The best camping near Big Deer State Park

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

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Stay at a public campground in Big Deer State Park

Big Deer Campground

20 sites · RVs, Tents In Big Deer State Park

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Top-rated campgrounds near Big Deer State Park

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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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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! ----- IMPORTANT: MAY 24-26 2024 IS OUR VOLUNTEER WEEKEND AT THE RESCUE. LOTS OF PEOPLE, LOTS OF ACTION, LOTS OF FUN, LOTS OF POOP SHOVELLING AND MORE . ----- 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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Onion River Campground

8 sites · Tents23 acres · Plainfield, VT

Onion River Campground is connected with Onion River Intentional Community. We hold events throughout our season, which runs from May 1st through October 31st. We offer spacious sites along the Winooski River, or come find a private nook tucked up in the apple orchard, next to the plum tree by the pond, or in the high meadow. Our amenities include: 26 spacious sites for rigs: 24 W/E and 6 W/E/S Plus 23 acres of private tenting options Owner-operated River access: Great fishing, wading, tubing, swimming Orchards and greenhouse: Join us for the harvest Trails, meadows, waterfall access Bathouse, free hot showers, free dumping Commercial party tent for functions Please keep in mind: We charge by the tent, not by the site.

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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, our state capital. 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, One 30 amp RV site and 4 tent/small RV non electric sites. We are 100% solar powered and have WIFI but no cell service. We cater to small quiet groups who can enjoy our peaceful setting. We are a family friendly, non smoking campground. Pets on leashes are OK. Quiet time is all the time :~). 12 and under free, no Generators.

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Ryegate Away Cabins

2 sites · Lodging4 acres · Ryegate, VT

Learn more about this land: Spring is here! The geese are coming back and we hope you do too! If you enjoy glamping this beautiful cabin is the place for you! Overlooking the beautiful Connecticut river. The cabin is ready for you to come and relax! This cabin sleeps two people and the property has plenty of room for tenting, which will be a new add on this year! We have a rustic outhouse and showers can be taken in the main farmhouse on the property if you would like, available Monday thru Saturday from 8am to 9am. Reasonable requests for other times always considered. The cabin is outfitted with a comfy bed, fridge, and microwave. Sit around a cozy campfire at night and stargaze! Enjoy a cup of coffee from the Keurig machine in the mornings. Bottled water is included as well. We will do our best to make you feel at home away from home. In a way that is never intrusive, we respect your privacy. Come and unwind with nature all around you. We are very pet friendly! And ask that all dogs are on a leash while outside. Also pets are not to be left in the cabins unattended at any time. So with all that said get yourself and your pets here and enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning on your deck looking out to the river. Don't set an alarm, the loons or geese may wake you first! Listen to the birds and relax! And if luck is with you, you might spot a bald eagle! Want to play with goats? We have them! Fresh eggs are available for sale! Hiking trails are nearby including Groton State Forest, hiking near Willoughby Lake is only about 45 minutes away and is worth the trip! Come experience the green mountains and we are not far from the White mountains of NH.

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The Hummingbird Center

42 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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Thornhill Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents406 acres · Greensboro Bend, VT

Come stay on our diversified farm! We grow winter rye. There are trails to hike on Barr Hill and a great view. Swimming is nearby in Caspian Lake. Hill Farmstead brewery is just over a mile away.

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Sugar Mountain Farm & Forest

50 sites · RVs, Tents1000 acres · Orange, VT

My family has been doing sustainable forestry and pasture based farming here since the 1980's. We raise pigs, chickens, ducks, geese and sometimes sheep on pasture delivering to local individuals, restaurants and stores year round. We have our own on-farm USDA butcher shop where we cut meat, make sausage, bacon, salt pork and other delicious meats. Learn more about this land: Roughly 1,000 acres of mountains, forest, marshland, beaver ponds and miles of trails. Grab a map from the pictures section of this listing or at SugarMtnFarm.com/HCMap on my web site. This is back country camping with logging roads, log landings and old country roads. There are many options for camp sites including just off road to deep in woods on logging roads & landings. Sites are not fixed - pick one you like in the non-farm zone, respecting other campers, and enjoy your visit. Note: This is real country - not a hotel, motel or groomed camp ground nor groomed trails. It is a working farm and forest. There is no front desk, no 24/7 service. Be attentive about clearance on your vehicles on side roads, logging trails and log landings. Logging & Side Roads & Landings are dirt/gravel. Some lower vehicles may have difficulty with clearance expecially in wet and muddy weather. There are many camping sites that are accessible near the main roads and better landings where you can park. Occasionally there is logging activity to stay clear of - it will be obvious as there is big equipment and log piles then. Please stay outside of the fenced Farm Zone areas. Fences are electricified for the livestock and there are big livestock guardian herding dogs in the farm zone. There are acres and acres (>100?) of wild raspberries and blackberries all over the mountains and valley - a delight for the tongue in their seasons roughly July to September. Dozens of wild apple trees abound as well. In the past people have grown marijuana on my land without permission - if you find any, go ahead and take it. A plethora and diversity of wildlife. Bring your cameras and binoculars but no guns, bows or traps. General store and Post Office 1.5 miles south of farm on Route-25. Barre town 9.5 miles north on Route-302 with Montpelier just a little further, each having a wide range of dining & shopping as well as local sights. There are many local lakes and rivers with great swiming. Groton Lake with it's Boulder Beach is just up Rt-302 a few miles to our east. A little further you'll find Lake Champlain, Lake Fairlee, Lake Morey and the Connecticut River as well as many other lakes and rivers in Vermont. PORK, both fresh and smoked, available most times from farm by appointment. Currently I have bacon, smoked jowl, smoked ham, smoked trotters and smoked hocks in stock. FIREWOOD - Vermont bans bringing firewood in from other states because of pest and disease risks so get the wood locally. You may use downed wood laying on the ground for your grill but please do not cut down trees. Dead lower branches of spruce and pine may be trimmed and they make excellent kindling. Cut close to the trunk to leave it safe for others. I also usually have dry firewood you can purchase for $10 per bundle. Much of the year fires are allowed such as when snow is on the ground. Check the Vermont State web site here: https://fpr.vermont.gov/forest/wildland-fire/monitoring-fire-danger Please leave farm gates closed, stay out of fenced (electric!) farm fields, do not feed farm animals, keep roads open for others and be respectful of other campers, neighbors & locals. Fences in the farm area are typically electrified - no touch. Please note that I have big farm dogs who guard and herd our livestock. Please do not bring your dogs into the farm area (shown on map) as my dogs will see your dogs as possible threats to their livestock. Well behaved dogs, children and adults are welcome in the forest land. A leash is recommended if you do not have good voice control of dogs and children. Remember I farm so I may not always reply to texts quickly and I'm rarely near the front gate. My house is over 500' higher up the mountain from the front gate and road so I may not hear you even if you honk, especially at night. You can email me at walterj at SugarMtnFarm.com or text me at 802-735-4521 to arrange an appointment to pickup meat. Cash or paypal to my email address walterj@sugarmtnfarm.com both work for payment. I am not available at night - I farm so I must sleep. If you arrive late I will probably not be available. This is back country, not a hotel with a 24/7 front desk. Just find a camp site to your liking and enjoy the beautiful country side. Cheers, Walter Jeffries Sugar Mountain Farm

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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!

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Vermont Ranch & Riverside Retreat

3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Moretown, VT

⛰ 🐦Wake to the sound of bird calls 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-private beach, naturally divided and hidden from our other semi-private beach sites. Swim, tube, fish and relax up or down the river and confluence. 👢👓 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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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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Burke Line Farm

5 sites · Lodging, Tents148 acres · Burke, VT

Burke Line Farm is located in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. We are a working horse farm. Lessons and trail rides are offered Mondays-Wednesdays. Along with the horses we have sheep and lambs for market and wool. Our land is relatively flat with many trails for riding or walking. A short drive will bring you to Willoughby Lake, Kingdom Trails, and Burke Mt.

The best camping near Big Deer State Park guide

Overview

About

Just a little ways east of Montpelier in Groton State Forest is where you’ll find Big Deer State Park. The deer here are of average size, however. What’s above average is the amount of things you’ll have access to if you camp here. In Big Deer alone, there are miles of hiking and multi-purpose trails by which you can explore the 26,000 acre forest. But here’s the real kicker—when you camp at one state park in Vermont, you get free day use at all the others during your stay. And since Big Deer is so close to several other parks, your options literally multiply!

But we’re here to help you narrow down your decision, so heed this advice. If it’s a hot day and you’re looking to cool down, head over to Boulder Beach for wide sandy beaches, or Kettle Pond for a quiet paddle around the water. On the other hand, if stellar hiking is what you seek then New Discovery is where you want to be. Finally, anglers won’t want to miss Vermont’s sole public fly-fishing-only trout pond at Seyon Lodge State Park. And while you’re in the neighborhood, you might as well check out the incredible view from Owl’s Head and the intriguing plants at Peacham Bog. Big Deer is the best place to post up and do it all.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Big Deer State Park is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and the park is fully accessible. Fall also offers a spectacular display of foliage, making September and October popular as well. Winters can be harsh, with heavy snowfall limiting access to certain areas of the park.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast and prepare for changing conditions, as Vermont's weather can be unpredictable.
Be aware of park operating hours, typically from 8:30am to 5pm, and plan your visit accordingly.
Ensure you have a valid park pass or pay the day use fee upon entry.
Respect wildlife habitats and maintain a safe distance from any animals you encounter.
Take advantage of the park's amenities, including picnic areas and trails, but remember to leave no trace.