Camping near Rochester
An artsy gateway town to endless adventures in Vermont’s Green Mountains.
97% (6219 reviews)
- Rochester
97% (6219 reviews)
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Star Hosts in Rochester
12 top campgrounds near Rochester
99%
(236)
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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$75
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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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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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Camp Granville woods field valley
4 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Granville, VT
Learn more about this land:
Pitch your tent or settle in in your camper enjoy listening to the brook across the field moose and deer and bear about hiking swimming nearby water from brook or garden hose outhouse for bathroom old sugar house to visit and enjoy company come visit camp Granville where social distancing is the norm! It can fit more than 4 sites so akways call and see depends on if you are tenting or RV
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$35
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Arbuckle Acres Family Farm
6 sites · RVs, Tents126 acres · Braintree, VT
This 126 acre farm has been in the Arbuckle Family since the 1950's. Come and set up your tent near the seasonal creek or at the top of the field and see an incredible sunset over the Green Mountains Come and help us feed the animals. We have farm fresh eggs, honey, maple syrup, and fresh garden vegetables for sale.Learn more about this land:Come camp on our family farm and see the best view of the sunset on the Green Mountains in Central Vermont. We have 6 sites for tents. You can choose the woods or the fields. RV's or trailers are permitted when the ground is dry. Contact us for more info Come meet the goats, cows and chickens. Bring your mountain bike and check out the trails. Tube down the river and explore the town of Randolph.
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$40
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Free Verse Farm
4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Chelsea, VT
***WE'RE CLOSED FOR THE SEASON. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CAME OUT IN 2023. WE LO0K FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU AGAIN IN 2024!!!***
Our farm & campground features stunning, panoramic views of the First Branch of the White River in the verdant hills of central Vermont. It overlooks the village of Chelsea, the shire town of Orange County.
Free Verse Farm is a hilltop herb farm run by two art-making, herb-loving farmers. The property boasts twenty sloping, knoll-laden, open acres overlooking the First Branch of the White River as it passes through the scenic village of Chelsea, Vermont. We have incredible views, forest trails that offer magical woodland wanderings, and spacious campsites in our fields.
We also invite you to explore our cultivated fields of herbs and vegetables and become acquainted with the wide variety of tea, culinary, and medicinal herbs that we grow and process on our farm. You can also visit with the cows that spend their summer munching our delicious green pastures.
Our full line of herbs and herbal products are for sale via our website or at Free Verse Farm Shop, located just one mile from our farm in downtown Chelsea. Our Farm Shop offers a wide variety of fresh produce, provisions, fresh baked goods, alcoholic (& non-) beverages, and more to enjoy during your stay or as you continue on your journey.
AMENITIES: we offer a hot outdoor shower & sink, as well as an outhouse with a composting toilet. Each campsite has a firepit and a picnic table.
CAMPSITE DETAILS: We currently have 2 campsites open. They are located in meadows with beautiful views of the First Branch Valley and Chelsea village. 4 wheel drive is recommended, but not necessary, and you are always welcome to hike up to your site. The site is spacious and private.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS: We also run Free Verse Farm Shop (OPEN: Tuesday-Friday 11am-6pm, Saturday 9am-3pm), a local grocery, café, and apothecary to serve our community and visitors to the area, while supporting local farms and artisans. You can also pre-order online (shop.freeversefarm.com) to pick up in store or ship your order around the USA.
The village of Chelsea hosts a weekly summer farmers market May-September on Fridays from 3-6pm (mid-May through September). In downtown Chelsea there is also a pub (The Wagon Wheel), gas station (110 Quickstop), two town commons, a small library, and a general store (Will's Store), and a farm stand (Chicken Wiggle Farm).
Within 20-45 minutes of our farm you can reach the larger towns of Montpelier (state capital), South Royalton, Randolph, Woodstock, White River Junction, and the Upper Valley Region (Dartmouth College), all of which offer a wide variety of attractions and services. Upon your arrival, you will be given a welcome packet with more detailed information about our area, and we'll be happy to provide you with any other tips you're looking for.
We look forward to hosting Hipcampers and sharing our love of this land, and our region, with all who visit. We can't wait to meet you!
-Taylor & Misha
*VISIT our Farm Shop (shop.freeversefarm.com) in Chelsea to stock up on our herbal goods, fresh produce, baked goods, adult beverages, and other provisions. You can order online for pickup at the Farm Shop or ship your order anywhere in the USA.
**TAG @freeversefarm in your photos on Instagram! We love to see your shots from the farm!
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BlueberryHill Field Camp
6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Goshen, VT
The field is adjacent to the Blueberry Hill Inn and Outdoor and in the heart of the Green Mountain National Forest and Moosalamoo Recreation Area.
Great sunsets! We offer access to outdoor showers with hot and cold
running water and toilets in the nearby Outdoor Center.
There is an internet connection near the buildings but not necessarily at your site. You can drive your car to
the site. There is privacy between the sites though occasionally there are other tents in the open field.
You can forage for wood for a small fire or you can request 'bundles' (a small cartful) to be available upon arrival. Wood from outside Vermont is not allowed.
Access to many hiking/biking/running trails just outside your tent door. We are stewards of these trails and your camping fees help to support our work.
Nearby swimming, kayaking, and canoeing are available too.
We provide trail maps upon arrival and you can also view them online from our webpage at Blueberry Hill Inn.
Blueberry picking on-site in August. Don't want to cook? Packed lunches are available. Check out our website at Blueberry Hill Inn for Pizza by the Pond nights.
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$42
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Sky Hollow Farm
2 sites · Lodging120 acres · Rochester, VT
Nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains of Vermont, Sky Hollow Farm has a rich history spanning from an 1800s sheep farm to its transformation into a summer camp, and now our beautiful homestead where we keep pigs, horses, chickens, and a lush vegetable garden. This 120-acre property boasts 3 swimming ponds, a wood-fired sauna, a lovely creek, and miles of hiking and biking trails connecting directly to Rochester's network of Ridgeline mountain biking trails and the National Forest. Not to mention, Sky Hollow is minutes from Killington, Sugarbush, and Mad River Glen for world-renowned skiing and snowboarding.
The Hunter Cabin or Creek Cabin are excellent choices for a tranquil nature retreat. These one-bedroom cabins offer a unique stay with minimalistic, quaint furnishings. Both kitchens are equipped with a refrigerator, stove-top, and cooking utensils. These spaces also offer outdoor amenities including an outdoor shower and outhouse.
Dogs are welcome and must be leashed or under voice command at all times. A pet fee of $50 per pet for any length of stay is required. Sorry, but no cats allowed due to allergy concerns. There are free-range chickens on the property.
All walking trails are available to guests and are marked. Please avoid areas around other buildings on Sky Hollow to allow all guests their privacy. All barns and sheds are also private.
The Village of Rochester features great eateries for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a bakery, a lovely public library, art gallery, antique store, a great playground at the elementary school, swimming holes, yoga studio, and more. It is within driving distance of larger towns like Rutland and Killington, Middlebury, Waitsfield, and Warren, and West Lebanon NH for day trips.
Public transportation is a 20+ minute drive away - a vehicle is necessary (4-wheel drive and snow tires are required in the winter months). Parking for 1-2 vehicles is available.
The owner has a golden retriever (Kodak) - he is friendly and (usually!) well-behaved but does bark and run to greet you, so please drive slowly and don't be alarmed! We also have 1 cat and several friendly horses who occasionally graze in view of the cabins. Please be aware of electrified fencing (especially with small children!). Maple syrup and eggs are offered for sale when available. Please consider that you may or may not have cell service during your stay - AT&T has good coverage, but Verizon is spotty... there is a nice rock (Lion King Rock) on the mountaintop where it works well! Check coverage maps for other carriers.
While all of our spaces have high-speed WiFi, incredible views, shared access to the sauna, swimming pond, and trails; Sky Hollow Farm has the ability to offer a variety of experiences.
Check all of our spaces on Sky Hollow Farm:
The Apartment, The Guest House, The Creek Cabin, and The Hunter's Cabin can all be found at skyhollow.com, booking.com, VRBO, and AirBnB.
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$105
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Nature Intents
1 site · Lodging280 acres · Woodstock, VT
Learn more about this land:Nature In-tents is a hike in, mountaintop campsite looking over Chateauguay valley that is ready with all accessories needed for camping except your bedding and food! Our dome tent sits on a platform and is currently tarped over for rain. It lives on the edge of the woodlands, above our habitat clear cut boasting valley views, and strategically positioned for breathtaking sunrises just for you! Find your inner wild among the trees during an unforgettable adventure in Vermont. There are forest trails galore and multiple mountain streams with private dipping holes all around. Recharge by a cozy campfire under the stars. You should be looking forward to experiencing a digital detox during your stay. Experiences such as hiking, birding, snowshoeing and biking at various levels surrounds your campsite – pick quiet country roads or challenging mountain trails. Telmark or cross country skiing, sledding and snowmobiling opportunities makes Nature In-tents a year round getaway. A mountain creek is a few steps away providing a tranquil, private spot for “rewilding” your soul. The clear cut boosts plenty of blackberry bushes for picking during late August/September. You’ll have to share with the wildlife, that hopefully you spy, but we can’t make any promises! You will feel like you are miles from civilization, yet only a few miles away you have access to Killington and Woodstock communities for romping, shopping and adventuring. We outline our favorite local spots in our camp manual. It cools off quickly in the evening in the mountains, especially during the fall so please bring warm gear.
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$70
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Heart of Vermont Farm
2 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · Braintree, VT
The Cleveland farm has been in the family for 7 generations! It's nestled in the heart of Vermont ten minutes from the quaint town of Randolph. We currently have 3 alpacas, 24 chickens, 2 kids, 2 dogs and 1 cat that thinks it's a dog. We grow a lot of our food, heat our home with wood we sustainably harvest, and build memories with children all on our farm.
Learn more about this land:
Pitch your tent, camper van or small camper trailer in our beautiful meadow located on a back road in Vermont. AWD or 4WD is required to park at the upper field. We can help transport you and your gear via our side by side up on the hill as needed so you can park in our easily accessible parking right off the town road. Enjoy a slower pace at our small family farm with alpacas and chickens. 10 minutes from beautiful quaint Randolph where you can catch a show at Chandler music hall or local drive in theater, play frisbee golf at the park or grab some delicious grub and libations from our many local eateries and breweries like Bent Hill just up the road to check out!
Explore the outstanding local biking and hiking trails, fishing and much more nearby! (Let us know what your interested in and we will make you feel like a local)
When a camper cancels a reservation we will now be keeping 20$ of it, no matter how many days ahead you reserve. It is to pay for upkeep expenses and the hip camp fees they charge. To be clear we will return all costs except 20$. Thank you for your understanding.
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$35
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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 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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Blueberry Lake Adventures
2 sites · Lodging2 acres · Warren, VT
Retreat to our cozy cabin and relax by the wood fire. This enchanting cabin is very special to us! Previous friends and guests have exclaimed how thoughtful the details in the cabin are and what a great experience they had staying in it. It is a strawbale cabin with an earth roof on top. Tiny, but mighty, this cabin has electricity, a tiny refrigerator, wood stove and a comfy loft with a bed. The composting toilet is available outside. Wifi is available inside as well. To get to the cabin: 4WD recommended, ice and rain can greatly affect the roads. There is a parking spot available to park across from Deer Road. Take the very short walk to the cabin.Near our site is Green Mountain National Forest to explore. Blue Lake is just a short walk down our hill. Blue Lake is widely used year round for swimming, ice fishing, seasonal fishing, kayaking and canoeing. Long Trail (Mt.Abe) is used for Bike trails/x country trails and is connected right to our homestead. Continue on the trail and access some of the best mountain biking trails and snow biking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking.Sugarbush Resort is a 10 minute drive and is one of the best ski mountains in the area! If you are looking for gym and shower facilities, you can stop into the Sugarbush Resort, just a short driving distance, for a day pass fee. Massages are available as an Extra during booking!
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Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Camping near Rochester 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
- Rochester has a small grocery store, a few restaurants, and a bike shop.
- 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.
- Bears are common in the Green Mountains, so secure food in bear-proof containers.
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