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Camping near Wilmington, Vermont ranges from developed campgrounds with showers and RV hookups to free dispersed sites in the backcountry. Woodford State Park Campground, located just 10 miles northwest of Wilmington, provides tent sites, RV camping, and cabin accommodations around Adams Reservoir. Molly Stark State Park Campground offers primitive camping with tent sites and lean-tos along Route 9, while George D. Aiken Wilderness areas provide free dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking a more rustic experience. Somerset Airfield and Grout Pond also feature primitive camping areas within driving distance of Wilmington, giving visitors options ranging from developed facilities to backcountry sites.
The camping season in the Wilmington region typically runs from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend, with most state parks closing during winter months. Campgrounds like Molly Stark and Woodford State Parks require reservations, especially during peak summer weekends and fall foliage season. Many campgrounds feature showers, flush toilets, and drinking water, though dispersed sites generally lack these amenities. Cell service can be spotty throughout the region, particularly at higher elevations and more remote locations. Travelers should note that bear activity occurs in the area, necessitating proper food storage. As one visitor noted, "We didn't see any bear, but it is an active bear area. This is no frills, primitive and refreshing camping."
Several campgrounds in the area feature waterfront access, including Woodford State Park with its reservoir views and swimming beaches. Campers consistently rate the privacy and natural setting of sites highly, with many locations offering significant tree cover between sites. Proximity to hiking trails ranks as a major benefit, with the Mt. Olga Fire Tower trail accessible directly from Molly Stark State Park. Visitors appreciate the convenience of Wilmington's location, which provides access to both recreation and amenities. A camper described the area as having "clean, quiet, relaxing great water views" and noted that "you are close to both Bennington and Wilmington." For those seeking a balance between wilderness and convenience, the developed campgrounds near Wilmington provide an ideal base for exploring southern Vermont.
"The views on some of the sites to the lake are beautiful. the grounds and facilities are well kept. and you are close to both Bennington and Wilmington. a great spot to camp at in Southern Vermont!"
"Woodford State Park is situated between Wilmington and Bennington VT in the southern part of the Green Mountain National Forest."
"It's 5 min down the road from Wilmington, one of our favorite towns to visit. There are no hookups at any Vermont state parks (Molly Stark included). We stayed at site T16."
"This park is close to my house in southern Vermont. We usually visit during the day to hike to the top of the Mt. Olga firetower."
"We stopped on our way through to Stowe Vermont."
"The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on. There were only about 10 spots along the access road."
"This tops our list for camping in Vermont. There is so much to do here, and yet the campground feels very private and quiet. There are 41 tent/RV sites to choose from and 18 lean-tos."
"This was our second stay at this Vermont State Park. It was a great three days. The park rangers were tremendous in ensuring we had a delightful visit. They worked with us to get the right site."
from $20 - $42 / night
Check Availability"Great location near Somerset Reservoir. Weekend was interrupted by a domestic violence situation a few sites downbeat resulted in fights and someone shooting off a handgun."
"Some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park. The real attraction is the huge Somerset Resevoir which is up the road."
"Two minutes drive to the very cute town of Wilmington. Good places to eat there. The campsite was really private. Had a picnic table and fire pit."
"This property is situated on 9 acres, with nice & level sites. Yard games, fire-pit & picnic table are all provided. Pull through site for your RV or pitch a tent."
from $27 - $35 / night
Check Availability"A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."
"I got in around the afternoon and there were already a few camp sites taken. Which is to be expected on the fourth."
"My friend and I were desperately looking for a place to spend the weekend, and with Covid making it a little more difficult to rely on walking in and finding a campsite, we made a blind reservation for"
"We were the only campers along the waterfront, but there were a few car campers in the sites near the road."
from $16 / night
Check Availability"you might figure that being so close to the city, and the highway, it would be somewhat abused, but not so. Very clean and well kept."
"This campground is pretty centrally located with easy access to grocery stores, gas, and the highway. It is down a quiet road far enough that you do not hear any traffic noise."
"There are two lakes and another nearby. It is close to many hiking trails. We arrived an hour after the water was turned off due to freezing temps."
"Absolutely beautiful campsites near water, good facilities and a cozy lodge space."
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.
ScoutReally enjoyed the setting at Crow’s Nest. There are lots of trees and having the Sugar River running alongside the campground gives the whole place a nice New Hampshire feel. We were mostly looking for somewhere to disconnect for a couple of days, cook outside, fish a little, and enjoy being away from home. Crow’s Nest was a great fit for that.
ScoutWhat we liked most about Crow’s Nest was being able to choose between doing absolutely nothing or heading out and exploring. One day we stayed around the campground, went swimming and relaxed by the river. The next day we got out and explored more of the Lake Sunapee area. It made a really good home base and it was always nice coming back to our campsite at the end of the day.
ScoutDyrt 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.
ScoutWhere does one even begin to explain how great this campground is?! There’s truly a little bit of something for everyone here!
We absolutely loved our campsite. It had plenty of room, a good amount of privacy, and great tree coverage. Even when it rained, our fire pit somehow stayed pretty dang dry, which was a huge plus!
The rec hall was awesome and had so many cool arcade games to check out. They also offer kayak and canoe rentals for the pond, which has surprisingly clear, beautiful water.
One thing that REALLY stood out to us was how incredibly clean the bathrooms and showers were. They were well maintained and practically bug-free, which is almost unheard of at a campground!
On top of all that, everyone we came across—from the staff to the other campers—was super friendly, welcoming, and down-to-earth. It just had an all-around great atmosphere.
Seriously, don’t skip over this campground. If you’re on the fence, just book it. You won’t regret it! We’ll definitely be back!
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.
TravelerIt’s super cute here, there’s a rec room for older kids and playground for younger kids. It’s a short walk to a fishing spot and it’s very clean. Our site had a plug, there’s a laundry machine on site and the owner is super sweet.
TravelerGreat little dispersed camping area off Forest Road 71 in West Dover, Vermont. Once you get onto the forest service road, everything is gravel/dirt, with several small pull-offs and primitive campsites scattered along the road. Some sites are only a few feet from the road, while others are tucked back around 100 feet and offer a little more privacy.
The individual pull-offs can be a little more challenging to reach. Most involve some combination of hills, rocks, ruts, and mud, although nothing was too crazy. Some spots are definitely easier to get into than others, so having a vehicle with decent ground clearance is helpful.
There was a decent amount of traffic passing through the area while we were there, but nothing too crazy or disruptive. The campsite we stayed at had a fire pit, but there was no running water at our site, and I don’t believe the other dispersed sites have running water either.
Overall, a pretty good option if you’re looking for a primitive, low-key camping spot with multiple sites to choose from. Just don’t expect complete solitude, especially during busier times.
GuideThe first time we stayed here, we were in a different site. It was fine, but not near the water. This time, we chose a site near the water, but it's literally surrounded by three other sites. It's not shown like that on the map. We had to drive through someone else's setup to get to our site. There's no privacy as there was in our previous site. This is one of the few state parks in Massachusetts with a dump station
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Wilmington, Vermont?
Wilmington offers excellent camping options in southern Vermont. Molly Stark State Park Campground stands out for its well-maintained facilities just 5 minutes from downtown Wilmington. The park features pull-through RV sites with fire rings and picnic tables, though no hookups are available. Another great option is Woodford State Park Campground, located between Wilmington and Bennington. It offers private sites with beautiful lake views around Adams Reservoir and holds the distinction of being Vermont's highest elevation state campground. Both parks provide clean facilities, hiking trails, and convenient access to Wilmington's charming downtown area with restaurants and microbreweries.
What camping options are available near waterfalls in Wilmington, VT?
Jamaica State Park Campground offers excellent waterfall camping about 20 minutes from Wilmington. The park features 41 tent/RV sites and 18 lean-tos, with some positioned right along the West River. Visitors can hike to Hamilton Falls, one of Vermont's highest waterfalls. Another option is Mount Ascutney State Park Campground, which provides access to several seasonal cascades and streams. For those willing to venture slightly farther, Grout Pond in the Green Mountain National Forest offers primitive camping near small woodland waterfalls. Most waterfall camping options are seasonal, typically operating from late May through mid-October.
Is Gus's Gardens a good camping option in Wilmington, Vermont?
There is no verified information about Gus's Gardens as a camping facility in Wilmington, Vermont from available camping reviews or official sources. When looking for established campgrounds in the Wilmington area, consider Brattleboro North KOA, which offers full amenities including activities for both children and adults, clean facilities, and helpful staff knowledgeable about the region. Alternatively, Fort Dummer State Park Campground provides a more rustic state park camping experience. To verify if Gus's Gardens exists or is a private/informal camping area, contact the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce or check with Vermont's Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation.
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