: Camping on the Battenkill offers dedicated pet spaces. "They have laundry and a fenced in dog area that was much appreciated! Almost everyone camping had a dog or 2," reports Katy Z.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Hapgood Pond NF Campground has minimal connectivity. "A little bit of cell service (2 bars) with Verizon," reports Katy Z., making it one of the few dog friendly campgrounds near South Londonderry with any connection.
Weather preparation: Rapid temperature changes occur frequently in the Green Mountains, with 30°F daily variations possible in spring and fall. Pack additional layers even for summer camping.
Bug protection: Essential at Grout Pond and other wooded sites. "We were there in late May and the bugs ate us alive. It was miserable. Smoke seemed to work the best," warns Molly G.
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "This is a popular camp ground so reserve as early as 11 months before arrival," advises Ming R. about Emerald Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly swimming: Dorset RV Park has a nearby quarry perfect for families. "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," recommends Rachelle S.
Educational opportunities: Fly fishing museum near Manchester offers interactive exhibits for children. "The nearby town of Manchester is home to Orvis and there is an interesting fly fishing museum next door," notes Nancy W.
Playground access: Jamaica State Park provides recreational facilities for younger campers. "Fun playground and nature area for kids. Very family friendly place with beautiful hikes to Hamilton falls," states Fransheska A.
Girl Scout friendly sites: Emerald Lake accommodates youth groups. "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," shares Tammy E.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Watch for unlevel areas at several campgrounds. "Our site was level but some definitely were not," warns Nancy W. about Dorset RV Park, adding "the sites next to us were not occupied which was nice because otherwise it would have felt a little tight."
Large rig considerations: Loop challenges exist at some dog friendly campgrounds near South Londonderry. "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," cautions Katie E.
Electrical hookups: Mixed availability across campgrounds. "There are a few sites with hookups but since we like to be near the river, we opted for other areas," explains Gail P. about Winhall Brook.
Noise factors: Road sounds can affect some campgrounds. "We did notice a bit of road noise when sitting outside," notes Nancy W., though most campers report quiet evenings.
Scout
