Camping options near Union Village Dam provide access to the 170-foot earthen dam constructed in 1950 along the Ompompanoosuc River. Located at 1125 feet elevation, the area experiences cool summer nights with average temperatures dropping to the mid-50s. Seasonal considerations affect campsite availability, with most locations operating from late May through mid-October and several offering limited services during shoulder seasons.
What to do
Hiking at Quechee State Park Campground: The park connects directly to Quechee Gorge via a dedicated trail system, with access points for multiple difficulty levels. One visitor noted, "We were able to walk to the gorge as well as to the Antique mall. The staff was very friendly and accommodating with us. The ice cream was really close and really good."
River activities at Baker River Campground: Offers swimming beach and riverside access points for fishing. A camper reported, "There were tubes and a picnic table at the top of the beach area, we ended tubing down the river one day. The staff was very nice. Close to a beautiful hiking spot and some stores, restaurants and gas stations."
Explore historical sites: The Marsh Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park in nearby Woodstock features preserved 19th-century buildings and working farm demonstrations. According to a visitor at Gifford Woods State Park Campground, "We stayed in the Elm lean-to, which sits up on a wooded hill. The Appalachian Trail runs right through the park and you can hike up to Deer Leep, around Kent Pond, or to Thundering Falls right from the campground."
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer well-separated sites with natural screening. A visitor to Moose Hillock Camping Resort mentioned, "What we loved about this campground was that they had a huge pool and water slides. Our site was one of the largest sites we've stayed in. They also did a great job of maintaining the beauty of the mountains and landscape."
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain well-serviced shower and restroom facilities. According to a camper at Ricker Pond State Park Campground, "The water is delicious by the way, so don't bother with any bottled variety– this is the good stuff. The staff have gone the extra mile and planted flowers along many of the choicest camping areas."
Seasonal activities: Many campgrounds schedule events during peak seasons. One visitor to Plymouth Sands noted, "The river is very clean and a nice spot to hang out in the sun and splash around (not very deep most of the year)." Another camper shared, "My favorite activity was putting in a couple miles up river and floating back to camp over the course of a few hours, ultimate lazy river."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have limited or no connectivity. A visitor to Ricker Pond State Park mentioned, "There is absolutely no cell service for miles, so plan accordingly." Similarly, a Moose Hillock camper noted, "No WiFi or cell service except by the pool which can be hard if you need to be contacted."
Terrain challenges: The geography creates some challenging terrain at certain sites. A visitor to Plymouth Sands Camping Area mentioned, "The campground is in a convenient location near lots of hiking trails and attractions. The sites are decently spacious and have various configurations for utilities."
Weather variability: The region experiences significant temperature swings. A Quechee State Park camper observed, "Just finishing up a week in Quechee State Park campground and have to say the place is really really nice. The sites are nicely spaced and seem to accommodate big rigs rather well. Biggest Con- It looks like the state has spread out RCA on the sites, which probably could have been spread out better and made more level."
Tips for camping with families
Choose waterfront sites: Sites with water access provide built-in entertainment. A visitor to Baker Rocks shared, "Our family of 4 visited Baker Rocks during a very rainy week and still had an amazing time. The campsites are private and spacious, the property is large and beautiful, close to the river. The owners are so kind and accommodating."
Book early for glamping near Union Village Dam: Premium accommodations fill quickly, especially during summer months. According to a camper at Quechee State Park, "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.) Pets are welcome."
Consider noise factors: Some campgrounds experience road noise. A camper at Gifford Woods noted, "When camping in VT it is usually our goal to hike, rest, cook, and relax at camp. Gifford Woods has great access to the AT and the Long Trail, nice bathrooms, and kind staff... but campers beware- it is wedged between two major highways."
Tips from RVers
Check hookup configurations: Sites vary widely in available hookups. A camper at River Meadow Campground RV Park shared, "Primarily for RVs. Combo of seasonal and transient. Excellent services. On CT river with kayaks and canoes."
Prepare for limited cell service: Download maps and information before arrival. A visitor at Moose Hillock noted, "You can see all your neighbors but noise level wasn't terrible. There were a lot of dogs - again totally fine but many barked all day when their owners were away."
Plan for shower quarters: Many campgrounds charge for showers. According to a Pine Haven camper, "The bathhouse was clean for a busy weekend. I took off a star because when we came back to our campsite on Saturday afternoon, there was an ongoing loud motor noise of ATVs racing, as there is a race track nearby."
