Highway hum from I-91 provides a constant backdrop at this 51-site state park campground, though some sites offer better sound buffers than others. The forested terrain features both wooded sites with mature trees and more open areas where recent clearing has reduced privacy between neighbors. Sites 20-30 occupy a quieter section set back from the main road loop, while lean-to options provide covered shelter for tent campers.
Most sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet with water hookups available, though no electrical connections exist. Tim K. notes "sites are spacious with fire rings and picnic tables," and campers consistently report clean facilities despite the aging restroom buildings. Coin-operated showers provide hot water, though water pressure runs light. The campground fills on summer weekends, creating a busier atmosphere than some Vermont state parks.
Three short hiking trails wind through the park property, including routes to a swimming hole and viewpoints overlooking the Connecticut River valley. Audrey R. mentions "we did one of the little hikes and ended at a viewpoint." Downtown Brattleboro sits just five minutes away for dining and supplies, making this a convenient base for exploring southern Vermont's attractions.
The campground operates from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, with reservations recommended for weekend stays. Bug spray proves essential during summer months, and campers seeking maximum quiet should request sites furthest from the highway. For additional camping options in the region, explore places to camp near Brattleboro or consider the Hinsdale Campground At Thicket Hill Village just across the New Hampshire border.
Description
Fort Dummer State Park, located in the Connecticut River Valley just outside of Brattleboro, has 217 acres of forest land.
The park was named after Fort Dummer, the first permanent European settlement in Vermont. Built on the frontier in 1724, it was initially the gateway to the early settlements along the banks of the Connecticut River. Forty-three English soldiers and twelve Mohawk Indians manned the fort in 1724 and 1725. Later, the fort protected what was then a Massachusetts colony from an invasion by the French and Indians. Made of sturdy white pine timber, stacked like a log cabin, Fort Dummer served its purpose well.
The park overlooks the site of Fort Dummer which was flooded when the Vernon Dam was built on the Connecticut River in 1908. This site can be seen from the northernmost scenic vista on the Sunrise Trail. It is now underwater near the lumber company located on the western bank of the river.
Located in the southern foothills of the Green Mountains, the forest is more like those of southern New England than like a typical Vermont forest. Southern tree species such as white, red, and chestnut oaks, dominate the hardwood forest, which also contains beech, maple, yellow birch, and white birch.
An abundance of oak trees provides food and shelter for gray squirrels, turkeys, and deer. Ruffed grouse also inhabit these woods, attracted by its dense woody cover and open understory.
Facilities / Amenities The campground has 50 tent/trailer sites and 10 lean-to sites. These are located in two adjacent areas and are served by two toilet buildings, both with coin-operated hot showers. There is a sanitary dump station, but there are no hookups. Also located within the park is a small picnic area, hiking trails (one of which leads to a swimming hole) and a large open field.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundFort Dummer State Park Campground is located in Vermont
Directions
From Jct. I-91 (Exit 1, Brattleboro) & U.S. 5: Go 1/10 mi N on US 5, then 1/2 mile E on Fairground Road, then 1 mile S on Main Street and Old Guilford Road.
Address
517 Old Guilford Rd
Guilford, VT 05301
Coordinates
42.82108834 N
72.56408227 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/23/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 4/23/26- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 4/23/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/23/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 4/23/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 4/23/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 39 min from Amherst Center, MA
- 49 min from Springfield, MA
- 1 hr 19 min from Pittsfield, MA
- 1 hr 23 min from Worcester, MA
