Campgrounds near Union Village Dam, Vermont provide a mix of established campgrounds and backcountry options for outdoor enthusiasts. Quechee State Park Campground and Quechee-Pine Valley KOA offer cabins, tent sites, and RV accommodations within a short drive of the dam. Rest N Nest Campground, located in East Thetford, provides full hookup sites with water and electric connections. The region includes both privately operated campgrounds with amenities and more primitive backcountry shelter sites along the Appalachian Trail for those seeking a more rustic experience.
Most developed campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically from May through mid-October. Quechee State Park is open from May 19 to October 16, while Quechee-Pine Valley KOA operates from late May to mid-October. Winter camping options are extremely limited, with most facilities closing completely during the colder months. Bathhouse facilities vary significantly between locations, with some offering clean, modern facilities while others provide more basic amenities. Advanced reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for summer weekends and fall foliage season when campgrounds reach capacity. A camper noted, "Bathrooms were cleaner than mine at home. Nostalgic feel with playground, pool, and rec hall."
Several visitors highlight the natural surroundings and peaceful atmosphere as key features of camping in this region. Campgrounds near the Connecticut River offer scenic water views and recreational opportunities. The backcountry shelters along the Appalachian Trail provide basic accommodations for hikers, with typical amenities including three-sided shelters, tent platforms, and primitive toilets. These sites have minimal facilities but offer immersion in Vermont's forested landscape. According to one visitor at Happy Hill Backcountry Shelter, "The shelter had a ground floor and a loft but each floor could maybe fit 4-5 people comfortably." Campgrounds with swimming pools and recreation halls tend to be popular with families, while the more secluded backcountry sites appeal to hikers seeking solitude and connection with nature.
$38 / night
"The Quechee Gorge, best accessed from the back of the lawn behind the bathhouse, is the deepest in Vermont.. which is kind of like saying the best bagel or most populous city in Vermont."
"Got there close to the time the rangers left for the night, Nick was really kind to make sure I got situated before he left."
"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."
$30 - $50 / night
"Only one of the sites is located along the brook (45), but there's an easy path down a hill. "
"Off the beaten path so its peaceful. Sites are a little small but great if you're camping with a group so your close together. Plenty of sites/types to choose from."
$49 - $129 / night
"Both times were very different experiences, but overall very positive. Just because there are a few, I will mention the cons first."
"We have stayed in 3 different sections and they are all great with my preference being site 20 with the brook running behind your site which is on a small but nice nature trail."
$30 - $40 / night
"I had site 1 which is near office but away from all other sites so it was very quiet. It's a large site with a nearby brook on 2 sides."
$25 - $35 / night
"In New Hampshire; Vermont is across the river on the north side of the property. Nice bathroom, showers, laundry room, library. Spacious lots with tables and fire rings."
"Note this is a back country shelter along the Appalachian Trail, so it is 100% long hike in with no guaranteed water and a basic privvy."
"Note: This is a back country shelter site that is hike-in only on the Appalachian Trail. There can be seasonal water sources but water is not guaranteed."
"I tent camped here in August while doing a section hike of the Appalachian Trail. "
ScoutPublic Lands with about 8 semi private sites, each with nice views west or easterly. It's a large meadow and with a breeze, it will keep bugs away. Lacking a breeze, it is tough but still beautiful
ScoutI highly recommend this place, clean bathrooms, river front camping sites.
Traveler75 first come first served sites with flush toilets and a single shower site with pay showers. The campground is beautiful and sites are well spaced and private. Short trails lead to the Swift River directly out of the back of the campground.
ScoutAs noted by others, most of the sites have a fire ring and nothing more. A little more than half of the sites can be driven to and others require a very short walk (50 ft?). The toilets mentioned are at Texas falls area and are not a practical walk from most of the campsites.
There are no showers.
Aside from the loop trail at the falls there are also a couple of snowmobile trails that cross the area.
RangerStayed here for a week. Josh and Dori were super nice and helpful. Level grass field with water and 30amp hookup. Fire pit port o potty, creek across the street. Very pretty setting. Dark sky area. Cell att and Verizon we decent enough to work plus they had WiFi if needed.
RangerOur favorite campground in the area is Winhall Brook, but it has been closed for about 3 years since the flooding in VT. Hapgood Pond is a good alternative. It is a little more primitive with pit toilets in most of the campground except the bath house. We appreciate the pond for swimming and the nice easy pond loop trail for hiking. Hapgood is in close proximity to Manchester and near the Appalachian Trail.
ScoutMy family and I stayed in cabin 1 and had a direct view on top of the Pemi river. On site managers were very helpful. Will be back!
ScoutThis is a great campground to be a seasonal at! 1 mile from a beautiful beach on Lake Winnipesaukee. 1 mile from town with cute shops and nice restaurants. Friendly staff. Seasonals are very friendly and welcome new seasonals. Campground is taken care of. It is family owned and they really care. I love the fact it is all seasonal- it has a wonderful community feel.
TravelerFree dispersed camping right off of the road. Includes picnic tables and a fire ring. It is located in the mountains of Vermont and right next to a beautiful river. The only con was the highway noise since it's pretty close to the road. But, it's free, and in the beautiful mountains of vermont so cant really complain.
Camping options around Union Village Dam include both rustic and modern sites within a 20-mile radius. The area sits at the junction of the Ompompanoosuc River and the Connecticut River Valley, creating a landscape of rolling hills and waterways. Union Village Dam campsites experience typical New England seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
Fishing opportunities: At Jacobs Brook Campground, campers can access the brook that runs through the property. "There's a book that runs through the campground, providing a shady respite and swimming hole in a hot summer day. Only one of the sites is located along the brook (45), but there's an easy path down a hill," notes one visitor.
River recreation: Near Union Village Dam campsites, water activities are popular. The Pastures Campground offers direct river access according to visitors: "Lots of room; nice pool and a playground; right on the Connecticut River," reports Jake H., making it convenient for kayaking and swimming.
Hiking access: Appalachian Trail segments are accessible from several Union Village Dam camping areas. A hiker at Moose Mountain Backcountry Shelter mentioned, "The shelter did stand out with a bench overlooking a clearing in the brush with a view which was a great place to enjoy my freeze dried dinner."
Privacy between sites: At Quechee State Park Campground, campers appreciate the layout. A reviewer noted, "Big, flat, beautiful sites. Road noise isn't super loud, but it's constant. Might be the nicest bathrooms I've seen in decades of camping."
Clean facilities: Many Union Village Dam camping areas maintain quality restrooms. At Quechee-Pine Valley KOA, a visitor mentioned, "This KOA is what you expect from a KOA– lots of amenities, sites of all sizes and levels of cost, tons of activities, and in a vacation destination area."
Winter accessibility: While most regional campgrounds close seasonally, Storrs Pond Recreation Area remains open year-round. A September visitor noted, "I had site 1 which is near office but away from all other sites so it was very quiet. It's a large site with a nearby brook on 2 sides."
Seasonal water availability: Backcountry sites have unreliable water sources, especially in summer. At Happy Hill Backcountry Shelter, a hiker observed, "There wasn't any water at the source while I was staying here and it looks like a seasonal source."
Site configurations: Some campgrounds have unusual site layouts. At Storrs Pond Recreation Area, a camper pointed out, "Only complaint is the site is set up 'backwards' - the electric hookups are on door side of rv and the picnic table/main area of site is on non door side."
Pet policies: Rules vary by location. Moose Hillock Camping Resort is pet-friendly but has specific areas for dogs, with one camper noting: "There is a fenced dog park which was a fairly good size and our lab was happy to chase a ball."
Pool amenities: Moose Hillock Camping Resort offers water recreation popular with children. "The pool really is as awesome as it looks. The playground is amazing," shared one parent, while another added, "Night swimming, entertainment on some nights, big sites, fishing, camp store with decent prices."
Ranger programs: Educational activities add value for kids at select Union Village Dam campsites. At Quechee State Park Campground, a family mentioned, "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.)"
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas. Rest N Nest Campground includes "nostalgic feel with playground, pool, and rec hall," according to a recent visitor.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at some Union Village Dam camping areas. A visitor at Rest N Nest Campground observed, "Awesome owners with a small campground! Swimming pond and pool. Small Playground. Pull through, back in, tent sites."
Hookup availability: Electric and water hookups vary widely. At Jacobs Brook Campground, sites include different services with a visitor reporting, "Hosts were very nice and welcoming. Very calm considering the holiday weekend. Private sights with good access to facilities and bathhouse."
Connectivity issues: Cell service and WiFi access is limited. At Moose Hillock Camping Resort, a camper advised, "If you are in dire need of WiFi, it is nearly non-existent on the grounds, you can get it a little here & there in the pool area."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Union Village Dam?
According to TheDyrt.com, Union Village Dam offers a wide range of camping options, with 234 campgrounds and RV parks near Union Village Dam and 22 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Union Village Dam?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Union Village Dam is Quechee State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 24 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Union Village Dam?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 free dispersed camping spots near Union Village Dam.
What parks are near Union Village Dam?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Union Village Dam that allow camping, notably North Hartland Lake and Green Mountain National Forest.
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