Best Campgrounds near Reading, VT

Campgrounds near Reading, Vermont are nestled within the scenic Green Mountains, providing a mix of state park and private camping options. Several established campgrounds in this area, including Coolidge State Park and Mount Ascutney State Park, offer accommodations ranging from tent sites to lean-tos and cabins. Camp Plymouth State Park features both tent sites and cabins along Echo Lake, while Crown Point Camping Area provides water access with both RV and tent options. The developed campgrounds typically include amenities such as drinking water, toilets, and fire rings, with many offering picnic tables and showers.

Most campgrounds in the Reading area operate seasonally, typically from May through mid-October, with many closing after Columbus Day weekend. Reservations are recommended, particularly for prime sites with mountain views. "Coolidge is off the beaten path but well worth the wander! There are no water sites, it's on the side of a heavily wooded mountain with a few sites having amazing views," noted one visitor. Mount Ascutney State Park features multiple hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, while some campgrounds provide mountain biking access directly from campsites. Winter weather conditions often make camping impractical during colder months, and spring can bring muddy conditions that affect accessibility, particularly at higher elevations.

Campers consistently praise the views from elevated sites at Coolidge State Park, where prime lean-to sites overlook the Green Mountains. These scenic spots tend to book quickly, especially during fall foliage season. One review described Mount Ascutney State Park as having "quiet and peaceful" sites with "amazing views" from the mountain summit. The region's mixed-use campgrounds balance natural settings with convenient amenities like showers and firewood availability. Road noise can be an issue at some locations, particularly at Mount Ascutney State Park where proximity to Interstate 91 affects some sites. Most camping areas feature well-maintained facilities with clean bathrooms and showers, though many require quarters for hot water.

Best Camping Sites Near Reading, Vermont (191)

    1. Coolidge State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Plymouth, VT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 672-3612

    "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."

    "We decided to check out Coolidge State Park after reading the reviews on their website. They have some of the most amazing views right from your campsite."

    2. Quechee State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Quechee, VT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 295-2990

    "This is a nice state park located near the Quechee Gorge, a lovely place to explore and play. Vermont State parks often offer lean-to options and Quechee is no exception."

    "You really can't go wrong with a Vermont State Park. They are meticulously maintained and the folx that work there are super helpful."

    3. Mount Ascutney State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Ascutney, VT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 674-2060

    "The state park had everything we were looking for: close proximity to mountain bike trails, beautiful hiking trails, available leantos, and less than two hours from our home."

    "Vermont parks are just some the most lush you’ve ever seen."

    4. Wilgus State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Ascutney, VT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 674-5422

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Wilgus State Park is the first Vermont state park to open each spring, well before Memorial Day each year."

    "Wilgus state park has amazing campsites, very friendly staff, and great access to the Connecticut River. This campground was beautiful and very quiet even though it was full."

    5. Gifford Woods State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Killington, VT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 775-5354

    "Decent bathroom situation--I've seen better and I've seen worse in Vermont."

    "The park is amazingly clean, well run, located just of RT 4 and very near to Killington, Vermont. It has multiple lean-to sites which are in wooded areas."

    6. Quechee-Pine Valley KOA

    11 Reviews
    Quechee, VT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 296-6711

    "Nice rustic ,small all amenities park.Great place to explore Vermont ,hundreds of things to do and see in the area. Really like this park."

    "While staying here I could enjoy some fishing, taking the dog for a nice walk, enjoy the evening with a nice fire, camp side, and go swimming on those hot summer days."

    7. Caton Place Campground

    7 Reviews
    Cavendish, VT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 226-7767

    "Easy to drive into the campground and into the site. We had no issues at all. Hosts were very friendly and helpful. Campground was very clean and well manicured."

    8. Camp Plymouth State Park Campground

    1 Review
    Plymouth, VT
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 228-2025

    "From there we were able to access the small boat access and kayak beautiful Echo Lake. This Park has a huge beach and picnic area with a snack bar and boat rentals."

    9. Crown Point Camping Area

    2 Reviews
    Ascutney, VT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 263-5555

    "This is a great campground set in a thick pine forest near a large pond. They have a lagoon for swimming and a children's playground. Hiking trails nearby. Canoes for rent."

    "They have scheduled events that occur including family and adult only fire truck rides around the campground."

    10. Tree Farm Campground

    7 Reviews
    Springfield, VT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 885-2889

    $26 - $36 / night

    "While searching online we learned that Vermont state parks do not have hook ups. We are a family of five with a pop up pull behind and the Glamping lifestyle is a little bit easier on us these days ."

    "There are a few trails around the campground and it is close to Mt Ascutney which if you are feeling a bit lazy there is an auto rd that goes about 3/4 of the way up. 3 mi."

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Recent Reviews near Reading, VT

698 Reviews of 191 Reading Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Ashuelot River Campground

    Nice ‘n Easy campground

    We stayed for 3 days off season so not busy. Sites located along the river are wooded, field sites are very open great for seeing the stars at night. Sites have fire rings with excellent airflow for good burning with low smoke. Hook ups are in great condition for power, water, sewer. Showers and bath house on site. Laundry and game room at office area. Office staff was very helpful and they’re open later into the day til 7 PM. Good firewood and large bundle delivered for $15 to your site. We passed over this site on our first trip to the area but are glad we came here and we’re planning to return. Follow the website directions to get here as there are covered bridges in the area with low Clearance and low weight limits.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Branch Pond on National Forest Hwy

    Amazing camping spots with fire pits!

    Tons of different styles of camping spots (if you get there while its still sunlight you can pick a spot by a flowing stream/river). No public bathrooms, no hookups, I personally didn’t have service.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    NF 83 - riverside

    NF83

    Great camping site. The road into the site was pretty rough.

  • Rae-Ann W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Ashuelot River Campground

    Another great trip to Ashuelot River Campground

    We spent another great weekend at the Ashuelot River Campground. We recently purchased a new-to-us camper and wanted to get in a trip or two before putting it away for the winter. This was our 2nd visit to Ashuelot.

    We were in site 59, a pull-through with water and 30/50 amp service. The site was level and easy to get into and park. We were in a fully wooded area on the left side of the campground, which we prefer. They have sites located in fully open areas, as well as some that are partially wooded and have river access. There is a nice mix.

    Having good weather, we took a lazy tube ride from one side of the campground to the other. It has been quite dry in the area, so they are experiencing a drought. However, a little rain in the week got the river moving a bit. We were able to enjoy a nice, slow drift around the campground.

    We thoroughly enjoyed our time again and will definitely be back.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Storrs Pond Recreation Area

    Okay

    Stayed here on a Sunday night in late September. It was very quiet and peaceful. Tent sites were hilly/uneven and extremely far from the toilets and bathhouse. Bathhouse is old and run down. The shower curtains were covered in mildew so we decided not to shower. We were just here overnight and did not make use of the other recreation facilities.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71

    Amazing Numerous Free Dispersed Camping!

    Easy to get to, had service the whole time, fire pits for every spot. I did see a huge blackbear. I didn’t see any bathrooms.

  • Rachael K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Gus's Gardens Camping

    Nice weekend getaway

    This place was really nice. Easy to pull our 20ft camper in. Two minutes drive to the very cute town of Wilmington. Good places to eat there. The campsite was really private. Had a picnic table and fire pit. The pond was sweet and the Deerfield Valley Trail is right off the campsite. We would definitely like to stay there again.

  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Grout Pond Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

    Grout Pond Loop

    Camping Grout Pond Loop is truly nice after Labor Day (Sept 5-7). Campsites 15 & 16 offer pull-out space to turn around truck campers --we lucked out w/ 4 wheel camper pop-up). Over hanging trees would make it difficult for larger equipment, plus saw posting that excludes trailers from certain roads. We reserved well in advance; however many fellow campers were trying to find first come sites and ended up hiking in to camp around pond sites. Sites are in eye-site of each other but you don't feel crowded. Temps during day around 65-70 F. Nights dipped to 45-55F.
    We saw deer & turkeys driving the surrounding woods after short hikes.
    We love chatting w locals and learned of a special shrine that was faithfully built from stone to resemble original in modern day Turkey. What a special & serene place.


Guide to Reading

Camping near Reading, VT, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails around Quechee State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "There’s a hiking trail beside of 37 and it’s steep going down and up but well worth it. It takes you out to the gorge and to the visitors center."
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Emerald Lake State Park Campground, families can enjoy a lovely lake with a swimming beach. A visitor shared, "The lake and beach is lovely, clean, and the water is warm and clear."
  • Local Attractions: Check out nearby towns like Woodstock for dining and shopping. One camper noted, "If you’re looking for different places to eat, go to White River Junction. Lots of options!"

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A review for Gifford Woods State Park Campground stated, "Bathrooms were cleaned daily, showers were fine."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer generous space between sites. A visitor at Jamaica State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites were large and well spaced out from each other."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. One review for Quechee-Pine Valley KOA said, "The owners were very helpful, meeting all of our needs promptly and always with a smile."

What you should know

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Lake Bomoseen KOA noted, "Cell service is very limited. Very remote."
  • No Electric Hookups: Some campgrounds, like Moosalamoo Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A visitor mentioned, "No electric or hookups."
  • Coin-Operated Showers: Be prepared to bring quarters for showers at several campgrounds. One camper at Emerald Lake State Park Campground shared, "Showers were hot but minimal pressure. No hot water at the sinks."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and safe biking areas. A review for Jamaica State Park Campground highlighted, "Great playground and fun playing in the river."
  • Reserve Early: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. One camper advised, "MAKE SURE YOU RESERVE A TABLE at the public house because they don’t allow walk-ins after a certain hour."
  • Pack Snacks: Some campgrounds have limited food options. A visitor at Quechee State Park Campground recommended, "I recommend eating at the snack bar! Their food is so good."

Tips from RVers

  • Big Rig Friendly: Many campgrounds, like Gifford Woods State Park Campground, can accommodate larger RVs. A camper noted, "The sites are nicely spaced and seem to accommodate big rigs rather well."
  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A review for Emerald Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The road into the campground is super rough though."
  • Bring Your Own Firewood: While some campgrounds sell firewood, it’s good to have your own just in case. A camper at Moosalamoo Campground said, "They have no firewood for sale."

Camping around Reading, VT, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful scenery!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Reading, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Reading, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 191 campgrounds and RV parks near Reading, VT and 29 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Reading, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Reading, VT is Coolidge State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 13 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Reading, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 free dispersed camping spots near Reading, VT.

What parks are near Reading, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Reading, VT that allow camping, notably North Hartland Lake and Green Mountain National Forest.