The best star host campgrounds 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.

99% (6.2K) • 212 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds 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.

99% (6.2K) • 212 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Rochester

1. Harold's View Farm

99%

(632)

49mi from Rochester · 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"

2. Peaceful Country Haven

99%

(117)

24mi from Rochester · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

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

3. Bridgeview Harbour Marina

95%

(98)

35mi from Rochester · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

Bridgeview Harbour Marina is a family owned and operated full service marina, event space, and camping area on the Adirondack shore of Lake Champlain. Established in 2020 the Marina provides seasonal and overnight slips and moorings to boaters, fisherman, and lake-goers, three camp sites, and an on-site cafe. Marina services are available May thru October each year, with other events and services available throughout the year. The marina is set on 33 acres along Lake Champlain and hosts ~4150 feet of lake-frontage, it is accessible via car, boat, or via the adjacent Amtrak rail line. Prior to becoming a marina in 1989, the property was home to a very large Iron Foundry, rail yard, and barge-loading operation known as Cedar Point. Cedar point, part of the larger Witherbee-Sherman Mining Company, operated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries smelting iron ore to be shipped throughout the world via the Lake Champlain Canal and Hudson River, and is credited with providing iron to some of America's leading projects at the time. Some remains of the sites industrious past can be observed throughout the property. From Father's Day to Labor Day, the Marina hosts the Port Henry Waterfront Farmers' Market every Friday between 5PM and 8PM. The Market features farms, makers, artists, food trucks and Live Music every week

4. Vast private oasis

100%

(136)

33mi from Rochester · 1 site · Tent, RV

Amazing location with panoramic views of the Vermont Green Mountain range, this property adjoins a public 9 hole golf course. Located on over 260 private and secluded acres, property also has a 2 acre pond for swimming, paddling or just relaxing. There are several miles of maintained hiking trails meandering throughout the forest, ranging from an easy walk, to hilly and somewhat challenging. Many varieties of tent locations or places to park an RV, pop up, or car. This is considered a "Primitive camp site". There is no shower, toilet or electric available at this time, but well water can be had from our residence, via a hose spigot on the side of our home. This is our 3rd year of hosting, and due to the overwhelming popularity of having an abundance of privacy, we will continue to be only hosting one party at a time. Which means you'll get the privilege of not having to share your surroundings with anyone else! Your own private camp ground! We are hoping this all works out and intend to continuously improve amenities, activities and overall experience. We are hoping to provide an exceptional value and experience that will bring back repeat campers, that we can trust and build a rapport. We are looking forward to meeting you! There will be a picnic table, two Adirondack chairs, and a firepit on site, for your convenience. Firewood will be available on site as well, for additional fee. Please note, regarding directions to the site: Some maps, directions show our address as the town of Whitehall NY. This is also correct, as we are apparently on the border of the two towns and depending on the map, it can come up as Hampton, or Whitehall. As far as I know, it's the town of Hampton, but just in case...

5. Camping with Goats - Tent or Park

97%

(80)

46mi from Rochester · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

We live in this 1830's farmhouse and travel with our Airstream Basecamp 20X. Often boondocking, and knowing the need for an easy-access place to park our RV, whether it be for a night or a week, we decided to open our driveway to help our fellow RV-travelers explore both the Burlington, VT area and enjoy the great outdoor adventures the Green Mountain State has to offer. We also have a tent platform with a camp kitchen and outhouse as an additional option for Hipcampers. BEST OF ALL, either way, you have easy access to visit with our four fainting goats.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

M

Michael

December 2025

18 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Camping with Goats - Tent or Park

Chris was very responsive and has a perfect spot for the Campervaner looking for a power hook-up for the night. Would visit again.

J

Jacob

November 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Harold's View Farm

Beautiful property with an outstanding view. Very private. We had a wonderful time!

D

Daniel

November 2025

21 ft campervan

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Vast private oasis

Very beautiful and private area. Would definitely recommend.

J

Jason

October 2025

19 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Camping with Goats - Tent or Park

Great hosts and cute location! Would stay again. Goats were awesome

T

Talia

October 2025

22 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camping with Goats - Tent or Park

It was a great time I would absolutely stop by again

L

Loïc

October 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Harold's View Farm

super friendly and welcoming, had a great stay and would absolutely come back

N

Nikki

October 2025

16 ft car

2 nights at Harold's View Farm

This place is beyond beautiful! Between the view from your camp site, hot water showers & Louella being an excellent host, this place is one of a kind. She was/is the sweetest lady & came to help me when my car died & had fire wood ready for my arrival. Will book again!

f

faith

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Harold's View Farm

I loved the upper meadows view and the fact that Louella put fire wood at the campsite, so sweet because it was so cold at night! Definitely would come back again!

D

Dave

October 2025

20 ft campervan

1 night at Harold's View Farm

Excellent site: views and a hot shower! The host is great.

S

Sarah

October 2025

19 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Harold's View Farm

The Farm was great site. We had plenty of privacy. The views were beautiful. Super easy check in and with clear Instructions. The location was perfect for Vermont as we did some hiking, and visited Burlington. Support local business.

S

Samantha

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Harold's View Farm

We loved our stay in the Cabin at Louella’s place. It was peaceful, had a lovely view of the mountains, and everything we needed for a rustic weekend stay. The bed was comfortable with plenty of warm blankets available. We brought sleeping bags and a small propane heater that kept us warm enough. We hope to visit again in the future and would recommend the cabin to anyone looking for a cozy stay.

R

Rex

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Harold's View Farm

Found this spot while sitting on Mt Philo; never a plan with me and it was looking pretty bleak but what a great spot to open my rooftop tent. Quiet, serene and a hot shower. Slept really well

R

Robert

October 2025

20 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Harold's View Farm

A wonderful spot! Beautiful views, quiet, and easy to find. Highly recommended 👍

Heath

October 2025

10 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Peaceful Country Haven

We got in after dark and left early in the morning, so we didn’t get to enjoy the whole property. But the amazing view of the night sky coupled with the fire ring and provided firewood were perfect.

B

Ben

October 2025

10 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Peaceful Country Haven

Tip-top spot with breathtaking views in a great location, 45 minutes from Burlington and 45m-1.5h from the interior (Waterbury, Killington, Woodstock, Montpelier, Stowe), right in the heart of the Green Mountains. Melinda and Dave were very responsive to our messages and just great hosts. They maintain a beautiful, flat site with a lot of privacy, a stocked and cleaned outhouse, and complementary firewood. What’s not to love? This was our first trip with our rig up to Vermont and it’s definitely gonna be part of a regular rotation. Many thanks to these great people for letting us stay at their property! This is what HipCamp is all about.

S

Sage

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Harold's View Farm

Easy to find, such a lovely quiet well kept camping spot! I would definitely come here again!

s

shahrzad

October 2025

Group trip

1 night at Harold's View Farm

The campground had everything we needed, and the night was absolutely beautiful. It was one of those experiences that feel magical and stay with you for a long time.

S

STACEY

October 2025

18 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Camping with Goats - Tent or Park

My husband and I had an amazing few days here. We were visiting our son at UVM and it was a great, convenient spot. The fainting goats were a fun added addition ! Chris made sure we had everything we needed and we will absolutely be back! Thanks again for a great stay!

Maggie

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Harold's View Farm

Our favorite Hipcamp ever! All of the sites at Louella’s are absolutely wonderful. I got lucky with the most perfect weather and perfect night sky too. Cant wait to come back!

I

Isabel

October 2025

10 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Harold's View Farm

Great campsite! Way more private than I'd realized, based on the pictures. Tons of space and no one around, with stunning views of the fall colors. FYI fairly far from the outhouse.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best star host 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

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.