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The Green Mountain National Forest and surrounding areas provide numerous camping opportunities near Wallingford, Vermont. Established campgrounds like Emerald Lake State Park, located about 10 miles southwest of Wallingford, feature tent and RV sites with amenities including drinking water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Coolidge State Park Campground, situated approximately 15 miles north, offers both drive-in and walk-in sites. Dispersed camping options also exist, including Road's End and Downed Bridge Camp, which provide more primitive experiences for those seeking solitude in undeveloped settings.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. Several state parks close completely during winter months. A camper noted that "Vermont unfortunately shuts down most of their campsites from April 15th until Memorial Day to clean and get things in order." Road conditions vary considerably, with some dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles during spring months when dirt roads become muddy and rutted. Cell service ranges from reliable at established campgrounds near highways to virtually nonexistent at remote backcountry locations. Advance reservations are strongly recommended for weekend stays during peak summer and fall foliage seasons.
Waterfront camping areas receive particularly high ratings from visitors. Campgrounds with lake or pond access, such as Emerald Lake State Park, provide opportunities for swimming, fishing, and paddling. One visitor described Emerald Lake as "a beautiful campground in south central Vermont on a lovely emerald green small lake with nice beach. Good for fishing and kayaking." Proximity to hiking trails represents another key feature, with access to the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail systems available from several camping areas. Sites at higher elevations offer cooler temperatures during summer months but may experience significant temperature drops at night even during warm seasons. Many campgrounds provide showers and restroom facilities, while primitive sites typically require visitors to pack out all waste.
"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."
"Decent bathroom situation--I've seen better and I've seen worse in Vermont."
"The park is amazingly clean, well run, located just of RT 4 and very near to Killington, Vermont. It has multiple lean-to sites which are in wooded areas."
"This place gets my vote for best campground in Vermont. Especially true if you're lucky enough to get one of the few sites on the outside of A loop that has a Lean-to with a view."
"Coolidge is off the beaten path but well worth the wander! There are no water sites, it’s on the side of a heavily wooded mountain with a few sites having amazing views!"
"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."
"Water is available at a creek and a spring nearby. There's a huge jumping rock on the far side of the pond."
from $5 / night
Check Availability"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. "
"No ATM on site to get cash… The sites are spacious enough, but are very close to each other. Zero buffer between neighboring sites means encroaching slide outs."
"family camping Kabins, rv, and tent sites, arcade, store, ice cream, and Lake Bomoseen. Easy to get to, close to Castleton, Rutland, and Hubbarton Battlefield. Great spot for a family get-a-way."
"great private spot when nothing else is around. The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles. The only thing you will find here is a fire ring."
"It was during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are happy to report that everyone wore masks in public spaces (restrooms), and that there was plenty of room for social distancing. "
"We had a nice private site, close to amenities and the lake, the beach area was nice, kind of rocky, but had sand for the beach. The play area has a nice set up, overall a nice camping area."
TravelerThis 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.
ScoutReally 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.
ScoutWhat we liked most about Crow’s Nest was being able to choose between doing absolutely nothing or heading out and exploring. One day we stayed around the campground, went swimming and relaxed by the river. The next day we got out and explored more of the Lake Sunapee area. It made a really good home base and it was always nice coming back to our campsite at the end of the day.
TravelerDyrt done messed up! So far, very disappointed in this app. Difficult to use! We reserved this spot through Dyrt. The directions to the campground are way off. The host was not notified that we were coming. Don’t trust Dyrt; contact the campground asap after you reserve through Dyrt to confirm the reservation directly and confirm the address and directions.
ScoutVery Disappointed With the Changes
Crown Point Campground used to be a wonderful place to camp. Unfortunately, since Happy Grounds purchased the campground, we have seen a significant decline in the overall experience.
I do want to make one thing very clear: the woman managing the campground is absolutely wonderful. She genuinely cares about the campers, is kind, helpful, and does her best to make people feel welcome. Our frustrations are not directed toward her. She deserves recognition for the effort she puts in, especially given the circumstances.
Unfortunately, there are serious concerns with the direction the campground has taken. There is no reliable Wi-Fi or cell service, which is especially concerning because there is no dependable way to call out in the event of an emergency. We have also seen a significant change in the atmosphere and clientele. Drugs have been found on the premises, including needles, which is extremely concerning for the safety of campers, especially families with children.
The campground has also become increasingly overcrowded. Tent sites have had upwards of 10 people on a single site, creating a very different camping experience from what many long-time campers originally signed up for.
Seasonal campers were told that there would be a gradual increase over two years to bring rates up to the new “going rate.” However, when the new contracts came out for next year, the price had increased by approximately $900. That is a substantial increase for a campground that, in our opinion, has continued to decline rather than improve.
What was perhaps most disappointing was how campers' concerns were handled. When people questioned the increase and expressed their frustrations, the response from the corporation was, and I quote:
“Get out and leave. I’ve heard enough complaints. Just leave if you don’t like it.”
That is an incredibly disappointing way to speak to people who have supported this campground for years.
It is heartbreaking to see what Crown Point Campground has become. There are good people here, and the campground itself has so much potential. Most importantly, the manager genuinely cares about the campers, and she deserves credit for that.
Our hope is that Happy Grounds will listen to the people who have invested years of their time and money here, address the safety and overcrowding concerns, and bring back the sense of community that once made Crown Point such a wonderful place to camp.
TravelerGreat little dispersed camping area off Forest Road 71 in West Dover, Vermont. Once you get onto the forest service road, everything is gravel/dirt, with several small pull-offs and primitive campsites scattered along the road. Some sites are only a few feet from the road, while others are tucked back around 100 feet and offer a little more privacy.
The individual pull-offs can be a little more challenging to reach. Most involve some combination of hills, rocks, ruts, and mud, although nothing was too crazy. Some spots are definitely easier to get into than others, so having a vehicle with decent ground clearance is helpful.
There was a decent amount of traffic passing through the area while we were there, but nothing too crazy or disruptive. The campsite we stayed at had a fire pit, but there was no running water at our site, and I don’t believe the other dispersed sites have running water either.
Overall, a pretty good option if you’re looking for a primitive, low-key camping spot with multiple sites to choose from. Just don’t expect complete solitude, especially during busier times.
GuideGood size campground with three loops. 2 shower / restroom facilities. Many of the sites are simply grass. There are a few gravel ones. The staff has no problem with driving on the or parking on grass. All sites have a firepit. Wood can be obtained locally. There is no store at the camp. There is only one dump station. There is a boat launch with limited trailer parking although when we stayed (Aug 2026) the water was only 18 in to 2 ft deep at docks. Heavily choked with vegetation. Shower facilities were clean enough but could use more attention, heavy cobwebs at lights, corners and edges of shower pretty dark with mold. Plenty of fresh water spigots throughout the camp. Camp is on the banks of lake Champlain, although only a couple sites have a lake view. Ruins of two pre-revolutionary war forts are within walking distance and offer a great introduction to life in the early 18th century. Fort Ticonderoga is a 30 min drive and will take most of the day to tour. Well worth the trip. Only 3 min drive to Vermont. I would stay again.
ScoutCrow’s Nest was a really convenient stop for us while traveling through New Hampshire. Getting our RV situated was easy and we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay.
LegendWe spent a long weekend at Moose Hillock in Fort Ann, New York, to visit Lake George. This is a difficult place for me to review. But I’ll do my best to share my experience.
The pool is the main attraction here and probably the largest and most ridiculous I’ve ever seen at a campground. Great for young kids.
THINGS I LIKED:
— The sites are enormous and private, probably the biggest sites we’ve ever seen at any campground we’ve stayed at.
— The mature trees are everywhere, great for privacy.
— It’s located about 25-minutes to the heart of Lake George. Easy drive away but not in the loud and busy area.
— The camp store is pretty good and sells snacks, drinks, basic supplies, and souvenirs.
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
— Our site(# 709) was sloped, so much that even with leveling boards under the rear wheels, rear jacks fully extended and front jacks fully retracted, we couldn’t level. That’s annoying and so easily fixed by a campground this size with this array of equipment and resources.
— Except for the entry roads, the rest of the park is gravel and dirt, which was extremely dusty. Our vehicles and our stuff were instantly covered by this dusty dirt which was a never-ending battle to keep outside.
— I’m ok paying premium money for a great site, but this site wasn’t matched to the price. I paid$647.38 for 3-nights. That’s$215.79 per night.
WOULD WE COME BACK?
Probably not. For me, having a level site that’s not covered in dirt and dust is important— especially when it costs$215 per night. There’s a much nicer park about 10-minutes away(closer to Lake George) where we’ve stayed in the past. The sites are smaller, but they’re level.
The Green Mountain National Forest offers numerous camping spots near Wallingford, Vermont, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 feet. Summer temperatures typically average 75°F during the day and drop to the mid-50s at night, with significant temperature variations between valleys and higher elevations. Dirt access roads to remote sites often become impassable during spring thaw, generally from mid-March through early May.
Hiking from camp: Little Rock Pond Group Camp & Shelters offers exceptional access to woodland trails. "There's a huge jumping rock on the far side of the pond," notes one visitor, who adds that "the pond is surprisingly warm for its altitude and it's home to two Common Loons."
Water activities: Emerald Lake State Park Campground provides multiple options for water recreation. "We especially loved the trail around the lake - quiet with good swimming all around. The vista trail has an awesome view of the lake from across the road, and the meadow trail leads to an old cemetery, which is kind of fun to explore," explains a camper.
Bird watching: The forests and wetlands around campsites host diverse bird species. At Emerald Lake, campers report hearing owls at night, with one noting, "A lot of owls at night!!!!!!!!!" The area's mixed forest and water features attract both woodland and aquatic species.
Historical exploration: The region contains several historic sites within short driving distance. Coolidge State Park Campground offers proximity to President Calvin Coolidge's homestead. A visitor mentions this connection, noting the campground is "off the beaten path but well worth the wander! There are no water sites, it's on the side of a heavily wooded mountain with a few sites having amazing views!"
Privacy between sites: Coolidge State Park Campground receives high marks for site spacing. "There is plenty of room between sites. The roads going in and leaving were well maintained," reports one camper, who enjoyed the quiet atmosphere.
Forest setting: Dorset RV Park earns appreciation for its natural surroundings. "The campground was clean and tidy with nice tall trees," notes a reviewer, who adds, "There are some really nice tent sites set away from the RV sites that sit under large trees and have nice space."
Waterfront access: Many campers value the swimming and boating opportunities at Emerald Lake State Park. "Swimmers can swim out to a small island in the middle of the lake," mentions one visitor. Another notes, "We were glad to have an out of the way spot to launch our kayaks and take our dog for a boat ride."
Primitive camping solitude: For those seeking more isolation, Downed Bridge Camp provides a truly rustic experience. A camper describes it as "epic" if you're "lucky enough to get the last spot on the road" and mentions that while this spot "fills quickly on a weekend," primitive camping continues "about a mile down fire road 10."
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds in this region operate only from late May to mid-October. Gifford Woods State Park Campground runs from May 19 to October 16, while most others close after Columbus Day weekend.
Shower facilities: Amenities vary widely between established and primitive sites. At Emerald Lake, "Don't forget to bring quarters for the shower," advises a camper, who also notes, "Restrooms are about average for state parks. They were definitely cleaned daily."
Road conditions: Access to remote sites can be challenging. Road's End Dispersed Camp requires careful driving, with a camper noting, "The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles. The only thing you will find here is a fire ring."
Bear activity: Wildlife encounters are possible. A visitor to Coolidge State Park reports, "We were advised that there was an active bear in the campground, but we took the advice of Sean the park ranger. He was very helpful with directions and his staff gave great suggestions."
Group activities: Some campgrounds offer organized events for children. At Emerald Lake State Park, one group leader shared, "We camped for two nights in Lean-tos with 20 Girls and Leaders. It's a great place to bring a Troop and use the lake and trails for badges plus cooking badges as well."
Playground options: Facilities for children vary by location. Dorset RV Park includes "a scattering of amenities like a rec room with games, shuffleboard, playground, volleyball, horseshoes," according to a visitor who found it "family friendly with semi private sites."
Swimming safety: Water areas have different characteristics and supervision levels. At Gifford Woods State Park, one family noted they "wished there was better swimming nearby" despite the "great trail to Deers Leap overlook."
Site selection for children: Terrain can affect family camping experience. At Emerald Lake, a reviewer cautions, "many of them are perched on a steep ledge, making them a bit sketchy for families with kids. If you have little ones, check out the map before you reserve a site and find one on the opposite side of the ledge."
Site leveling: Prepare for uneven terrain at many campgrounds. A visitor to Dorset RV Park observed, "Our site was level but some definitely were not," adding they had "twenty or so television channels with the cable hookup."
Maneuverability concerns: Tree placement can create challenges for larger rigs. One RVer warns about Dorset RV Park: "Larger rigs might want to avoid loop 6-14, especially for sites 8-12. Tree placement and a pretty sharp 110+ degree turn makes it challenging to maneuver."
Connectivity: Cell service and wifi access vary significantly. At Lake Bomoseen KOA, "Cell services on ATT and TMobile were nonexistent. Campground WiFi is a joke (less than 1mbps)," reports a camper who otherwise found it "a solid, family-friendly campground."
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Wallingford campgrounds?
Campgrounds accessible from Wallingford offer diverse amenities. Mount Ascutney State Park Campground provides clean facilities and mountain biking trails perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Brattleboro North KOA offers a full-service experience with laundry facilities, clean bathrooms, a recreation room, and organized activities for both kids and adults. Many campgrounds in the region include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to hiking trails. State park campgrounds typically offer basic amenities like restrooms and drinking water, while private campgrounds tend to provide more extensive facilities like showers and electrical hookups.
What are the best camping spots near Wallingford, CT?
For exceptional camping near Wallingford, CT, consider a short drive to Silver Lake Campground in Vermont, known for its clean lake, concrete dock perfect for swimming, and well-spaced private sites. Another excellent option is Jamaica State Park Campground, offering 41 tent/RV sites and 18 lean-tos in a quiet, private setting with some sites positioned right on the West River. Both locations provide a peaceful escape from urban life while remaining accessible for weekend trips from Connecticut.
Are there any free or dispersed camping areas around Wallingford?
Yes, budget-friendly camping options exist near Wallingford. Hapgood Pond in the Green Mountain National Forest offers camping for just $10 per night—an incredible value with a peaceful setting that's rarely overcrowded. For true dispersed camping, Hog Mountain Trailhead allows overnight parking for up to 48 hours, though it lacks amenities. Moosalamoo Campground offers a more primitive experience with no conventional amenities but compensates with natural features like cascading waterfalls, mountain views, and swimming holes. Always check current regulations before dispersed camping in national forests.
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