Running Bear Camping Area

- 113 Running Bear Trail, Windsor, VT 05089

Discovering Your Local Escape: Running Bear Camping Area in Windsor, VT

For residents across the Green Mountain State, finding the perfect local getaway that offers both the peace of nature and the fun of a family resort can sometimes feel like a challenge. Luckily, the Windsor area is home to a true gem: the Running Bear Camping Area. Nestled in the picturesque landscape of the Upper Valley, this family-owned campground provides a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere that has made it a favorite for Vermonters and visitors alike since 2006. It's more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it’s a destination where lasting family memories are made against a backdrop of rolling hills and majestic mountains.

This content is designed to give our local Vermont users a clear, informative overview of what makes Running Bear Camping Area a premier choice for their next weekend escape or extended vacation. We’ve gathered the facts to highlight the unique blend of natural beauty and modern convenience that this local business offers.

Introduction / Overview

Running Bear Camping Area is a well-established, family-owned and operated campground located at the base of the beautiful Mount Ascutney in Windsor, Vermont. With its serene setting and expansive grounds, it successfully balances the rustic appeal of traditional camping with a host of amenities designed for comfort and entertainment. The campground is known for its friendly, inviting, and family-oriented environment, catering to both serious seasonal campers and vacationing families. Visitors frequently praise the welcoming staff, clean environment, and the sense of community fostered through its organized events. It offers a truly relaxing atmosphere, ensuring plenty of entertainment and opportunities for creating cherished family memories that can last generations. The commitment to providing a top-tier outdoor experience is evident in every aspect of the park, from its well-maintained sites to its impressive recreational facilities.

Location and Accessibility

The campground is ideally situated for easy access from various points within Vermont and the Upper Valley region. Located at 113 Running Bear Trail, Windsor, VT 05089, USA, the site is positioned near the base of Mount Ascutney, offering stunning, beautiful views of rolling hills and surrounding mountains. This location places it just a few minutes’ drive from Mount Ascutney State Park, a hotspot for hikers, hang gliders, and scenery-seekers. Furthermore, the proximity to the Connecticut River allows for nearby fishing and boating opportunities.

Its location is highly convenient, offering a wilderness getaway feel while remaining close to local towns like Windsor, which is approximately within a 10-minute drive, making shopping and dining options easily accessible. For local Vermonters, the easy drive to a location that feels a world away from the everyday hustle is a major draw. The setting near Route 5 in the Ascutney area of Windsor makes it easy to navigate to and from the site.

Services Offered

Running Bear Camping Area provides a variety of essential and desirable services to enhance the camping experience for all guests, including:

• Variety of Camping Sites: Options including RV sites with full hookups (electric, water, sewer) and sites with water and electric hookups, catering to a maximum vehicle length of 55 feet. Tent camping is also available.
• Dump Station and Honey Wagon Service: A free dumping station for registered campers is available in the upper section of the campground, along with a 'honey wagon' (portable sani-station) service for an additional fee, which must be requested and paid for in advance.
• Fireside Beverage Camp Store: A stocked on-site store offering Vermont’s finest craft beers, essential items, firewood, and ice.
• Laundry Facilities: Convenient on-site laundry facilities are available for guests.
• Public Restrooms and Showers: Bathhouse facilities are available for all campers.
• Visitor Registration: All day visitors must register at the office upon arrival, ensuring the safety and comfort of all registered guests.
• Pet-Friendly: Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash, attended to, and all waste must be cleaned up. Note that pets are not permitted inside the store, bathhouse, rec hall, or pool area.
• Trash Pickup: Trash bags are collected roadside by 10:00 AM, or can be placed in on-site dumpsters.

Features / Highlights

The recreational features and activities are what truly set Running Bear Camping Area apart, ensuring there’s always something fun for the whole family:

• Heated Saltwater Pool: A newly installed 25' x 50' heated saltwater swimming pool provides a refreshing and enjoyable escape during warm summer days.
• Community Pavilion: A large central pavilion serves as a hub for social activities, hosting cornhole tournaments, birthday parties, and various entertainment.
• Live Entertainment: The campground is well-known for hosting live music on Saturday nights (typically 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM) during the season, featuring various bands and creating a lively, festive atmosphere.
• Children's Playground: A small but spread-out and inviting playground is located beside the pavilion, offering a safe space for children to play.
• Sports and Games: The expansive grounds feature a basketball court, horseshoe pits, and a large open field perfect for games and gatherings.
• Organized Activities: The campground organizes various family-friendly activities, which have included events like bingo and holiday-themed celebrations (e.g., Christmas and Easter at the campground, as seen in past schedules).
• Scenic Views: The campground offers beautiful views, making for a truly relaxing and visually stunning environment.
• Access to Attractions: The location is a short drive from numerous area attractions, including Mount Ascutney State Park, Wilgus State Park, the Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge, Harpoon Brewery, and the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site.

Contact Information

• Address: 113 Running Bear Trail, Windsor, VT 05089, USA
• Phone: (802) 674-6417
• Mobile Phone: +1 802-674-6417
• Reservations: It is recommended to call in advance to make reservations and secure your camping spot, especially during peak season and for special event weekends.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For Vermont residents, Running Bear Camping Area offers the perfect balance of a convenient, close-to-home vacation and a genuine escape into the Green Mountain wilderness. As a local, family-owned business, it embodies the spirit of Vermont hospitality, offering a truly welcoming atmosphere that fosters community. The campground’s location at the base of Mount Ascutney means some of the best hiking and outdoor recreation in the state is literally minutes away, while the Connecticut River provides excellent nearby fishing and boating opportunities.

Instead of traveling out of state, Vermonters can enjoy a premium, feature-rich camping experience—complete with a heated saltwater pool, live music, and a convenient store stocked with local craft beer—without the long drive. Whether you're a serious seasonal camper or a family looking for a weekend getaway, the variety of site sizes and amenities, combined with the strong community feel and organized family entertainment, makes Running Bear Camping Area an outstanding choice. It's a place where you can relax, recharge, and create those invaluable family memories right here in your own beautiful state. Supporting this local establishment means investing in a community hub that enhances the quality of life and recreational options available to all residents of the Vermont region.

Running Bear Camping Area

113 Running Bear Trail, Windsor, VT 05089, USA