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jeanne A.
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GuideGreenwood Lodge & Campsites
Relaxing overnight
Wonderful 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.
Camping near Vernon, VT
189 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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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 Campgrounds near Vernon (189)
1. Fort Dummer State Park Campground
"you might figure that being so close to the city, and the highway, it would be somewhat abused, but not so. Very clean and well kept."
"This campground is pretty centrally located with easy access to grocery stores, gas, and the highway. It is down a quiet road far enough that you do not hear any traffic noise."
2. Ashuelot River Campground
"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."
from $47 - $70 / night
Check Availability3. Molly Stark State Park Campground
"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."
4. Kampfires
"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."
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability5. Hinsdale Campground At Thicket Hill Village
"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."
"Plenty of trails close to everything you need. Full hookup site was awesome"
from $65 / night
Check Availability6. Travelers Woods Of New England, Inc
"Beautiful surrounding area! Cons- swimming isn't allowed in the river! It's crystal clear and deep in spots right next to camp sites. Crushing blow that we couldn't play in it. Sites pretty tight."
"Close to highways."
7. Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake
"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."
from $40 / night
8. Brattleboro North KOA
"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."
9. Maple Ridge Farm
"They'll drive you in an ATV up to some of the sites that are further away from the parking lot."
from $25 - $30 / night
Check Availability10. Gilson Pond Area Campground — Monadnock State Park
"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."
from $29 - $45 / night
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Drive Time
- 45 min from Amherst Center, MA
- 59 min from Springfield, MA
- 1 hr 21 min from Worcester, MA
- 1 hr 29 min from Pittsfield, MA
Recent Camping Photos near Vernon, VT
497 Photos of 189 Vernon Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Maple Ridge Farm
Fort Dummer State Park Campground
Forest Lake Campgrounds
Barton Cove Campground
Kampfires
Brattleboro North KOA
Erving State Forest Campground
Ashuelot River Campground
Tentrr Signature Site - Hillside Haven
Molly Stark State Park Campground
Kenolie Village CampgroundL
Country Aire Campgrounds
Recent Reviews near Vernon, VT
804 Reviews of 189 Vernon Campgrounds
- AAndie M.
TravelerCountry Aire Campgrounds
Repeat guest here!
Laundry 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!
- DDonna D.Traveler
Pittsfield State Forest Campground
Pittsfield State Forest
Great little campground in Berkshire County. Mostly suited for tent camping or small RVs, although there are definitely sites for RVs to use. Call to get an idea of what’s available if you do plan on bringing your RV. The facilities were clean and the trails well marked.
Maria A.GuideThe Pines Campground
Peaceful place
Pleasant place, pool with good facilities; I recommend it.
Jessica M.GuideKelley Stand Rd - NF Dispersed Camping
Interesting, decent site
Free 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.
- Jessica M.Guide
Dispersed site along Forest RD 71
Cute dispersed spot
Went with a friend on an impromptu last minute camping trip up in the NF and hoped we could find a spot on a Friday night. Quite a few spots were taken but there were still some free ones. We stayed at one near the creek just over a little bridge. Cute little site, nice fire pit, clean, perfect rock to put a big water jug on. The sound of running water was soothing. In the morning, adorable little red squirrels with big personalities made themselves known and there were wildflowers blooming all over with hummingbirds going about their business. This is dispersed camping so there’s no rest rooms, running water, etc. The particular site we stayed at did have another site on the other side of the creek and we could hear the family during the day and see them as they walked past, so it wasn’t as isolated as some of the other sites. It was a cute spot and I’ll def be back.
Henry M.
ScoutCrow's Nest Campground
Spent Several Days
We spent several days here during the summer and had a really good experience. Some days we stayed busy swimming and exploring, while other days we barely left our campsite. That was probably what we enjoyed most.
Dayton B.TravelerSomerset Airfield
Forest Service Raod 71
This is a good spot if you don’t mind being social. The main camping area is a large grassy opening where multiple people park and camp together, and there is a bathroom, but there isn’t much privacy between sites. If you continue farther down the forest road, there are several smaller pull-offs with much more private dispersed camping spots. I’d recommend checking those out if you’re looking for a quieter experience.
Harley J.ScoutCrow's Nest Campground
Really Enjoyed
Really enjoyed the setting at Crow’s Nest. There are lots of trees and having the Sugar River running alongside the campground gives the whole place a nice New Hampshire feel. We were mostly looking for somewhere to disconnect for a couple of days, cook outside, fish a little, and enjoy being away from home. Crow’s Nest was a great fit for that.
Guide to Vernon
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Vernon camping facilities?
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?
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?
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.
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