Campgrounds near Vernon, Vermont operate primarily from May through mid-October due to the region's seasonal climate. Winter temperatures typically drop below freezing from November through March, making summer and early fall the prime camping seasons. Most campgrounds in the area sit at elevations between 400-1,200 feet and experience average summer temperatures around 75-80°F during the day and 55-60°F at night.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Jamaica State Park Campground offers access to several waterfall hikes within minutes of your campsite. The 2-mile West River Trail leads to Hamilton Falls, though visitors should exercise caution at the falls. "We hiked the west river trail (which leads right out of the campground) to Hamilton falls which is a gravel closed road that follows the west river upstream 2 miles to Hamilton falls trail which then leads up hill for another mile to the falls. People have lost their lives at these falls so be extra cautious with children around the falls," advises Chris D. at Jamaica State Park.
Mountain biking: With several mountain resorts within 30 minutes of Vernon, the area offers extensive trail networks. Molly Stark State Park provides convenient camping for mountain bikers. "This is a nice campground that my fiance and I stayed at after a day of mountain biking at Mount Snow. It had good facilities, a few lean-to's if you were lucky enough to get them booked before they were gone, and friendly campers," notes Jackie G. at Molly Stark State Park.
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds in the region feature fishing access on ponds, lakes, or rivers. Seven Maples Campground offers convenient fishing right from your campsite. According to Richard W., "We stayed late in the season during a chilly damp weekend and had the best time. We were right on the pond, so the kids could fish whenever. Lots of hiking trails (the dogs loved it)."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Tree Farm Campground in Springfield features wooded sites that provide natural separation. "This campground is my new favorite. The campground is clean and quiet, with sites that are spacious and private," writes Lee A. about Tree Farm Campground. The campground operates from May through mid-October and features full hookups with sites accommodating larger RVs.
Clean facilities: Kampfires (formerly Hidden Acres) in Dummerston maintains exceptionally clean facilities, particularly the bathhouses. One camper, Mike B., noted, "They also have the cleanest and nicest shower you will find in a campground." Another visitor, Sammii D., mentioned, "The bathrooms are beautifully redone and clean. The laundry room is pretty good too."
Accessibility to towns: Many campsites provide convenient access to nearby villages and towns. Dorset RV Park offers camping near Manchester's shopping areas. "Loved the area, the Green Mountains are beautiful so there is plenty of sightseeing to do. Dorset is a cute tiny town that is beautiful in the fall. The nearby town of Manchester is home to Orvis and there is an interesting fly fishing museum next door," shares Nancy W. about Dorset RV Park.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds in the mountainous areas have limited or no cell reception. Brittany B. from Jamaica State Park notes, "Find something that you don't like about this park... go ahead, I'll wait. Small town general store, no cell service and a gorgeous backdrop is a perfect spot to just unwind from the real world."
Wildlife encounters: Campers should secure food properly as bears are active in the region. At Kampfires, one camper reported direct evidence of bear activity: "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!" notes Ralph L.
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds located near main roads experience traffic noise during the day. Michael K. noted about Kampfires, "Main detractor is the neighbor blares really terrible music at obnoxious volume for about 16 hours a day. Get a site as far in the back as possible to get away from the noise."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several rv sites near Vernon, Vermont offer swimming areas for children. Sandy Beach Campground features a beach area for swimming, though one visitor noted some limitations: "The sandy beach is nice but the swimming area is quite weedy," reports Tammy at Sandy Beach Campground. Some campgrounds offer pools as alternatives to natural swimming areas.
Playground access: Campgrounds with playgrounds provide entertainment for children during downtime. Fransheska A. from Molly Stark State Park mentions, "Fun playground and nature area for kids. Very family friendly place with beautiful hikes to Hamilton falls."
Family activities: Many campgrounds near Vernon schedule regular activities for children. According to Jason A. at Travelers Woods of New England, the campground offers "a small store, a small tv room, clean bathrooms and showers. All campsites are grass, fire rings and different size lots from tents to big rigs. Small playground, volleyball net, horseshoes pits."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: For RV campers seeking more privacy, outer loops typically offer more space. At Woodmore Family Campground, John L. advises, "Sites in back are ok with trees and different levels. Sites are a little closer than I usually find. Neighbors are very considerate on site privacy."
Power requirements: Some RV parks have limitations on electrical service. Zachary W. from Seven Maples Campground cautions, "Had issues with 30 amp service at site was not providing enough power, could not run all my campers amenities while my 20 amp designated outlet at home runs my entire camper with no issue."
Leveling considerations: RV sites at campgrounds throughout the Vernon area vary in levelness. Robert M. from Sandy Beach Campground notes, "Small but well organized campground. TT members will find all the comforts of home... Mostly a 5th wheelers park but you can see a 34 foot class A here and there so don't fret, there is room."
