Woodford State Park Campground sits at the highest elevation of any Vermont state park at 2,400 feet in the Green Mountains. The area receives higher rainfall and cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Southern Vermont's camping season runs from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October, with peak foliage typically occurring in late September to early October.
What to do
Hiking with swimming rewards: Take the well-marked Mount Olga trail at Molly Stark State Park Campground for panoramic views. "The hike up Mt. Olga is 1.7 miles (round trip). There's a fire tower at the top, which provides awesome views of the Green Mountains," notes a visitor. The trails connect to the larger Hogback Mountain Conservation area.
Explore local waterways: Adams Reservoir at Woodford State Park Campground offers water recreation options with rentals available. "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," mentions one visitor. Multiple camping loops provide access to different sections of the shoreline.
Visit nearby towns: Drive to Manchester (30 minutes north) for shopping and dining, or explore Wilmington (10 minutes southwest) for local flavor. "You are close to both Bennington and Wilmington. A great spot to camp at in Southern Vermont!" reports a camper. These towns offer dining options and supplies not available at the campgrounds themselves.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campsites at Emerald Lake State Park Campground offer secluded spots. "We had a lean to site at this campground. Facilities were great. The lake was beautiful and rented boats and canoes," shares one visitor. Site selection matters as some are more private than others.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain modern amenities with varying levels of service. "The bathrooms were the cleanest campground bathrooms I've ever seen! The campsites are pretty big and somewhat private which is nice," reports a camper. Most campgrounds offer token-operated showers and regularly maintained restrooms.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings provide opportunities for animal spotting. "We heard coyotes at night and loons in the morning," notes a camper. Beaver, deer, and various bird species are common throughout the region, particularly near water features.
What you should know
Weather changes rapidly: Pack layers and rain gear regardless of forecast, especially at higher elevations. At Ashuelot River Campground, a visitor noted, "Follow the website directions to get here as there are covered bridges in the area with low clearance and low weight limits." Local roads can be challenging in poor weather.
Reservations essential: Book sites 6-11 months in advance for summer weekends and fall foliage season. Many campgrounds fill completely, especially those with premium sites or lean-tos. Holiday weekends often book solid shortly after reservations open.
Limited connectivity: Cell service ranges from spotty to non-existent at most campgrounds. "I had a flicking bar of coverage at the high point of the campground on Verizon, but all you MIGHT be able to do is text," reports one camper. Download maps and information before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly campgrounds: Some campgrounds specifically cater to families with amenities and activities. "Perfect for families! There are tons of different types of campsites with either tent spots, lean-tos, and a few (hard to get) cabins," reports a visitor to Woodford State Park. Bathrooms are typically plentiful and clean with hot showers available for a small fee.
Water activities: Many campgrounds feature swimming areas with beaches and boat rentals. "The reservoir is beautiful - plenty of space to spread out for paddling and swimming," notes a camper. Rentals typically range from $10-25 per hour depending on watercraft type.
Noise considerations: Choose sites based on your family's needs and tolerance levels. As one camper at Grateful Acres Vermont noted, "Cute and private. Overlooks a lake that has amazing sunsets and wildlife!" This smaller campground with just five sites offers a more intimate experience than larger state parks.
Tips for RVers
Site selection: Request specific sites when booking glamping or RV spots near West Dover. "Sites located along the river are wooded, field sites are very open great for seeing the stars at night," explains one visitor to Ashuelot River Campground. Check campground maps carefully before booking.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds close water and dump stations by mid-October. "Hook ups are in great condition for power, water, sewer," notes a camper, but these services may be limited outside peak season. Luxury glamping accommodations in the West Dover region typically maintain services longer into shoulder seasons.
Access challenges: Some roads leading to glamping destinations have low clearance or weight restrictions. At Caton Place Campground, a visitor warned, "The roads aren't wide enough to take a motorhome into. The pull through site is not level and is barely long enough to fit my 43' rig." Always call ahead to confirm access for larger vehicles.
