Camping options near Weston, Vermont span across the Green Mountain National Forest and neighboring state parks. Located at 1,650 feet elevation, Weston experiences cooler temperatures than surrounding valleys, with summer highs rarely exceeding 80°F. Many weston vt camping areas close after Columbus Day, though some dispersed camping remains accessible year-round with appropriate winter gear.
What to do
Hiking the Greendale Loop: The Greendale Campground provides access to several trails suitable for day hikes. "The campground offers easy access to the Greendale Loop, a 4.0 mile hike through a mixed forest of northern hardwood and conifer trees with long stretches bordering scenic streams," according to one visitor.
Swimming and wading: During summer months, several camping areas offer water access for cooling off. At Jamaica State Park Campground, one camper noted, "You can go to the waterfall/rock slides and take a dip in the pools." The park has designated swimming areas with variable water depths.
Mountain biking: Several parks offer biking opportunities on maintained trails. One visitor at Jamaica State Park mentioned, "Great hiking or biking along the West River!" The park maintains several miles of trails suitable for casual and experienced riders.
Off-season exploration: Some areas remain accessible for winter recreation. Greendale Campground notes winter access requires "skis or snowshoes" since "the nearest plowed parking area to the campground in the winter is approximately one mile away."
What campers like
Riverside sites: Water proximity ranks high with campers visiting the Weston area. At Emerald Lake State Park Campground, a visitor shared, "On a lovely emerald green small lake with nice beach. Good for fishing and kayaking." Many campers specifically seek sites with water views or access.
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives frequent praise. One camper at Emerald Lake noted, "Clean, well spaced, and paved roads," while another mentioned, "Restrooms are about average for state parks. They were definitely cleaned daily."
Wildlife viewing: The forest setting provides opportunities to observe local wildlife. A camper at Emerald Lake State Park remarked, "A lot of owls at night!" while others reported seeing deer, small mammals, and various bird species throughout the camping areas.
Limited connectivity: Many appreciate the digital detox opportunity. A Jamaica State Park visitor wrote, "No cell service and a gorgeous back drop is a perfect spot to just unwind from the real world."
What you should know
Bugs can be intense: Be prepared for significant insect activity, particularly in wooded sites. One Greendale Campground visitor was blunt: "Mosquitos. Black flies. Deer flies. All of them biting. Cool site, but super buggy."
Site selection matters: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain that affects site comfort. At Emerald Lake State Park Campground, a visitor advised, "Many of them are perched on a steep ledge, making them a bit sketchy for families with kids. If you have little ones, check out the map before you reserve a site."
Weather preparedness: The mountain location means weather can change rapidly. While summers are mild, evenings cool significantly. Pack layers even in summer months when overnight temperatures can drop into the 40s.
Reservation timing: Most established campgrounds fill quickly. One visitor to Coolidge State Park Campground advised, "They have some of the most amazing views right from your campsite. We were not lucky enough to get one because you have to book far in advance to get those campsites."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. At Horseshoe Acres Campground, a visitor noted, "Mini golf, playground and swimming pool for the kids. Three large field areas with lots of families and plenty of space for kids to meet others and ride bikes."
Swimming safety: Water features require supervision. A Jamaica State Park camper warned, "People have lost their lives at these falls so be extra cautious with children around the falls." Always check with park staff about current water conditions and designated swimming areas.
Alternative accommodations: Beyond tenting, some sites offer structured options. A visitor to Jamaica State Park described, "The tent and lean-to sites were all kept very clean. Our tent site was very spacious, you could of easily accommodated a family of four with a large tent."
Bathroom considerations: Facility quality varies significantly between campgrounds. One Jamaica State Park visitor reported, "Bathrooms and showers were also kept nice and clean which is always a plus," while a Greendale visitor described "nasty bathroom" conditions.
Tips from RVers
Site specifications: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger vehicles. At Caton Place Campground, one RVer reported difficulties: "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 verify site dimensions before booking.
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections are limited throughout the region. When available, they're often restricted to specific campground sections. A visitor to Horseshoe Acres noted it offers water and electric hookups, though these sites fill quickly during peak season.
Road conditions: Access roads can be challenging for larger rigs. At Caton Place, an RVer described: "You have to go down a small hill and bottom out the front and then drag the backend out of the dirt. This campground is not big rig friendly."
Solar dependency: For more remote camping areas, alternative power is necessary. One visitor to Winhall Brook Camping Area recommended: "Few sites have hookups so bring your solar and pick a sunny site."
