Camping in Vermont

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

97% (10658 reviews)
97% (10658 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Vermont

Community favorites in Vermont

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds in Vermont

Under $50

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top campgrounds in Vermont

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
 / night
98%
(511)

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
 / night
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
 / night
98%
(54)

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
 / night
99%
(133)

Cozy Mountain Cabin

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Arlington, VT
This cabin has been in my family for over 20 years. When my sister purchased this cabin it was in rough shape, with a tar paper roof and a single bunk that was falling down. With help from our father's sawmill, and helping hands of friends and family, we were able to rebuild from the ground up. Ever since then, this cabin has been making memories for our family and friends. We hope whoever gets to experience our little piece of VT will also make great memories here. This cozy family owned cabin located in the town of Sunderland, Vermont. Surrounded by hundreds of acres of national forest, campers can enjoy the sounds of a swift stream flowing nearby, birds chirping in trees, and the rustling of leaves and branches in the breeze. This mountainous area has a rich array of wildlife, meadows, trails, and only a few miles away from the Battenkill River, a tributary of the Hudson River of New York. Once inside you’ll find a small kitchen and dining area complete with a wood burning stove for those cool Vermont nights. The sleeping area offers four generously-sized bunks, a loft area, and a queen futon.  Enjoy the peace of nature with a cup of coffee on the porch, but don’t forget to cap off the night with smores around the fire pit! Access to Vermont’s Long Trail System is nearby, with its 272 mile footpath and 166miles of side trails. This offers endless hiking opportunities for the day-hiker, weekend overnighter and extended backpacker. The Long Trail follows the main ridge of the Green Mountains from the Massachusetts-Vermont state line to the Canadian border, crossing Vermont’s highest peaks. As for the daily adventures, take a drive to surrounding ski resorts, including Bromley Mountain being just 15 miles from the property, where you can enjoy various activities year-round. Take a 10 minute drive to visit Mount Equinox Skyline drive where you’ll take in incredible views. Just past Mount Equinox is The Village of Manchester, which is home to the famed Equinox Resort and Spa. In Manchester, guests can enjoy everything from shopping & dining to outdoor classes for ATV driving and fly fishing!
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$75
 / night
95%
(220)

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%
(209)

Islands Base Camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents180 acres · South Hero, VT
Conserved by the South Hero Land Trust, the historic Sawyer Bay Farm on the Island of South Hero was converted to grazing beef cattle. Our farm name is Health Hero Farm. We practice intensive planned grazing, moving the cattle daily to fresh grass. The herd may be near the campsites or completely out of sight, somewhere on our 180 acres. While we were building a house, we camped in the equipment shed during the summer and grew to value its convenience. Joan's enjoyment of cycling inspired her to designate the farm stand as a "bike stop" where visitors could buy a snack, get water, fix their bikes and use the unique islands amenity of a composing toilet in a converted ice fishing shack. South Hero is an agricultural island, as well as a summer tourist destination with numerous outdoor activities. It is also only a half-hour away from Burlington, and the drive is pleasurable. Pitch your tent, stow your gear under cover and explore all the islands have to offer. Yes, this is a summer destination, with great cycling, boating and swimming. We are a grass-fed beef operation, Health Hero Farm, on the island of South Hero. (You can read more about us on our farm website. ) Our farm is on the bike route around the islands, with access to many other vacation activities. Pitch your tent in the farmstead or in half of our empty equipment shed 30' x 60'. Or tool on down the farm road and be alone with the cattle and grass. In the shed, which is open on the north side, you have shelter from the rain, sun and wind. We have two campsites that can share a microwave, hot plate, refrigerator, camp sink and coffee maker in the barn. Lots of storage under roof for bikes and luggage. Our composting toilet (from Natures Head Composting Toilet) is a unique amenity -- installed in a retired ice-fishing shack (on skis). During the busy summer months, we may have a port-o-let (a.k.a. port-a-potty) with professional service. In the winter, the equipment shed is not available. We rent out vehicle and boat storage in the equipment shed and cannot accommodate camping there. However, we have ample parking for RVs at any time of the year. And if you are an experienced snow camper, we have several locations to choose from. We have a farm stand where you can buy a few snacks. If you want to try our beef, we'll be happy to show you our freezers. We are 2 miles from a convenience store that packs an amazing array of products into a small space. We are close to a gem of a public beach, a winery (Snow Farm Vineyard), apple orchards, a public school playground, and miles of scenic driving. Local farmers markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays offer some of the best produce from these agricultural islands. We also own 1000' frontage on Lake Champlain, which you may enjoy. It is difficult to access, but affords privacy and serenity. We allow campfires on the gravel areas of the farm and on the beach, where you can gather dead wood. If you want to host a large group, you will need to reserve both campsites and rent a port-o-let (Vermont's lingo for porta-potty) if we don't already have one. Additional fees might apply. There is no RV electrical hookup; however, the equipment shed has electric outlets for your use. Additional fees apply for energy intensive appliances, such as heaters or air conditioners. There is no water hookup; however, we can fill your tanks with a hose from a potable water supply. Generators are not allowed, unless you are sufficiently distanced from other campers and our neighbors. Other accommodations may be available. Just ask! We have many resources, and want you to have a great visit.
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$55
 / night

Star Hosts in Vermont

Available this weekend

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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.

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