Camping in Vermont

A top-notch outdoor getaway with some of the best camping and hiking trails in New England.

98% (12785 reviews)
  1. Vermont
98% (12785 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Vermont

Top-rated campgrounds

Shed has key pad access and pit toilet for use along with WI-FI and electricity. No running water but 5 gallons with manual pump provided. Water from natural spring up road near Dutch hill!

4. Touch Of Grey Stays

2 sites · Lodging, Tents · Stamford, VT
This listing is for a growing and ever-changing homestead property on a small hill overlooking our family home! We welcome those interested in learning more and engaging with us and the animals that live here to do so! We hope our guests will explore the property as we have trails looping throughout it, and look to build more over the years to come! We welcome well-mannered dogs off-leash on the property being mindful that it is located on a small hill overlooking our family home (Feather Pond Hollow on Instagram) which houses a toddler, two working-from-home adults, and as of July 2025, 2 White German Shepard/Great Pyrenees puppies (Bos and Ley who are 1 year old and learning), a chair lounging goat (Buttercup), 2 geese (the JuJus, good and bad - they can be, so best to be on guard), and many ducks and chickens. The wildflowers are in bloom for summer, and the song birds are singing. We invite you to join us in the woods! We are on Main Rd. (VT Route 8) and the property has a driveway entrance, making it easy to leave and explore the nearby areas of: South to Massachusetts: North Adams, MA (10 mins), which is home to Mass MoCA - the largest contemporary art museum in the country, and many wonderful spots to explore for shopping and dining. Williamstown, MA (20 mins), offers tons of hiking trails and The Clark museum. Staying in VT: Readsboro, VT (10 mins), has an out-of-this-world general store with food you don't expect to find in the woods; Readsboro General Store is a must-see, and sandwiches/salads you'll come back for! Readsboro Inn is the perfect place for an easy drive for drinks, a burger, or pizza, if you please! Wilmington, VT (20 mins), offers water activities, such as boating, swimming, and fishing! There are also hiking trails, like Mt. Olga in Molly State Park, and shopping on Main Street, flea market weekends, breweries, and fine dining can be found nearby. Snow Republic Brewery is a vibe worth basking in, in Dover, VT, north of Wilmington towards Mount Snow, where summer activities abound!
Pets
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Toilets
from 
$18
 / night
BlueberryHill  Field Camp

7. BlueberryHill Field Camp

99%
(281)
6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Goshen, VT
The field is located next to the Blueberry Hill Inn and Outdoor, nestled in the heart of the Green Mountain National Forest and the Moosalamoo Recreation Area—offering stunning sunsets! We provide access to outdoor showers with hot and cold running water, as well as restrooms in the Blueberry Hill Outdoor Center. For more information, visit our website at blueberryhilltrails dot com. While there is an internet connection near the buildings, please note that it's not guaranteed at your site. You can drive your car right up to your site, which offers privacy, though you may occasionally see other tents in the open field. For your campfire, you can forage for wood or request "bundles" (about a dozen pieces) by the morning of your arrival, and we'll have it delivered to your site. Please note, wood from outside Vermont is not permitted. Step outside your tent and you'll find a wealth of hiking, biking, and running trails. As stewards of these trails, your camping fees help support our efforts. Nearby, you can enjoy swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. Trail maps are provided upon arrival, and you can also view them online on our webpage at Blueberry Hill Outdoor Center. The Outdoor Center offers snacks and cold drinks for purchase, including our inn-made chocolate chip cookies, chips, and cold drinks.You can also request a full breakfast, pastries, packed lunch, and coffee from the inn across the road. Don't miss our Pizza Nights at the inn—just be sure to reserve the evening before to guarantee availability. Payment for extras can be made on-site via Venmo or cash. In August, enjoy blueberry picking right here on-site!
Pets
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from 
$45
 / night
Green Mountain Glamping

8. Green Mountain Glamping

100%
(102)
4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · West Burke, VT
Experience all that the northeast kingdom of Vermont has to offer while staying at Green Mountain Glamping. Ride the Kingdom Trails right from the property! Nestled among the trees, our bell tent sites feature comfortable beds, pillows, linens, towels, a picnic table, smokeless fire pit, large ADA portapotty and more! We also have two sites for those that want to bring their own tent, camper or RV. New for 2025 is an outdoor shower! These are private sites on our property. You'll drive past our home, garage, and garden to get to each site and you'll be able to see our buildings from the sites. We have a very large English Mastiff and some hens. Both are contained in our fenced in yard. Eggs can be purchased upon request. We also have a some dirt jumps if you need to get warmed up before your ride, and a simple bike wash station ready to go when you get back. Lots of wildlife inhabit our area of Vermont. During your stay you're likely to see whitetail deer, squirrels and chippies, rabbits, and hawks. There's a chance you may see a fox, black bear, moose or even a bobcat! We ask that food is secured in your vehicle and not brought into the bell tents, for your own safety. We do have a basket of safety equipment in each tent. The basket contains bug spray, bear horn, simple first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, and a flash light.
Pets
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Campfires
from 
$45
 / night
Know Town

9. Know Town

99%
(60)
3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Stockbridge, VT
A quiet, beautiful private setting with brook side camping, a large field or in the woods. Located three miles up on Stoney Brook road with a beautiful stretch of the brook passing through the property. Stoney Brook feeds into the White River, which has multiple amazing swimming and fishing holes, and is great for kayaking, canoeing, and tubing. On site activities include fishing, swimming, hiking, and skiing. Situated close to Killington, Woodstock and various local points of interest. Know Town welcomes well mannered pets (2 per site). We are 420 friendly and geared towards hosting those interested in arts, music, meditation, and ecology. We are currently building a Geodesic dome that will be available to rent soon. However it is currently a bit of a construction site, so pardon the appearance. Also, it should be noted that there is currently no Wi-Fi or cell service. Please be aware that Vermont prohibits out-of-state Firewood. In the future we hope to have firewood for sale, until then firewood can be purchased locally. There is also plenty of dead wood on our property to scavenge.
Pets
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from 
$40
 / night
Broadfork Farmstead

12. Broadfork Farmstead

99%
(213)
3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Greensboro, VT
Broadfork is the Fairbank family’s homestead in Greensboro, Vermont. It is a sustainably managed, diversified farm, featuring pastures, a variety of animals, chickens, beehives, and a variety of seasonal produce. Berry picking is available in season, and fresh eggs, pastured meats and poultry, pickles, preserves, and baked goods are available year round. Guests are invited to treat themselves to a picnic basket featuring specially curated local foods, some produced right here at Broadfork. We are excited to help make your stay a unique and memorable one, and are happy to help plan your time with us. Accommodations are situated central to the farmstead’s home acre. Wander the property, visit the animals, or just enjoy the beautiful views of the hills of Greensboro. Close to Caspian Lake beach, Barr Hill nature area, the Willey’s Store, and Hill Farmstead brewery. Snack boards, breakfast or picnic baskets with our own farm products and curated local delicacies are available upon request. All visitors to Vermont must comply with current COVID safety regulations.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$29
 / night
Morning sunrise

13. Free Verse Farm

99%
(483)
4 sites · RVs, Tents · Chelsea, VT
Our farm & campground features stunning, panoramic views of the First Branch of the White River in the verdant hills of central Vermont. It overlooks the village of Chelsea, the shire town of Orange County. Free Verse Farm is a hilltop herb farm run by two art-making, herb-loving farmers. The property boasts twenty sloping, knoll-laden, open acres overlooking the First Branch of the White River as it passes through the scenic village of Chelsea, Vermont. We have incredible views, forest trails that offer magical woodland wanderings, and spacious campsites in our fields. We also invite you to explore our cultivated fields of herbs and vegetables and become acquainted with the wide variety of tea, culinary, and medicinal herbs that we grow and process on our farm. You can also visit with the cows that spend their summer munching our delicious green pastures. Our full line of herbs and herbal products are for sale via our website or at Free Verse Farm Shop, located just one mile from our farm in downtown Chelsea. Our Farm Shop offers a wide variety of fresh produce, provisions, fresh baked goods, alcoholic (& non-) beverages, and more to enjoy during your stay or as you continue on your journey. AMENITIES: we offer a hot outdoor shower & sink, as well as an outhouse with a composting toilet. Each campsite has a firepit and a picnic table. CAMPSITE DETAILS: We currently have 2 campsites open. They are located in meadows with beautiful views of the First Branch Valley and Chelsea village. 4 wheel drive is recommended, but not necessary, and you are always welcome to hike up to your site. The site is spacious and private. LOCAL ATTRACTIONS: We also run Free Verse Farm Shop (OPEN: Tuesday-Friday 11am-6pm, Saturday 9am-3pm), a local grocery, café, and apothecary to serve our community and visitors to the area, while supporting local farms and artisans. You can also pre-order online (shop.freeversefarm.com) to pick up in store or ship your order around the USA. The village of Chelsea hosts a weekly summer farmers market May-September on Fridays from 3-6pm (mid-May through September). In downtown Chelsea there is also a pub (The Wagon Wheel), gas station (110 Quickstop), two town commons, a small library, and a general store (Will's Store), and a farm stand (Chicken Wiggle Farm). Within 20-45 minutes of our farm you can reach the larger towns of Montpelier (state capital), South Royalton, Randolph, Woodstock, White River Junction, and the Upper Valley Region (Dartmouth College), all of which offer a wide variety of attractions and services. Upon your arrival, you will be given a welcome packet with more detailed information about our area, and we'll be happy to provide you with any other tips you're looking for. We look forward to hosting Hipcampers and sharing our love of this land, and our region, with all who visit. We can't wait to meet you! -Taylor & Misha *VISIT our Farm Shop (shop.freeversefarm.com) in Chelsea to stock up on our herbal goods, fresh produce, baked goods, adult beverages, and other provisions. You can order online for pickup at the Farm Shop or ship your order anywhere in the USA. **TAG @freeversefarm in your photos on Instagram! We love to see your shots from the farm!
Potable water
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Showers
from 
$32
 / night
Follow the Green Mountain Garden Bed signs to your campsite!

14. Green Mountain Garden Bed

98%
(127)
3 sites · RVs, Tents · Burke, VT
COMPOST TOILET and rain water catchment system AVAILABLE FOR USE! 🌳🌻🚵‍♂️🛶🏕️The field is nestled in an apple orchard among the forest. There is a small brook at the edge of the field and runs through the 39 acres.  We are minutes away from mountain biking at the Kingdom Trails, Restaurants and bars, Lake Willoughby, Fire Fly farm stand, rock climbing, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, downhill skiing and snowboarding, ice climbing, ice fishing, cross country skiing, snow showing and vast trails. ✨👁️🌀💪🏼🌳Our vision is to create a Food Forest campground. Every penny goes toward stewarding the land! With the profits we buy more perennial food and herb plants, improve facilities and help build infrastructure. ♻️🚽🧻♻️Please note: We now have a composting toilet! Please put 2 scoops of sawdust in the bucket after you go. 🌳🦫🦆💧 Also check out the beaver duck pondbehind campsite 2! My father and the beavers have been hard at work creating waterfowl and local habitat. My father put in two wood duck nesting boxes that both have occupants :) Bill has planted smartweed, millet, buckwheat, wild rice and dwarf corn for our non human friends. Feel free to explore down there just bring some muck boots! 🍓🫐🌳⚠️Forage at your own risk and please practice sustainable foraging practices. IF you have any questions regarding sustainable foraging, we would be happy to inform you.  :) 🌱🪴🌿🌳Last fall and this spring: with last years earning we planted 3 cherry trees, 7 plum trees, 3 peach trees, 4 pears, 2 apple trees, 6 hazelberts, 4 elderberry bushes, 2 naniking cherrys, 4 gooseberries, 6 blueberry plants, 3 rose bushes, Adonis berries, 12 read berry bushes, 6 rhubarb plants, 3 high bush cranberries, 2 black walnut trees, 3 mulberry trees, 3 chestnut trees, 3 red oak trees, 4 hard kiwi vines and 3 grape vines. We look forward to grow our food forest every spring and fall season with your contributions :)! Feel free to text the number provided with any questions or requests. Enjoy your stay at The Garden Bed!
Potable water
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from 
$30
 / night
Vermont Ranch & Riverside Retreat

15. Vermont Ranch & Riverside Retreat

99%
(330)
3 sites · RVs, Tents · Moretown, VT
⛰ 🌲 Drive right to your secluded site and wake to the sound of nature and water in this private retreat, situated squarely on the confluence of 2 rivers. Eventually, once part of a much larger working merino sheep farm owned by the Cobb family in the 1700s-1800’s, part of the land transitioned to a dairy cow farm operation, c.1940. Today, we steward 10 acres specially designed with horses in mind. Adjacent to a 40-acre cornfield on one side and Mt. Cobb on the other, with sweeping views our place overlooks the confluence of the Mad and Winooski Rivers. From here, you can mountain bike or hoof it to access miles of trails and bucolic scenery. Come visit this gateway to the Scenic Mad River Valley! 🌲🏊🐟The Swimming/Fishing/Tenting site ("site 1") is perched directly aside the Mad River and the Sweet Meadow Side site ("site 2") is just a 2-minute walk across the grassy meadow and down the secluded riverside path to our beloved Mad River beach. This is a semi-secluded beach, river's edge, and swimming holes. Swim, tube, fish and relax up or down the river and in the confluence of the Winooski and Mad Rivers.. 👢👓 Get curious about the history of this place by checking out the old abandoned Massey Furgeson hay baler tucked in the woods, the Cobb family cemetery, and more gems from many years gone by. Leave from either site on foot to access a sweet trail that travels along the river, over a private bridge, down a beautiful dirt road and into the forest. 🚴 Our property is located on the CROSS VERMONT TRAIL: "a multi-use path connecting communities, and the natural areas in between - across Vermont!" Check out their website (Cross Vermont Trail Association) for maps, guides, events and outings! Many adventurists also enjoy nearby, mountainous and beloved trails: Camel's Hump, The Long Trail, Mt. Mansfield, Stowe Pinnacle, Smuggler's Notch and more. There are a plethora of shorter, scenic and gentle hikes in our region, "the crossroads and recreation center of Vermont"! We are located just 2 miles from Interstate 89 and we reside on Vermont State Route 100B, allowing ease of access to points North, South, East and West Explore our on-site activity offerings: 🐴 Introduction Session: Get acquainted with our horses, tour the barn, and learn about equine-guided education and grooming. $45 for 1 hour for 1-6 people. 🐴 Horsemanship and Riding Lessons: Learn non-forceful bareback and bit-less leading and mounted techniques step by step. $100/hour or $150/1.5 hours for 1-2 people. 🐴 Family Team Building-Bonding (Most Popular): Enjoy an adventurous, fun, and challenging experience together as a family with exercises and activities facilitated by Lucinda. Non-mounted equine guided education at its best! $250 for 2.5 hours. These rates are discounted for our onsite Hipcampers 🙏🏼 Visit our website for more details: Horses and Pathfinders dot com. We'd love to hear from you! You are welcome to review all the varied, detailed and descriptive reviews and photos from other guests' experiences. This is a working ranch and sometimes equipment is running, but never for more than an hour at a time. Horses are on site and they have full access to this property. If you have an untrained, young or problematic dog, please consider a long lead line and read the dog rules and limits carefully. This is not a deep-woods, wilderness site. Please review the map and note our proximity to the interstate and the route where we reside. ❤️ Many guests, families and couples return here year after year as their destination vacation and getaway. We welcome you to experience what they enjoy so much -- right on site and in this special region, the heart of Vermont. ❤️
Pets
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from 
$57
 / night
Sunrise Farm

16. Sunrise Farm

98%
(573)
9 sites · RVs, Tents · East Dover, VT
Voted in the Top 3 in Vermont State by Hip Camp reviews since 2022 6 Sites are on Sunrise Farms 75 acre Conservation land with 50 mile view for Sites 1 and 2. Very quiet area with lots of wildlife and ponds and disc golf. Very quiet with great swimming and lots of hikes right from your sites. 2 of the Brookside Sites (Wishbone Left and Right) are close by (2.7 miles) where we have another 1/2 mile of river frontage and can handle bigger groups as Conservation land on Sunrise Farm only allows 4 campers per site. Sunrise Farm Sites 1 and 2 have oodles of space and Spectacular 50 mile views of Mount Monadnock with no house lights out there in the evening except the party string lights we provide. Site 1 (with entrance 70 yards south of the farmhouse) is best for camping in with up to 20 foot trailers or multiple tents …on the large flat spaces in the 25 acre field to choose from. Great Well water available near farmhouse. Biodegradable soaps Only if used in the ponds. Double Olympic sized Swim Pond we stock with Rainbow Trout to keep clear. We have been advised Not to allow imported firewood (can import Wood Beetle dangerous for our forest). - PLEASE use the Firewood bundle tubs we provide ($12.50) - pick up at the farmhouse or pull wood from the woods (and make it safer for use). Beautiful and plenty of wildlife nearby... as well as Outhouses are marked on Map we provide with solar lights marking them at night. Do Not Leave food out when camping or away from site. Bears are rarely seen but it is wild country. Sites have locking garbage lids. Unique and lovely as well as being next to trails and roads to miles of remote spots with very few if any ... people. In Winter we request only AWD vehicles go down to this site or park up by farmhouse and hike in so you can easily get out. When wet park up by the road if you have 2 wheel drive. Always WISE to arrive When LIGHT out as we do not live at the site and are not able to show guests to their sites as a result.
Pets
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from 
$35
 / night
Hogback Homestead

17. Hogback Homestead

95%
(176)
5 sites · RVs, Tents · Johnson, VT
Located on 109 scenic acres, we offer beautiful campsites, as well as RV parking and canvas tents for rent. Our property borders Vermont's Long Trail, less than 1/2 mile from the gorgeous vista of Prospect Rock. The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is nearby for bicycle or foot travel, and the Lamoille river is easily accessed for fishing, tubing, kayaking etc. We feature a full-size professionally built Disc Golf course, Elevation Chains, on property. Beautiful views of river and mountains and a secluded yet very accessible location make this an ideal property for camping.  Our campground features a fully functioning outdoor kitchen available to all campers.  Propane stove, running water and cutlery are provided to make food planning and prep easier.  It also features a large firepit and serves as a great center for community gatherings.  Outdoor shower (room temp only) and composting toilets also available.  Biodegradable soaps and hygiene products only please! The frogs will thank you.  Ask us about canoe and paddleboard rental! About us: At Hogback Homestead we strive to be positive stewards to our land.  We actively farm and forage, and appreciate it when our guests take interest as well.  We graze sheep, pigs and sometimes other ruminants, keep gardens and perennials, and manage our lands with the most ecological practices available to us.  We believe that a strong and thriving community is foundational to a healthy, happy life and welcome all to come visit! Ask about long term camping and internship programs as well. Arriving on site: Don't follow your GPS, as it may send you to an inaccurate location. Instead, put our address (contact us if you're unable to find it on this site) in, locate our road, and then look for the street number on our mailbox on the left as you drive uphill. Once onsite, follow the drive straight until you reach the camping area and follow signage to your site. If you have questions or need assistance we live in the cabin with the blue roof and can usually be found around there.
Pets
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Toilets
from 
$29
 / night
Across from the farm is a beautiful beach with stunning views of Lake Champlain

18. Islands Base Camp

99%
(253)
2 sites · RVs, Tents · South Hero, VT
Conserved by the South Hero Land Trust, the historic Sawyer Bay Farm on the Island of South Hero was converted to grazing beef cattle. Our farm name is Health Hero Farm. We practice intensive planned grazing, moving the cattle daily to fresh grass. The herd may be near the campsites or completely out of sight, somewhere on our 180 acres. While we were building a house, we camped in the equipment shed during the summer and grew to value its convenience. Joan's enjoyment of cycling inspired her to designate the farm stand as a "bike stop" where visitors could buy a snack, get water, fix their bikes and use the unique islands amenity of a composing toilet in a converted ice fishing shack. South Hero is an agricultural island, as well as a summer tourist destination with numerous outdoor activities. It is also only a half-hour away from Burlington, and the drive is pleasurable. Pitch your tent, stow your gear under cover and explore all the islands have to offer. Yes, this is a summer destination, with great cycling, boating and swimming. We are a grass-fed beef operation, Health Hero Farm, on the island of South Hero. (You can read more about us on our farm website. ) Our farm is on the bike route around the islands, with access to many other vacation activities. Pitch your tent in the farmstead or in half of our empty equipment shed 30' x 60'. Or tool on down the farm road and be alone with the cattle and grass. In the shed, which is open on the north side, you have shelter from the rain, sun and wind. We have two campsites that can share a microwave, hot plate, refrigerator, camp sink and coffee maker in the barn. Lots of storage under roof for bikes and luggage. Our composting toilet (from Natures Head Composting Toilet) is a unique amenity -- installed in a retired ice-fishing shack (on skis). During the busy summer months, we may have a port-o-let (a.k.a. port-a-potty) with professional service. In the winter, the equipment shed not available. We rent out vehicle and boat storage in the equipment shed and cannot accommodate camping there. However, we have ample parking for RVs at any time of the year. And if you are an experienced snow camper, we have several locations to choose from. We have a farm stand where you can buy a few snacks. If you want to try our beef, we'll be happy to show you our freezers. We are 2 miles from a convenience store that packs an amazing array of products into a small space. We are close to a gem of a public beach, a winery (Snow Farm Vineyard), apple orchards, a public school playground, and miles of scenic driving. Local farmers markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays offer some of the best produce from these agricultural islands. We also own 1000' frontage on Lake Champlain, which you may enjoy. It is difficult to access, but affords privacy and serenity. We allow campfires on the gravel areas of the farm and on the beach, where you can gather dead wood. If you want to host a large group, you will need to reserve both campsites and rent a port-o-let (Vermont's lingo for porta-potty) if we don't already have one. Additional fees might apply. There is no RV electrical hookup; however, the equipment shed has electric outlets for your use. Additional fees apply for energy intensive appliances, such as heaters or air conditioners. There is no water hookup; however, we can fill your tanks with a hose from a potable water supply. Generators are not allowed, unless you are sufficiently distanced from other campers and our neighbors. Other accommodations may be available. Just ask! We have many resources, and want you to have a great visit.
Pets
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from 
$55
 / night
Woodbury Meadows Entrance

20. Woodbury Meadows

99%
(378)
8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · East Calais, VT
We live on 52 wooded acres in a natural area surrounded by lakes and ponds just 14 miles north of Montpelier VT. We are located on the Green Mountain Gravel Growler bike packing trail and 7 miles south of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. We have lots of hiking , biking, boating and swimming opportunities nearby. Our amenity's include a bath house with two flush toilets and a hot shower. We also have a washer and dryer available for our campers. We have two 30 amp RV sites with full hook ups and 4 tent/small RV non electric sites. We are 100% solar powered and have good WIFI but no cell service. We cater to small quiet groups who can enjoy our peaceful setting. If your are bike packing and our sites are booked just text or stop in we will accommodate you. The campground is located along our town road and the sites are 50 - 100 feet apart along our driveway. This is not a wilderness experience you will have neighbors, including us We are a family friendly, non smoking campground. We are open early May till late October. Pets on leashes are OK. Quiet time is all the time :~). 12 and under free, no Generators.
Pets
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Toilets
from 
$34
 / night

Camper favorites in Vermont

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds in Vermont

Stories from the community

Available this weekend

Star Hosts in Vermont

Dog-friendly getaways

Under $50

Other options in Vermont

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in Vermont guide

Overview

Known for its colorful fall foliage, wilderness lakes, and scenic camping areas, Vermont is an outdoor lover's playground. From camping, hiking, fishing, and boating in summer to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and downhill skiing in winter, the state has something for every kind of adventure traveler. Here you'll find over 50 state parks, a vast network of trails including portions of the Appalachian Trail, and 400,000 acres of protected lands in the Green Mountain National Forest. Choose from hundreds of camping sites to pitch a tent, park an RV, or book a backcountry cabin.

Where to go

Lake Champlain

Often referred to as the sixth Great Lake, Lake Champlain is a huge freshwater lake flanked by the Green Mountains and the Adriondacks. Nearly half of the lake is in Vermont, parts of it are also in New York and Quebec, and it's known for boating, sea kayaking, swimming, and an array of camping experiences. Campers will find a variety of options near Lake Champlain from RV sites with full hookups and dump stations, and glamping sites near Burlington and St. Alban, to state parks with tent sites right on the lakeshore of Grand Isle and Burton Island.

The Northeast Kingdom

The northeast corner of Vermont is the state's wildest and most remote region, filled with world-class mountain biking trails and challenging hiking trails. Several state parks dot the area, including some with the northeast's most charming campgrounds: Brighton State Park, where you'll find lakeside camping and waterfront cabins, and Maidstone State Park, a favorite among fishermen.

Green Mountain National Forest

Featuring rolling hills of dense forest and some of the best fall foliage shows in the northeast, Green Mountain National Forest is one of Vermont's top outdoor destinations. Hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing weave through the Green Mountains along with nearly a dozen national forest campgrounds and day-use areas.

When to go

Summer is the best time for camping, hiking, kayaking, and paddling in Vermont. Most Vermont state parks are open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, although some parks are open through the second Monday in October and others open earlier and stay open later. Fall is especially lovely, when the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow—catch the show in late September in the northern part of the state or mid-October in the south. Ski season typically runs from December through March.

Know before you go

  1. Vermont State Park reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. Reservations can be made online, by calling the state park's reservations center, or by calling the park directly (during open season).
  2. Many Vermont State Parks have "lean-to" campsites featuring a 3-sided structure that can shelter campers from wind and help keep gear dry. Some campers set up tents inside the lean-to, and others just use it for cooking and staying dry. 
  3. Some Green Mountain National Forest and Groton State Forest campgrounds can be reserved ahead of time online. Plenty of first-come, first-served campsites are also available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Vermont is an excellent destination for camping. The state offers a variety of camping experiences, from remote backcountry sites to well-maintained campgrounds in state parks. Vermont's picturesque landscape, with its lush forests, rolling hills, and charming small towns, provides a perfect backdrop for a memorable camping trip. Some popular camping destinations in Vermont include Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont Tent Camping, and Vermont Open Fields or Forest Camping. Camping in Vermont is ideal during the summer and fall months when the weather is mild and the foliage is vibrant. Winter camping is also possible, but it requires proper gear and preparation for the cold and snowy conditions.

In Vermont, you can find free camping in the Green Mountain National Forest. Dispersed camping is allowed in most areas of the forest, but it's important to follow Leave No Trace principles and be aware of any specific regulations. For more information about camping in Vermont, you can explore Hipcamp.

In Vermont, you cannot camp anywhere, but there are designated areas where you can camp legally. Dispersed or wild camping is allowed in Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest, as long as you follow the rules and regulations. You must camp at least 200 feet away from trails, roads, and water sources. Additionally, there are numerous designated campgrounds, both public and private, throughout Vermont. You can find a variety of camping options on Hipcamp, including tent camping, RV parks, and unique accommodations like cabins and yurts.

Boondocking, also known as dispersed camping or dry camping, is legal in Vermont on public lands like national forests and some state forests, where you can camp for free without amenities. In the Green Mountain National Forest, there are designated areas for dispersed camping, and you can find more information about these locations on the Green Mountain National Forest website. Make sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and any posted regulations when boondocking in Vermont. Additionally, you can find private land options for boondocking on Hipcamp.

Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Maine are known for having the longest fall foliage seasons in the United States, typically from mid-September through October. This is due to their diverse ranges of tree species and northern latitude. Check out the Hipcamp fall foliage prediction map to know exactly when to plan your fall foliage getaway to these northeastern states.