Emerald Lake State Park offers camping in south-central Vermont with 65 campsites spread across three camping loops. The park sits at 750 feet elevation and features a small turquoise lake surrounded by forest. Winter conditions typically end by May, though early season camping can be muddy with overnight temperatures dropping into the 40s even in summer.
What to do
Hiking nearby trail systems: At Gifford Woods State Park Campground, campers can access the Appalachian Trail directly from the campground. "The AT runs directly through this park... I traveled by foot through this park," notes one reviewer. The park offers multiple hiking options from easy to challenging.
Canoe or kayak rental: Half Moon Pond State Park Campground provides direct water access from many sites. "We fished and kayaked right from our site," shares one visitor. The small pond is perfect for beginners with minimal boat traffic.
Historical exploration: Located near historic sites, campers can take day trips to the Hubbardton Battlefield from Lake Bomoseen area. A camper notes, "Easy to get to, close to Castleton, Rutland, and Hubbardton Battlefield. Great spot for a family get-a-way."
Rope swing adventure: For those seeking more excitement, Emerald Lake features a rope swing accessed by paddling to a small island. "Swimmers can swim out to a small island in the middle of the lake and check out the rope swing," mentions one visitor.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Lake George RV Park receives praise for its well-maintained sites. "Campsites are spacious, shady, and had good separation between the neighboring sites which we enjoyed," reports a visitor. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables.
Clean facilities: Gifford Woods State Park consistently earns high marks for cleanliness. "The faculties are decorated with wildflowers," notes one camper. Another states, "Bathrooms are super clean. Staff is friendly."
Waterfront camping options: Half Moon Pond State Park offers direct water access. "We were able to snag a waterfront site which was really beautiful," shares one reviewer. Another camper mentions, "The right hand side is very quiet and more wooded."
Dog-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds welcome pets with dedicated facilities. Lake George RV Park features "the 2 acre dog park with shaded seating for humans, bathrooms and a dog wash station," according to one visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most Vermont state parks operate from Memorial Day to Columbus Day weekend. Plan accordingly as some facilities close earlier depending on weather conditions.
Limited cell coverage: Lake Bomoseen KOA has connectivity challenges. "There is NO cell coverage and the Wi-Fi is poor and very slow if you can connect," warns one camper. Another notes, "Cell service is very limited. Very remote."
Bathroom facilities: Shower availability varies by campground. At Half Moon Pond, "Bath houses were very clean and updated," says one visitor. Most Vermont state parks require quarters for showers.
Site selection considerations: Campground terrain varies significantly. At Emerald Lake, "many of them are perched on a steep ledge, making them a bit sketchy for families with kids," cautions a reviewer. Research site maps before booking.
Weather preparedness: Vermont camping often means temperature fluctuations. "We stayed here on a pretty rainy weekend in June," shares one Half Moon Pond visitor, highlighting the need for rain gear year-round.
Tips for camping with families
Best sites for children: At Emerald Lake State Park, choose carefully. "If you have little ones, check out the map before you reserve a site and find one on the opposite side of the ledge," advises one visitor familiar with the terrain.
Educational opportunities: Moreau Lake State Park Campground offers programs for youth. "The park has a large number of hiking trails for every level of outdoorsman and the staff is friendly and helpful," notes a camper. Many parks offer junior ranger activities.
Group camping options: Half Moon Pond works well for organized groups. "The campground is small, quiet and very well cared for," shares a visitor. Girl Scout troops frequently use the facilities for badge work.
Entertainment beyond swimming: For families seeking yurt camping near Wells, Vermont, look for campgrounds with diverse activities. "There are plenty of hiking trails to enjoy," says a Gifford Woods visitor, mentioning the importance of having alternatives to water activities.
Tips for RVers
Site accessibility: RV campers should research campground roads. At Lake George Escape Campground, "Roads in the park are confusing because none are parallel or perpendicular so we had to go slow just to make sure we didn't miss a turn in the RV," warns one visitor.
Hookup availability: Lake Bomoseen KOA offers full hookup sites. "The sites are a good size and relatively level," notes one RVer. However, be aware that "It was a little tight for our 36ft 5th wheel but manageable."
Dump station access: Most Vermont state parks offer dump stations but no sewer hookups at sites. "This is dry camping so there are no hook-ups," explains a camper at Moreau Lake State Park.
Level sites: Many campsites require leveling equipment. "Our campsite was spacious but required some maneuvering to avoid scraping trees with our RV," shares a Moreau Lake visitor, highlighting the importance of bringing leveling blocks.
