Camping options around Winooski, Vermont range from waterfront sites on Lake Dunmore to wooded areas in Groton State Forest. Temperatures in this region typically range from 70-85°F in summer months, with cooler 50-65°F nights even during peak season. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from late May through mid-October, with limited winter camping facilities available.
What to do
Hiking trails access: New Discovery State Park Campground connects directly to the Groton State Forest trail system. "There are hiking trails right from the campground, which we always appreciate. You can also go down to the water and rent a kayak or canoe from the rangers," notes Laura M., who also mentions seeing "fresh moose poop on a hike but sadly no moose."
Water activities: Branbury State Park Campground provides lake access with equipment rentals. "The day use section has a wonderful beach with a swimming area and boat launch. Large trees provide shade on a grassy lawn, and grills are available. The concession stand is open during day use hours," writes Lisa S.
Rail trail biking: Groton Forest area features converted rail trails for cycling. "Awesome state park. Right along a long rail trail where you can put in many miles and not even know it. Swimming and boating is a short ride in a couple different directions," explains Rick S. from New Discovery State Park.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: New Discovery State Park Campground offers unique paddle-in campsites. "We had the most perfect spot in a private site on osmore pond that was accessible only by canoe! Quiet, serene, beautiful!" shares Sambath T.
Spacious campsites: Branbury State Park features unusually large sites. "I couldn't believe how large the lots were. While they aren't super far from one another, they are large enough that they seem further than they are," reports Catherine M., adding "nice beautiful wooded area, we were able to put a tent and hang a hammock for sleeping."
Clean facilities: AuSable Chasm Campground maintains well-kept bathrooms. "The campground staff was friendly, and worked hard to keep the bathrooms and showers clean," notes Heather M., who stayed for 3 nights in a site with water and electric hookups.
What you should know
Limited equestrian camping near Winooski, Vermont: Frontier Town Campground in North Hudson, NY (about 90 minutes from Winooski) has designated equestrian camping areas. "We stayed in site 33 which is in the equestrian camping area. It's really open with little tree cover... The sites in the equestrian camping area are huge and so clean," reports Chelsea B.
Varied site configurations: New Discovery State Park has diverse site layouts. "Each site is so different and may or may not fit an RV. Some sites are so sloped I don't even know how a car would camp there. Some sites are out in the open grass where you just find a spot within the site that works for you," explains Laura M.
Wildlife awareness: Bears and moose inhabit the region. "There are bears in the area, so be aware and store all food properly," warns Lisa S. about Branbury State Park. Similarly, Laura M. notes seeing "fresh moose poop" at New Discovery, confirming active wildlife.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: AuSable Chasm Campground provides family recreation options. "DI'd a 4 night 4day stay. Was nice, pool was clean, play ground kids loved it. And facilities were clean, with hot showers," shares Larry.
Nature center activities: Branbury State Park offers educational opportunities. "There's a nature center with all kinds of information and activities. A large playground. Volleyball and horseshoe pits," explains J L., who found the park "family friendly" with "spacious sites."
Lean-to options: Several Vermont state parks offer lean-to shelters. "The lean-to sites are really cool, and if I was tent camping I think they'd be so fun to sleep in," says Laura M. about New Discovery. At Branbury, Stephen T. advises, "Book early if you want to get a site with a lean-to!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection challenges: Groton Forest Road Campground requires advance planning. "Reservations are def a plus. Can be difficult to get into on the weekend," advises Saige V.
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly between campgrounds. At Frontier Town, Charles K. found it "a great home base to explore from the Lake George region to Ticonderoga," while at AuSable Chasm, Brian P. warns "the 'road' into the campground is more like a goat trail, with numerous washouts and uneven rocks and dirt."
Hookup availability: Water connections at state parks can be challenging. At New Discovery, Laura M. notes "the spigots for the water are not threaded. We tried our water bandit, with messy wet results... Luckily, we found we could unscrew the head of the hose at the dump station and had no problem filling our tank."
Ranger
