Onion River Campground is a campground and event venue located at 61 Onion River Rd in Plainfield, Vermont. With a Google rating of 3.9 from 118 reviews, it draws a mix of praise and criticism from visitors. This review compiles information from public sources and visitor feedback to offer a balanced look at what the campground offers and what past guests have experienced. The campground sits along the Onion River, just off US Route 2, and offers proximity to walking trails and natural scenery. Visitors have highlighted both the peaceful setting and concerns about maintenance and management. This guide synthesizes those perspectives to help you decide if it's the right fit for your next camping trip.
Onion River Campground at a Glance
Onion River Campground is situated at 61 Onion River Rd in Plainfield, Vermont, near the Onion River and US Route 2. It operates as both a campground and an event venue, welcoming campers and hosting gatherings. The campground provides electric and water hookups at many sites, according to a reviewer, and offers access to walking trails and river views. Guests can contact the campground by phone at +1 802-426-3233 or visit the website at onionrivercampground.com for more information. The season runs through Vermont's colorful foliage period, as noted in the About section: 'See you in Vermont for the colorful Foliage ahead. Happy camping!'
What Do Visitors Like About Onion River Campground?
Visitor feedback for Onion River Campground is mixed, with a 3.9-star average from 118 reviews. Positive reviews frequently praise the friendly staff, beautiful scenery, and relaxing atmosphere, while critical reviews highlight issues with maintenance, cleanliness, and management. Many reviewers mention the campground's natural setting, including the river, orchard, and trails. However, several recent reviews describe rundown conditions, trash, and inadequate facilities. The overall sentiment suggests that experiences vary widely, possibly depending on the time of visit or specific site assigned.
1. Friendly and Helpful Staff
Multiple reviewers commend the campground's staff and owner for their hospitality. Tim Copeland described Jax (owner), Danielle, and Joe as 'some of the most down to earth and real people' and appreciated the help getting set up. Andreanne Malo-Baczkowski, who had to cancel a stay, still left a positive review due to the owner's kindness and responsiveness. Jeff Smith noted that staff was really nice, and Diane Guilbeault thanked Jacqueline for excellent service, highlighting a rare reimbursement for an early departure due to health issues.
2. Scenic Location and Outdoor Activities
The campground's natural surroundings are a common point of praise. Tracy Sargent mentioned great scenery including the orchard and river, and that it's dog-friendly. Steve Bowman described a lovely campground with an orchard, berry bushes, flowers, and trails leading to a sacred stone circle. Megan enjoyed a quiet, fairly private site near the woods and river, and found the walking trails perfect for her small dog. Stacey Gallagher called the location incredible, with amazing hiking and walking trails.
3. Maintenance and Cleanliness Concerns
Several visitors have reported issues with upkeep. Ashley B described deplorable bathroom conditions, trash not picked up for days, and a sewage hole left uncovered. Julia Matte noted trash, dog poop, leaking water spigots, and sites close together. Stacey Gallagher called the bath house a joke, with open slat doors and a coed setup. Abby Wegeman reported overgrown tent areas, no fire pits or benches, and a dilapidated bathhouse. Becky Rowe described trash heaped up and a general sense of neglect. These reviews suggest inconsistent maintenance, though positive reviews from other periods indicate improvements may occur.
4. Management and Policy Issues
Some reviewers experienced problems with reservations and management. Becky Rowe stated that a booked and paid site was given away, and that the online reservation was modified when they sought a refund. Cheryl Cooperman reported being given a 30-amp site instead of the reserved 50-amp, and found no staff available to help. Ashley B mentioned that management did nothing to address concerns about the bathhouse. These accounts point to potential communication and organizational challenges.
5. Noise and Proximity to Road
The campground's location next to a main road has been a drawback for some. Ashley B complained about cars and trucks speeding by all night. Julia Matte also noted road noise from the nearby main road. This suggests that light sleepers or those seeking absolute quiet may want to consider this factor.
6. Dog-Friendly Atmosphere
Several reviewers appreciated the dog-friendly environment. Tracy Sargent said her dog enjoyed the space to run around. Stacey Gallagher mentioned her dogs had the time of their lives. However, Julia Matte noted dog poop everywhere that they had to pick up. This indicates that while dogs are welcome, owners should be prepared to manage their pets and clean up.
Visitor Highlights
Paraphrased summary of what visitors mention most — not direct quotes.
Onion River Campground is located at 61 Onion River Rd, Plainfield, VT 05667, just off US Route 2. The campground can be reached by phone at +1 802-426-3233, and its website is onionrivercampground.com. The site operates as both a campground and an event venue. According to a reviewer, most sites have both electric and water hookups. The campground offers walking trails, river access (though one reviewer noted it is not easy even from the beach), and an orchard with berry bushes. It is dog-friendly, though visitors should be mindful of cleaning up after pets. The setting is described as peaceful by some, with spotty cell service that one reviewer found wonderful for disconnecting. A narrow bridge with a 22k pound limit was mentioned by two reviewers as a potential access concern for large RVs. The campground does not list specific amenities such as a store or pool in the available data, and some reviewers noted a lack of amenities for children and adults. The About section encourages visitors to enjoy Vermont's colorful foliage and happy camping.
Is Onion River Campground Worth Visiting?
Whether Onion River Campground is worth visiting depends on your priorities and expectations. If you value a scenic, dog-friendly setting with friendly staff and are looking for a simple, rustic camping experience, the positive reviews suggest it can be enjoyable, especially for those who appreciate nature and disconnecting. However, if you require modern, well-maintained facilities, consistent management, and quiet surroundings, the critical reviews raise valid concerns about maintenance, cleanliness, and road noise. Potential visitors should weigh these factors and perhaps contact the campground directly to confirm current conditions and amenities before booking. It may suit: campers with dogs who enjoy outdoor trails, those seeking a basic, affordable stay near Plainfield, and visitors attending events at the venue. It may not suit: those expecting hotel-like amenities, large RVs due to the narrow bridge, or travelers sensitive to noise and inconsistent upkeep.
What Are the Potential Limitations?
The available data does not establish current conditions, as reviews span multiple years and may not reflect the present state. Seasonal changes, crowd levels, and specific site assignments can affect experiences. The campground's official policies on reservations, cancellations, and amenities are not detailed in the source data. Some reviews mention management changes, but the extent and impact are unclear. Visitors should verify details directly with the campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the phone number for Onion River Campground?
The phone number is +1 802-426-3233.
Does Onion River Campground have a website?
Yes, the website is http://onionrivercampground.com/.
Are pets allowed at Onion River Campground?
Visitor reviews indicate that the campground is dog-friendly, with several guests mentioning their dogs enjoyed the space. However, it's advisable to confirm current pet policies with the campground directly.
What types of hookups are available?
According to a reviewer, most sites have both electric and water hookups. However, some reviewers reported issues with site assignments, so it's best to verify specific hookup availability when booking.
Is there cell service at the campground?
One reviewer noted that cell service is spotty, which they found ideal for disconnecting. Another reviewer mentioned there is no cell service, requiring a drive to find lodging. It's recommended to check with your carrier and plan accordingly.
Final Verdict
Onion River Campground offers a mixed experience according to visitor feedback. Its strengths include friendly staff, a scenic natural setting with river and trails, and a dog-friendly atmosphere. However, concerns about maintenance, cleanliness, management, and road noise are prominent in critical reviews. With a 3.9-star average from 118 reviews, it appears to appeal to campers seeking a rustic, affordable getaway but may disappoint those expecting well-kept facilities and consistent service. Prospective visitors should consider their own priorities and verify current conditions with the campground before booking.
This review was compiled from information gathered from various public sources and visitor reviews, then organized into general informational content. Details may change over time and should be verified with the official source.
Sources & Methodology
Validation passed
59 of 60 claims (98%) are directly supported by source data, 1 weak, and 0 unverified.
