Camping near West Windsor, Vermont typically ranges from 800 to 3,000 feet in elevation, with temperatures often 5-10 degrees cooler than surrounding valley areas. The region's campgrounds sit within the Connecticut River Valley watershed, where summer evenings frequently dip into the 50s even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s. Most campgrounds in this area maintain a tree canopy that provides natural shade but can limit solar panel effectiveness for RVers.
What to do
Hiking from camp to summit: Mount Ascutney State Park Campground offers direct access to several hiking trails. "The staff were wonderful, the sites are pristine and picturesque, the faculties are decorated with wildflowers," reports one camper at Gifford Woods State Park Campground, which sits on the Appalachian Trail. Most trails in the region range from 2-4 miles one-way with 1,000-2,000 feet of elevation gain.
Paddling the Connecticut River: Launch sites are available within several campgrounds. "Wilgus state park has amazing campsites, very friendly staff, and great access to the Connecticut River. This campground was beautiful and very quiet even though it was full," notes a visitor at Wilgus State Park Campground. Many campers bring their own watercraft, but rentals are also available for $25-45 per day at some locations.
History exploration: The Coolidge Homestead is located near several campgrounds. "Take advantage of the historical site nearby (President Calvin Coolidge's homestead) and long trail brewing," advises a visitor to Coolidge State Park. The homestead tour costs $10 per adult and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.
What campers like
Lean-to shelters: Multiple campgrounds feature lean-tos as alternatives to tent sites. "We loved this campground especially my site! I stayed at the Basswood lean to site. Private and well kept sites, clean bathrooms, friendly service, gorgeous Mountain View, gave me the real feel of camping outdoors," shared a visitor at Coolidge State Park Campground. Lean-to sites typically cost $5-10 more than standard tent sites but provide better protection during Vermont's frequent summer rain showers.
River access for cooling off: Several campgrounds feature river access points. "The best part about camping here is getting out on the water. You can rent kayaks and canoes, and the river moves slowly enough to paddle up stream," explains a camper describing Wilgus State Park. Most water access points are gentle slopes rather than developed beaches.
Mountain bike trail networks: On-site and nearby trails accommodate riders of various skill levels. "The state park maintains its own mountain biking trail loop, which accessible directly from the campground. It is a 3 mile beginner friendly loop, with some nice rollers and moderate terrain," notes a visitor to Mount Ascutney State Park Campground. Trails typically dry quickly after rain due to the region's rocky, well-draining soil.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds operate on a limited schedule. "The campground couldn't have been more than a third full, but I bet it would still be quiet if it were more populated," notes a camper who visited Gifford Woods State Park in late season. Most sites begin closing after Indigenous Peoples' Day weekend regardless of weather conditions.
Highway noise at some locations: Road noise can be noticeable at certain campgrounds. "Like many of the other reviews, I cannot give this a 5 star rating solely for the fact of road noise. We were in site 27 and it was a beautiful site but the road noise from interstate 91 was extremely loud," cautions a visitor at Mount Ascutney State Park. The most remote sites are typically booked 6-9 months in advance.
Bear precautions required: Active bear populations necessitate proper food storage. "We were advised that there was an active bear in the campground, but we took the advice of Sean the park ranger," mentions a camper at Coolidge State Park. Rangers at most parks provide food storage containers upon request at no additional cost.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Natural swimming areas offer alternatives to pools. "This is a great campground set in a thick pine forest near a large pond. They have a lagoon for swimming and a children's playground," reports a visitor to Crown Point Camping Area. Most swimming areas lack lifeguards; designated swimming hours typically run from 10am-7pm.
Ranger programs: Educational activities occur regularly at many parks. "Rangers also run fun programs for children- my children churned butter and made popcorn over the campfire one night, and made tie dyed T-shirts the next (for no fee)," shares a camper at Quechee State Park Campground. Programs typically run Wednesday through Sunday during peak summer months.
Playground accessibility: Several campgrounds offer play structures. "They have a playground with a large tent for parents to sit under with picnic tables. Overall it is a fantastic place to stay," notes a visitor to Crown Point Camping Area. Most playgrounds are centrally located near bathroom facilities rather than at individual sites.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Full service sites are scarce in the region. "The sites are large. If you stay in the back it's quieter. The bathroom is very clean. They offer showers that cost you a few quarters. There are no hookups but they do have a dump station if you are in a RV," explains a camper at Quechee State Park Campground. Dump stations at state parks typically operate from 8am-8pm.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. "The pull through site is not level and is barely long enough to fit my 43' rig (with my motorcycle lift)," warns an RVer who stayed at Caton Place Campground. Bringing extra leveling blocks is recommended as many sites have slopes of 3-5 degrees.
Generator restrictions: Most state parks prohibit generator use. "No Electric or hookups. They also sell ice and firewood at the check in station," notes a camper at Quechee State Park. Private campgrounds typically allow generator operation between 8am-8pm only.
