The best safari tent rentals near Rochester, Vermont

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.

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Top-rated campgrounds

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.

99% (24)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Hollow at Dynamite Falls

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14mi from Rochester · 2 sites · Lodging · Roxbury, VT

Full of scenic waterfalls along a Vermont mountain brook, our daughter named the land after dynamite was found during renovations of the former one-room schoolhouse on the property 5 years ago. Naturalists will love the brookside trails, many dipping pools, a zip line, hammocks, and a privy with a woodland view. There are several scenic campsites on the 150 acres, but only one will be rented each night to ensure a special experience. Wifi and power available across the brook outside the farmhouse as needed. No cell service. Spend lazy days exploring the woods, reading a book in a hammock, or sunning yourself on a rock in the river. A newer, larger tent has been set up for 2025 . Roxbury is the geographic center of Vermont - which makes it a great basecamp for adventures. Warren / Sugarbush is 20-25 minutes to the west. Montpelier is 20 minutes to the north. Randolph is 20 minutes to the south. Two brewpubs are within 15 minutes.

2. BASE CAMP NH

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40mi from Rochester · 1 site · Lodging · Canaan, NH

Base Camp is an ideal location to begin your exploration of the Dartmouth Lake Sunapee region of New Hampshire. Swim at our town beach on Canaan Street Lake. Hike the West Ridge trail to the summit of 3000-foot Cardigan Mountain for spectacular 360° views. Bike the Northern Rail Trail. Visit Hanover New Hampshire home of Dartmouth College for shopping and fine dining. Camper Vans and Small RVs welcome! Inquire about a monthly or seasonal rate

3. Vermont Rustic Retreat

34mi from Rochester · 5 sites · Lodging · Wells, VT

A PEACEFUL PLACE TO BE A great choice for a beautiful & memorable experience close to nature in rustic comfort. Five unique accommodations. Three comfy cabins. Two "canvas condos" for your "glamping" pleasure. Connect with nature and gather in peace at our sprawling sustainable farm location. Memories go home with you forever after. Our two glamping tent sites are entirely set up and waiting for you with either full or queen size beds made up with soft plushy linens. This is not a campground. We do not rent campsites for setting up tents or RV parking. We host a small number of guests. We want our guests to experience a personal, positive and joyful immersion in nature while providing a completely set-up accommodation for you to be hosted with comfort. You will have access to the Cantina which is a fully equipped kitchen cabin. There are tables for dining and a shared campfire ring with relaxing Adirondack chairs and lots of firewood. There is also a large shared barbecue grill. Shared access to the full bath in our main farm building, Harmony House, serves as the primary facilities available. The property is 100 acres large. Hiking trails and beautiful views are yours to absorb. Your own private paradise! Each of the glamping sites includes a fluffy queen or full size bed all freshly made up for you with soft linens, comforters. They are securely perched inside a raised tent platform and wood frame that is fully screened in above the ground with latching door. Each has a deck and lounge chairs. The tents are large canvas cabins. All four sides can be completely rolled up for a wide open, screened in and close-to-nature glamping experience. Relax in peace. Fall asleep to the Bard Owls conversing in the trees. Awaken to nature's symphony of singing birds. Gaze out south at the green rolling pasture below and the beautiful mountains and landscapes of Vermont.

Stories from the community

Lisa

October 2025

Weekend Trip to The Hollow at Dynamite Falls

Absolutely beautiful raw nature! The steep walk up is well worth it! Tent is spacious and comfortable. Take the trip to the hollow, not an easy hike but the reward is amazing! The zip line was so much fun, we now need one at home lol. We even enjoyed the occasional sound of the trains going by below. Can't wait to return in the spring!!

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Ruth

October 2025

Weekend Trip to BASE CAMP NH

Base camp was a beautiful spot for my son and I to hang out an relax for the night it’s a generous and impeccably maintained property nestled in an incredible grove of trees; and easy to find as it’s tucked just off a quiet road. I was worried about being cold in mid-October but we couldn’t have been more comfortable with the space heater and cozy bedding. Joseph’s communication and hospitality were top notch too! We highly recommend this property.

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Ciarán

September 2025

Weekend Trip to BASE CAMP NH

A wonderful setup and a very gracious and considerate host! The hot shower was very appreciated after the long day out getting there. Some beautiful panoramic views just a short walk from the camp, especially now during leaf season. Will definitely be back!

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Anthony

September 2025

Weekend Trip to BASE CAMP NH

We had a great experience. The hosts were very accommodating and the ammenities were top notch. Would come back here in heartbeat. Make sure to bring earplugs! There is a (beautiful) church that has a clock tower that goes off very early.

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Charles

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to BASE CAMP NH

We had a wonderful time camping at Base Camp and would definitely stay there again when we visit Canaan. Joseph went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay.

Ben

August 2025

4 nights at The Hollow at Dynamite Falls

The setting is utterly peaceful and bucolic. The tent is roomy, cool, and dry; the main bed is super comfortable! Definitely take your time and explore the property: the many tiers of waterfalls, canyons, lush fauna and wildlife are all extraordinarily beautiful and peaceful. Even in early September when the water was low, the falls were breathtaking. I cannot say enough about The Hollow at Dynamite Falls. I'll definitely be coming back!

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Bailey

August 2025

1 night at The Hollow at Dynamite Falls

Chaplin really has a hidden gem of a spot! The tent is comfortable and spacious with enough room for activities. The waterfalls and raging brooks are beautiful and the high light of the trip! Definitely would recommend

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Dana

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Hollow at Dynamite Falls

Chapin and his family’s property was LOVELY, I can’t even describe what a special place it was. There was so much to explore right at the campsite that we hardly had to leave, but it was still a good jumping off point for other areas as well. The walk to the campsite in general isn’t bad, but definitely be aware that the walk up to where the tent is was very steep uphill, so just keep that in mind when booking if you have any sort of mobility issues. Otherwise, the bed was comfy, the brook and swimming holes were delightful, the area was beautiful, and it was great to meet Chapin, his friends and family who were staying at their farmhouse across the brook for the night, and their sweet dog.

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Chantelle

August 2025

4 nights at The Hollow at Dynamite Falls

Such a wonderful and relaxing experience! Spent the days exploring the trails and falls and cooling off in the creek! Such a beautiful piece of land and so many other places to explore close by too! Be sure to bring hiking shoes/sneakers as the walk up to the tent is a bit steep especially while carrying gear but absolutely worth the effort! Had a lovely experience at Dynamite Falls 😊

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Charlene

August 2025

With pets

4 nights at The Hollow at Dynamite Falls

My son (11) and I spent 4 nights here and didn’t want to leave! Chapin is a wonderful host and the abundance of information and the quality of the tent and amenities was high! Definitely recommend.

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Danielle

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to BASE CAMP NH

It is very well kept. It’s Spacious and Inviting. One and Only bummer is the amount of vehicles you see and hear driving by but I Definitely recommend this site. The host is so incredible, he is who will make it so you’ll want to return.

Abhiram

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Hollow at Dynamite Falls

We had a wonderful stay at Chapin’s place. The site is beautiful, with plenty of great hiking trails nearby. The water access was fantastic — we spent a lot of time relaxing by the brook. Our dog had an absolute blast!

Landon

July 2025

Weekend Trip to The Hollow at Dynamite Falls

Had an awesome weekend spent at the Above the Brook Tent site! The tent was very roomy and cozy. The bed was super comfortable and clean. The brook and waterfalls were so much fun to explore. Would love to come back and stay.

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Kjersten

July 2025

With pets

5 nights at The Hollow at Dynamite Falls

My husband and I and our crew of animals loved Chapin's place! We explored the ravine and creek, splashed in the refreshing pools, hiked through the woods, and relaxed at the strategically placed sitting spots overlooking the waterfalls. It was beautiful and a wonderful detox from the big city life. We enjoyed the perfect balance of primitive (composting toilet and no cell service) with comfort (nice bed, spacious tent, and great views). Note: there is wifi down the hill at the host's home if you need it. I definitely recommend this place for any solo travelers, couples, or small families who want to experience nature!

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Chris

July 2025

2 nights at The Hollow at Dynamite Falls

We absolutely loved this hip camp. It’s one of those places you want to keep a secret. Chapin and his wife were so friendly, helpful and welcoming. The property is so beautiful. Be sure to walk up the falls it is very worth it. The zip like was so much fun. Chapin and his wife have put a lot of very hard work into making this a very special place and it is very clear as soon as you arrive at the tent. My lady and I cannot wait to go back. 11 out of 10 highly recommend this hip camp

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Susan

July 2025

With kids

1 night at The Hollow at Dynamite Falls

The campsite is beautiful! The rocks in the brook by the hammock area were slippery but we just moved downstream a short distance. it was sandier and better for our girls to cool off and wade in the water. Wonderful experience!

Other options near Rochester

Crows Nest

49mi from Rochester · 38 sites · Newport, NH

The wooded wonderland of New Hampshire forms the backdrop for Crow’s Nest Campground in Newport, NH. Set in the beautiful Lake Sunapee Region, our campground is on 34 scenic acres and borders a half-mile of the Sugar River. When you camp with us, you’ll enjoy family activities like trout fishing, swimming in the pool or wading pool, splashing in the pond, or exploring the river. Want a break from the water? Head over to the recreation hall to play pool, air hockey, Foozeball, or one of our arcade games. Join our holiday weekend ice cream socials or play BINGO (candy bar BINGO for kids of all ages and regular BINGO for adults!) Dogs are most welcome at Crow’s Nest Campground! Just bring their updated rabies certificate. Whether you are looking for wooded, waterfront, or field sites – we have it all at our clean campground right in the foothills of Mount Sunapee. Our clean and modern RV Park is nestled in New Hampshire’s sugar maple country. Make memories at our family friendly campground, and use it as a launching point to explore the amazing outdoor opportunities in New Hampshire. Engulf yourself in the rushing sounds of the river Quiet hours enforced for a good nights sleep Tons of recreation options on and off-site Well-kept property with amazing nature proximity *Water hookup is unavailable during the winter season, typically from October 15th to May 15th. No water hookup is provided during this period.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best safari tents 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

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.