Camping spots near Woodstock, Vermont range from forest-sheltered lean-tos to riverside campgrounds with mountain views. The region sits at the junction of the Green Mountains and Connecticut River Valley, creating diverse ecosystems for campers to explore. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-80°F, with evening temperatures cool enough for comfortable sleeping even during July and August.
What to do
Paddle the Connecticut River: At Wilgus State Park Campground, campers can rent kayaks for exploring the gentle waters. "Kayaking on the river is the big draw, which is a great place to be on a hot day," notes Susan E. The park also offers a shuttle service from upstream locations, allowing for one-way paddling trips.
Hike to mountain vistas: The trails at Mount Ascutney State Park Campground provide varying difficulty levels for hikers. "We hiked the Weathersfield Trail (2.9 miles from trailhead to summit). It was a challenge, but well worth it. There were several lookout points with spectacular views," shares Emma N. The park's fire tower offers 360-degree views of both the Green Mountains and White Mountains.
Experience backcountry shelters: Backpackers can access the Appalachian Trail section running through the region. "This is a back country shelter on the Appalachian trail. The shelter is on the larger side and could fit maybe 6-8 folks. There were lots of tent camping spots as you worked up the hill perpendicular to the shelter," explains Justin P. about Winturri Shelter.
What campers like
Private, well-spaced sites: Coolidge State Park Campground offers secluded camping spots with natural buffers. "I loved this campground especially my site! Private and well kept sites, clean bathrooms, friendly service, gorgeous Mountain View, gave me the real feel of camping outdoors," writes Melanie P. The campground's position on a hillside creates natural spacing between sites.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the upkeep of bathroom facilities. "The bathroom was clean, and the shower area was recently tiled with nice tilework. Outside of the bathroom there was a little library book case with books for campers to borrow," Rita M. notes about Mount Ascutney State Park. Most campgrounds offer coin-operated hot showers, typically costing $1 for 10 minutes.
Water recreation: Silver Lake State Park Campground provides waterfront camping with swimming access. "There is a beach with wading depth, sand for playing, buoys to mark the shallow area, a large dock to jump off with a ladder for climbing out," Hannah H. describes. The park offers rowboats, paddleboats, canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards for rent during daytime hours.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Vermont state parks accept reservations 11 months in advance, with prime sites filling quickly, especially during leaf-peeping season. For Coolidge State Park, "you have to book far in advance to get those campsites" with mountain views, notes Michael L.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience road noise due to their location. "The road nearby is noisy. Because of its location, you can hear both the local highway and I91. If being in the quiet wilderness is important to you, than this campground might not work out," cautions Nancy W. about a nearby KOA.
Different site types: Most campgrounds offer a mix of tent sites and lean-tos, with varying privacy levels. "The sites on the lower loop are closer together. Get a site in the upper loop if you can," advises Emil about Gifford Woods State Park Campground. Lean-tos typically cost $5-10 more per night than tent sites.
Tips for camping with families
Look for recreation options: Some campgrounds offer structured activities for children. "Rangers also run fun programs for children- my children churned butter and made popcorn over the campfire one night, and made tie dyed T-shirts the next (for no fee)," shares Jen B. about Quechee State Park.
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide a gentle introduction. At Quechee-Pine Valley KOA, "There are campgrounds for all types of camping and they have Cabins for people who act like they enjoy camping but would rather be in a cabin then on the ground," explains Donna C. Cabins typically sleep 4-6 people and range from $60-90 per night.
Seek campgrounds with play areas: Family-friendly campgrounds often have designated spaces for children. "Located at the beach area is also lawn space for games, a volleyball court, a fantastic playground," notes Hannah H. about Silver Lake State Park, making it easier for parents to keep children entertained.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: For RVers, researching site dimensions is essential. "The sites are all wooded. Despite the hilliness of the park and all the trees, we did not have any trouble navigating our 45' RV to our site," shares Nancy W. about a camping spot near Woodstock.
Hookup availability: Most state parks lack full hookups, though dump stations are available. "There are no hookups but they do have a dump station if you are in a RV," Jan B. mentions about Quechee State Park. RVers seeking full hookups should consider private campgrounds like KOAs, which offer electric, water, and sewer connections.
Consider pull-through sites: Some campgrounds offer easier access for larger rigs. "Whole facility was clean and well maintained. Staff was friendly and very helpful. Nice pull through site," Don L. notes about his overnight stop at a KOA near Woodstock, which can be especially valuable for those with larger trailers or motorhomes.
