Discover the best mountainous campgrounds in Vermont

United States
—
Vermont

97% (7208 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Vermont

Under $50

12 top mountainous campgrounds in Vermont

99%

(278)

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.

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.

Fern Hollow

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Waitsfield, VT

Our property is nestled in the foothills of the Mad River Valley, close to the headwaters of the river. The property is composed of wetlands, agricultural meadows, old apple trees, and hardwood forest with 700 feet of elevation. All structures on the property are solar-powered and a rainwater system feeds the sink in the outdoor kitchen. There are a handful of individual camp sites available in the spring, summer and fall, as well as a communal outdoor kitchen with lighting, a fire pit, a stone pizza oven and a sitting/yoga deck. We also offer more of a "glamping" experience in our 14 ft yurt, which comfortably sleeps 2-3 people with wood stove heat and a solar battery for lighting. We love sharing this space with others and offering a rustic forest getaway.

100%

(21)

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!

Grateful Acres Vermont

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · West Dover, VT

Learn more about this land: Welcome to Grateful Acres Vermont, a 420 friendly, Grateful Dead inspired camping destination in the heart of the Green Mountains. We have space available for tents, campers, and trailers. Kayaks available to rent for use at the reservoir located just up the road. WE ARE NOT A COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISE, just a family with some land in Vermont that we would.like to share. PLEASE OBSERVE THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT

99%

(38)

MalloRied Sugarwoods Cabin

1 site · Lodging20 acres · Royalton, VT

Nestled into a forest of mature Sugar Maples, this octagon cabin sits on 17 acres of wooded terrain that is about a 1/3 mile on a Private road off from a town road in Royalton, VT. **Driving to the cabin during the winter months is not available!** The property is 5 mins away from necessities, but still quiet, secluded and peaceful as you enjoy nature in a mature hardwood forest that surrounds you during your stay! This property is designated during the spring months for a state of the art maple sugaring operation, as well as a peaceful retreat to “unplug” and enjoy a weekend! There’s Trails to hike nearby, in the woods that surround you, Killington is 30 minutes away, 10 minutes from Silver Lake for canoeing and kayaking and the Barnard General Store. Many options to eat in the area and other events going on throughout the summer and fall months! Or, just find your self getting away from it all to enjoy the quaintness of this rustic cabin. You will find exactly what you will need here to support your glamping adventure! Solar power is set up to power the cabin as well as potable water can be provided onsite for drinking or cleaning the dishes/pots/pans that are also provide within the cabin. There is fire place outside for roasting marshmallows with firewood provided. Or to simply just sit back and enjoy, but feel free to cook your dinner on as well! There is a Full size bed and also two twin beds provided. Linens can be provided but it wouldn’t hurt to bring your sleeping bags just in case! ***During the winter months you will have to hike to the cabin!!*** Don’t be afraid to ask more questions if you are considering booking! This is a super cozy spot to take a night or two to unwind!! Bring your snowshoes, a sled and come enjoy this all this property has to offer!

99%

(325)

Green Mountain Getaway

1 site · Lodging150 acres · Weathersfield , VT

A former farm now a 150 acre forested retreat. Mt Ascutney, a 3500' monadnock is to the north and view in excess of 60 miles to the south. The beautiful Weathersfield meeting house is our neighbor as you drive in. Fall is just around the corner and cooler weather, book now before it’s too late. Dogs, we have inherited a dog that is not fond of other dogs. If you are coming to the pond or just walking by please let us know so we can make sure our dog is inside. Phone numbers on the wall of the cabin. The road has gotten quite rough with all the wet weather. 4wd with ground clearance is recommended. Total trip from our house is 320yd if your car is not up to the trip in. Curl up in front of the fire and relax. Marsh Billings farm museum in Woodstock has lots of Vermont Country store is close and Woodstock has unique shopping. Spacious one room camp, bunk bed, dinning table, and chairs. Sweeping view to the South. Swimming pond 5 minute walk. LP burner and some cooking utensils. Wood stove for those chilly nights. No electricity but LED battery lighting. l. Note that we do not charge a cleaning fee like some sites. We appreciate our guest leaving the camp as found. So far so good! Camp has the following: LP 2 burner cook top, pots and pans, dishes, flat ware, some spices and such. Fresh clean water will be at the camp when you arrive. The furnished jugs have been cleaned. If you still wish to bring your own drinking water please do so in reusable jugs. We are trying to limit plastic use. NOTE: Using GPS, Google map, or other device our address may come up as Perkinsville, Ascutney, or even Springfield even though the town is Weathersfield. Check the map and just confirm that Center Grove Rd is shown or called out as off of Weathersfield Center Rd. We DO NOT furnish wood for the outside fire pit. There is plenty of wood to scavenge on site. There is a small buck saw in the cubby. However if it has rained or raining you may want to bring kindling wood. We now have slab wood for sale if you do not want to rummage for wood in the forest PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN KINDLING WOOD FOR THE STOVE. Chunk wood is furnished for the inside stove. There is a splitting maul, snow shovel, and hatchet Check in and out times are flexible if no one is booked on either side. And last but not least if wedding bells are in your future your host is a Justice of the Peace and can perform wedding services!

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!

99%

(79)

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.

100%

(12)

Riverhaven

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Woodford, VT

Come stay in our cozy cabin set just feet from a beautiful trout-filled Vermont river. Sit on the deck under the hemlock trees and sip your coffee as you watch the clear water cascade over the rocks. Go for a hike on your choice of trails--there are many very close by, including the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail only a mile away. Then you can come back and take a refreshing dip in the river. This tributary of the Walloomsac river is stocked with fish every spring and boasts of many native brook trout that are a hidden gem for fly fishermen. Use the grill or fire pit to cook your catch, or drive 10 minutes into the town of Bennington to enjoy a restaurant. Stroll around the shops in the several wonderful small towns in the area or just go on a drive and enjoy the scenery. Just around the corner is a premier cross country skiing center at Prospect Mountain (3 miles away), or downhill skiing at Mount Snow (13 miles) or Stratton (19 miles), or snowshoe around the pond at Woodford State Park (5 miles). Then come back to our riverside cabin, click on the fire, and let the murmur of the river put you to sleep--a haven from the busy world. There is so much beauty and so much to do in every season--or just come and do nothing and enjoy! We built this cabin bit by bit with many repurposed and salvaged materials--it is definitely a labor of love. The walls are from local pine, and the deck boards are from the local high school bleachers. A shelf in the cabin is from a piece of our old piano and the flooring is secondhand. Our family enjoys the cabin experience so much in every season, and we hope you will as well. Cabin setup: Our one room dry cabin (no electricity or plumbing) located just off Route 9 is thoughtfully appointed with a full sized bed with memory foam mattress (linens provided), two armchairs, and a propane stove for heat. The cabin's property abuts hundreds of acres of national forest to explore. Parking is just off the road where you will then follow the mulched foot path about 100 yards to the cabin. If it is too muddy or snowy you will park in our driveway and walk down to the cabin from there. Amenities: We offer cooking items such as a propane grill, spatula, tongs, cast iron skillet, grate for the firepit, 2 plates, 2 mugs, 2 bowls, and utensils. Some cozy books and card games are also available. The two outdoor chairs can be moved from the porch to the nearby firepit as needed. We do provide a battery pack that can be used to charge phones (though please consider that this could run out during your stay), but you will enjoy the "unplugged lifestyle", as there is little to no cellphone service and no internet; however, a short drive into town will keep you connected. Notes: Please know that occasionally when there has been increased rainfall or snowmelt the river will be very high. While this certainly looks and sounds incredible from the cabin, it may impact your plans for wading or fishing, and of course this is unpredictable. We do not recommend very young children staying at the cabin due to the presence of the river just yards from the front door of the cabin, with a significant drop off into the rocky river. For this same reason please either refrain from drinking alcohol or very much limit your intake. We care about your safety and want you to have an amazing stay!

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.

97%

(49)

Vergennes Hilltop

1 site · RV2 acres · Vergennes, VT

Sherman Ridge, named after Captain Sherman, who was at the forefront of the world’s steamboat revolution. After running a steamboat on the Hudson in competition with Robert Fulton, Sherman moved to Vergennes in 1813 to oversee construction and operations of six Lake Champlain Steamboats. Sited at the highest northern-most area of Vergennes, you can hear the lulling sounds of the Vergennes Waterfalls in the distance and views beyond to Adirondack Mountains of New York.Learn more about this land:Great views of the Adirondack Mtns, sounds of the waterfalls in Vergennes and easily walk-able to downtown restaurants and brewpub! City Sanctuary!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Mountainous 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

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).
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.
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.