Camping near Wilmington VT occurs in the Green Mountain National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,300 feet, making it cooler than surrounding lowlands. Summer nights often drop into the 40s even when daytime temperatures reach the 70s. Most dispersed camping sites in the area remain unplowed and inaccessible from late October through mid-May due to snow and mud season.
What to do
Fishing at Somerset Reservoir: Located a 20-minute drive from Wilmington, this 1,600-acre undeveloped lake offers excellent fishing opportunities. One camper noted, "Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and reservoir - saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping," at Somerset Airfield, a primitive camping area near the reservoir.
Hiking to Mt. Olga: The trail to Mt. Olga is accessible directly from Molly Stark State Park Campground. "There is a fire tower at the top, which provides awesome views of the Green Mountains. It's also fun to explore the relics of the old Hogback Ski Resort," reported a visitor who appreciated the connections to additional trails in the Hogback Mountain Conservation area.
Paddling at Grout Pond: The 1.5-mile shoreline offers multiple launch points for canoes and kayaks. "Most wonderful place! Has an awesome spot to go paddle boarding or kayaking! In fact you can load up your water vessel and go across the lake to your campsite," according to a camper at Grout Pond.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: At Woodford State Park Campground, campers appreciate the natural setting. "The sites are nice and private. The views on some of the sites to the lake are beautiful," mentioned one reviewer who stayed at multiple locations around Wilmington.
Clean bathrooms: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept facilities. A camper at Fort Dummer State Park Campground reported, "Lovely camp site. Super friendly staff, very clean grounds. Good size spots and mostly all levels from what we can tell," adding that while the bathrooms were small, they were well-maintained.
Proximity to towns: Campers value the ability to access services. "It's a great spot to camp at in Southern Vermont!" noted a camper who appreciated being "close to both Bennington and Wilmington." Another mentioned that Jamaica State Park was "conviently located" with "nice place to pass through or bring the family for a weekend."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly by location and carrier. At Somerset Airfield, a camper reported "AT&T service at bridge prior to camp - short walk. SOS only in camp," while others mentioned spotty coverage throughout the area.
Weekend crowds: Some campgrounds become busy during summer weekends. A camper at Woodford State Park cautioned, "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!"
Walk-in site preparation: At Grout Pond Campground, prepare for a hike to your site. "Our site was a half a mile away from the lot, and while this wasn't a problem, we would have packed completely different if we had known we would have to be hauling all our stuff that far in," advised one visitor who recommended bringing boots for muddy trails.
Tips for camping with families
Check playground availability: Only select campgrounds offer play areas. At Camping on the Battenkill, a longtime visitor shared, "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."
Consider kid-friendly water access: Look for gradual entry points for younger children. "The beach on the river is beautiful and clean! Easy swimming for all," reported a camper at Camping on the Battenkill, who found the river access ideal for families.
Plan for noise levels: Woodford State Park gets busy with families. A camper warned, "As other reviews have mentioned there were a ton of happy noisy kids around," suggesting that those seeking quiet should look elsewhere while families will find plenty of companions.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most state parks near Wilmington lack full hookups. At George D. Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, an RVer noted, "Road was quite good. I believe I have the last of 4 sites. Nice camp fire area," but confirmed the lack of electric, water or sewer connections.
Access road conditions: Some forest roads require caution. A camper at Grout Pond described "dirt roads and very deep potholes that you can just barely avoid," recommending smaller RVs rather than large rigs for many of the area's campgrounds.
Battenkill for full hookups: For those needing complete services, Camping on the Battenkill offers comprehensive amenities. "Our site has S/W/E with cable and wifi, and is nicely shaded," reported a seasonal RVer who stays from May through mid-October each year.
