Campsites near Woodstock, Vermont range from densely forested state parks to riverside camping spots along the Connecticut River. The region experiences summer daytime temperatures averaging 75°F with cooler nights in the 50s, and fall temperatures dropping to 40-60°F in September and October. Many private campgrounds in central Vermont operate from mid-May through mid-October, closing before winter conditions make access challenging.
What to do
Hiking trails to waterfalls: Jamaica State Park offers access to Hamilton Falls via the West River Trail. "We hiked the west river trail (which leads right out of the campground) to Hamilton falls which is a gravel closed road that follows the west river upstream 2 miles to Hamilton falls trail which then leads up hill for another mile to the falls," notes Chris D. from Jamaica State Park Campground.
Swimming in quarries: The Dorset area offers unique swimming opportunities. "Great location near a fantastic quarry, country store, and Manchester shopping. The camp grounds were family friendly and quiet. They even had rabbits and chickens for the kids to enjoy," shares Rachelle S. who stayed at Dorset RV Park.
Appalachian Trail access: Several campgrounds provide direct access to popular hiking trails. A camper at Gifford Woods State Park Campground reports, "The AT runs directly through this park. While on a 4 state section hike I traveled by foot through this park."
Mountain biking: The region offers trails for cyclists of various skill levels. "Plenty of room, busy on holiday weekends generally very quiet. Wooded and trees between sites," explains Elizabeth M. about the area near Tree Farm Campground.
What campers like
Natural water features: Campers enjoy sites with river access for recreation. At Jamaica State Park, M.A.D. P. mentions, "We managed to get a prime leanto site right on the river. We were only there for an overnight but we will be back. In the Spring the water is released behind Ball Dam, creating a white water adventure."
Fall foliage viewing: The area is known for spectacular autumn colors. "The Green Mountains are beautiful so there is plenty of sightseeing to do. Dorset is a cute tiny town that is beautiful in the fall," notes Nancy W. who stayed at Dorset RV Park.
Trail connectivity: Many sites offer direct access to hiking networks. "The highlight is the hiking, both in the park and just outside of it. The Appalachian Trail runs right through the park and you can hike up to Deer Leep, around Kent Pond, or to Thundering Falls right from the campground," explains Tara S. from Gifford Woods State Park.
Quiet atmosphere: Campers value the peaceful settings. "Small but well organized campground. TT members will find all the comforts of home. Staff is pleasant and helpful. Quiet during the weekdays, picks up over weekends but not to overbearing," Robert M. shares about Sandy Beach Campground.
What you should know
Limited cell coverage: Many campgrounds have poor connectivity. "Small town general store, no cell service and a gorgeous back drop is a perfect spot to just unwind from the real world," notes Brittany B. about Jamaica State Park.
Varying site levelness: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain. A camper at Tree Farm Campground mentions, "Spacious, wooded sites, super clean...friendly, helpful owners and gorgeous setting!"
Weather considerations: The region can experience significant temperature fluctuations. "We were looking for a basic camp ground that would have hook ups. While searching online we learned that Vermont state parks do not have hook ups," writes emily H. who stayed at Tree Farm Campground.
Limited site availability: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. Kyle R. observes at Gifford Woods State Park, "Each site had a fair amount of isolation and trees surrounding it, and the mosquitoes aren't too bad there either."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options for children: Several campgrounds offer safe swimming areas. At Sandy Beach Campground, nicole shares, "We enjoyed our stay. The first site we got was way too small for our tent and they accommodated us and gave us a choice of two others to pick from. A lot of seasonal people but friendly. Playground is on the beach."
Playgrounds and recreation: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's areas. "Nice little weekend getaway. Clean bathrooms, roomy tent sites, nice staff. Fun playground and nature area for kids. Very family friendly place with beautiful hikes to Hamilton falls," writes Fransheska A. about Jamaica State Park.
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer nature programs or historic sites. "The campsites were beautiful with the river behind us. Not to many people there so we're got the best spot. The bathrooms are sanitary and are not port-a-potties. For us, they also had a playground to play at, and a boat dock to kayak," reports Meike W. about Jamaica State Park.
On-site activities: Choose campgrounds with built-in entertainment options. "We needed some serious forest bathing and spontaneously decided to head to the green mountains. This was a very simple basic campground but the best part was that it was very quiet and cool despite the highest temps VT had seen and a long time," notes emily H. at Tree Farm Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many Vermont campgrounds require proper equipment for leveling. A visitor to Newfound RV Park reports, "Our compacted ground site was level and had a dedicated patch of grass with a small tree. We personally felt that the sites were all well-spaced."
Navigation considerations: Mountain roads can present challenges for larger rigs. Keith M. who stayed at Dorset RV Park notes, "The location was very good in allowing us to visit family in nearby village and go into nearby Manchester Center. Much more of an RV Park (name is on the money) than camping where we had our site."
Seasonal operation awareness: Most RV parks in the region have limited operating seasons. "We paid ($47/night) for our full hookup, 50-amp site," shares Nancy W. about Dorset RV Park, highlighting the pricing for RV camping near Woodstock, Vermont.
Tree clearance: Wooded sites may present challenges for larger RVs. A camper at Tree Farm Campground warns, "Lit's of kids. Nicest sites are taken by seasonal. Sewer and water hookups. Safari field isn't nice, they crowd you in."
