The best waterside 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.

98% (6.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Bridgeview Harbour Marina Lakefront View of sailboats on Lake Champlain at sunrise

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% (6.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Bridgeview Harbour Marina

95%

(98)

35mi from Rochester · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Port Henry, NY

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

2. Fall Water Farm

50mi from Rochester · 1 site · Lodging · Queensbury, NY

We are a gateway to outdoor play in the Adirondacks. Lake George and hiking trails are a stone's throw away. Swim, sail, fish, boat, hike, rock climb, and white-water raft during the summer and down-hill or cross-country ski, skate, snow shoe, and ice fish in the winter. Or sit with a book in secluded natural privacy.

3. La Lu Farm camp site

96%

(58)

16mi from Rochester · 6 sites · Tents, Lodging · Warren, VT

We live in 44 acres in beautiful Vermont! We are a family of 3 living in Warren, Vermont. We have 10 Goats Constancia, Lucia and Kevin. Years ago a friend gave us a belly goat, we called him Manolo. Then another friend gave us 3 girls, Maybe, Maggie and Ginger. Ginger was the mom, and they gave us 2 babies the first year. Sesame and Manolito, since then, we have been growing and growing, having now, 10 goats and Luckily we have been able to share our farm, with many woofers, with many schools, yurt lovers and community members, that enjoyed coming to the farm and l exploring Vermont. La Lu farm: Local Agricultural land use on lincoln Gap rd La Lu farm is a small goat farm located in the green mountains of Vermont , in Warren. The Argentinean Constancia Gomez and Ex Sugarbush executive chef Kevin Ritchie innovate everyday with new recipes. We are farming 48 acres mostly wooded both sides of Lincoln Brook, on Lincoln Gap rd. We are reclaiming some meadows. We have goats. Our goal is to preserve and protect the land. Thanks for supporting local farmers. Stop by for a visit, and pet the goats , feed them, and share the love for nature.

4. Romantic Lake George View!

88%

(32)

37mi from Rochester · 1 site · Tent · Ticonderoga, NY

Learn more about this land:Are you ready for Breathtaking Beauty and Refreshing Mountain Air? Located in the Eastern Adirondacks in the beautiful town of Hague, New York this is an ideal setting for the ultimate romantic camping experience. With incredible views of the Adirondack Mountains and stunning views of Lake George, enjoy this rustic experience high atop your own private camping area. Let the crackle of a campfire and the soothing sounds of an evening in the woods stimulate your senses. Encapsulate yourself in this experience by spending your anniversary high atop this camping retreat or surprise your sweetheart by proposing with the picturesque beauty of Lake George as your backdrop. Enjoy roasting s’mores in the fire ring provided or relax while you and your sweetheart gaze at the stars. The acreage is bordered by the Hague Brook on one side and it is nestled against 51 acres of state land behind the camp site. There is also a quaint stream running through the property as well. Enjoy a nice hike up to the camping area accompanied by guide ropes. There are nearby activities (see list) with easy access to scenic drives, historic sites, and attractions. Great for families with children 8 years and above. Don’t forget to check out the Hague Brook waterfall a few minutes’ walk on route 8.*This camp site is only accessible on foot and is 190 ft hike from the parking spot. You must be able to use ropes to hike up a 50-60 degree incline. This is not appropriate for small children. You will want to get there during daylight hours so you can safely find the site.Fun Facts: * Benjamin Franklin camped in Hague twice during the American Revolution. *Sam Ackerman discovered natural graphite in the area in 1887 the basis for the Ticonderoga No. 2 pencil. See Graphite Mountain. *Major Robert Rogers made his historic escape sliding down what is now famously known as Roger’s slide.Nearby Activities: Fire House Restaurant (transformed from a real firehouse), a deli and convenience store, Maplefields Gas that offers hot showers, Hague Town Beach with lifeguard, and playground all within walking distance, Elephant Rock, Rogers Rock State Park Day Use area, Buck Mountain, Five Nations Miniature Golf, LaChute River Walk, hiking, a boat dock at the beach where you can rent or bring your own boat or jet ski, kayaking, canoeing, parasailing, fireworks on Lake George, concerts, arts and crafts. Don’t forget to check out the Hague Brook waterfall a few minutes walk on route 8 across the street from the property.Amenities: Bathrooms at Hague Town Beach (300 yards away) Passive water collection via blue rain barrel (not suitable for drinking), A shower platform is provided. You will need to bring a shower bag and tent system or the beach is minutes away. Picnic Table Insulated Tent Platform approx. 16x12 with D rings and astro turf. A Fire Ring surrounded with bench seating Plenty of down trees for firewood Level parking, right off the road Rake, shovel, and broom provided for use while on property Items you will need to bring: Solar Shower Bag and Tent system. Be sure to bring Gloves and sneakers for the hike Garbage bags and ability to pack out garbage Drinking Water Bug Spray And all other necessary camping needs not included in Amenities list. *If you forget anything, the convenience store is at the bottom of property, across street. They have a deli, grocery items, and camping supplies. You will love this rustic retreat nestled high above the babbling Hague Brook with its majestic views of the Adirondack Mountains and its beautiful view of the crystal clear waters of Lake George. Perfect for any nature lover or the romantic in you. Be sure to book now and discover your own little piece of heaven in historic Hague, New York. This is truly the best private camp site overlooking Lake George! Come share our little piece of paradise!

Public campgrounds near Rochester

Camp Plymouth Campground

28mi from Rochester · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Camp Plymouth State Park

Stories from the community

E

Erin

October 2025

Weekend Trip to La Lu Farm camp site

La Lu Farm is a beautiful property! The Goat Yurt is comfortable and the wood-burning stove makes it very cozy. The yurt is a good base camp for exploring the cute nearby towns and hiking in the Green Mountains. On a cold night, be sure to bring a warm sleeping bag and extra firewood (also, bring toilet paper for the outhouse). My spouse and I had lovely stay and would recommend!

J

Justen

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at La Lu Farm camp site

My partner and I booked a camping trip at La Lu's Farm and we loved it. We were there in early October and the foliage around the property was beautiful. We stayed in one of the Yurts and it was super cozy. The goats were super friendly too! Also, I really appreciate how responsive Constancia was to all of our questions!

Jacob

October 2025

7 nights at La Lu Farm camp site

My partner and I spent a week at LaLu Farms for a getaway and to experience Vermont during the beginning of Fall. Constancia was a fantastic contact leading up to our trip, texting me various places we should try for local foods and trails. When we arrived, her husband, Kevin, greeted us and walked us down to the yurt(about a 3 minute walk from where we parked). We were provided a good amount of firewood for the week, and we're told to take any wood we found in the surrounding woods if we needed more. The yurt was nice and cozy, with a cast iron heater to keep us warm on the cooler nights. The view of Green Mountain National Forest from the porch was worth the trip in of itself!! Kevin and Constancia would check in if they were out when we returned, but let us be and enjoy the trip. The goats (8 of them) were such sweethearts. Very shy at first, but by the last day they were walking up to us and trying to be part of the family. The whole yurt and area we started felt like it was our own little goat farm. There was a compost outhouse near the yurt, which was very well kept and much better than we imagined! There is a shower and running toilet in the barn, which we used a few times. It does have a little smell of a barn, but nothing too overpowering and was very nice when coming back from a long hike. The village of Waitsfield was a hidden gem. About 10 minutes from the farm, it has everything you need.

Perfect sunrise coming over Vermont mountains

John

September 2025

20 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bridgeview Harbour Marina

The plateau is a perfect getaway spot. Quiet overlooking Lake Champlain and the sailboats moored up. The night sky was a beautiful view of the milkyway. Host is very accommodating. We will be back again.

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Marie

September 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Bridgeview Harbour Marina

It has the most beautiful view of Lake Champlain. A little cafe clean bathrooms and clean porta-potty’s and laundry

The Plateau site, shown in color, is located on a raised area, roughly 10 feet above the docks and marina.

Lynn

September 2025

26 ft travel trailer

With pets

7 nights at Bridgeview Harbour Marina

We always enjoy camping at Bridgeview it is quiet and friendly!

J

James

September 2025

26 ft Class C

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bridgeview Harbour Marina

This was a great weekend with friends and family it was the most beautiful spot.

S

Stephanie

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bridgeview Harbour Marina

We have four dogs, and absolutely loved the private off to the side campsite that the Pumphouse was. We had plenty of space to spread out, lovely view of the lake and boats. Fun to watch the farmers market Friday night. Enjoyed the live music and vendors. Quiet and peaceful at night, Tje noisiest neighborhoods were the delightful owls. Beautiful view of the Champlain Bridge and amazing sunrise views. Bathrooms were clean and comfortable. Showers were clean and lovely water- perfect pressure and easy temperature adjustment. This is a great campsite for privacy and space. We had fun cycling down to the marina with the dogs.

M

Michael

August 2025

14 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Bridgeview Harbour Marina

Beautiful view from the pump house site. Very private. Checkin was easy.

A

Adam

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bridgeview Harbour Marina

Nice view on a secluded spot away from other campers.

E

Eddie

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bridgeview Harbour Marina

Pump House site was a great secluded spot with view of the marina. Was a little worried initially as there is also a famers market/live music hosted at the marina on Fridays during the summer, but was able to find the site with the signage.

M

Maria

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at Bridgeview Harbour Marina

Thank you Sarah for enabling my husband and I to camp on your wonderful site. Excellent views, clean bathrooms, cool little cafe (need some vegetarian or vegan options). Friendly staff and Vibe at Dockside Cafe and open to suggestions.

M

Mike

July 2025

29 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Bridgeview Harbour Marina

Great views and great customer services. Friendly people and very family friendly atmosphere.

M

Matt

July 2025

Tent

3 nights at La Lu Farm camp site

We loved our tent site at Constancia's farm. The land is incredibly beautiful and we loved seeing the goats throughout our stay. All directions and instructions were very clear and we really appreciated the effort Constancia goes through to make our stay enjoyable. I highly recommend staying here.

J

Jenny

June 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bridgeview Harbour Marina

Beautiful site , view of the lake and sailboats . Enjoyed our time there , will be coming back! Clean and spacious, dogs had a great time swimming and relaxing .

M

Mike

June 2025

29 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Bridgeview Harbour Marina

Great place to camp and great people to do business with. Great views and good food; bring your kayaks and bikes.

Campsite, fire ring with seating, and view!

D

Damian

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Romantic Lake George View!

Tent camping here was absolutely awesome, amazing view, isolation, and the site had plenty of bench’s a fire pit and table. Just be weary the hike up is steep so pack light and bring only necessities

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Camp Plymouth State Park

Ludlow, Vermont

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best waterside 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.