The best camping near Emerald Lake State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Emerald Lake State Park adventure.

100% (4 reviews)

Emerald Lake State Park: A Gem for Nature Lovers and Campers Alike.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Emerald Lake State Park

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Bent Apple Farm

7 sites · Lodging100 acres · Londonderry, VT

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

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(509)

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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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!

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Quarry Brook

4 sites · Lodging, Tents100 acres · Putney, VT

It all started on a first date in Boston....Nick had to excuse himself to take a phone call. His cow had fled its pasture. Much to Tara's surprise in that moment, this man she had just met was finishing his engineering degree at Northeastern, but was simultaneously building a homestead in Vermont. Fast forward 7 years, and here we are, building the life we only dreamed of. We yearned for simplicity. Deeper connections to our surroundings and mother nature. A calmer sense of place. The satisfaction that comes from growing food. Creating with our hands. We're a working farm and homestead. Every day at Quarry Brook is a new adventure, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We’re incredibly excited to share our little corner of southern Vermont and what we’re up to with you!

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(281)

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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(21)

The Coop!

2 sites · Lodging7 acres · Mount Holly, VT

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

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Timbertrail Farm

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents145 acres · Shaftsbury, VT

Come see Lake Shaftsbury State Park! This 200 year old farm is at the top of a dead end road on 150 acres. It sits in a region of Bennington County formerly called Healing Springs Vermont. The springs that flow off of West Mountain come down through the farm and across Route 7 where they feed the picturesque state park! Arrive at our 150 acre property at the top of this dead-end road.. (Please stay left all the way up to the top...the road becomes our driveway).. Step out onto this 200-year-old farm at your own private site all of which are several acres each minimum.. Walk to streams ponds and Lake Shaftsbury State Park.

96%

(13)

Berkshire Beech House

2 sites · Lodging6 acres · Monroe, MA

This tiny A frame is proudly nestled in a truly secluded camp in the Berkshires and Vermont border of Monroe, MA. Features an off grid heated and lightly electrified solar power. Enjoy the near silence in the forest with the convenience of being only 15 minutes from the town of North Adams. Relax around the cook top fire pit, go on a white water rafting adventure, hike the Appalachian trail, see Mass MoCA art, and the necessary visit to maple sugar shacks. Explore the area and you will find breathtaking views, especially if you make it up here at prime leaf peeping days.

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(122)

Farm Animal Sanctuary Retreat

2 sites · Lodging125 acres · West Pawlet, VT

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

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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

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(5)

Sowilo Retreat

5 sites · Lodging50 acres · Cambridge, NY

At Sowilo we practice the philosophy of personal awakening. As so many people get swept up in the chaos of life, our resort gives you an opportunity to shift from the everyday routine and re-focus on yourself. Reconnect to yourself by disconnecting from the world you live in every day. Spend some time in nature, meditate, breath, relax, and eat well. Our retreat provides an all-inclusive service for our guests for maximum comfort and relaxation. All-inclusive service consists of all day activities, delicious healthy food, and comfortable accommodation. Guest’s accommodations will feature contemporary tiny homes, modern tiny cabins and tents. Each tiny house gives you the feeling of a hotel room with a beautiful shower, small kitchenette, and a large size bed in a warm and cozy atmosphere. It’s the perfect size for a family or a group of friends who want to spend an amazing time. The modern tiny cabin on the other hand gives you a feeling of nature. Our wellness center will include different kinds of yoga practices, meditation, breath work, sound healing, and holistic healing methods. All day programs will also include outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The Eatery will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner for our guests. The ingredients will be sourced from local suppliers, farmers markets and organic farms from the area. We serve healthy meals created by our nutritionist. Nothing fried, no added sugars, no soy, no chemicals, only 100% pure and organic ingredients from Mother Earth. Sowilo is focusing on a sustainable and ecofriendly lifestyle, by educating and practicing ways to reduce our footprint.

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Sweet Song Acres

4 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · NH

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

The best camping near Emerald Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

Emerald Lake State Park is conveniently located between Manchester and Rutland, just a stone’s throw from Route 7. The lake is aptly-named for its water’s greenish birds-eye hue. The 20-acre lake is limited to non-motorized watercraft, providing superb swimming, paddling and fishing. Boat rentals are available for your ‘yakin satisfaction. The sandy shores are adjacent to picnic tables, a concession stand, a playground and even a nature center. Peeps can take refuge from the noonday sun in the park’s ample wooded campground or many lean-tos which are divided into two types: “prime” and, well...regular. Take your pick (they all have cute tree names, though).

The lake is a favorite oasis for Appalachian and Long Trail hikers. And for the day-trotters, there are plenty of trails within the park’s 430 acres. On your jaunt, you might even stumble upon the North Dorset Cemetery, located on the hill overlooking the park’s contact station and parking lot. Fun fact: many of the headstones in the cemetery are made from local marble, extracted from the quarries that once stippled the hillsides.

Notable campgrounds

Emerald Lake Campground - Offers a serene camping experience with easy access to the lake's pristine waters.
Lakeside Campsites - Ideal for those who love to wake up to the sound of gentle waves and enjoy quick dips.
Forest Campsites - Tucked away amid towering trees, these sites are perfect for privacy and shade lovers.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your spot, especially during peak summer months when the park is most popular.
Consider visiting during the weekdays for better availability and a quieter experience.
Keep an eye on cancellation policies; last-minute openings can be your opportunity to reserve a prime site.
Explore nearby camping options if the park's campgrounds are fully booked to still enjoy the area's natural splendor.

When to go

The best time to visit Emerald Lake State Park is during the summer and early fall, when the weather is warm and the park is fully operational. Spring can be wet and muddy, while winter brings snow and limited access. Plan your trip from late May to early October for the ideal experience.

Know before you go

Check the park's operating schedule as it varies seasonally, with full services available from late spring to early fall.
Be prepared for varying weather conditions and pack accordingly for your outdoor adventures.
Review the park's safety guidelines, especially if you plan to engage in water activities or hiking.
Accessibility options are available; contact the park in advance for specific needs.
Day-use amenities include picnic areas and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit.