A Camping Getaway in Brattleboro, Vermont
Natural beauty, charming downtowns, and a seemingly endless amount of open space make it is easy to fall in love with Vermont. But camping in Vermont is maybe even more charming of a family getaway!
We recently stayed at a KOA campground in southern Vermont, right next to Brattleboro. This little corner of the Green Mountain State is known for its arts, outdoor adventures, artisanal foods, and tons of Vermont-style fun. Read on for our full campground review, and don't miss our Camping Travel Guide filled with great campgrounds all around the country, or explore our Vermont Family Travel Guide for more New England adventures.
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Comfortable beds await at these Vermont cabins.
Brattleboro North KOA Journey Review
The Brattleboro North KOA Journey, is open roughly mid-April through mid-October, for spring through falltime camping. It is located about 3 miles from I-91, in East Dummerston, Vermont. Compared to other KOA campgrounds, this location may seem comparatively small in terms of size, but it certainly maintains all the necessary amenities, as well as offering that laid-back Vermont charm.
In addition to its tent and RV sites, Brattleboro North KOA Journey also offers a variety of lodging options. The deluxe cabin sleeps up to eight people, has a partial kitchen, and comes fully stocked with everything you’ll need including a full bath, cable television, and air conditioning/heating. If you’d like to "rough it" just a little bit, then try spending a night (or more) in the "Bear’s Den Cabin." This no-frills camping cabin lacks both a kitchen and bathroom. It does sleep up to five people.
Perhaps the most unique lodging that this KOA campground offers is the choice of five, lovingly maintained vintage Vermont cottages. My family arrived at the campground a little after sunset. We were able to quickly pick up our keys and pull up to our welcoming Vermont cabin. These cabins are a throwback in the best of ways. In fact, it feels reminiscent of the "pre-91 days" when Route 5 was a major thoroughfare in this region. Yet, each cabin was updated just enough so that it remains comfortable, while still holding onto its original charm. All of these cottages include a/c and heat, cable television, and full bathrooms with showers.
Each camping site comes with a fire ring for cooking and enjoying late-night stories and socializing.
Whatever accommodation you choose, each campground site comes equipped with a fire ring and access to the campground’s family-friendly amenities. The Brattleboro-based KOA campground offers plenty of activities for kids, including weekly ice cream socials, arts and crafts, outdoor games, and playgrounds. There's also a seasonal pool, arcade, ball courts, and access to the neighboring farm’s "Working Lands Walk." Be sure to check out its calendar for a steady rotation of campground events and specials.
RELATED: 25 Fun Things To Do in New Hampshire's White Mountains
Look for famous residents, such as famed American poet Robert Frost, at the Bennington Centre Cemetery, also the site of a Revolutionary War battle.
Top Things to Do Near Brattleboro, Vermont
While it's easy to spend the day at the campground, especially when the pool is open, we also enjoying getting out to explore the local sights.
One of our favorite scenic Vermont drives is the Molly Stark Scenic Byway. This old touring route winds its way through picturesque valleys, historic villages, and bustling towns. The byway links Brattleboro to the town of Bennington. Aside from the iconic Revolutionary War Bennington Battle Monument, this artsy town is filled with museums and history to explore. History buffs will love exploring Bennington Centre Cemetery at The Old First Church where American Poet Laureate Robert Frost is buried. This cemetery has tons of markers illustrating the lives of some of its most notable inhabitants from Vermont’s history.
Learn about wildlife at the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum.
About midway along the drive is the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum. Nestled into the side of Hogback Mountain, not only does this museum offer panoramic views of the Green Mountains, but it houses an impressive collection of native species, live animals, and natural history exhibits. The museum is also a great access point to over 600 acres of hiking trails maintained by the Hogback Mountain Conservation Association.
Conveniently, the entrance to the museum can be found through the Hoback Mountain Country Store. Like a true general store, this spot is stocked with everything — fudge, maple syrup, games, puzzles — you name it, it’s probably here!
Enjoy a "Storybook walk" at Retreat Farm.
Back toward Brattleboro, and about 10 minutes from the campground, is the truly unique Retreat Farm. This nonprofit’s farm and trails are open to everyone seven days a week. With tons of hiking, interpretive trails, pollinator pathways, animals, and a Storybook walk, it is easy to spend a day exploring the unique history of this Vermont farmstead.
Explore the local farms and breweries in Vermont to stock up your campsite with tasty provisions.
Retreat Farm is conveniently located next to the Grafton Cheese Company. Sampling your way through artisanal cheeses won’t make it any easier to pick your favorite. Handmade in Vermont, this cheese has been a tradition since 1982. We grabbed a variety of snacks and cheeses to sample back at the campground.
Hike one of the many trails nearby to enjoy true Vermont entertainment: wildlife and mountains.
After spending a day hiking and exploring, we were more than happy to hunker down at our KOA campground cabin to enjoy a night eating under the stars. We barbecued at our campfire ring and enjoyed a delicious dessert of campfire s’mores made with local chocolate and marshmallows, a Vermont camping getaway success!