218 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Peru, Vermont ranges from full-hookup RV parks to free dispersed sites, with tent camping at state parks and federal campgrounds within 10-15 miles. Hapgood Pond Campground and Emerald Lake State Park Campground provide established sites within 10-15 miles of Peru, while Winhall Brook Camping Area offers riverside camping along the West River. These mixed-use campgrounds accommodate tents, RVs, and some offer cabins, particularly at Dorset RV Park which includes full hookups. Grout Pond provides a more primitive option with walk-in tent sites, while the Downed Bridge Camp area allows free dispersed camping.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October, closing for the harsh Vermont winters. "The campground is meticulous as it is run by the Army Corps and they have done a great job," noted one Winhall Brook visitor. Road access varies considerably, with some sites requiring short walks from parking areas, particularly at Grout Pond. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, with visitors reporting "Verizon service and Starlink worked great" at Hapgood Pond, while many other areas have limited coverage. Reservation requirements differ by location, with state parks and some federal campgrounds accepting reservations up to 11 months in advance, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Peru area. Several developed campgrounds sit adjacent to swimming areas, with Emerald Lake State Park featuring what one visitor called "an awesome park for kids, and the turquoise water is a dream to cool off in." Winhall Brook provides riverside camping where "two rivers intersect in the campground" creating opportunities for tubing and wading. Campers seeking more privacy should consider sites at Hapgood Pond or dispersed camping options, as reviews indicate some campgrounds have closely spaced sites with limited screening. Amenities vary widely across the region's campgrounds, from primitive sites with vault toilets to more developed facilities offering showers, electric hookups, and camp stores. Firewood availability differs between locations, with some requiring campers to bring their own supplies.
"Beautiful campground in south central Vermont. On a lovely emerald green small lake with nice beach. Good for fishing and kayaking. Well kept."
"The camp sites are quite a bit of a walk up the hill from the lake where there is swimming, kayaking, paddle boating and picnicking."
"This tops our list for camping in Vermont. There is so much to do here, and yet the campground feels very private and quiet. There are 41 tent/RV sites to choose from and 18 lean-tos."
"This was our second stay at this Vermont State Park. It was a great three days. The park rangers were tremendous in ensuring we had a delightful visit. They worked with us to get the right site."
from $20 - $42 / night
Check Availability"The campground is located where Winhall River meets the West River."
"There is a small group of camp sides with electricity and water but most sites have none. The bathrooms are clean. Where the two rivers intersect is a nice sport to put your feet in the water."
from $24 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Our first time in Vermont and we picked an awesome campground. This place has a great layout with lots of great sites to choose from. There are several sites right on the river!
Clean bath houses."
"Site 16 had a path to the river and was slightly tucked away. Sites 13 and 14 were cool spots too, I’d imagine in the summer you may have less privacy because it’s near the swimming area."
from $45 - $57 / night
Check Availability"My friend and I were desperately looking for a place to spend the weekend, and with Covid making it a little more difficult to rely on walking in and finding a campsite, we made a blind reservation for"
"We were the only campers along the waterfront, but there were a few car campers in the sites near the road."
from $16 / night
Check Availability"The surrounding grounds are mostly manicured fields."
"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."
"The roads and campsites are gravel and a little tight to get around because of all the trees but we were able to manage in our 45’ motorhome."
"The location was very good in allowing us to visit family in nearby village and go into nearby Manchester Center. Much more of an RV Park (name is on the money) than camping where we had our site."
"Vermont to begin with is beautiful. Getting into a national park to begin with is usually a fee, and then camping is a separate fee."
"All of the campsites are just a minute walk to the water. There is also a nice trail the leads all the way around the water."
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Greendale Campground is a small remote campground located along Greendale Brook in Weston, VT. There are 11 campsites available in a wooded setting."
"We picked a nice site next to a babbling brook. While we only tent camped we plan to return with our new to us pop up this year. We only saw two cars during our entire stay."
"Great location for a small group to camp at. Can't wait to go back. The main area is a walk in and is worth it. The road into here was easy to drive. "
GuideNice campground near Killington, VT. Water and dump station. Not for big rigs we have a 21 ft TT. Things were tight but doable. One of the few Vermont state campgrounds that is still open. Most close from second Monday in October until Memorial Day.
ScoutFirst time camping in this area and we really liked it. The pool kept the kids busy and we spent the evenings around the fire.
ScoutThe Sugar River was our favorite part. We spent a good amount of time down by the water and the kids loved cooling off there.
TravelerLove this place. We were the only ones there during a weekday visit in October. It’s incredibly peaceful with wooded sites and the lake is just gorgeous with the fall foliage. Bonus that they deliver firewood to the campsite. My only wish and I wouldn’t knock a star off because we were literally the only ones there is I wish they didn’t lock the showers. I would have loved to have a shower but the office was closed and I wasn’t able to find anyone to unlock a shower. Just be prepared and bring your dude wipes 🤣 Other than that amazing place.
TravelerLots of beautiful spots to pick from but be careful some are a bit muddy. We brought our school bus down the dirt road just fine and backed right in. They also have fireplaces which was nice!
GuideWonderful owners. A variety of sites to choose from in a relaxing setting. No waste hookups here, but they have a dump station. $51 per night with cash.
TravelerLaundry is clean, bathrooms are clean and showers are hot. Pool, dishwashing station, sometimes quite sometimes very active. Love this place! Wish it was open year round!
LegendThis is a quiet campground in a quiet part of the state. The terrain is mountainous, and all of the sites are private. There are two loops, one for tents/RVs and one for lean-tos. We stayed in the Willow lean-to, and while our site didn't have a view, it was one of the most private sites we've stayed in and just a short walk to the bathhouse.
The campground was created by the CCC in the 1930s, and from what I've heard, it hasn't changed much since that time. While we were here, we visited the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site (very cool), Long Trail Brewing, and the town of Woodstock. Great trip!
GuideFree dispersed camping site in the Green Mountain National Forest, off a dirt road. The site curves around past the driveway so you can tuck up into the trees to be more private. The upper part there has a circular open area, surrounded by thin trees. There’s a fire ring set up midway on the site. It felt more isolated than other sites I’ve stayed at and there were quite a few animal sounds in the woods, including large animal bones left past the treeline. They seem to be left behind from people (based off of how the bones were cut). Dispersed camping so don’t expect facilities of any sort. Decent site and pretty large compared to some of the other spots. Heard Barred Owls in the distance which was awesome. Uploaded a video of the site at night and pics of the area on a map that my friend was able to pull up.
Peru, Vermont sits nestled within Green Mountain National Forest, offering access to several developed campgrounds and dispersed camping areas. Hapgood Pond Campground and Winhall Brook Camping Area provide established camping options for tent and RV camping, while Grout Pond Campground offers a more primitive experience. Most campgrounds in the area feature both tent and RV sites, with Dorset RV Park and Camping on the Battenkill providing additional amenities like electric hookups and water access. The Downed Bridge Camp area offers free dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking a more rustic experience.
The camping season in this region typically runs from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend, with most facilities closing during the colder months. "Weather is amazing. The lake is just amazing. A lot of owls at night!" noted one visitor about Emerald Lake State Park. Road conditions vary throughout the area, with some campgrounds requiring travel on unpaved forest roads. Cell service can be limited at many locations, though some visitors report adequate coverage at specific campgrounds. Reservations are recommended for most established campgrounds, especially during peak summer weekends and holiday periods. Several campgrounds offer reservable sites through recreation.gov or state park reservation systems.
Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the Peru area. Many campgrounds feature proximity to lakes, ponds, or rivers that provide swimming and paddling opportunities. "Beautiful campground with access to 3 river streams. Bathrooms were clean," reported one camper at Winhall Brook. Mixed-use campgrounds like Emerald Lake State Park offer both water recreation and hiking trails. Visitors frequently mention the quiet atmosphere despite occasional road noise at some locations. Amenities vary significantly between developed sites and more primitive options—some provide showers, flush toilets, and electric hookups while others offer only basic facilities. Several camping areas feature fire rings and picnic tables, though firewood availability differs by location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping in Peru, Vermont?
Peru, Vermont offers excellent camping options within a short drive. Hapgood Pond in nearby Manchester provides affordable camping in the Green Mountain National Forest for just $10 per night, with a peaceful setting that's never too crowded. Another great option is Woodford State Park Campground, located between Wilmington and Bennington in southern Vermont. It surrounds Adams Reservoir and holds the distinction of being the highest elevation state campground in Vermont, featuring two beaches including a day-use area. For RV travelers, Camping On The Battenkill near Arlington offers drive-in sites with water hookups and big-rig-friendly accommodations.
What outdoor activities are available near Peru, Vermont?
Peru, Vermont and its surrounding areas offer diverse outdoor activities for campers and adventure seekers. At Jamaica State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy activities along the West River in a private, quiet setting. Mount Ascutney State Park Campground provides excellent mountain biking trails for all skill levels. The region offers hiking opportunities throughout the Green Mountains, swimming in natural lakes and ponds, fishing, and paddling. Moosalamoo Campground provides access to cascading waterfalls, mountain views, and incredible swimming holes. During winter, Peru is close to popular ski areas including Bromley Mountain. The Long Trail and Appalachian Trail also pass near the area, offering day-hiking and backpacking opportunities.
What is the best time of year to visit Peru, Vermont for camping?
The best time to camp in Peru, Vermont is from late May through early October when weather conditions are most favorable. Wilgus State Park Campground opens earlier than most Vermont state parks, welcoming campers in early May with camping cabins available for those wanting to beat the crowds despite cooler temperatures. For peak fall foliage, plan your trip for late September to early October. Gifford Woods State Park Campground is particularly beautiful during autumn, though cell reception may slow during this popular season. Summer months offer warm temperatures ideal for swimming and water activities, while spring brings beautiful wildflowers but potentially muddy conditions. Winter camping is possible for experienced campers, but many campgrounds close for the season.
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