Camping in Vermont

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

97% (10631 reviews)
97% (10631 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Vermont

Under $50

Star Hosts in Vermont

12 top campgrounds in Vermont

99%
(287)

Vermont Ranch & Riverside Retreat

3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · 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. ❤️
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$57
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98%
(510)

Sunrise Farm

9 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · Dover, VT
Voted 3rd in Vermont by Hip Camp 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 ($11) - 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 Port a Potties 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.
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$13
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100%
(21)

Riverhaven

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Woodford, VT
Secluded Riverside Cabin in Vermont – A Cozy Escape into Nature Escape to our riverside cabin, just feet from a crystal-clear, trout-filled river in the heart of Vermont. Wake to the soothing sound of water cascading over rocks and enjoy coffee on the deck beneath towering hemlocks. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the adventure options nearby! Hike scenic trails, including the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail a mile away, or cool off in the river. Anglers will delight in fishing this hidden gem, a tributary of the Walloomsac River, stocked with trout every spring and home to native brook trout, perfect for fly fishing. In the evening, gather around the fire pit to grill your fresh catch or take a 10-minute drive to Bennington for restaurants and shops. For winter adventurers, hit cross-country ski trails at Prospect Mountain (3 miles) or carve through fresh powder at Mount Snow (13 miles) or Stratton (19 miles). Prefer a slower pace? Snowshoe through Woodford State Park (5 miles). At day’s end, unplug and unwind in our handcrafted cabin, built with love using repurposed local materials. Cozy up with a book by the propane stove, let the river’s murmur lull you to sleep, and enjoy a retreat from the world. Cabin Details & Amenities: ✔ One-room dry cabin (no electricity or plumbing) ✔ Full-size bed with memory foam mattress (linens provided) ✔ Propane stove for heat ✔ Cooking essentials (propane grill, cast iron skillet, utensils, plates, mugs) ✔ Fire pit with a grate for grilling ✔ Outdoor seating for stargazing or riverside relaxation ✔ Battery pack ✔ Books and card games for a cozy, unplugged stay 📍 Location & Access: Easily accessible off Route 9, parking is a short 100-yard walk from the cabin via a mulched footpath. In muddy or snowy conditions, alternative parking is available. ⚠ Important Notes: Limited cell service & no Wi-Fi – perfect for a digital detox! River levels may fluctuate, impacting wading or fishing. Due to the river’s proximity, stays with very young children aren’t recommended. Please drink responsibly, as the river’s edge has a steep drop-off. Experience Vermont’s natural beauty in every season—hiking, fishing, skiing, or simply relaxing by the fire. Book your stay and embrace the peaceful magic of cabin life!
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$90
 / night
98%
(51)

Mount Norris Scout Reservation

16 sites · Lodging, Tents1000 acres · Lowell, VT
The pristine mountain trails and and panoramic views of Lake Eden beckon adventurers of all ages and abilities to enjoy year-round visits to Mount Norris Scout Reservation. With 1,000 acres of wilderness terrain, a dozen secluded campsites and numerous cabins, lean-tos and shelters to suit your needs, Mt. Norris is big enough for any private event but perfect for your family or group. Ascend the 1,482-foot vertical 5-mile round trail to the summit of Mt. Norris or carve your own path in snow shoes or cross country skis to the shores of Lake Eden. We have 75 years of experience helping introduce families to the outdoors. Let us know how we can make your next experience unforgettable! Mt. Norris is a strictly substance-free facility. Thank you for helping us maintain a tranquil environment for our guests.
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$20
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95%
(188)

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.
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$5
 / night
99%
(286)

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.
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$67.50
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98%
(20)

Secluded Stays At Quill Nook Farm

6 sites · RVs, Tents262 acres · Brattleboro, VT
Welcome to our quiet 262-acre farmstead! We offer an immersive rural Green Mountain experience, yet only 25 minutes from the lively, artsy towns of Brattleboro and Wilmington. Enjoy a private campsite nestled next to a tranquil pond. Soar over our gardens on epic tree swings. Hidden trails bring you through dense forests, past ancient hemlock trees to secluded swimming holes. Ancient stone structures and newer stacked boulders and flower gardens add to the natural beauty all around you. We have one friendly off-leash dog, Oliver, and two kitties, Lupine and Lavender, that roam freely and may want to make friends with you. (And if you ignore them, they will leave you alone). We have laying hens, goats, and piglets that you are welcome to visit! We love animals -- as you can tell -- but are unable to host campers with dogs. While cozing up to a campfire, you might hear the calls of birds of the deep forest like the hermit thrush and the barred owl, or the call of coyotes on the far ridge. We are surrounded by hundreds of acres of unbroken forest that offer habitat to moose, bear, and deer, and numerous other wildlife. (Don't worry -- these animals are very shy and likely to run in the other direction if they see you.) Pitch your tent on Thistledew campsite and enjoy a cedar tent platform, fire ring, rustic picnic table, and direct access to the beautiful forest and miles of walking trails. The campsite is a gentle 25-foot walk from the parking spot. We offer a bathroom with sink and composting toilet, which is across the driveway from the campsite, attached to the "Moonhouse." Enjoy the Moonhouse, your own standalone two-story cottage sitting in its own private corner the homestead. Quill Nook Farm is 25 minutes from artsy, outdoorsy Brattleboro, VT and I-91, and 25 minutes from the quaint village of Wilmington, with restaurants, breweries, and shopping. Mount Snow is 40 minutes away via Routes 9 and 100, and we’re only 45 minutes from the Mass MoCA art museum in North Adams, Mass. The Harriman Reservoir is located 20 minutes away and provides a variety of spaces for boats, kayakers, swimmers, picnic areas with grills and more! Do you want an “off the beaten path” hike or swimming hole with rocks for sunbathing? We can direct you to several secluded spots on our property or within 15 minutes. The Green River covered bridge and log dam is 10 minutes down the road, and you can sample from several farmsteads and art galleries in the area. Interested in homesteading or farming? Would you like a historic walking tour of ancient stone structures on the land? We love to share our expertise — ask about our tours and experiences.
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$36
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96%
(26)

Golden Maple Farm - Camping

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents250 acres · Belvidere Center, VT
Nestled in the Green Mountains, we are an operating maple syrup farm. Our property is located on a well-maintained dead-end road. It is a beautiful, tranquil place that offers or is near to several activities. Whether you are coming from far away or just want to get out of the hustle and bustle, our place is a GREAT place to unplug. Campsites are located with a view of our beautiful rustic barn, a legacy apple orchard, mountains, and plenty of trees surrounding the area. Sunsets are a beautiful time of day, sitting by your campfire enjoying the peacefulness! Enjoy your smores under a starry sky and listen carefully—you may hear one of our owls! Camping as a group? We may be able to accomodate you! Rent 2 or more sites. Great place to come with your friends or family. ATV/UTV Trails Access ATV/UTV trails from your campsite. There are miles of trails to ride! HIKING Take a hike through our woods or access the thousands of acres adjacent to our property. You will see waterfalls, streams, birds, tracks from the wildlife, and beautiful views. Plenty of places to dip into the cool water when you need to cool off! Walk or drive down to either of 2 covered bridges and see the craftmanship that enables them to continue to be used today! Access the Long Trail at multiple locations within a few miles. BIKING Bike the back roads of the area—wooded areas, windy or flat terrain, beautiful views, plenty of spots to rest beside a flowing stream. Or, access the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (93+ miles of non-motorized riding/walking on a converted and maintained railway bed). FISHING/HUNTING In the mountains we have streams, brooks, and rivers. There are many hotspots for fishing—lots of brook trout! No matter the rod you use, there are many places to try your skills. A fishing/hunting license is needed. CANOE, KAYAK, TUBE Got your own? Bring it! The Lamoille River is a few miles away and a favorite for water lovers. Don't have one, there is a great rental place down the road where you can take one out for the day. Looking for another option to the river? The Belvidere Pond is down the road and offers a peaceful place to paddle around surrounded by the mountains. MAPLE SYRUP/SUGARBUSH Want to learn about the maple sugaring process? We are always happy to give you a tour of our sugarhouse and the woods, and explain how we turn the tree sap into yummy Maple Syrup. (We only boil January-early April.) We do have this year's crop bottled and available for sale! Buy one for morning pancakes, to add to your morning coffee, or to take home! WILDLIFE/BERRIES/MUSHROOMS/FIDDLEHEADS Depending on the time of the year, you can find wild raspberries, blackberries, mushrooms, and fiddleheads. (Please do not pick or eat something if you don't know if it is poisonous!) And, wildlife are around. Look for tracks in the soil, signs they have been there, or if you are really quiet (usually in the early morning or at dusk) you might see deer, geese, or wild turkeys! OTHER ACTIVITIES - Smugglers Notch is a quick drive (South) - Jay Peak is a quick drive (North) - Disc Golf, Ropes Course, Golf, and more. - Access local eateries like the Burger Barn - a local favorite, grap a yummy sandwich or pizza at the Cupboard. - Explore local breweries and distilleries - Forgot something? There are small groceries, a couple of hardware stores, gas stations, etc within a quick drive. Camp sites include flat area, fire ring. Electricity and water at 2 sites. 1 site has a poured concrete pad -- perfect for a camper/RV. The other sites (grassy) can accomodate a camper/RV or tents. Please be prepared to provide your own camping toilet and pack out your trash. If you bring your dog(s), please clean up after them and have "control" as the dirt road is fully in view of the sites. (ATVs (on the trail) and a few vehicles do use the road.) Firewood for firepits available for sale.
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$45
 / night
99%
(83)

Verbena Vista at Dreamland

3 sites · Lodging70 acres · Worcester, VT
Welcome to Verbena Vista, the magic cottage at Dreamland~ /|\ New in 2024! We are now offering Custom Crafted Ritual Retreats for our guests; an opportunity to sink into sanctuary and be held in your journey to wholeness with Fearn as your guide. Including guided ritual in our stone circle, labyrinth, faery well and forest, practices for transformation and release, deeper connection with Nature, healing, magick and more... Scroll down to the bottom of this description for more details. Go to "EXTRAS" to reserve your retreat. Verbena Vista is: ~a tiny guest cottage committed to sustainable, simple living. ~off grid, unplumbed, solar powered and uses only natural cleaning products. ~secluded, quiet, immersed in many acres of forest with meandering brooks, pond, trails, sacred well, stone circle and labyrinth. ~Less than 10 miles from Montpelier, the state capitol; a charming small city. 2 miles to farm store and general store/gas station. Unplug, slow down, and sink in to retreat on sacred land.10 x 20’ cozy, bright cottage. Off grid with small solar system.Unplumbed- Tank systems for sink and shower. Compost bucket toilet. Double sized bed and single pull out couch. Please bring your own linens! Propane cook top and heat. Unplugged- No wifi. Limited cell reception. Quaint front porch with rocking chair and awesome vista of gardens, pond, stars, hills; Winter access involves a short walk up a packed snow trail. Cargo sled provided. Kindly observe quiet hours: 10:00 pm – 7:00 am. After 10:00 pm is quiet time. Remove your own trash when you depart. You may leave clean recyclables and compost in appropriate bins. No driving above the yurt parking area please.. If you swim in the pond, clothing is optional. Please do not use any soaps or shampoo in pond. No smoking or vaping inside. Firewood for sale, $5 for an armload. Please inquire for more info and leave $ in basket in yurt. Please use fire pit in front of cottage, not in stone circle. No cutting or defacing trees for fires. Please be respectful to our site and to the environment by keeping things tidy and low impact. You are welcome to explore the woodland trails and quiet back roads. They are not marked so leave a trail of breadcrumbs if you are not good at navigation! Feel welcomed to use our temple spaces for solo or respectful group connection quiet time. Please no drinking or smoking in these spaces. If you stay includes a Wednesday in the warmer months, there may be an Ecstatic Dance in the stone circle from 7-9pm. You are welcome to join us! Welcome LGBTQIA and BIPOC! Your Ritual Retreat at Dreamland A custom crafted Ritual Retreat is a special opportunity to step away from the busyness of your daily routine to tend to your body and soul, heart and mind. Because sometimes life requires us to unplug, to unplug, unwind and remember our deep connection to Nature and Spirit. Imagine being guided in a customized sacred ritual while held in a breathtakingly beautiful and magically tended land. Welcome to Dreamland! A Ritual Retreat Will Support: An individual (or couple) who is ready to make an energetic shift. A desire to unplug and remember your true nature. A longing to be held in a sacred container to hear the call of your soul. A wish to slow down to the speed of Nature, to rest and restore. Being with grief, processing a loss or letting go of people and experiences. Contemplating or marking a life passage. Implementing new life practices and fully stepping into a new level of being. Tending places that feel stuck, blocked, disconnected, confused or alone. If any of these ring true, then a Ritual Retreat at Dreamland is for YOU! During A Custom Crafted Ritual Retreat you will be: *Supported by an experienced spiritual guide. *Rooted in sacred land. *Immersed in a guided ritual customized for your unique needs. *Given time to meditate, walk, journal, and commune with the land, waters, and forest. *Invited to listen to your intuition and find your truth. Ritual Options: All custom ritual retreats include a 2 night stay in Verbena Vista, the Druid’s Cottage and a guided in-person ritual in one of our sacred spaces, custom crafted by Fearn for your becoming. Release- Are you carrying grief in your heart? Anger, shame, fear? I can help you let go. This may include guided release through movement, voice, breath, burning away with fire, cleansing with smoke or brushing with fresh herbs, energy release and reclaiming your true Self. Remember- Guided rituals in sacred space to support your belonging to life. Meet allies, guides and helpers from nature and spirit. This may include a labyrinth ritual, fire ceremony in the stone circle, guided meditation and journey work at the Faery Well. Journey- Guided meditation and journey work. Journey into the grove within and the Forest around - a guided walk to connect with the wild Nature; meet the land, wise old trees, waters, spirits and all that guides and supports you. Heal- Let go of limiting beliefs, heal emotional or physical wounds. This may include a custom flower essence blend in a dropper bottle to be taken internally with intention as soul support. Emerge - Theshold rites are guided preparation and ceremony to shift into a new level of being. Some more examples of what your ritual may include: Spiritual guidance, divination, consecration, energy release, mentoring, movement and dance, embodied connection to the earth, trees, elements, plants, drumming, journey, meditation, rooting, relationship and reciprocity with the land. Fearn Lickfield, your guide, brings 30 years of experience as a Druid priestess, Faery Seer, Geomancer, ceremonialist, ecstatic dancer, flower essence practitioner, Geomancer, shadow healer, and soul supporter. Once your Ritual Retreat is booked we can chat here to custom craft your rite at Dreamland.
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$63.75
 / night

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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.

Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.