Camping in Rochester, VT, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2025

United States
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Vermont
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Rochester

98% (7677 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Rochester

Star Hosts in Rochester

Top camping destinations

Noonmark summit for sunrise, Adirondack High Peaks

Adirondack State Park

White Mountain National Forest

1256 campgrounds

Green Mountain National Forest

1589 campgrounds

Norwich

235 campgrounds

12 top campgrounds near Rochester

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Bent Apple Farm

7 sites · Lodging100 acres · Londonderry, VT

Often described as being the most relaxing, romantic, dreamy and unique farm you'll ever stay in!!! Bent apple farm is natures perfect scape, thanks to my husband and I efforts to create a sanctuary to share with others. From apple trees, beautiful pond and a rustic cabins. Our farm is at the edge of VT natural forest, with often gifts us the visit of wild deers, moose and turkeys. Our property has 5 cabins total that give a small little village feel to it, but spaced enough that each has its privacy. This quiet piece of heaven is our little treasure, built and cared by us to share with you. Instagram: @bentapplefarm You’ll need 4x4 car in the winter time.

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Pine Cone Cabin

1 site · Lodging29 acres · Groton, VT

Welcome to our cozy tiny cabin nestled on 29 acres in the breathtaking Northeast Kingdom! Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, our cabin is the perfect base camp for all your outdoor pursuits. Situated close to Lake Groton, VAST trails, and Groton State Park, you'll have easy access to a myriad of activities including hiking, fishing, snowmobiling, kayaking/boating, swimming, hunting, and more! The cabin itself features a charming kitchen area, a loft for sleeping under the stars, a cozy fireplace to warm up after a day of exploration, and an outhouse for added convenience. Come and experience the beauty and serenity of the Northeast Kingdom at our tiny cabin retreat!

Streeter Mountain Farm

43 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres · NH

Streeter Mountain Farm is a recreation destination and permaculture farm nestled in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. We offer a variety of lodging options ranging in cost from tent camping and shared bunk rooms to private indoor lofts, tiny homes, and school buses. Streeter Mountain is a retreat destination for mountain biking, skiing, and hiking. Our onsite trails feature hand and machine-built features for riders of all skill levels. Under an hour of driving will get you to Mt. Moosilauke on the Appalachian Trail, renowned climbing at the Rumney Crags, and dozens of pristine NH lakes. Back on the farm, our swimming holes, hammocks, and communal fire pit offer peace and community connection after a full day of outdoor adventures. Guests are encouraged to recreate and restore amidst the natural beauty of our rural property, and explore our orchards and vegetable gardens. Quiet hours after 10pm please! 603-786-2366 No sewer hookups. Secluded spots for vehicles require high clearance and dry conditions.

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Willoughby Farm Animal Rescue

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents107 acres · Fairlee, VT

We are a 107-acre forest and farm animal rescue. Sleep with the sheep, alpacas, donkeys, potbellied pigs, and rabbits when you pitch your tent or park your camper on our Vermont Farm! Reserve the group site and sleep in the middle of the action! (You do not need a "group" to reserve the group site -- it is just our biggest site and can accommodate groups!). Co-located in the open, grassy area with the free-roaming farm rescues is our RV site. Co-located sites share a community fire ring, so it's a great way to meet and make new friends! Don't have a tent or RV? Spend a magical night in "The Greenhouse" (it's a real, working greenhouse that doubles as accommodations for those looking for a more "glamping" experience). Want a little privacy? Reserve one of our two tricked-out Tent Deck sites (Buddha North and Grandmother Pine), each with its own picnic table, private fire ring, and commercial-grade park grill. Nestled discretely in the forest adjacent to the area where the animals are, you will feel like you are in the middle of nowhere even though you are less than a 5-minute walk from your car! Looking for something a bit more remote and spectacular? Hike a half-mile to the Big Sky Tent Deck. An incredible vista awaits you for a little effort! Need gear? We have it for rent, from cast iron grill baskets and griddles to make cooking over a charcoal grill or fire a breeze to tents to 1- and 2- burner propane stoves to tarps to water containers. We even have an Anker Portable Power Station and Portable Kerosene Heater for rent! Need Supplies? Charcoal? Propane? We've got it. ----- We are a small non-profit (501c3). When you stay with us, rent equipment from us, or take a tour with us, 100% of the money you pay goes directly for the care and feeding of the rescue animals. Thanks for supporting us in making a difference in the lives of neglected, abused, and abandoned farm animals! ----- CAMP FOR FREE WEEKENDS: MAY 9-11 2025 & SEPT 19-21 2025 Come for the weekend and make a difference in the lives of Rescues. Spend the weekend helping us prep for Winter, maintaining and building fencing, planting daffodils, clearing brush, pitchforking manure (important and necessary work), hoof trimming, painting, and everything in between. Watch the sunset from the Big Sky Tent Deck on the Equinox. Sit around campfires with new friends. Eat great food -- we'll make you dinner each evening! Just (1) message us that you are interested or (2) sign up on the event page on our Facebook profile. ----- CHECK-IN TIME: 3:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m. Please arrive within this time window. If absolutely necessary, you may purchase a check-in extension for $15 in advance or $30 on arrival.

Green Mountain Trails

2 sites · Lodging600 acres · Pittsfield, VT

Hike or bike 2 miles into a completely secluded cabin on 600 acres with panoramic views of the Green Mountains. You’ll arrive to a cozy cabin that can comfortably sleep 2, or up to 4 if needed, equipped with a potbelly stove and basic cooking equipment.The mountain, once a source of wood for the Stanley Tool factory and a site for bridle trails in the summer and Nordic skiing in the winter, is now best known as a the birthplace of the Spartan Race and host of the infamous Death Races, as well being a popular mountain biking destination called the Green Mountain Trails. The trail system boasts 25 miles of flowy trails for all abilities as well as a stone staircase climbing from the base to the top of the trails at Shrek’s Stone Hut. Awake to an incredible sunrise and panoramic Green Mountain views after a night underneath a starry dome unblemished by city lights. Chilly evenings in the hut are easily tempered by a pot belly stove fed by seasoned wood. A built in bunk accommodates two people, but it’s possible to sleep up to four guests.

Texas Hill Brook & Dark Star Cabin

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Richmond, VT

Learn more about this land: Both sites are located in beautiful Huntington, VT on the occupied lands of the Abenaki/Wabanaki. Texas Hill Brook camp site The Texas Hill Brook site is a flat, wooded campsite on Texas Hill Brook in Huntington. The campsite is roughly 10m x 30m (30' x 100'), large enough for several tents or a small camper/RV. It is accessed by a sloped 50m (about 150') gravel driveway. The narrowest part of the driveway is 2.6m (about 8.5 feet). There is a 3m x 3m (10' x 10') tent platform and a large picnic table. Firewood is provided. Near our home about 120m/400 feet away through the trees but relatively private. Within a short pedal or drive to some of the best mountain biking and hiking Vermont has to offer, 15 minutes to Richmond and Hinesburg, and just a half hour to Burlington. Electricity on site, primitive fire pit, but no other facilities, so ALL waste must be packed out. We have a bucket commode to loan if you don’t have your own. Dark Star Cabin Dark Star is the perfect base camp for your northern Vermont hiking and biking adventures! Comfortable accommodations for 6 in a solar powered cabin. Located in Huntington close to some of Vermont’s best trails, Dark Star is a short hike (less than a mile) from a private, secure parking area. The hike is not difficult, but ground is uneven, some of it is uphill, and it may be wet. Note that this property is HIKE-IN ONLY and pack in/pack out (i.e. you will need to pack out all trash, etc.). Unwind in the wood-fired sauna, lounge on the deck under the stars, sharing stories of your escapades and planning the next day’s adventures. Pull-out queen sofa bed on the main floor plus 2 full size beds in the loft. Pillows are provided but bring your own linens. Outdoor shower, WiFi, water filtration system, grill, small refrigerator/freezer, composting toilet, and many other amenities for a comfortable stay.

The Coop!

2 sites · Lodging7 acres · Mount Holly, VT

Located at the end of a dirt road, quiet with views of Killington/Pico and Salt Ash Mountain. Its a 15 min drive from Okemo/Ludlow, 10min drive from the Appalachian trail (7.9 mile walk) and there are 3 other Ski resorts within an hour of us as well as numerous lakes and hiking trails. Just 2 miles up the road is Star Lake and the quaint town of Belmont. Our 7 acres sits on the Northside of Belmont hill. Half of it is open with several gardens to meander through. There is a pergola filled with kiwis and wisteria and a hammock for lounging. A shady grape arbor filled with white grapes that we have made wine with. On property we have a tree fort, greenhouse, chickens and pigs. We do provide fresh eggs for sale. There is a medium pond in the back for swimming, a large fire pit for fires and but the Hip Shack comes with its own fire pit/grill combo. Wood bundle's are also available. There is a rudimentary outdoor toilet and shower. The shower can be filled with hot water using the faucet by the garage. All water from hoses, pump hoses and faucets is the same drinkable well water, collected from the many underground springs that also feed into the pond.

Farm Animal Sanctuary Retreat

2 sites · Lodging125 acres · West Pawlet, VT

We’ve moved to a beautiful new location in the Mettowee Valley of Vermont, with 125 acres of fields and forest, 7 acres of u-pick blueberries, a spring fed pond, the Mettowee River for swimming, and of course our many rescued farm animals who love attention ❤️. Only min from Granville, NY, the colored slate capital of the world, 30 min from Manchester, and 20 min from Dorset. When you book with us, you help us care for our rescued farm animals, and continue our mission to rescue and offer sanctuary to more animals in need. Get back to nature, spend time with the animals, and find your peace here. We hope you’ll come stay with us! Feel free to contact me with any questions, or follow us on instagram @kinderwayfarmsanctuaryvt for more photos and updates!

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Sweet Song Acres

4 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · NH

Sweet Song Acres is 100+ acres of secluded forest nestled along the Little Sugar River, at the base of Perry Mountain. Located in rural Unity, NH and Charlestown, NH, just across the Vermont state line. Southernmost point, located in Charlestown is one of two campsites. The other is Shady Grove, located in Unity. The two sites, located in bordering towns share the same entrance and are connected by a 1/4 mile trail. Both are very large sites. Campers would drive to both sites down a trail so we highly recommend a vehicle with decent clearance and 4WD or AWD. Southernmost Point is a fully drive-in site. Shady Grove campers park above the site and the campsite is down a short path, just a few hundred feet or so. The property consists of varied terrain of rock ledges, lush moss, streams, and panoramic views at the summit. There are many options of local outdoor activities in the area or if you prefer, just sit and "listen to the river sing sweet songs to rock your soul".

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Art and Health Chill Camping

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Cabot, VT

Fall is now upon us and stick season blooms with shadows of magnificent branches of pines and maples as they dance under the moon and Milky Ways shadow. The crisp and clean air is a contrast to the summer warmth. The scurry of nut gathers and sparkling frosts on lingering dried grasses delight the senses. Winters snows and all the festive activities bring a new delight to the darkened days, with merriment, caroling, and outdoor markets. The snow shoes and sleds are ready for your arrival as well as area sled rides thru the woods, and trails for snowmobiles and cross county. The sauna beckons, with the hot glow of fire thru the steam laden glass door, after a hot stone massage to ease those muscles not used since last winter. The sacred geometry gardens take on a Winter wonderland serenity, twinkling with crystals of moisture turning before your eyes. The fire pits are stacked with wood to warm your toes, cook some some mores, or enjoy a sky filled with yes even more twinkling lights to delight the imagination. If your a downhill skier, we are 45 to 90 min from Stowe, Smugglers Notch, Burk< Cannon, Mt Washington, Killington and Sugarbush, so in any direction you can came home to Cabot. We have the space for your van or small rv, Heated Hive Design and 1 bedroom in the community space for your pleasure. Hope to see you this next Season. For those wanting to be creative or explore a new art inside next to the wood stove the studio awaits. The art studio has many supplies and i offer pottery and art classes to a group or individuals. Roam around the Sacred Geometry Gardens, one x country skis all connected by pollinator fields of flowers and mowed walking paths. Hope to host you . If you have any questions feel free to call or look at the web site www.Sacredconnections.earth There are veggies for sale from the hoophouse medicinal herbs salves and teas. Sauna is beautiful cedar shaped like a bee hive. hu -um is a beautiful new rock sauna stove. New benches and 1 way glass door. Massages vary from hot stone to medical scar removal. CBD oils.. Herbs.. Maple salt scrub....you know! The variety of camping options are sure to suit your fancy from swinging in a hammock, to tenting around huge pines. There are open meadows of wild flowers to being tucked into a cozy alcove of ferns next to the woods. Some sites can fit up to 3 tents for a group. Most sites have a fire pit lots of wood branches to burn and campwood is also available. Some sites have tables and benches. Some have electric. The Hive Designs are cozy and have a queen bed Hive 2 is 4 Season heated and air conditioned. Once here at Back Roads Farm your adventure begins. If your up for music and a night out the Den Hardware store offers music and craft beer. There are restaurant and venues within 20 miles. The Village store 2 miles away. Or sink in and lite a fire. Spend the day riding your bike or the Vt Rail Trail , or explore all the walking paths throughout Cabot. Enjoy the view of the Green Mt range to the west... Amazing Camels hump and Mt Mansfield views. All the way to Sugarbush. To the East. The Horton Forest and then the White Mountains. There are many events planned here this Winter from. c I he a dance music at Highland Arts oh here at the Den. We are in the center of a 30 mile radius of many ski resorts bike trails hikes and cultural events. The sauna is an extra charge but oh so worth it. Pottery classes, yoga space and fresh greens from the greenhouse await. To top off the weekend enjoy a hot stone massage! (Urban Farm Road) Urban Rd, is named after the original owner of this farm and surrounding land. The original barn burned, although they saved the milk house where my art gallery currently is . The barn has been rebuilt, which is a meeting place. And pottery studio. We also have 100 ft hoop house. Enjoy finding all the original farm implements around the property. There are 7 plus a Model A coup. Unique offerings include a health component from meditation classes to sauna and massage.The pottery studio is available for classes or private lessons including Raku firings. Singing Bowls and tuning forks are available on massage or outside. Movement classes are also available in the barn, in the fields or in the Flower of Life meditation garden and labyrinth. The outside garden and 100 ft hoop house is filled with organic vegetables and edible flowers for your enjoyment. The Herb Barn is for drying flowers and creating tinctures and ointments. The Art Gallery in the old milk house is filled with pottery and art work. Bring your easel and paint brushes, learn a new craft, or relax in the sauna. Bike trails are being established throughout Cabot, right out the front door. There are ponds for swimming within a few miles., There are many options for water sports minutes away at Joe's Pond, and many others. The rail trails are less than 10 minutes. Organic beef, raw milk and fresh eggs are around the corner at Molly Brook Farm. Maple Sugar at Goodrich's and fresh blueberries and veggies at Blossoms and Berries, as well as Burtt's Apples and of course Cabot cheese. The land is on the crest of the ridge looking East to Danville and the White Mts, and a few feet to the West the entire Green Mts splay before you. The water tastes wonderful, and bubbles up here and there on the property. Our neighbors who also offer camping have sheep, to berries... I offer the healing arts, massage, scar release, the sauna, and other art learning experiences. Please call for arts schedule. *My only request arrive before dark when possible and not after 8pm. I am an old lady and work hard all day to prepare this sacred space for your enjoyment. Your eta is appreciated as I am also a volunteer for the ambulance and am active in the community and prefer to be here to greet you . Thanks! I appreciate great campers who pick up and discard their pets poop and respects my time a well. Oh please pick up your dog poop, don't let them full on jump on me, and there is a leash law. Thank you to all my great campers! And blessings to those few bad apples!

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Bold Paths Retreat land

3 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Strafford, VT

I have been sharing this magical land for 24 years. We have field and forest, year round creek, hiking trails, outfitting for cross country skiing, kayaking and canoeing, along with rentals and instruction. There are two yurts and a tiny house on our off grid land. 3 season water to structures, carry in winter from main house. Wood heat. Wifi.

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Slateville Farm Secluded Camps

9 sites · RVs, Tents350 acres · Granville, NY

7 Extremely Private Sites ~ Outdoor Private Hot Shower, Flush Toilet, Sink Available (Closed for Hunting Season Oct 26-Dec 8) Sweeping pastoral hillsides mixed with densely wooded private acres make our camp sites unique with each one offering a different experience. We have developed a network of trails to enjoy and offer swimming, catch release fishing, hiking, and biking is nearby at the Slate Valley Trails or Merck Forest. Lots of places to picnic and enjoy the sunset. We have a farm stand, unlimited firewood, ice, and free flowing spring water for you to enjoy. Our bucolic farmland was originally for milking cows, it was leased at times for mining red slate when Granville was at its peak. Technology changed and the industry left us with beautiful abandoned quarry holes that have filled with natural spring water. Our farm currently offers firewood, bagged spring ice, spring water, and we operate a farm stand on the weekends seasonally selling our own pesticide produce and free range eggs and camp related supplies. We consider 1 night reservations on week days and for our repeat guests, Inquire. Oak Tree - Pastoral with expansive views, Extremely Private, Great for Dogs Owl - Wooded, Hammocks, walkable to Quarry, our original site. Guest Favourite Pines - Wooded, Most Remote, Great for Dogs, Viking Chairs, Picnic Table Ridgeline - Open Pastoral, Covered Pergola with Pit & ADK Chairs, Great for Groups, RVS, Kids, Pets. Sunset Views Hops - Newly Renovated, Metal Pit, ADK Chairs, Combination Site Wooded/Open, Suitable for an RV, Graveled, Guest Favorite Quarryside - Close to Quarry Hole, smaller site, room for 2 tents on the trail network, Shaded, No Grill On Farm Activities: Large Red Quarry Swimming Hole, Catch Release Bass, Hiking, Biking, Yoga Pergola, Sunset Pergola, Farm Stand, Enjoy the Scottish Highland Cows! We also have a 40 acre parcel with a Lookout Tower and Cabin that is Incredible. "Slateville Retreat" No words to describe!

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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Green Mountain National Forest

East Middlebury, Vermont

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Gifford Woods State Park

Half Moon Pond State Park

Benson, Vermont

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Adirondack State Park

Long Lake, New York

The best sunsets over the Adirondacks - The beach at Button Bay Campground.

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Button Bay State Park

Vermont

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Little River State Park

Waterbury, Vermont

Shallow pond for fishing and paddling out to the rocks.

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Kettle Pond State Park

Marshfield, Vermont

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Rochester guide

Overview

Rochester is a small town in central Vermont situated at the base of the Green Mountains. The White River flows right through town, as it makes its way to the Connecticut River as its longest undammed tributary. Despite its small population, Rochester has a thriving arts and culture scene with several galleries, frequent festivals and concerts, and a theatre company. Rochester’s proximity to camping, hiking, and biking trails in the Green Mountain National Forest and several ski areas makes it a great basecamp for outdoor adventures.

Where to go

Moosalamoo National Recreation Area

Nestled into the western slope of the Green Mountains just twenty minutes from Rochester, the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area offers hiking and mountain biking trails, several camping areas, and plenty of scenic views. The area’s highlight is the Robert Frost Trail, an interpretive trail that commemorates Robert Frost’s poetry and introduces hikers to the area's landscape.

Chittenden Reservoir

The Chittenden Reservoir is tucked into the Green Mountain National Forest about 45 minutes from Rochester. This pristine lake is a popular spot for motor boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and swimming. There’s also several miles of trails around the lake for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snow-shoeing adventures.

Branbury State Park

Located at the base of Mt. Moosalamoo, on the eastern shore of Lake Dunmore about 30 minutes west of Rochester, Branbury State Park is a great spot for boating, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. The park offers 36 campsites suitable for tents and trailers as well as seven lean-to sites for tent campers.

When to go

The Green Mountain National Forest surrounding Rochester, Vermont is open year-round. Summer is the best time for camping, hiking, and water sports as long as you come prepared for mosquitoes and other biting bugs. The Green Mountain National Forest is also one of the best places to see fall foliage in Vermont. The Lake Dunmore area is particularly pretty in fall and colors are best between late September and middle of October.

Know before you go

Rochester has a small grocery store, a few restaurants, and a bike shop.
Many national forest and state park campgrounds near Rochester offer advanced reservations online. Parks typically have a handful of sites on a first-come, first-served basis too.
Bears are common in the Green Mountains, so secure food in bear-proof containers.