Camping sites near West Dover, Vermont offer a mix of primitive and developed options at elevations ranging from 1,100 to 2,500 feet in the southern Green Mountains. Summer nights often drop to the low 50s°F even when days reach 80°F, requiring campers to pack warm clothing regardless of season. Winter camping opportunities exist at select dispersed sites that remain accessible when state parks close after fall foliage season.
What to do
Trail access from campsites: At Jamaica State Park Campground, several hiking trails begin directly from the camping area. "My girlfriend and I stayed here May 11-13th... 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," notes one camper about the Jamaica State Park Campground.
Water activities on Somerset Reservoir: Located a short drive from Somerset Airfield camping area, Somerset Reservoir provides paddling opportunities in a less developed setting. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Reservoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," according to a visitor to the Somerset Airfield.
Winter activities: While most established campgrounds close seasonally, some dispersed camping areas remain accessible for winter adventure. One camper at Grout Pond reported: "Great spot for a little winter camping. About halfway down the entrance road there is a pull off on the right hand side that is technically before the campground itself. This is where I camped... The trails are great for hiking, and the pond and the reservoir are beautiful when frozen over."
What campers like
Riverside campsites: Many campers highlight waterfront sites as preferred locations. At Winhall Brook Camping Area, "Beautiful campground. Lush grass meadows. 2 rivers intersect in the campground. Most sites are on or just off the river... Where the two rivers intersect is a nice sport to put your feet in the water. Kids enjoy tubing the small rapids," writes one regular visitor.
Clean facilities: State parks consistently receive positive reviews for maintenance. "The campground is very well kept and very clean. The bathrooms were the cleanest campground bathrooms I've ever seen! The campsites are pretty big and somewhat private which is nice," notes a visitor about Woodford State Park Campground.
Off-grid experience: Dispersed camping sites in Green Mountain National Forest provide opportunities to disconnect. "Grout Pond Loop is truly nice after Labor Day (Sept 5-7)... Sites are in eye-site of each other but you don't feel crowded. Temps during day around 65-70 F. Nights dipped to 45-55F. We saw deer & turkeys driving the surrounding woods after short hikes," reports one camper.
What you should know
Weather preparation essential: Temperature swings in the mountains require packing for varied conditions. One Grout Pond winter camper shared: "We endured Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday... Then the fun began as the wind blew the storms out and temperatures plummeted to 8° and a windchill of -3 for this morning. Everything crusted was over with a good inch of ice."
Reservations recommended: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. At Fort Dummer State Park Campground, "Sites are large and well maintained. Plenty of space between sites. It is a state park so there are not many services, but there is a great hike to a swimming hole and it is very close to Brattleboro, VT."
Limited services: Many camping areas lack amenities like showers or running water. Regarding George D Aiken Wilderness, a visitor noted: "Different size sites, ATT cell reception. Mostly clean short drive to pond and stores." Most dispersed camping options have no facilities, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out waste.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature child-friendly water access. "This campground is very well kept and very clean... There's a small reservoir with a little beach that you can swim or kayak/canoe in. There's a bunch of fish and other little creatures so it's fun to explore," reports a visitor to Woodford State Park.
Playground access: Some campgrounds include recreation areas for children. At Camping on the Battenkill, "Camping on the Battenkill is truly a gem in the Green Mountains. Excellent location and quiet campground with Battenkill swimming and world-class trout fishing... A lovely well-maintained grassy play area and great dog area for play/exercising."
Kid-friendly campgrounds: Certain locations specifically cater to families. "If you're looking for a quiet spot maybe don't look here. If you have kids and don't mind them making friends and roaming the campground then this is great! Boat rentals!" notes a review about Woodford State Park.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: RV campers should research amenities before arrival. "We were at site 17, and it was a massive site. Lots of room would be great for a large family or group... Wish there was more privacy, the site had little tree cover between sites, (at our site). Overall great spot, well maintained, clean, with a nice beach," reports a camper at Camping on the Battenkill.
Accessibility challenges: Some forest roads pose difficulties for larger vehicles. At Gus's Gardens Camping, a visitor noted: "This place was really nice. Easy to pull our 20ft camper in. Two minutes drive to the very cute town of Wilmington. Good places to eat there. The campsite was really private. Had a picnic table and fire pit."
Seasonal considerations: RV camping options diminish significantly after mid-October. At most state parks, facilities close after Columbus Day weekend until Memorial Day, leaving only limited dispersed options during winter months that may have challenging road conditions.
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