Best Campgrounds near Vernon, VT

Southern Vermont's camping landscape around Vernon includes several established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive. Fort Dummer State Park in nearby Guilford offers tent and RV sites with water hookups but no electrical connections, operating from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. Just across the state line, Hinsdale Campground at Thicket Hill Village in New Hampshire provides more amenities including full hookups for RVs from April through October. The Brattleboro North KOA in East Dummerston features cabins alongside traditional camping options with modern facilities. Maple Ridge Farm offers a more rustic tent camping experience with walk-in sites that provide a quieter atmosphere for those seeking more seclusion.

Vermont state parks in this region typically require advance reservations, particularly for summer weekends and fall foliage season. Most campgrounds open in mid-May and close by mid-October, with limited options available during winter months. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with better coverage near towns and spotty reception in more remote locations. As one camper noted about Vermont state parks, "Camping at Vermont State parks is always top notch. We had a lean-to site and good privacy from the sites around us." Many campgrounds feature coin-operated showers, with rates typically around 50 cents for five minutes. Bear activity is present in some areas, requiring proper food storage.

The Connecticut River valley provides numerous waterfront camping opportunities near Vernon. Sites along rivers and lakes are particularly popular, with many campers highlighting water access as a key feature. Lean-to structures are common at state parks, offering protection from rain while maintaining a rustic camping experience. Fall camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors who appreciate the vibrant foliage displays. "The fall foliage is unreal!" noted one reviewer of Woodford State Park. Families appreciate the generally quiet atmosphere at most campgrounds, with enforced quiet hours typically from 10pm to 7am. Hiking trails connect directly to many campgrounds, allowing for exploration without driving. Most Vermont state parks do not offer electrical hookups, making them better suited for tent camping or self-contained RVs prepared for boondocking.

Best Camping Sites Near Vernon, Vermont (177)

    1. Fort Dummer State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Brattleboro, VT
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 254-2610

    "There are 3 nice and short trails, 2 with a great view and the other that is quite steep down to a swimming hole."

    "We had site 30, which looked to be one of the best sites available (and the lean-tos next to site 30 also looked great). Most sites on this side of the loop were private, forested, and spacious."

    2. Ashuelot River Campground

    18 Reviews
    West Swanzey, NH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 357-5777

    $47 - $70 / night

    "We had easy access to trails that went along the river behind some of the sites with a few paths down to the river. Everyone we encountered was friendly and respectful."

    "Large, open campground surrounded by the Ashuelot River. Friendly owners who go around delivering wood and ice to guests given the pandemic right now."

    3. Kampfires

    8 Reviews
    West Chesterfield, NH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 254-2098

    $30 - $50 / night

    "They have an ice cream shop attached to their office/store, mini golf just outside of it too. There is an amphitheater for concerts and shows throughout the summer."

    "Even though it is off season, there are several units throughout but dispersed so no one was right next to us. The site was somewhat level with a gravel base. FHU at each site made hook up easy."

    4. Molly Stark State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Wilmington, VT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 464-5460

    "This park is close to my house in southern Vermont. We usually visit during the day to hike to the top of the Mt. Olga firetower."

    "There are no hookups at any Vermont state parks (Molly Stark included). We stayed at site T16. It's a pull through RV site with a fire ring & picnic table."

    5. Hinsdale Campground At Thicket Hill Village

    2 Reviews
    Hinsdale, NH
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 336-8906

    $65 / night

    "Used by a lot of offroad bikes on weekends. Great swimming pool! Spent a week plus there and had no problems with the dirt bikes and loved the pool."

    "There’s ATV trails, activities, and for what you get it’s absolutely worth it."

    6. Brattleboro North KOA

    4 Reviews
    West Chesterfield, NH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 254-5908

    "It was only like 40 mins away from us. Just to get away. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable of the area . They had activities for kids and adults. They had a rec."

    "The pool was sparkling clean and the best part, not a bunch of screaming kids running around. There's a market next door with fresh fruit and veggies for sale. The store is large and well stocked."

    7. Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake

    9 Reviews
    Royalston, MA
    17 miles
    +1 (978) 249-9150

    $40 / night

    "Tully Lake Campground is located in Royalston, MA, which is a northern part of Central Massachusetts, near the New Hampshire border."

    "Volleyball and horseshoes are near the entrance. You may purchase firewood. The bathrooms offer flush toilets and a single shower on each site, plus a dishwashing sink outside."

    8. Maple Ridge Farm

    1 Review
    Vernon, VT
    5 miles
    Website

    $25 - $30 / night

    "They'll drive you in an ATV up to some of the sites that are further away from the parking lot."

    9. Gilson Pond Area Campground — Monadnock State Park

    19 Reviews
    Jaffrey, NH
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 532-2416

    $29 / night

    "Campsites are well shaded but if you have an RV take the time to rent an RV site otherwise backing in will put you in and awkward position as the mixed use “standard” sites are oriented towards tent camping"

    "The campsite is big and away from another site. You can easilly access to hiking trails. The staff there are friendly and helpful. It's definitely a plus."

    10. Travelers Woods Of New England, Inc

    1 Review
    Greenfield, MA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 648-9105

    "This is a campground close to where we live. It’s right off interstate 91. The owners are very friendly and courteous. Had a small store a small tv room, clean bathrooms and showers ."

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Recent Reviews near Vernon, VT

738 Reviews of 177 Vernon Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Spacious Skies French Pond

    Helpful staff

    The staff was friendly. Don't forget the flashlight. There is very little lighting to find your way around the winding roads of the campground which adds to the charm.

  • Marc D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Mount Ascutney State Park Campground

    Great state park

    This is a beautiful state park at the base of Mt ascutney. The campground is lovely. Forest Ed and beautiful fall colors in October. Good facilities. Friendly staff. Some noise from the interstate but not terrible. There is a 3.7 mile road that is extremely steep but paved, and goes to the summit of the mountain. Less than 1 mile hike from there to the observation tower. Great views. Lots of hiking trail trails.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Zoar Outdoor

    Nice and would like to visit again but not within 12 hours-BOO

    I’m writing this mid-October from western MA. In between homes and looked forward to staying another night, but can not because of a 12 hour advance policy. There were plenty of tent sites available last night. Not a happy camper.

  • Carroll K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Gus's Gardens Camping

    It was quite and peaceful

    We enjoyed our stay with Gus very much. With the email to confirm our stay, there were excellent directions to get there. It is behind his home by a lake with creek nearby. There is also a hiking trail. We had no problems. If we are in the area again, we would camp here again.  Thanks

  • Lin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Spacious Skies French Pond

    Best Camp in the area

    I am enjoying this camp still, even after 6 months. Management is wonderful and attentive. They take great care of the whole camp and us campers. Fun events are scheduled on the regular!

  • Keith L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Jamaica State Park Campground

    Great Camping Experience at Jamaica State Park

    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 great visit. They worked with us to get the right site. The bathroom facilities, while rustic, were clean. There is a plethora of things to do in the park itself and in the local community. Nonetheless, it starts and ends with the management of the campground. Lauren, the campground manager, and her team of professionals, do a great job. We will definitely return.

  • 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.


Guide to Vernon

Camping near Vernon, Vermont, offers a mix of beautiful scenery 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 and Biking: Explore the trails around Jamaica State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Amazing programming options from the ranger staff each day," making it a great spot for outdoor activities.
  • Swimming and Fishing: At Woodford State Park Campground, you can enjoy the reservoir for swimming and fishing. A reviewer said, "The lake next to the campground is beautiful and has plenty of picnic tables and grills for use."
  • Playgrounds and Family Fun: Families will appreciate the playgrounds at Jamaica State Park Campground. One parent shared, "The kids were able to safely ride bikes on the camp roads," highlighting the kid-friendly environment.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Woodford State Park Campground noted, "The bathrooms are BEAUTIFUL! The nicest I've seen yet."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campers appreciate the large, well-spaced sites. One reviewer at Jamaica State Park Campground said, "Sites were large and well spaced out from each other."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor at Woodford State Park Campground remarked, "The staff there are friendly and helpful. It's definitely a plus."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service at many campgrounds. A camper at Greenfield State Park Campground mentioned, "I had no phone service (Verizon) anywhere in the park."
  • No Hookups: Most campgrounds in the area do not offer electric hookups. A visitor at Woodford State Park Campground advised, "Be prepared for no hook-ups but there is a dump station for self-contained toilets."
  • Seasonal Availability: Many campgrounds are only open from late spring to early fall. For example, Molly Stark State Park Campground operates from Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring Bikes: The campgrounds are great for biking. A parent at Jamaica State Park Campground said, "The kids were able to safely ride bikes on the camp roads."
  • Pack Snacks: Some campgrounds have limited supplies nearby. A visitor at Woodford State Park Campground advised, "Make sure you stock up before you get there; stuff is expensive at the corner stores."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Many campgrounds enforce quiet hours. A camper at Ashuelot River Campground appreciated the enforced quiet, saying, "Everyone we encountered was friendly and respectful."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to choose a site that fits your RV. A reviewer at Ashuelot River Campground mentioned, "Our site was very spacious, level and included a picnic table, fire ring, and nicely placed hookups for water and electric."
  • Use Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with the dump station locations. A visitor at Woodford State Park Campground noted, "There is a dump station for self-contained toilets."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds have limited amenities. A camper at Greenfield State Park Campground mentioned, "There’s a little store in the ranger office with basic supplies and gifts."

Camping near Vernon, Vermont, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Vernon camping facilities?

Mount Ascutney State Park Campground offers clean facilities, clear hiking trails, and mountain biking opportunities. Meanwhile, Wilgus State Park Campground features camping cabins for those seeking a more comfortable experience, especially during cooler seasons. Most campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities such as restrooms, water access, and picnic areas. Some parks like Mount Ascutney have shower facilities and recreational trails. KOA campgrounds typically offer more extensive amenities including laundry facilities, recreation rooms, and organized activities for both children and adults.

Where are the best campgrounds near Vernon?

The Vernon area offers exceptional camping options, with Jamaica State Park Campground being a top choice featuring 41 tent/RV sites and 18 lean-tos, some situated right along the West River in a quiet, private setting. For those looking to explore neighboring regions, Brattleboro North KOA provides a family-friendly atmosphere with activities for all ages and convenient access to downtown Brattleboro. Other excellent options within driving distance include Fort Dummer State Park, Wilgus State Park, and Mount Ascutney State Park, each offering unique natural surroundings and recreational opportunities.

Do I need reservations for camping in Vernon?

Reservations are highly recommended for most campgrounds near Vernon, especially during peak season. Tully Lake Recreation Area requires reservations through the Massachusetts Trustees of Reservations, with prime sites having direct water access being particularly coveted. Woodford State Park Campground also operates on a reservation system, with its unique position as Vermont's highest elevation state campground making it popular among visitors. For budget-conscious campers, Hapgood Pond in Green Mountain National Forest has a more first-come, first-served approach, though it's wise to check ahead as policies may change seasonally.