229 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near West Pawlet spans tent and RV campgrounds across both Vermont and nearby New York state, from full hookup sites to waterfront parks with swimming and boat access. Emerald Lake State Park Campground offers tent and RV sites with a popular swimming lake, while Dorset RV Park provides full hookup sites for both tent and RV campers about 15 miles from West Pawlet. Lake St. Catherine State Park Campground, located just north of Poultney, accommodates tent and RV camping with boat access. These mixed-use campgrounds typically operate from May through October, with most facilities closing after Columbus Day weekend.
Many developed campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, particularly during the busy summer season. "The campground is super busy on summer weekends, but if you want solitude, hike some of the beautiful trails in the park," noted one visitor about Emerald Lake State Park. Most campgrounds feature gravel roads and sites that can accommodate standard vehicles, though some parks have limited sites for larger RVs. Weather conditions typically allow for pleasant camping from late spring through early fall, with temperatures remaining moderate compared to more northern parts of Vermont. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage near towns and more limited access in some state park campgrounds.
Campers consistently mention the swimming opportunities as highlights of the region. Emerald Lake State Park receives particularly high ratings for its clear, turquoise waters that offer cooling relief during summer months. A visitor described it as "an awesome park for kids, and the turquoise water is a dream to cool off in." Several campground options provide water-based recreation, from swimming beaches to boat rentals and fishing access. While some campgrounds feature more private, wooded sites, others have sites that are relatively close together. Bathroom and shower facilities at most developed campgrounds are well-maintained but basic, with some requiring quarters for showers. Many campgrounds in the area are family-friendly with amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, and nearby hiking trails, providing solid options for campers seeking established facilities rather than dispersed camping.
"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."
"Golf cart rentals (4 and 6 person) were expensive so we just walked the park multiple days. Each site is gigantic and well thought out and can easily say there is not a bad site in the place."
"The park is very large so if you want to be near the pool/entertainment area or nearby bathrooms, pick your site accordingly."
"Our first time in Vermont and we picked an awesome campground. This place has a great layout with lots of great sites to choose from. There are several sites right on the river!
Clean bath houses."
"Site 16 had a path to the river and was slightly tucked away. Sites 13 and 14 were cool spots too, I’d imagine in the summer you may have less privacy because it’s near the swimming area."
from $45 - $57 / night
Check Availability"We rented a golf cart from an outside course which was SUPER expensive, so it would be nice if the campground offered their own rentals, but if that's our only complaint, we're happy campers."
"**Lake George RV Park may be the greatest campground we’ve stayed at yet!"
"The roads and campsites are gravel and a little tight to get around because of all the trees but we were able to manage in our 45’ motorhome."
"The location was very good in allowing us to visit family in nearby village and go into nearby Manchester Center. Much more of an RV Park (name is on the money) than camping where we had our site."
from $55 - $75 / night
Check Availability"Great facilities/location."
"This is a very nice campground but it is not at Lake George. It is about 25 min to Lake George Village. We had no trouble getting level and the bathhouse was very nice and CLEAN!"
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Lake St. Catherine state campground is located in the heart of the Slate Valley. There are 50 tent/rv sites and 11 leantos. This lake is known by anglers and boaters alike."
"I am so thankful that l live close to the Adirondack park- where there are so many places to camp within this huge park."
"Close to Lake George. Went on the trolley to the village. New adventure."
from $22 - $40 / night
Check Availability"This campground is close to the highway between Albany and the Adirondacks. There’s a nice big lake and the Hudson RIver. Many campsites are near the lake."
"Moreau Lake has (in my opinion) superb facilities as far as state run campsites go."
from $95 / night
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GuideNice campground near Killington, VT. Water and dump station. Not for big rigs we have a 21 ft TT. Things were tight but doable. One of the few Vermont state campgrounds that is still open. Most close from second Monday in October until Memorial Day.
TravelerLots of beautiful spots to pick from but be careful some are a bit muddy. We brought our school bus down the dirt road just fine and backed right in. They also have fireplaces which was nice!
GuideWonderful owners. A variety of sites to choose from in a relaxing setting. No waste hookups here, but they have a dump station. $51 per night with cash.
LegendThis is a quiet campground in a quiet part of the state. The terrain is mountainous, and all of the sites are private. There are two loops, one for tents/RVs and one for lean-tos. We stayed in the Willow lean-to, and while our site didn't have a view, it was one of the most private sites we've stayed in and just a short walk to the bathhouse.
The campground was created by the CCC in the 1930s, and from what I've heard, it hasn't changed much since that time. While we were here, we visited the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site (very cool), Long Trail Brewing, and the town of Woodstock. Great trip!
GuideFree dispersed camping site in the Green Mountain National Forest, off a dirt road. The site curves around past the driveway so you can tuck up into the trees to be more private. The upper part there has a circular open area, surrounded by thin trees. There’s a fire ring set up midway on the site. It felt more isolated than other sites I’ve stayed at and there were quite a few animal sounds in the woods, including large animal bones left past the treeline. They seem to be left behind from people (based off of how the bones were cut). Dispersed camping so don’t expect facilities of any sort. Decent site and pretty large compared to some of the other spots. Heard Barred Owls in the distance which was awesome. Uploaded a video of the site at night and pics of the area on a map that my friend was able to pull up.
GuideWent with a friend on an impromptu last minute camping trip up in the NF and hoped we could find a spot on a Friday night. Quite a few spots were taken but there were still some free ones. We stayed at one near the creek just over a little bridge. Cute little site, nice fire pit, clean, perfect rock to put a big water jug on. The sound of running water was soothing. In the morning, adorable little red squirrels with big personalities made themselves known and there were wildflowers blooming all over with hummingbirds going about their business. This is dispersed camping so there’s no rest rooms, running water, etc. The particular site we stayed at did have another site on the other side of the creek and we could hear the family during the day and see them as they walked past, so it wasn’t as isolated as some of the other sites. It was a cute spot and I’ll def be back.
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.
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.
The West Pawlet area spans the Vermont-New York border in the slate valley region, offering camping spots between 400-1000 feet elevation with mild summer temperatures typically ranging from 55-78°F. The camping season runs longer at lower elevations compared to northern Vermont, with some private campgrounds operating into November depending on weather conditions. Cell service tends to be stronger at New York locations while Vermont sites offer more varied terrain.
Hiking options: Several campgrounds provide trail access for day hiking. At Emerald Lake State Park Campground, campers can explore multiple trail options. "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," notes one visitor.
Fishing opportunities: The Battenkill River offers trout fishing within 15 minutes of West Pawlet. Camping On The Battenkill provides direct river access. A reviewer mentions it offers "world-class trout fishing. It features wooded, sunny and on the river sites," making it convenient for anglers.
Water activities: Beyond swimming, many lakes offer rentals for water exploration. One visitor at Emerald Lake noted, "We had a lean to site at this campground. Facilities were great. The lake was beautiful and rented boats and canoes. Swimming is also available."
Private, spacious sites: Campers consistently praise the roominess at certain campgrounds. At Moose Hillock Camping Resorts, "The sites at this park are huge. You could have parked three RVs in our site. Added bonus is that there is nice separation between sites with trees and shrubs that block out your neighbors and provide lots of privacy."
Clean facilities: Bathroom and shower cleanliness varies significantly between locations. Lake George RV Park receives high marks for maintenance. "Beautiful campsites. Very Clean," states one reviewer, while another notes, "Living 10 minutes away, we were looking for an affordable vacation and we found it!"
River camping: Sites adjacent to flowing water are among the most requested. At Camping On The Battenkill, one camper shared, "I stayed right on the river in site 14 with a small popup. The river is beautiful and the site was huge. We did some fishing and swimming."
Shower facilities: Most state parks require quarters for showers. At Emerald Lake, one visitor advised, "Don't forget to bring quarters for the shower," while another mentioned, "Pay showers so save your quarters. Nice lake for canoeing with trails from the camping area."
Site selection matters: Not all sites are created equal, even within the same campground. One visitor to Hearthstone Point Campground recommended, "The bottom part of the campground is gorgeous...the beach area is beautiful. But keep in mind not all sites are created equal though so def scout around for next stay and make note of your favorite sites."
Reservation timing: Popular sites fill quickly, especially lakefront options. A reviewer at Emerald Lake warned, "This is a popular camp ground so reserve as early as 11 months before arrival."
Road noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds. At Hearthstone Point, a camper noted, "Campsite was a bit noisy due to location close to major road," while another mentioned, "One downside is that our camp site was close to the road so we did hear cars driving by at night, so I would advise to get a spot away from the road."
Group-friendly areas: Some campgrounds offer sites specifically designed for multiple families. Moreau Lake State Park Campground provides pavilions for larger gatherings. "There are two pavilions you can rent which are nice if big groups want to gather," noted a visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Many campers report owl sightings and small mammals at dusk. At Emerald Lake, one camper reported, "A lot of owls at night!!!!!!!!!" making nighttime an opportunity for wildlife education.
Organized activities: Some private campgrounds offer scheduled events. Moose Hillock features "planned activities each day like limbo, scavenger hunts, movie night at the pool (in summer months) and a great pool to swim in with two water slides."
Playground options: Quality and maintenance of play areas varies widely. One camper at Camping On The Battenkill wrote, "My family and I have been camping here for 40 years. 4 of my 5 children learned to ride their bikes on the circle that surrounds the playground."
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require leveling blocks. At Moose Hillock, "Sites are huge. Plenty of room for our RV, and small tent. Private." But another visitor to a different campground warned, "Sites are level but some definitely were not."
Electric hookup locations: Power post placement varies by site. At Dorset RV Park, a visitor noted, "My parents paid for 50 amp electric and the site next to them was using it instead of the 30amp they were meant to have."
Tree clearance: Older campgrounds may have tight turns with low branches. One RVer mentioned, "Our campsite was spacious but required some maneuvering to avoid scraping trees with our RV," highlighting the need to scout potential sites before committing.
Dump station access: Most campgrounds have dump stations, but not all sites have sewer hookups. Campers appreciate when this basic amenity is convenient: "The hookups were all well-placed and we didn't have any issues with the electric."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near West Pawlet, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, West Pawlet, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 229 campgrounds and RV parks near West Pawlet, VT and 36 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near West Pawlet, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near West Pawlet, VT is Emerald Lake State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 20 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near West Pawlet, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 36 free dispersed camping spots near West Pawlet, VT.
What parks are near West Pawlet, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near West Pawlet, VT that allow camping, notably Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests and Green Mountain National Forest.
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