Campsites near Woodstock, Vermont sit within the Connecticut River Valley, surrounded by rolling hills at elevations ranging from 700 to 1,500 feet. The area's mixed hardwood forests create distinct seasonal changes, with camping typically available from mid-May through mid-October. Weather conditions can shift rapidly in this region, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and dropping to 50-60°F at night.
What to do
Hike the Appalachian Trail: Gifford Woods State Park Campground provides direct trail access where the AT runs through the park. "The AT goes right through the campground. Lovely late summer camping experience. Can't say enough good things about Gifford Woods," notes one camper. The park also offers short hikes to Deer Leap overlook and Kent Pond.
Explore local waterways: Emerald Lake State Park Campground offers swimming and paddling on a small, vibrant green lake. "Beautiful campground in south central Vermont. On a lovely emerald green small lake with nice beach. Good for fishing and kayaking," says a visitor. The park includes trails around the lake with multiple swimming spots.
Visit historic sites: Camp near Woodstock to access the Marsh Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park. A camper at Quechee-Pine Valley KOA noted, "The campground is located near the Queechee Gorge, covered bridges, hiking trails, good dining, maple syrup/cheese farm, the Marsh Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park." These historic sites provide educational opportunities during your luxury outdoor stay.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer well-separated sites that enhance the woodland experience. At Quechee State Park Campground, "Many sites are large and private. Bathrooms are clean. Hosts sponsor activities that are fun for all, like a balloon launch, cook outs, etc. Love it there," writes one reviewer.
Clean facilities: The region's campgrounds maintain high standards for bathrooms and shower facilities. A camper at Gifford Woods notes, "Gorgeous sites. Upper Loop sites are spaced further apart. Wooded." Another mentions, "The facilities are great for a state park and the sites are large. It's a smaller campground which is really great."
Access to towns: The proximity to villages and towns offers conveniences during longer glamping stays. "Right down the road is the famous Quechee Gorge which is breathtaking any time of the year," says a visitor to Quechee-Pine Valley KOA. Another adds, "The town of Woodstock is a short drive west, and Killington Resort is a bit west of that."
What you should know
Reservation timing: For glamping close to Woodstock, Vermont, early booking is essential. Most parks open reservations up to 11 months in advance. A visitor to Emerald Lake State Park Campground advises, "This is a popular camp ground so reserve as early as 11 months before arrival."
Site selection considerations: The terrain at many campgrounds varies significantly. "The campground is large, with three camping loops. While there are trails down to the lake from the campground, none of the sites are waterfront, or even water view. In fact, many of them are perched on a steep ledge," cautions an Emerald Lake camper.
Limited connectivity: Cell service and WiFi are inconsistent throughout the region. A recent visitor to Lake Bomoseen KOA reported, "There is NO cell coverage and the Wi-Fi is poor and very slow if you can connect." Consider downloading maps and information before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Ranger programs: Take advantage of educational activities offered at state parks. At Quechee State Park Campground, "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 a family camper.
Swimming options: Choose campgrounds with beginner-friendly water access. A visitor to Emerald Lake notes, "There's a small, sandy beach at one end of the lake, with a bath house and changing rooms nearby. Swimmers can swim out to a small island in the middle of the lake."
Kid-friendly amenities: Some private campgrounds offer additional entertainment. "This campground was clean, nice sites, private, amenities galore, friendly staff and AMAZING pool!" reports a family staying at Moose Hillock Camping Resort. Another adds, "The playground is amazing."
Tips from RVers
Utility considerations: Most state parks offer limited hookups, while private campgrounds provide more options. At Quechee State Park, a camper notes, "There are no hookups but they do have a dump station if you are in an RV. They also have several lean-tos that you can rent."
Site navigation: Many campgrounds in the region have challenging terrain. "Despite the hilliness of the park and all the trees, we did not have any trouble navigating our 45' RV to our site," reports a visitor to Quechee-Pine Valley KOA. However, they add, "The park is a large park that is terraced since it is in a pretty hilly area."
Early arrival recommended: Arrive during daylight hours to navigate narrow campground roads. "Some roads are unpaved, unmarked with directional signs, very narrow, and tough to navigate," warns a visitor to Rogers Rock Campground. Setting up in daylight makes the process much easier.
