Ranch camping near Rochester

An artsy gateway town to endless adventures in Vermont’s Green Mountains.

98% (1075 reviews)

United States
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Vermont
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Rochester

98% (1075 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Rochester

Camper favorites near Rochester

Stories from the community

4 nights at Vast private oasis

We went over July 4th and were treated to a spectacular fireworks show put on by the neighboring golf course. The site is in a perfect location with the most stunning views of the mountains! Would highly recommend a visit!

2 nights at Coy Mountain Camp

So beautiful and peaceful. Our dogs loved running around off leash. The solar shower and toilet were great. I would highly recommend this spot! Thanks, Kathy and Tim!

Weekend Trip to Vast private oasis

Everything was fantastic and just as described! Evan was very accommodating and communicated well. The site was beautiful and we had the entire place to ourselves. The views are incredible. I highly recommend staying here!

2 nights at Vast private oasis

Evan’s land was nothing short of spectacular!! The view of the mountains was pure bliss!! He had the most amazing fire pit we have ever seen and plenty of wood to burn. There was some nice Adirondack chairs and picnic table too. Then a beautiful peaceful pond with a few kayaks, a paddle board and a two seater paddle boat for us to enjoy. We 100 percent will love to go back and take in all the beauty around us. First night there was 3 deers on the hill near the pond ♥️ Also wild turkeys walking around. Thank you Evan & Family!!

Weekend Trip to Greenbush Farm

The time spent camping here was wonderful! Very secluded, next to a large open field with views of the mountains. The dogs had lots of space to run around and play, and loved walking us down the 30 or so ft to the clear trout stream to go swim.

Weekend Trip to Greenbush Farm

Loved the campsite! We stayed at site 3 and really enjoyed the privacy and spaciousness. There wasn't a great access point to the creek at this site because the grass was so overgrown, but we were able to find a clear path by site 1 before the people camping there that night arrived. Overall, would recommend and would come back to Peter's land if I'm ever in the area again!

3 nights at Greenbush Farm

This was our second time staying on Peter’s land, we stayed in the fall last time so it was our first summer trip! It was just as perfect as the first time! It is such a peaceful place to be with plenty of privacy and things to do in the area. I highly recommend and will absolutely be back.

Weekend Trip to Vermont Ranch & Riverside Retreat

Always an amazing time. Well kept, clean, and organized. Beautiful views and river, with easy access and directions.

Weekend Trip to Coy Mountain Camp

Absolutely lovely spot. Amazing views. It was comfortable and clesrly some thought and care was put into preparing the site. 100% would recommend.

Weekend Trip to ADK Mountain View

Absolutely loved our stay here! The campsite was quite private, peaceful, and very clean. The view was exactly what we were looking for, and it was not far from some great hiking spots! We would definitely plan to stay here again in the future

Weekend Trip to Vermont Ranch & Riverside Retreat

We love camping at this beautiful spot on the Cross VT Trail!

2 nights at Greenbush Farm

What an amazing stay! The site we stayed at was incredible (site 1) and the views of the mountains were awesome with a bit of a removal from the road and other sites. The site was well equipped with a stove, fire pit and chairs and it made for a wonderful stay! The river was awesome too and we found ourselves swimming (more like dunking) in some of the deeper sections. Couldn’t recommend more!

3 nights at Vermont Ranch & Riverside Retreat

We absolutely loved this campsite! So beautiful and peaceful. Would highly recommend!

Weekend Trip to Greenbush Farm

Lovely spot with great views. Quite and secluded but easy to access.

4 nights at Greenbush Farm

The views were stunning, the land was well maintained and flat, and you felt secluded enough from your neighbors.

2 nights at Vermont Ranch & Riverside Retreat

Beautiful peaceful spot!! Lucinda was very kind and telling us the perfect spot to park our camper. The only downside was leaving the property our truck and camper got stuck in lots and lots of mud from all the endless rain. No fault of Lucinda who was having someone come out to fix that area.

1 night at Greenbush Farm

We really liked staying at Peter's campsite. We brought our small pop-up trailer, and it was great to be able to pull through and set up on fairly flat ground. Picnic table and fire pit were in good shape, and it was a short walk to the creek. Our kid and dog both had a blast running around in the field and playing in the creek. There's a little traffic noise from the road, but nothing too disruptive.

Weekend Trip to Vermont Ranch & Riverside Retreat

We love Lucinda's meadow site. It is super beautiful and she is a very gracious host. Highly recommend! This was our third timing staying there and we will be back!

3 nights at Vermont Ranch & Riverside Retreat

In 59 years of camping this is the best site I’ve ever been. Private river, wide open site with fields and a walking trail. The riverfront gently slopes into the water - easy canoe access or shore fishing. From my site I saw no houses, no roads, no signs of humans…just trees and river. Stunning. The best part for me was the horses. I was enjoying the view when 3 gentle giants slowly walked over to greet me. I sat drinking coffee, watching the river while the horses grazed within 2 feet of me. I’d give a scratch behind the ear and they’d quietly take turns, saying hello, eating and enjoying the quiet. I wish I had the words to describe the peace and calm I felt being with them. Thank you, Lucinda. You are an amazing host and have the best campsite I’ve ever been to. I’ve only been gone a day and am already planning to come back. Mark

2 nights at Vermont Ranch & Riverside Retreat

Our stay at Lucinda’s was perfect!!!! My husband and I kept saying how beautiful it was. We camped there with our 1 year old son. The site was more than enough — spacious, secluded, and a few steps away from a body of water that we swam in multiple times during our stay. Just wait til you see that view… it’s insane. The water is kid friendly in the really shallow spots! Aside from the site itself, Lucinda is a gracious, and kind host. She made us feel welcomed and safe. And if you’re lucky, you may even get to meet her 3 beautiful horses!

3 top ranch campgrounds near Rochester

99%

(681)

Greenbush Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents82 acres · Weathersfield, VT

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!

99%

(298)

Vermont Ranch & Riverside Retreat

3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Moretown, VT

⛰ 🌲 Drive right to your secluded site and wake to the sound of nature 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-secluded beach, river's edge, and swimming holes. Swim, tube, fish and relax up or down the river and in the confluence of the Winooski and Mad Rivers.. 👢👓 Get curious about the history of this place by checking out the old abandoned Massey Furgeson hay baler tucked in the woods, the Cobb family cemetery, and more gems from many years gone by. Leave from either site on foot to access a sweet trail that travels along the river, over a private bridge, down a beautiful dirt road and into the forest. 🚴 Our property is located on the CROSS VERMONT TRAIL: "a multi-use path connecting communities, and the natural areas in between - across Vermont!" Check out their website (Cross Vermont Trail Association) for maps, guides, events and outings! Many adventurists also enjoy nearby, mountainous and beloved trails: Camel's Hump, The Long Trail, Mt. Mansfield, Stowe Pinnacle, Smuggler's Notch and more. There are a plethora of shorter, scenic and gentle hikes in our region, "the crossroads and recreation center of Vermont"! We are located just 2 miles from Interstate 89 and we reside on Vermont State Route 100B, allowing ease of access to points North, South, East and West Explore our on-site activity offerings: 🐴 Introduction Session: Get acquainted with our horses, tour the barn, and learn about equine-guided education and grooming. $45 for 1 hour for 1-6 people. 🐴 Horsemanship and Riding Lessons: Learn non-forceful bareback and bit-less leading and mounted techniques step by step. $100/hour or $150/1.5 hours for 1-2 people. 🐴 Family Team Building-Bonding (Most Popular): Enjoy an adventurous, fun, and challenging experience together as a family with exercises and activities facilitated by Lucinda. Non-mounted equine guided education at its best! $250 for 2.5 hours. These rates are discounted for our onsite Hipcampers 🙏🏼 Visit our website for more details: Horses and Pathfinders dot com. We'd love to hear from you! You are welcome to review all the varied, detailed and descriptive reviews and photos from other guests' experiences. This is a working ranch and sometimes equipment is running, but never for more than an hour at a time. Horses are on site and they have full access to this property. If you have an untrained, young or problematic dog, please consider a long lead line and read the dog rules and limits carefully. This is not a deep-woods, wilderness site. Please review the map and note our proximity to the interstate and the route where we reside. ❤️ Many guests, families and couples return here year after year as their destination vacation and getaway. We welcome you to experience what they enjoy so much -- right on site and in this special region, the heart of Vermont. ❤️

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Coy Mountain Camp

1 site · RV, Tent90 acres · Wells, VT

Looking for a secluded camp site for two or for a family of six. This is it, set at the foot of Coy Mountain in Vermont. 90 beautiful acres for hiking or biking. Minutes from Lake St Catherine for swimming, boating, fishing. Half hour to Rutland to begin your brewery crawl, or South to Manchester for a day of tax free shopping at the outlets. Set up your tent for a quiet weekend for two, or tents for the whole family. This secluded campsite nestled among the pine trees with beautiful views. Unbelievable fall views for all you leaf peepers!! We will keep the camp open for November, Just know it’s gets cold in Vermont and you need proper camping attire.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Ranch 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.