Camping in southern Vermont offers scenic destinations at higher elevations, with Woodford State Park sitting 2,400 feet above sea level as Vermont's highest-elevation state park. The area around Wilmington receives substantial snowfall in winter, creating ideal conditions for summer camping when temperatures rarely exceed 80°F. The region features a mix of state park campgrounds and private facilities with varying levels of amenities.
What to do
Kayak Adams Reservoir: Woodford State Park Campground surrounds this beautiful body of water where visitors can enjoy peaceful paddling. "The reservoir is beautiful- plenty of space to spread out for paddling and swimming. We had no issues with noise from other campers... We heard coyotes at night and loons in the morning," writes Melissa S., highlighting the wildlife viewing opportunities.
Hike Mt. Olga: The trail at Molly Stark State Park Campground connects to extensive network paths. "The trails from the park connect to the Hogback Mountain Conservation area trails, so there are actually many miles of trails you can explore without having to drive anywhere," notes a reviewer. A different camper mentioned, "You can continue on the hiking trail to a cute brewery/pizza place or even a distillery."
Explore historic sites: The region offers cultural attractions within short drives. "We were at the end of the middle loop and could clearly see into four neighboring sites. Bathrooms were fine, nothing special but clean... Overall a good stop near Bennington but I don't know that I'd make it a destination," shares one Woodford visitor. The surrounding towns provide interesting day trips.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Emerald Lake State Park Campground maintains high standards for bathrooms and other amenities. "Restrooms are about average for state parks. They were definitely cleaned daily. Don't forget to bring quarters for the shower," advises Cynthia K. The park offers "a small, sandy beach at one end of the lake, with a bath house and changing rooms nearby."
Family-friendly atmosphere: Many campgrounds in the region cater specifically to those with children. At Woodford State Park, one camper noted, "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! Boat rentals!" The social aspect appeals to many families seeking glamping near Wilmington, Vermont.
Water activities: Swimming and fishing opportunities abound throughout the region. "Woodford features a nice grassy area on the water that's dog-friendly, and a separate little no-dog swimming and paddle boat area," reports one visitor. Another camper at Emerald Lake shared, "Swimmers can swim out the a small island in the middle of the lake and check out the rope swing."
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the area have limited operating seasons. "We love the VT state parks and try to camp there 3-4 times a summer," writes one Emerald Lake visitor, but notes availability only runs "Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend."
Reservation needs: Sites at popular locations fill quickly, particularly for glamping options close to Wilmington, Vermont. Planning ahead is essential, especially for premium accommodations and holiday weekends.
Weather variability: The mountain elevation means conditions can change rapidly. Pack layers and rain gear regardless of forecast, as afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer months.
Road access limitations: Some campgrounds have specific routing requirements. At Ashuelot River Campground, "Highly suggest reading the directions on the campgrounds website about the covered bridge you're not allowed to cross- we discovered this the hard way," warns Mallory P. Always check official directions rather than relying solely on GPS.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection matters: Choose locations based on accessibility and safety. At Emerald Lake, "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 and find one on the opposite side of the ledge."
Pack entertainment: While natural activities abound, having backup options helps during downtime. "We unexpectedly had a free Saturday afternoon and night and 2 borrowed kayaks," mentions one Emerald Lake camper who made the most of water activities.
Consider noise levels: Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground offers a quieter alternative to some busier locations. "We loved this quiet, small campground near Mass Moca and Mt Greylock. It was very well maintained, and the staff were friendly. Sites are either wooded or open in the sun, with good distance between sites," shares Heather C.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds in the region feature uneven terrain. "Our site, 111, was a nice flat grassy site with water and 20amp electric. We were sunny in the morning and got nice shade starting late in the morning," notes one camper at Peppermint Park Camping Resort.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited in state parks. For those requiring utilities, private campgrounds like Country Aire Campgrounds offer more options. "The owners are always working on improving sites. The pool is ok, the new playground is awesome according to my little experts and there are some nice sites along a brook," mentions a repeat visitor.
Seasonal considerations: The short camping season means facilities may have varying conditions depending on timing. Early and late season camping often means fewer crowds but potentially limited amenities. "We were there with the Scouts and took up a huge grassy area with tents. Looks like a lot of RVs for the long term, some pop ups, we were the only tents," shares a Country Aire camper, suggesting flexibility in accommodations.
