Springfield camping options range from riverside tent sites to full-hookup RV parks throughout the Vermont and New Hampshire border region. The area sits at the convergence of the Black and Connecticut Rivers with elevations from 400 to 3,000+ feet in the surrounding mountains. Camping season typically runs May through mid-October with fall foliage creating high demand in September.
What to do
Hiking trails: Mount Ascutney State Park Campground offers multiple summit routes of varying difficulty. "There are four different trails up the mountain of varying levels of difficulty. You can also drive right to the top and hike around on the summit trails, which are really pretty and pop out onto ledges with gorgeous vistas," notes Tara S.
Water activities: Jamaica State Park Campground provides river access and swimming opportunities. "There is plenty of trails in the area and you can go to the waterfall/rock slides and take a dip in the pools," shares Jackie G. The West River Trail leads from the campground to Hamilton Falls.
Mountain biking: Tree Farm Campground maintains dedicated bike paths near Springfield. "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," reports John C.
What campers like
Natural features: Riverside sites at Jamaica State Park receive consistent praise. "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," writes M.A.D. P.
Privacy between sites: Tree Farm Campground offers well-spaced camping areas. "The campground is clean and quiet, with sites that are spacious and private," according to Lee A. Many campers note the wooded setting provides good separation between neighboring sites.
Clean facilities: Crow's Nest Campground maintains tidy amenities. "As a tent camper, I greatly appreciate the outdoor sinks for dishwashing at the bathrooms," mentions Brandon C. Several campgrounds in the region provide coin-operated showers, with rates around $1 for 10 minutes.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Many RV sites near Springfield, Vermont close by mid-October. Newfound RV Park operates from May 1 to October 31, with limited availability during peak foliage season. "We were visiting mid-October, so the fall colors made the nature trail even more picturesque," writes Luis F.
Noise factors: Road noise affects some campgrounds in the region. "The road nearby is noisy. Because of its location, you can hear both the local highway and I91. If being in the quiet wilderness is important to you, than this campground might not work out," cautions Rita M. about Mount Ascutney State Park.
Site limitations: Terrain varies significantly across campgrounds. "It was a bit disappointing that the auto road closes before sunset, but I understand that the park needs to have rules to keep folks safe," explains Rita M. regarding Mount Ascutney State Park's policies.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Sandy Beach Campground offers family-friendly recreation areas. "They don't allow sparklers so that was a bummer on the 4th, but still got to see fireworks. Showers are free. We would stay again!" shares Nicole.
Wildlife viewing: Tree Farm Campground features nature trails with various wildlife. "There's a cozy lounge room to hang out in with games, books, crayons, and puzzles; a dog park with toys included; and fabulous hiking trails with lots to see, including a pond, waterfalls, and streams," reports Lee A.
Swimming options: Jamaica State Park provides natural swimming holes. "The campsites were beautiful with the river behind us. Not to many people there so we're got the best spot. The bathrooms are sanitary and are not port-a-potties. For us, they also had a playground to play at, and a boat dock to kayak," writes Meike W.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV parks near Springfield vary in levelness. "Most sites do not have much privacy, but the campground itself is very quiet and clean. Sites 66 & 55 seemed to be the most private," observes Michele S. about Crow's Nest Campground.
Utility placement: Dorset RV Park provides well-organized hookups. "Super Clean. 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," Rachelle S. writes.
Navigation challenges: Many campgrounds have tight access roads. "Tree placement and a pretty sharp 110+ degree turn makes it challenging to maneuver. I don't think campground staff is familiar with their own campground and that larger rigs are likely to have issue in this loop," Katie E. cautions about one Vermont campground.
