Mountainous camping near Rochester with swimming

An artsy gateway town to endless adventures in Vermont’s Green Mountains.

98% (4331 reviews)
98% (4331 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Rochester

Under $50

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top mountainous campgrounds near Rochester with swimming

97%
(351)

The Hummingbird Center

43 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres · NH
The Hummingbird Center is an recreation destination and permaculture farm nestled in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. We offer a variety of lodging options ranging in cost from tent camping and shared bunk rooms to private indoor lofts, tiny homes, and school buses. In May of 2024, Nourish restaurant will be open during weekends at HBC, providing organic farm-to-table meals for the public and our guests–both indoor and outdoor seating is available. Thanks to our farm’s extensive perennial food system, Nourish has a rotating seasonal menu featuring fruit, herbs, and wild greens grown onsite. Call ahead for up-to-date details on hours and what’s in bloom! HBC is a retreat destination for mountain biking, skiing, and hiking, with private access to Green Woodland’s 23,000 acres of public trails next door! Our trails feature hand and machine-built features for riders of all skill levels. Under an hour of driving will get you to Mt. Moosilauke on the Appalachian Trail, renowned climbing at the Rumney Crags, and dozens of pristine NH lakes. Back on the farm, our swimming holes, hammocks, and communal fire pit offer peace and community connection after a full day of outdoor adventures. Guests are encouraged to recreate and restore amidst the natural beauty of our rural property, explore our orchards and vegetable gardens, and enjoy open-air, leisurely dining at our on-farm restaurant. Search for The Hummingbird Center of NH online to view our restaurant hours and learn more about our ongoing community events, including weekly yoga classes in summer of 2024. Quiet hours after 10pm please! Find us online at thehummingbirdcenter.com and @thehummingbirdcenternh on Instagram. 603-786-2366 No sewer hookups. Secluded spots for vehicles require high clearance and dry conditions.
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$15
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96%
(205)

Birds Eye View Vermont

7 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Bethel, VT
Mountain top views surrounded by nature Enjoy a peaceful Vermont mountainside field with beautiful mountain views and amazing star gazing away from city lights.  We offer well groomed, clean campsites, an outhouse and a fire ring. We are located on a minimally traveled no outlet wooded road. Pitch a tent near or next to your vehicle or park a small to medium sized camper and use it as a base camp while you explore Vermont.  We are centrally located to Bethel, Royalton, Queechee, Woodstock, Rutland, Killington, Waitsfield, Randolph, Barre and Montpelier. What is there to do? Visit to our secret swimming hole located nearby...and White River access just down the road. Just up the road is the popular Silver Lake and State Park, great swimming, sunbathing, paddle boarding, kayaking or canoeing.  We are close to interesting activities, such as the White River National Fish Hatchery, Billings Farm, the Queechee Balloon festival, and more. Near by farm stands sell fresh organic produce, eggs, grass fed meats, homemade food products and crafts. What is there to eat and drink? Nearby restaurants include The Barnard Inn, Cloudland, Toziers, Tessi’s Tavern, Locust Creek Diner, The Bethel Sandwich Shop, Cockadoodle and Village Pizza. Babe’s Bar in Bethel offers amazing creative cocktails in an old railway station. In the village of South Royalton 12 miles away is our local Co-op. There you can access lots of healthy food choices, many locally sourced and lots of drinks, it's our go to market. Three miles up Route 12 is the Barnard General Store and gas station they have just about everything a camper could want. They stock ice, fresh baked goodies, fruit and vegetables, prepared foods and many locally produced delights such as ice cream, kombucha and fresh baked goods. Their meat case features, sausages, thick pork chops, fresh air chilled chicken, local grass fed beef and they always have fresh Farro Island salmon. They also offer wine, beer and ciders.  A mile away on 107 is the Locust Creek General Store and gas station, they uniquely offer block ice, diesel and kerosene, drinks, simple fresh sandwiches, many frozen foods and lots of newspapers. We have generous amounts of firewood available onsite for sale. Please join us for a Birds Eye View of the beautiful state of Vermont, we hope to see you soon....David and Lisa PS. Please visit our visitor comments and view the HipCamp photographer's photos of the star filled sky, what a nice gift, sent by HipCamp.
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$35
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99%
(93)

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.
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$30
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97%
(195)

Art and Health Chill Camping

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Cabot, VT
Spring is in the air...and will burst forth momentarily. Its Vt right!! The buds are unfurling and earth worms coming to seek the sun. Dandylions blanket the landscapes. For those wanting to be creative or explore a new art Medium the art studio has many supplies and i offer pottery classes to a group or individuals. Roam around the Sacred Geometry Gardens, all connected by pollinator fields of flowers and mowed walking paths. There are veggies for sale from the hoophouse fresh eggs and 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 removeal. 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 cabin and vintage camper are also available. Tiny house also fully equipted for your arrival. 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 resturants 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 them west... Amazing Camels hump and Mt Mansfield views. To the East the White Mountains. There are many events planned here this summer from the Cabot Arts Festival, and 4th of July parade, Manifestus music fest as well as Ride the Ridges and other pop up events . The sauna is an extra charge but oh so worth it. Pottery classe,, 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. After a long day of canoeing Joe's Pond, hiking to the top of Mt Mansfield, or riding the ridges around Cabot you will be glad to arrive and relax. You will find a peaceful, private camp sites. Each with a fire pit, flat ground for your tent or trees to hang your hammock . There are also sites for a RV or "glamping." A few sites are large enough to accommodate 3 tents for a group gathering. I am now offering a shower and flush toilet. Unique offerings include a health component from meditation classes to sauna and masssage.The pottery studio is available for classes or private lessons including Raku firings. Singing Bowls and tunning 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 diverse with large open meadows to fields to quiet pine forest. As you walk the tree line you will find old farm implements, old bottles and even an old Ford coop. I would love to restore and use them on the farm. 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. * Ps please do not say you will arrive at 5 and show up after dark! Respect goes both ways. I appreciate great campers who pick up and discard their pets poop and respects my time a well. Ps no smoking cigarettes on the property. Thank you to all my great campers! And blessings to those few bad apples!
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$45
 / night
99%
(303)

Woodbury Meadows

6 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · 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 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 now have a washer and dryer available for our campers. We have one 30 amp RV site 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. 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.
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$32
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(30)

Singing Wood Farm

9 sites · RVs, Tents77 acres · Morrisville, VT
Singing Wood is located on 77 acres in Morristown Vermont, Lamoille County. Our farm offers gorgeous all season views of Vermont’s Green Mountains. We are located on Bull Moose Road and Mud City Loop. The farm is sits just outside the edges of Mount Mansfield State Forest with views of White Rocks, Bull Moose Hill, Sterling and Morse Mountains. A hidden tranquil gem in the Vermont countryside surrounded by forest and farmlands, bordered by the pristine trout brook Beaver Meadow Brook. Our family farm features forest trails, wildflower meadows, berry patches, herbs, cut flowers, honeybees, wood fired maple syrup and vegetables. Our farm store is filled with our own farm fresh products as well as a small selection from other quality food artisans and crafts people. The Catamount trail (a 300 mile long winter trail system) passes through our property and offers some of Vermont’s finest backcountry skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. We are just 20 mins from the ski area and town of Mt. Mansfield in Stowe, 35 minutes to the ski areas of Smugglers Notch and Bolton Valley. 1 Hour to Burlington International Airport. We are located near many fine restaurants and breweries (Lost Nation, The Alchemist, and Rock Art among many others). The area is full of year round recreational opportunities.
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$55
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97%
(213)

Sugar Wood Meadow Camping

13 sites · Tents500 acres · Bethel, VT
Our family purchased the farm to milk dairy cows, but over the year moved away from dairy to beef cattle. The sites are located around our farm with some in the fields behind our farm and others located in some of our summer pastures! We have different site listed individually in hopes of making booking easier!
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$45
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Slateville Farm Secluded Camps

8 sites · RVs, Tents350 acres · Granville, NY
7 Extremely Private Sites ~ Outdoor Private Hot Shower, Flush Toilet, Sink Available Sweeping pastoral hillsides mixed with densely wooded private acres make our camp sites unique with each one offering a different experience. We have developed a network of trails to enjoy and offer swimming, catch release fishing, hiking, and biking is nearby at the Slate Valley Trails. Lots of places to picnic and enjoy the sunset. We have a farm stand, unlimited firewood, ice, and free flowing spring water for you to enjoy. Our bucolic farmland was originally for milking cows, it was leased at times for mining red slate when Granville was at its peak. Technology changed and the industry left us with beautiful abandoned quarry holes that have filled with natural spring water. Our farm currently offers firewood, bagged spring ice, spring water, and we operate a farm stand on the weekends seasonally selling our own pesticide produce and free range eggs and camp related supplies. We consider 1 night reservations on week days and for our repeat guests, Inquire. Oak Tree - Pastoral with expansive views, Extremely Private, Great for Dogs Owl - Wooded, Hammocks, walkable to Quarry, our original site. Guest Favourite Pines - Wooded, Most Remote, Great for Dogs, Viking Chairs, Picnic Table Ridgeline - Open Pastoral, Covered Pergola with Pit & ADK Chairs, Great for Groups, RVS, Kids, Pets. Sunset Views Hops - Newly Renovated, Metal Pit, ADK Chairs, Combination Site Wooded/Open, Suitable for an RV, Graveled, Guest Favorite Quarryside - Close to Quarry Hole, smaller site, room for 2 tents on the trail network, Shaded, No Grill On Farm Activities: Large Red Quarry Swimming Hole, Catch Release Bass, Hiking, Biking, Yoga Pergola, Sunset Pergola, Farm Stand, Enjoy the Scottish Highland Cows! We also have a 40 acre parcel with a Lookout Tower and Cabin that is Incredible. "Slateville Retreat" No words to describe!
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$55
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(103)

Camp Ebb and Flow

10 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Orford, NH
Camp Ebb and Flow is located on the western edge of the White Mountains, near the crossing of the Appalachian Trail and a short drive to VT. Three lakes nearby for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. Hiking trails nearby. The camp offers RV sites with water, electricity, and sewer, an RV site with no hookups, and several tent sites. One of the tent sites has water and electricity and another has electricity with nearby water. There is an "outhouse" with a flush toilet and over six acres of mowed fields for activities and walking. There is also a lovely brook running through the property with many areas you can cool off in from the summer heat. This property has a lengthy history going back to colonial times. It’s been a farm, an apple orchard, and once had a sawmill. Please check the calendar for available dates. Check-in is no later than 9pm unless late arrival arrangements have been made prior to booking. Whenever possible, try to arrive before dark because there are no lights at most sites, which can make setup difficult. A note regarding electric vehicles (EV): If you have an electric vehicle and would like to tent camp, please select one of our full hookup RV sites. If you have the proper electric adapter for your vehicle, you can charge your vehicle at the 30A or 50A RV plug while tenting in the field near the RV site. We do not supply these adapters, and we cannot allow you to charge your vehicle unless you have reserved an RV site with full hookups. If you do not see an open site for the days you'd like to get away, please contact us. Sometimes we can make other arrangements, allowing you to stay.
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$47
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95%
(182)

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
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(275)

Mountain Home Tent Sites

3 sites · Tents200 acres · Tunbridge, VT
Mountain home tent sites sits on a nearly 200 acre historic hill farm in Tunbridge, VT. If you are looking for a quiet, private, and breath taking space to camp, look no further! Over the years the farm has undergone many changes, but dairy farming has been a consistent activity. Still actively farmed as Fledgling Farmstead, our farm is home to cows, sheep, chickens, goats, fruit trees, and a veggie and herb CSA and farm store. We also host workshops and on-farm events including the annual music, arts and food festival called Fledge Fest held at the camp site location each summer. Find more information on our website! The forest is actively managed for firewood and saw logs. The land is incredibly diverse from a high exposed hill top to a deep a forested mountain brook and everything in between. Come pitch your tent on a remote hill top surrounded by amazing views and nearly two hundred acres of diverse forests and pasture lands. The camp sites are private from each other with a large common area at the top of the hill with a fire pit, lean-to shelter, outhouse complex with water for hand washing (seasonally available) and sweeping views of the Green Mountains. There are trails for hiking and mountain biking (no dirt bikes or ATV's) all over the farm and a beautiful brook in a sheltered mountain valley. Just a 5 minute drive to the bottom of the hill is the first branch of White River; a beautiful clean river for swimming and fishing crossed by multiple covered bridges that lead to the farm. We hope you will come visit the farm and enjoy the remote mountainous beauty of Tunbridge!
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$30
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(33)

Shaker Mountain Refuge

2 sites · Lodging300 acres · Starksboro, VT
Shaker Mountain Refuge sits on 300, mostly wooded acres at the foot of the Green Mountains. With outstanding views of Camel's Hump (Vermont's second tallest peak), the refuge is a wonderful place to sit back, relax and enjoy the natural world. There are numerous hiking trails on site, as well as a beautiful swimming pond. Access to Camels Hump hiking trails is a short drive away. Nearby, Camels Hump Nordic ski and bike center boasts incredible mountain biking and nordic ski trails. Just down the hill, the Huntington River has an abundance of swimming holes and fishing spots. Just over the Appalachian Gap are the Mad River Glen and Sugarbush ski resorts. There are many excellent restaurants within a 20 minute drive.
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$100
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Available this weekend

Star Hosts in Rochester

Value Prop
Value Prop

Mountainous camping near Rochester with swimming guide

Overview

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

Where to go

Moosalamoo National Recreation Area

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

Chittenden Reservoir

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

Branbury State Park

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

When to go

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

Know before you go

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

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