The Brattleboro North KOA (Kampgrounds of America) is located in Southern Vermont, and an easy 1-1/2 hour drive for all the relatives to make in a day trip.
Several members of our group have camped in the past at KOA’s around the country because they’re known for being extremely clean, peaceful, and fun. At a KOA you can either drive your RV in, pitch a tent, or stay in one of their rustic cabins for your camping experience.
The Brattleboro North KOA is a small campground with a park-like setting and has earned the KOA Presidents and Founders Awards since 2007.
We all arrived on Friday, which was a beautiful sunny day, and warm enough in New England to enjoy the crystal-clear pool!
Campground amenities
The campground amenities included large sites with grass lawns, natural shade, grills, and fireplaces fire pits. Each night we had firewood delivered and sat around the campfire toasting S’Mores made with marshmallows, graham crackers and Hershey’s Chocolate while singing campfire songs. Quiet Hours are from 10 pm to 8 am, so after the merriment, the kids and grandkids turned in early and the adults weren’t far behind!
Activities
Friday was our nicest day and the kids and grandchildren got to stretch their legs after the ride on the play areas that had swings, seesaw, monkey bar, a wooden rocking horse, a pirate ship sandbox, and helicopter. There’s also a basketball hoop and plenty of lawn space to set up lawn games for the older kids to enjoy.
Saturday turned out to be a total washout with unrelenting rain. Fortunately the KOA campground had a TV computer lounge and game room that was well stocked with DVDs, videos, books, magazines, and tourist information. Both parents, grandparents, and the kids had the chance to get out of the RV campers for a while and relax in larger quarters. There’s also a very nice laundry area with pay washers, dryer, and ironing board.
Cabins
The Brattleboro North KOA also has charming cottages with private bathrooms, TV, refrigerators, and heat. While there I saw a woman who was traveling solo and thought that this is a great way to tour the country while staying in a family campground.
This KOA had a log cabin with TV, refrigerator, and heat. Guests, however must bring their own bedding. It’s an excellent alternative for those grandparents who aren’t into camping and need more creature comfort to enjoy participating in the family reunion vacation.
We took the kids and grandchildren up to the General Store that was stocked with provisions,
camping accessories, gifts, and keepsakes. Slugger, my three-year-old grandson scored a “digger truck” that turned out to be his prize possession! The weekend was capped off with an ice cream social and outdoor movies for the kids.
Area activities include nearby farmers’ market and flea markets, hiking, golf, river rafting, boating, fishing, and kayaking along area streams and the Connecticut River. Several members of our group brought their kayaks and canoes, but the weather was too rainy and they never got launched.
Nearby Attractions
On our way up Interstate 91, we passed Old Deerfield Village and the Yankee Candle Headquarters in Massachusetts. Basketville, Santa’s Land, and the Vermont Country Store are a little farther north in Vermont, but an easy day trip.
Everyone had a great time despite the fact I locked my only set of car keys in my trunk!
Brattleboro North KOA
1238 US Route 5
East Dummerston, VT
www.brattleborokoa.com