The Connecticut River Valley surrounding Vernon provides camping options at elevations between 200-600 feet. The region experiences temperature variations with summer averages of 80°F during the day and 55°F at night. Winter camping is sparse with temperatures often dropping below freezing, while spring brings significant mud season challenges for campers accessing more remote sites.
What to do
Hiking to Mount Olga firetower: Take the 1.7-mile round trip trail at Molly Stark State Park where hikers can climb the fire tower for panoramic views. "There's a fire tower at the top, which provides awesome views of the Green Mountains. It's also fun to explore the relics of the old Hogback Ski Resort," reports one camper.
Water activities on Ashuelot River: Bring tubes or kayaks to Ashuelot River Campground for relaxing river floats. "We took a lazy tube ride from one side of the campground to the other. It has been quite dry in the area, so they are experiencing a drought. However, a little rain in the week got the river moving a bit," shares one visitor.
Explore rail trails: Access the Ashuelot Rail Trail directly from campgrounds in the region. "You can pick up the Ashuelot Rail Trail at the campground. They have canoes and kayaks on site, plus a shuttle service for water sports or biking," notes a camper.
What campers like
Secluded forest sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy at Hidden Acres Camping Resort. "We stayed in site 1, which was HUGE and extremely private. Sites closer to the water that we saw were less private, but still very peaceful and spread out," according to visitors at nearby campgrounds.
Proximity to Brattleboro: Campers value the quick access to town for supplies and entertainment. "This is a cute campground biking distance from Brattleboro. The store and ice cream are cute, prices are very reasonable. Staff is fantastic and friendly," reports one camper about Hidden Acres.
Farm-based camping: Maple Ridge Farm offers a more rustic camping experience with added conveniences. "The owners were so friendly and excited to welcome campers. They have a common room that has games and eggs for sale. Toilet and shower were very clean. Very lush campground, plenty of space and privacy between sites," notes one visitor.
What you should know
Varying site accessibility: At Tully Lake Recreation Area, you cannot drive directly to your site. "There is no parking at each site, but a parking lot, then you can use a cart to truck your things in, anywhere from a few yards to about a mile," explains one camper.
Water conditions fluctuate: Water levels in regional rivers can change quickly during summer months. "The river provides alright fishing if you're looking for something to do. Only downside is it's pretty close to the main road and you hear a majority of the traffic," cautions a camper about Ashuelot River.
Bear activity requires precautions: Wildlife encounters are possible at several campgrounds. "When I went to hook up the water, a pile of fresh bear scat was right there! They did say there was wildlife in the area!" reports a camper at Hidden Acres Camping Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Family-friendly amenities vary significantly between campgrounds. "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. RV spots, tent camping spots, a dog park, badminton, basketball, horseshoe, shuffleboard, the works," notes a visitor at Hidden Acres.
Choosing the right campsite: Families should consider noise levels when selecting sites. "No cars at all at the campsites, which was great for peace of mind as our toddler roamed around. It also made for a super quiet stay," reports a Tully Lake camper.
Book early for holiday weekends: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak times. "The sites fill up weeks out (and can completely fill the day registration opens, which is date-dependent each year...Booking for Memorial Day meant I booked in April), so you have to be on your game," advises a camper about Tully Lake Recreation Area.
Tips from RVers
Bridge clearance awareness: Be mindful of covered bridges when navigating to Hinsdale Campground At Thicket Hill Village. "Follow the website directions to get here as there are covered bridges in the area with low clearance and low weight limits," warns one RVer.
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer varying levels of hookups. "Full hookup site was awesome," notes one extended-stay camper at Hinsdale, while another reports, "All sites are full hookups with several primitive tent sites."
Site leveling considerations: Some campgrounds require more setup work than others. "The site was level and easy to get into and park. We were in a fully wooded area on the left side of the campground, which we prefer," explains a visitor to Ashuelot River Campground.
