The best camping in Vermont

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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.

98% (14.5K) • 4,554 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Vermont

Grateful Acres Vermont

1. Grateful Acres Vermont

100%
(607)
West Dover, VT · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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. Just a family with some land in Vermont that we would like to share. PLEASE OBSERVE THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT
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Harold's View Farm

2. Harold's View Farm

99%
(773)
Westford, VT · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Former Dairy Farm but, the milking and hay barns burned many years Past. Harold's View Farm now camping. There are 4 entrances to the 80 acres of hay fields, now camping sites. Three entrances are for two sites each, the house entrance is for any questions. Please stop in if you have questions. The fields have been maintained to some degree until 2019 when Lee came up with the idea of primitive camping. The land turns out to be ideal because each site makes you feel like the only campers there. New this year you will find a picnic table for 6 and a 3 Ft. dia. fire pit with adjustable grill that flips out for open fire @ each site. Another new item is open to the sky "Hot Shower"
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Bent Apple Farm

3. Bent Apple Farm

88%
(136)
Londonderry, VT · 5 sites
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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Green Mountain National Forest

4. Green Mountain National Forest

95%
(31)
National forest in Vermont · 123 sites
A peaceful woodland in the heart of New England filled with outdoor fun.
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Button Bay State Park

5. Button Bay State Park

100%
(5)
State park in Vermont · 57 sites
Discover Button Bay State Park's scenic charm and outdoor adventures.
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Pine Cone Cabin

6. Pine Cone Cabin

99%
(87)
Groton, VT · 1 site
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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Green Mountain Getaway

7. Green Mountain Getaway

99%
(379)
Perkinsville, VT · 1 site
A former farm now a 150 acre forested retreat. Mt Ascutney, a 3500' monadnock is to the north and view in excess of 60 miles to the south. We are dog friendly but request ALL dogs be on leash when near our house. We have chickens that are some times loose. If your dog should kill or injure one of the chickens plan on a discussion of the value of a pullet. Phone numbers on the wall of the cabin Curl up in front of the fire and relax. Marsh Billings farm museum in Woodstock has lots of Vermont Country store is close and Woodstock has unique shopping. Spacious one room camp, bunk bed, dinning table, and chairs. Sweeping view to the South. Swimming pond 5 minute walk. LP burner and some cooking utensils. Wood stove for those chilly nights. No electricity but LED battery lighting. l. Note that we do not charge a cleaning fee like some sites. We appreciate our guest leaving the camp as found. So far so good! Camp has the following: LP 2 burner cook top, pots and pans, dishes, flat ware, some spices and such. Fresh clean water will be at the camp when you arrive. The furnished jugs have been cleaned. If you still wish to bring your own drinking water please do so in reusable jugs. We are trying to limit plastic use. NOTE: Using GPS, Google map, or other device our address may come up as Perkinsville, Ascutney, or even Springfield even though the town is Weathersfield. Check the map and just confirm that Center Grove Rd is shown or called out as off of Weathersfield Center Rd. Firewood for the outside fire pit is available under extras. However if it has rained or raining you may want to bring kindling wood. We now have slab wood for sale if you do not want to rummage for wood in the forest PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN KINDLING WOOD FOR THE STOVE. Chunk wood is furnished for the inside stove. There is a splitting maul, snow shovel, and hatchet Check in and out times are flexible if no one is booked on either side. We have a level 2 EV charger listed under extras. And last but not least if wedding bells are in your future your host is a Justice of the Peace and can perform wedding services!
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Burke Line Farm

8. Burke Line Farm

98%
(352)
West Burke, VT · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Burke Line Farm is located in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. We are a working horse farm. Lessons and trail rides are offered 7 days a week by appointment. Please call 802-535-7722 to speak with our wrangler. 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. We will Be Closing for the season on the 14th of November 2024. We had a great season and looking forward to seeing you all again in the spring of 2025.
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Sunnybrook Farm

9. Sunnybrook Farm

99%
(66)
South Royalton, VT · 1 site · Tent, RV
One of the oldest properties in town the Day Homestead (as it is known) dates back hundreds of years and our house was built in 1810. It was run as a successful trout farm of 70+ years. Learn more about this land: We have two sites on our historic Vermont trout farm.  The first site sits near our post and beam "run in" horse barn.  It's a very flat site with easy road access and has 30 AMP electric service and we can provide potable water to fill up your tank. The second site sits a little further back (also very easy access) and closer to Quation Brook. It is better suited for boondocking as it is a little ways from the 30 AMP outlets. Again water is available. Our farm is very rural but close (2 miles) to interstate 89 with a well stocked country store in town. It's a  quiet setting near the gardens and a small stream. We are a small hobby farm that grows and sells produce to local coops.  We also produce and sell Vermont maple syrup and salsa.
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Elmore State Park

10. Elmore State Park

100%
(7)
State park in Vermont · 45 sites
Elmore State Park is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
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Branbury State Park

11. Branbury State Park

100%
(4)
State park in Vermont · 37 sites
Discover Branbury State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
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Coolidge State Park

12. Coolidge State Park

100%
(4)
State park in Vermont · 26 sites
Discover Coolidge State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
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Emerald Lake State Park

13. Emerald Lake State Park

100%
(4)
State park in Vermont · 67 sites
Emerald Lake State Park: A Gem for Nature Lovers and Campers Alike.
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Art and Health Chill Camping

14. Art and Health Chill Camping

98%
(281)
Cabot, VT · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Yeah! Summer is here and Fall is around the corner! Making plans for the family, a group of friends, or a romantic getaway, perhaps a bike tour or trip across New England? Art and Health Chill Camping will exceed your expectations. A hot sauna to a pottery class, sacred geometry gardens with pathways through the pollinator gardens all lead to diverse camp sites for tents hammocks, vans and even a school bus or small rv. The Hive Design.us cabins, rustic cabin, or bedroom also offer queen beds. Common space includes wifi, a kitchen with frig access, full bath, and living room and with deck. The Milky Way, fireflies, and beauty surround you as well as the lack of noise and light pollution. Be prepared to be "experience how extraordinary the ordinary is!" Organic Certified veggies, herbs, medicinal s, and edible flowers are available, throughout the season. I have approximately 70 varieties foraged and planted. I am developing a garden of dyeing flowers, as well. Art classes and materials are available, for pottery [ beginner to advanced.] as well as sketching, fabric dyeing, plen air, or making mandalas. I do have leather tools, sewing machines, and stained glass. Bring your project or try a new one. Lots of space in the common barn area for group lesson, or set up a spot and enjoy all by yourself! Cabot has lots to offer for day trips, be it water sports, rail trail on bikes or walking, music, and cultural events, or purchasing fresh milk, beef, eggs, apples, cheese, or homemade breads, all from Cabot. Contra Dance, music from Cabot Arts, or at the Den our local pub, are 2 miles away. The Bread and Puppet, Highland Center for the Arts, Barre Oprah house, art galleries, etc within an hour drive in any direction. A great place for children, I have swings and trees to climb, games, archaeological digs, scavenger hunts finding 10 different antique farm implements, and learning how they were used, to learning about mini microbe's and how to be friends with pollinators. Massage including scar release, and MPS, Cranial Release, energy work with tuning forks and singing bowls are available. Singing bowl concert in the gardens can also happen! Expect the unexpected! See you soon!
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Quarry Brook

15. Quarry Brook

96%
(400)
Putney, VT · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging
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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Greenbush Farm

16. Greenbush Farm

99%
(520)
Weathersfield, VT · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
History: Family hay farm, 82 acres, owned since 2004, back in the 1940's they had pigs, goats, horses. In 1970 it was used to train trotters. Come enjoy!We have 3 tent sites along the North Branch of the Black River on the perimeter of our 82 acre hay farm. Main house is a five minute walk. There are countless fun activities within a 20 mile radius:- Ascutney Trails for hiking and mountain biking- Okemo Adventure Zone 12 miles away- Harpoon Brewery and CT River for canoeing and tubing 11 miles away- Live music and awesome food available in the Upper CT River Valley- Shopping in Woodstock. The recreational possibilities are endless. We can't wait for you to come and stay!
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Hearth House Farm

17. Hearth House Farm

100%
(62)
North Hartland, VT · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Hearth House Farm is a 250acre farm with great views of Acutney, Cardigan Mountains and Croydon Ridge. We are located on quite countryside roadwith easy access to Woodstock, Quechee and Windsor, Vermont and Hanover , NH We welcome horse camping also with temporary shelters. Miles of dirt road and fields for your recreational use. There are several state and national owned hiking trails in the area.
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Know Town

18. Know Town

99%
(118)
Stockbridge, VT · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Hello, welcome to Know Town located amidst the close knit hills of central Vermont and nestled in the heart of the Stony Brook watershed in the town of Stockbridge. We have just over 40 acres of diverse natural beauty to explore and bask in, which includes a beautiful stretch of the brook with multiple dunking spots, as well as a larger swimming hole. In addition to Know Town's own outdoor activities, there are plenty of hiking trails and big river swimming holes located nearby. Currently, we offer three options for your overnight stays, as we just added The Swimming Hole site. This new site is very special and is sure to be a place that you will want to return to. Our Geodesic dome is the epitome of glamping with the comforts of home, but still integrated into the natural surroundings. Located right on the brook with a private fire pit and outdoor dining set up. There is plenty of room for games in the large field and a separate camp spot overlooking a little water fall and one of our swimming holes. For those who enjoy car camping we have the Apple tree camp site. Located right on the brook with a big rock for sunbathing and a spacious area for tents and rooftop car campers. There are a couple of apple trees to relax in the shade under and a large picnic table and fire pit. Know Town welcomes well mannered dogs (2 per site). We are 420 friendly and geared towards hosting those interested in arts, music, meditation, and ecology. There is virtually no light pollution which makes for optimal stargazing. Also, it should be noted that there is currently no Wi-Fi or cell service. Please be aware that Vermont prohibits out-of-state Firewood. We sell firewood for dome and campfires, and guests are welcome to scavenge the plethora of downed dead wood on the property.
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Peaceful Country Haven

19. Peaceful Country Haven

99%
(143)
New Haven, VT · 1 site · Tent, RV
This camp site is accessed from our driveway. We have 72 acres you are welcome to explore. If you want more privacy and have a tent, feel free to find a place in the woods. This is our home and our family visits often so please expect some cars passing by the site. We are happy to share this beautiful space and hope you enjoy it as much as we do. Learn more about this land: Park your RV or pitch your tent and take some time to relax. Take a walk through the woods, take your kayak out on Otter Creek starting at the base of our driveway or relax with a campfire. Visit the horses or ring the humongous bell, and check out the wildlife. Do you have a dog? Enjoy the freedom of letting it run and play in the small ponds in the woods. You are most likely to hear the train whistle a time or two. Wake up to beautiful sunrise to start your day off right!
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The Sky Perch

20. The Sky Perch

95%
(40)
Guilford, VT · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Nestled at the crown of the mountain, this private campsite offers a front-row seat to the sky. Surrounded by jagged ridgelines and windswept pines, it sits just above the tree line where the air is thin, crisp, and electric with silence. On clear days, you can see for miles — rolling valleys, distant peaks, and winding rivers far below — a panoramic view that feels like the edge of the world. It is the perfect basecamp for day hikes, wildlife spotting, and stargazing. Trails wind down into lush forests or up to even higher viewpoints for the daring explorer. Hike to a breathtaking swimming hole with all natural running water and waterfalls, then grab a bite to eat at the Guilford Country Deli with organic handmade sandwiches and desserts. Guests are welcome to relax by the pond and grab eggs from the chicken coop. Many breweries and restaurants in the area as well as berry picking farms and apple orchards. Guest can also enjoy renting a canoe and spending the day on the Connecticut river or attending local events in Brattleboro like first Friday (a monthly gathering of local craft makers, food trucks, and music). We are only 5 minutes from I-91 and the Massachusetts border. As the sun sets, golden light spills across the rocks and wildflowers, and the sky deepens to hues of lavender and ember. At night, stars emerge in dazzling clarity, unobscured by city lights or canopy, with the Milky Way streaking overhead like a celestial river. It’s a place where time slows down, and the world below feels very far away.
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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Vermont camping guide

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.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Top national parks and forests in Vermont