The best forest camping near Rochester

·

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.

98% (8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Riverside Retreat and Tiny Cabin

3. Riverside Retreat and Tiny Cabin

100%
(43)
32mi from Rochester · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Poultney, VT
Refreshing riverside retreat with tent sites, RV/camper parking, and tiny house cabin on over 5 acres, featuring sunny meadows, veggie garden plot, 4-wheeler paths, and seasonal direct access to snowmobile trails. The property is perfectly nestled near the Green Mountains and the White Mountains, with a swimming hole and river fishing available right in the backyard. Bike trails, walking trails and stunning motorcycle routes are all at your fingertips from the property. Village amenities, such as groceries, bike shops, convenience stores, cafes, restaurants, and laundromat are all in walking distance (about 1 mile or less). Lake St. Catherine State Park (hot showers here) and Lake Bomoseen and others are close by for fun park activities. Visit a local winery (Whaleback Vineyard), see how maple syrup is made (Thrall Road Maple), shop the neighboring farm stands for local eggs, produce and baked goods. Close regional access to hunting, skiing, snowboarding. Leaf peeping season is here at the riverside retreat! The leaves are turning such lovely colors around here right now. Blackberries and fiddleheads on the property! In the fall, feel free to collect crab apples from our 100+ year old former orchard. *When in season. New additions: 6-seater triple hammock stand with built in picnic table. Fire pits and hammocks now at all sites! Tent sites can accommodate multiple tents, for group camping. Multiple fields available for yard games. Can accommodate parties and celebrations. 10’x10’ or 10’x20’ pop up shade tents available to rent upon request (with or without sidewalls). Excellent site for photo shoots, glamping, stargazing, sunbathing, leaf peeping, bachelor/ette parties. Want us to stock a cooler for you? Charcuterie, snacks, meals, beverages, etc. available upon request, customizable to your dietary preferences. Coming with a special guest? We can also provide flowers, sweet treats, custom greeting cards, etc.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night
Streeter Mountain Farm

7. Streeter Mountain Farm

97%
(425)
44mi from Rochester · 46 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · NH
Streeter Mountain Farm is a 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. Streeter Mountain is a retreat destination for mountain biking, skiing, and hiking. Our onsite 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, and explore our orchards and vegetable gardens. Quiet hours after 10pm please! 603-786-2366 No sewer hookups. Secluded spots for vehicles require high clearance and dry conditions.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$15
 / night
Know Town

8. Know Town

99%
(72)
10mi from Rochester · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Stockbridge, VT
A quiet, beautiful, private setting with brook side camping, and glamping! Located three miles up on Stoney Brook road, with a beautiful stretch of the brook passing through the property. Currently in the winter months, we hope to provide a little “Snow Town” in Known Town. For the hardy winter campers and Van Folk, we have our 30 foot diameter Geodesic dome, and/or park and plug in options. In addition to being close to several major winter resorts, we have started our own private trail system for various levels of back country skiing, and snow shoeing. 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. 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night
Green Mountain Trails

9. Green Mountain Trails

99%
(325)
7.9mi from Rochester · 2 sites · Lodging · 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.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$68
 / night
Green Mountain Getaway

14. Green Mountain Getaway

99%
(357)
38mi from Rochester · 1 site · Lodging · Perkinsville, VT
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. Phone numbers on the wall of the cabin. The road has gotten quite rough with all the wet weather. 4wd with ground clearance is recommended. Total trip from our house is 320yd if your car is not up to the trip in. 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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$86
 / night
Art and Health Chill Camping

15. Art and Health Chill Camping

98%
(256)
45mi from Rochester · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cabot, VT
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!
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$55
 / night
Little Sugar River looking towards campsite #1, Southernmost Point.

17. Sweet Song Acres

99%
(447)
46mi from Rochester · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Charlestown, NH
Sweet Song Acres is 100+ acres of secluded forest nestled along the Little Sugar River, at the base of Perry Mountain. Located in rural Unity, NH and Charlestown, NH, just across the Vermont state line. Southernmost point, located in Charlestown is one of two campsites. The other is Shady Grove, located in Unity. The two sites, located in bordering towns share the same entrance and are connected by a 1/4 mile trail. Both are very large sites. Campers would drive to both sites down a trail so we highly recommend a vehicle with decent clearance and 4WD or AWD. Southernmost Point is a fully drive-in site. Shady Grove campers park above the site and the campsite is down a short path, just a few hundred feet or so. The property consists of varied terrain of rock ledges, lush moss, streams, and panoramic views at the summit. There are many options of local outdoor activities in the area or if you prefer, just sit and "listen to the river sing sweet songs to rock your soul".
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$60
 / night
This was the site I landed on. Right by the pond away from the house a bit.

18. Willoughby Farm Animal Rescue

95%
(222)
30mi from Rochester · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Fairlee, VT
We are a 107-acre forest and farm animal rescue. Sleep with the sheep, alpacas, donkeys, and potbellied pigs when you pitch your tent or park your camper on our Vermont Farm! ** All sites have a 2-night minimum on WEEKENDS. ** 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 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 a breeze, to tents, propane stoves, and 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! ----- 2026 CAMP FOR FREE WEEKENDS: MAY 8-10 AND SEPT 18-20 Come for the weekend and make a difference in the lives of the Rescues. Just (1) message us that you are interested with your email OR (2) sign up on the event page on our Facebook profile. ----- 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.
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$5
 / night
Adirondack Magic

19. Adirondack Magic

100%
(86)
47mi from Rochester · 4 sites · RVs · Elizabethtown, NY
We are located in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks between Lake Champlain and Lake Placid. The area is legendary for a multitude of hiking trails, mountain biking, and lakes/rivers for paddling. There are amazing natural environments such as Ausable Chasm and it's also an area rich in American historical sites. We are centrally located making area events and popular destinations an easy drive. We are also close to Rt 87 for ease of access yet far enough away to enjoy plenty of quiet and space in nature. The 2 RV site areas are very large with ample space for large RV turnaround and parking for vehicle. We are 300 feet off a road and are surrounded by small hamlets and villages within the park. There is so much to do in this vacation wonderland. Enjoy local breweries and vineyards during your visit. In addition, most every drive is a scenic drive and traffic is almost nonexistent except in some areas during high tourism. You will love it here! We do! The Adirondack Park (ADK) consists of old growth forests that cover more than 100,000 acres of public land in the Park and we live in the park. The Adirondacks also includes the headwaters of five major drainage basins. Lake Champlain and the Hudson, Black, St. Lawrence and Mohawk Rivers all draw water from the Adirondack Park. Adirondack forests and wetlands filter and provide clean water for many communities in NY.
Pets
Full Hookups
from 
$50
 / night
Robbins Mountain

20. Robbins Mountain

98%
(23)
36mi from Rochester · 1 site · Lodging · Bolton, VT
Enjoy the sounds of nature when you stay in this unique place. Imagine all the amenities of a campground, but you scored the only site on a 500 acre working maple syrup farm. Its a 10 minute uphill walk from your car. We have a wagon for you to shuttle your gear if needed and for an additional fee we can shuttle your gear up to the site based on host availability. We provide the tent, cots with insulated mattress, outhouse, and water for the outdoor kitchen. For an additional fee we will also provide sleeping bag with liner, and pillows for up to 4 guests. The tent has room for 4 people, if your group number exceeds 4 you will need to bring an additional tent and sleeping gear. We have 2 single and 1 queen size cot. To fit 4, the single cots will need to transition into bunk beds. There is plenty of hiking and back country skiing right outside the door. At the base of the driveway there is a popular river suitable for swimming, paddling and floating. We are close to multiple mountain biking trails, local restaurants, breweries and are just off the long trail.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$99
 / night

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.

98% (8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Riverside Retreat and Tiny Cabin

3. Riverside Retreat and Tiny Cabin

100%
(43)
32mi from Rochester · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Poultney, VT
Refreshing riverside retreat with tent sites, RV/camper parking, and tiny house cabin on over 5 acres, featuring sunny meadows, veggie garden plot, 4-wheeler paths, and seasonal direct access to snowmobile trails. The property is perfectly nestled near the Green Mountains and the White Mountains, with a swimming hole and river fishing available right in the backyard. Bike trails, walking trails and stunning motorcycle routes are all at your fingertips from the property. Village amenities, such as groceries, bike shops, convenience stores, cafes, restaurants, and laundromat are all in walking distance (about 1 mile or less). Lake St. Catherine State Park (hot showers here) and Lake Bomoseen and others are close by for fun park activities. Visit a local winery (Whaleback Vineyard), see how maple syrup is made (Thrall Road Maple), shop the neighboring farm stands for local eggs, produce and baked goods. Close regional access to hunting, skiing, snowboarding. Leaf peeping season is here at the riverside retreat! The leaves are turning such lovely colors around here right now. Blackberries and fiddleheads on the property! In the fall, feel free to collect crab apples from our 100+ year old former orchard. *When in season. New additions: 6-seater triple hammock stand with built in picnic table. Fire pits and hammocks now at all sites! Tent sites can accommodate multiple tents, for group camping. Multiple fields available for yard games. Can accommodate parties and celebrations. 10’x10’ or 10’x20’ pop up shade tents available to rent upon request (with or without sidewalls). Excellent site for photo shoots, glamping, stargazing, sunbathing, leaf peeping, bachelor/ette parties. Want us to stock a cooler for you? Charcuterie, snacks, meals, beverages, etc. available upon request, customizable to your dietary preferences. Coming with a special guest? We can also provide flowers, sweet treats, custom greeting cards, etc.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night
Streeter Mountain Farm

7. Streeter Mountain Farm

97%
(425)
44mi from Rochester · 46 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · NH
Streeter Mountain Farm is a 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. Streeter Mountain is a retreat destination for mountain biking, skiing, and hiking. Our onsite 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, and explore our orchards and vegetable gardens. Quiet hours after 10pm please! 603-786-2366 No sewer hookups. Secluded spots for vehicles require high clearance and dry conditions.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$15
 / night
Know Town

8. Know Town

99%
(72)
10mi from Rochester · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Stockbridge, VT
A quiet, beautiful, private setting with brook side camping, and glamping! Located three miles up on Stoney Brook road, with a beautiful stretch of the brook passing through the property. Currently in the winter months, we hope to provide a little “Snow Town” in Known Town. For the hardy winter campers and Van Folk, we have our 30 foot diameter Geodesic dome, and/or park and plug in options. In addition to being close to several major winter resorts, we have started our own private trail system for various levels of back country skiing, and snow shoeing. 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. 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night
Green Mountain Trails

9. Green Mountain Trails

99%
(325)
7.9mi from Rochester · 2 sites · Lodging · 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.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$68
 / night
Green Mountain Getaway

14. Green Mountain Getaway

99%
(357)
38mi from Rochester · 1 site · Lodging · Perkinsville, VT
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. Phone numbers on the wall of the cabin. The road has gotten quite rough with all the wet weather. 4wd with ground clearance is recommended. Total trip from our house is 320yd if your car is not up to the trip in. 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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$86
 / night
Art and Health Chill Camping

15. Art and Health Chill Camping

98%
(256)
45mi from Rochester · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cabot, VT
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!
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$55
 / night
Little Sugar River looking towards campsite #1, Southernmost Point.

17. Sweet Song Acres

99%
(447)
46mi from Rochester · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Charlestown, NH
Sweet Song Acres is 100+ acres of secluded forest nestled along the Little Sugar River, at the base of Perry Mountain. Located in rural Unity, NH and Charlestown, NH, just across the Vermont state line. Southernmost point, located in Charlestown is one of two campsites. The other is Shady Grove, located in Unity. The two sites, located in bordering towns share the same entrance and are connected by a 1/4 mile trail. Both are very large sites. Campers would drive to both sites down a trail so we highly recommend a vehicle with decent clearance and 4WD or AWD. Southernmost Point is a fully drive-in site. Shady Grove campers park above the site and the campsite is down a short path, just a few hundred feet or so. The property consists of varied terrain of rock ledges, lush moss, streams, and panoramic views at the summit. There are many options of local outdoor activities in the area or if you prefer, just sit and "listen to the river sing sweet songs to rock your soul".
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$60
 / night
This was the site I landed on. Right by the pond away from the house a bit.

18. Willoughby Farm Animal Rescue

95%
(222)
30mi from Rochester · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Fairlee, VT
We are a 107-acre forest and farm animal rescue. Sleep with the sheep, alpacas, donkeys, and potbellied pigs when you pitch your tent or park your camper on our Vermont Farm! ** All sites have a 2-night minimum on WEEKENDS. ** 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 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 a breeze, to tents, propane stoves, and 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! ----- 2026 CAMP FOR FREE WEEKENDS: MAY 8-10 AND SEPT 18-20 Come for the weekend and make a difference in the lives of the Rescues. Just (1) message us that you are interested with your email OR (2) sign up on the event page on our Facebook profile. ----- 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.
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$5
 / night
Adirondack Magic

19. Adirondack Magic

100%
(86)
47mi from Rochester · 4 sites · RVs · Elizabethtown, NY
We are located in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks between Lake Champlain and Lake Placid. The area is legendary for a multitude of hiking trails, mountain biking, and lakes/rivers for paddling. There are amazing natural environments such as Ausable Chasm and it's also an area rich in American historical sites. We are centrally located making area events and popular destinations an easy drive. We are also close to Rt 87 for ease of access yet far enough away to enjoy plenty of quiet and space in nature. The 2 RV site areas are very large with ample space for large RV turnaround and parking for vehicle. We are 300 feet off a road and are surrounded by small hamlets and villages within the park. There is so much to do in this vacation wonderland. Enjoy local breweries and vineyards during your visit. In addition, most every drive is a scenic drive and traffic is almost nonexistent except in some areas during high tourism. You will love it here! We do! The Adirondack Park (ADK) consists of old growth forests that cover more than 100,000 acres of public land in the Park and we live in the park. The Adirondacks also includes the headwaters of five major drainage basins. Lake Champlain and the Hudson, Black, St. Lawrence and Mohawk Rivers all draw water from the Adirondack Park. Adirondack forests and wetlands filter and provide clean water for many communities in NY.
Pets
Full Hookups
from 
$50
 / night
Robbins Mountain

20. Robbins Mountain

98%
(23)
36mi from Rochester · 1 site · Lodging · Bolton, VT
Enjoy the sounds of nature when you stay in this unique place. Imagine all the amenities of a campground, but you scored the only site on a 500 acre working maple syrup farm. Its a 10 minute uphill walk from your car. We have a wagon for you to shuttle your gear if needed and for an additional fee we can shuttle your gear up to the site based on host availability. We provide the tent, cots with insulated mattress, outhouse, and water for the outdoor kitchen. For an additional fee we will also provide sleeping bag with liner, and pillows for up to 4 guests. The tent has room for 4 people, if your group number exceeds 4 you will need to bring an additional tent and sleeping gear. We have 2 single and 1 queen size cot. To fit 4, the single cots will need to transition into bunk beds. There is plenty of hiking and back country skiing right outside the door. At the base of the driveway there is a popular river suitable for swimming, paddling and floating. We are close to multiple mountain biking trails, local restaurants, breweries and are just off the long trail.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$99
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
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The best forest camping near Rochester guide

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

  1. Rochester has a small grocery store, a few restaurants, and a bike shop.
  2. 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. 
  3. Bears are common in the Green Mountains, so secure food in bear-proof containers.