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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% (13.2K) 4,563 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Vermont

Harold's View Farm

1. Harold's View Farm

99%
(674)
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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Grateful Acres Vermont

2. Grateful Acres Vermont

99%
(593)
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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Greenbush Farm

3. Greenbush Farm

99%
(750)
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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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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Electrical hookup
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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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Shadow Pond on 28 Peaceful Acres

6. Shadow Pond on 28 Peaceful Acres

Waterbury, VT · 1 site · Tent, RV
Escape to Shadow Pond, a peaceful 28-acre retreat tucked into the hills of Moretown, Vermont. Pitch your tent beside a quiet pond surrounded by towering pines, spend the evening around a campfire, and wake to birdsong and fresh mountain air. Watch for deer, turtles, songbirds, and other wildlife as you unwind in a setting that feels worlds away from everyday life. Although you'll feel tucked into nature, you're just minutes from Waterbury and within easy reach of Stowe, the Mad River Valley, hiking trails, breweries, restaurants, and some of Vermont's best outdoor adventures. We're opening just one private campsite so guests can enjoy the same peaceful corner of Vermont that our family has treasured for years. Whether you're looking for a quiet overnight stop or a relaxing weekend getaway, Shadow Pond offers space to unplug, explore, and simply enjoy being outside.
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Free Verse Farm

7. Free Verse Farm

99%
(507)
Chelsea, VT · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
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 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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Sunrise Farm

8. Sunrise Farm

98%
(610)
East Dover, VT · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Voted in the Top 3 in Vermont State by Hip Camp reviews since 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 ($12.50) - 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 Outhouses 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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Know Town

9. Know Town

99%
(86)
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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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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Black Creek Maple Off Grid Camp

14. Black Creek Maple Off Grid Camp

98%
(220)
Cambridge, VT · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Pitch your tent nestled along the edge of lush green forestry, surrounded in nature! Gorgeous views and the smell of the fresh Vermont air will amaze you. Start your day making coffee on the fire, sitting listening to the birds and watching the deer nibbling the grass. We welcome avid year round outdoors people to explore this land. Whether you love snow shoeing, hiking, biking or just sitting, spending evenings around the camp fire. Our family has the perfect getaway for your stay in a tent, cabin or van. During July and August the wild raspberries and blackberries make a wonderful treat. Try your culinary skills over the campfire while the children play and explore nature. As night falls, a campfire with smores hosts a wonderful end to the days fun. Afterwards, tuck the children in and listen to the night sounds under the stars! Your site is only 1/8 mile from "The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail" used year round as recreational fun for biking and also part of the VAST system for snow mobiles. Only ten minutes to restaurants, shops, zip line, bike rentals, swimming, kayaking, fishing, ski, attractions and more! We are located, so close to the ski resorts and resort villages. Also, less than thirty minutes from the Canadian border! Don't forget to check out the many extras available. Get back to basics and enjoy all that nature has to offer and create your own lasting memories!
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Feel Good Farm

15. Feel Good Farm

99%
(370)
Wolcott, VT · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
This 150-acre property has been in our family for 32 years and now houses three generations. Built in 1900 it was a traditional dairy farm until the 50's and 60's when potatoes were planted on the fields for the Boston and New York markets. By the 70's and 80's it became a gentleman's farm for a retired couple from New York City and the dairy farmers nearby hayed the fields. When we purchased the property in 1993 we continued offering the hay, built greenhouses, planted vegetable and flower gardens, ran a traditional Bed and Breakfast, now airbnb. We leased some of the fields to a local organic seed company for 13 years until they purchased their own property. The farm remains certified organic and is still being hayed by a local dairy farm, the gardens are community managed using regenerative and sustainable practices when ever possible. In the commercial garden, seed crops are being planted once again. Much of the cultivated agricultural land is protected under the Vermont Land Trust, to ensure that it remains used for agricultural purposes. We love to share our farm and forest with others. In addition to our very intentional farming operations, you can find wild edibles tucked away on forest trails. Wildlife and wildflowers abound. Views and sunsets. Check out the 968 acre wildlife management area that abuts the property. Plenty of trails through the woods leading to Wolcott Pond and hidden beaver huts and dams. Children 12 and under no charge. Our little pond behind the big greenhouse has filled up a bit more this spring which you are welcome to use for dipping or frog watching. Carry in and carry out property, Drive on field's edge only. Adhere to quiet hours 10pm-8am We can host large parties with advance notice.
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Peregrine Farm and Forest

16. Peregrine Farm and Forest

95%
(184)
Johnson, VT · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Located on 109 scenic acres, we offer beautiful campsites, as well as RV parking and canvas tents for rent. Our property borders Vermont's Long Trail, less than 1/2 mile from the gorgeous vista of Prospect Rock. The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is nearby for bicycle or foot travel, and the Lamoille river is easily accessed for fishing, tubing, kayaking etc. We feature a full-size professionally built Disc Golf course, Elevation Chains, on property. Beautiful views of river and mountains and a secluded yet very accessible location make this an ideal property for camping.  Our campground features a fully functioning outdoor kitchen available to all campers.  Propane stove, running water and cutlery are provided to make food planning and prep easier.  It also features a large firepit and serves as a great center for community gatherings.  Outdoor shower (room temp only) and composting toilets also available.  Biodegradable soaps and hygiene products only please! The frogs will thank you.  Ask us about canoe and paddleboard rental! About us: At Peregrine Farm and Forest we strive to be positive stewards to our land.  We actively farm and forage, and appreciate it when our guests take interest as well.  We graze sheep, pigs and sometimes other ruminants, keep gardens and perennials, and manage our lands with the most ecological practices available to us.  We believe that a strong and thriving community is foundational to a healthy, happy life and welcome all to come visit! Ask about long term camping and internship programs as well. Arriving on site: Don't follow your GPS, as it may send you to an inaccurate location. Instead, put our address (contact us if you're unable to find it on this site) in, locate our road, and then look for the street number on our mailbox on the left as you drive uphill. Once onsite, follow the drive straight until you reach the camping area and follow signage to your site. If you have questions or need assistance we live in the cabin with the blue roof and can usually be found around there.
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Timbertrail Farm

17. Timbertrail Farm

99%
(588)
Shaftsbury, VT · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Come see Lake Shaftsbury State Park! This 200 year old farm is at the top of a dead end road on 150 acres. It sits in a region of Bennington County formerly called Healing Springs Vermont. The springs that flow off of West Mountain come down through the farm and across Route 7 where they feed the picturesque state park! Best drinking water, anywhere to the left of the chimney at the white house. Arrive at our 150 acre property at the top of this dead-end road.. (Please stay left all the way up to the top...the road becomes our driveway).. Step out onto this 200-year-old farm at your own private site all of which are several acres each minimum.. Walk to streams ponds and Lake Shaftsbury State Park.
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Green Mountain Glamping

18. Green Mountain Glamping

99%
(151)
West Burke, VT · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Experience all that the northeast kingdom of Vermont has to offer while staying at Green Mountain Glamping. Ride the Kingdom Trails right from the property! Nestled among the trees, our bell tent sites feature comfortable beds, pillows, linens, towels, a picnic table, smokeless fire pit, large ADA portapotty and more! We also have two sites for those that want to bring their own tent, adventure rig, camper or RV. All sites are accessible with 2WD and are privately situated on our 14 acre property. We also have a bike wash station and outdoor shower. These are private sites on our property. You'll drive past our home, garage, and garden to get to each site and you'll be able to see our buildings from the sites. We have a very large English Mastiff and some hens. Both are contained in our fenced in yard. Eggs can be purchased upon request. We also have a some dirt jumps if you need to get warmed up before your ride, and a simple bike wash station ready to go when you get back. Lots of wildlife inhabit our area of Vermont. During your stay you're likely to see whitetail deer, squirrels and chippies, rabbits, and hawks. There's a chance you may see a fox, black bear, moose or even a bobcat! We ask that food is secured in your vehicle and not brought into the bell tents, for your own safety. We do have a basket of safety equipment in each tent. The basket contains bug spray, bear horn, simple first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, and a flash light.
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Woodbury Meadows

19. Woodbury Meadows

99%
(416)
East Calais, VT · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
We live on 52 wooded acres in a natural area surrounded by lakes and ponds just 14 miles north of Montpelier VT. We are located on the Green Mountain Gravel Growler bike packing trail and 7 miles south of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. We have lots of hiking , biking, boating and swimming opportunities nearby. Our amenity's include a bath house with two flush toilets a hot shower. We also have a washer and dryer available for our campers. We have two 30 amp RV sites with full hook ups and 4 tent/small RV non electric sites. We are 100% solar powered and have good WIFI but no cell service. We cater to small quiet groups who can enjoy our peaceful setting. If your are bike packing and our sites are booked just text or stop in we will accommodate you. The campground is located along our town road and the sites are 50 - 100 feet apart along our driveway. This is not a wilderness experience you will have neighbors, including us We are a family friendly, non smoking campground. We are open early May till late October. Pets on leashes are OK. Quiet time is all the time :~). 12 and under free, no Generators.
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The TrailHouse

20. The TrailHouse

100%
(112)
Poultney, VT · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Historic, quintessential VT farmstead on 38 private acres at the end of a quiet dirt road. The Slate Valley Trails pass through our property - providing direct access to 50+miles of world-class mountain biking and hiking trails. We are located mid-point in the network at a perfect jumping off point for adventure. There are also miles and miles of quiet dirt roads and abandoned forest tracks in the area, offering near endless opportunities for gravel cycling adventures. The property features perennial gardens, a pond, open meadows, forestland, and picturesque southerly views from the top of the north meadow. The tent, van and glamping sites are thoughtfully located in protected nooks in the forestland and along the forest's edge. We have hot outdoor showers (3) and a handmade wooden building that houses our portable toilets. There is also a communal fire pit.
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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