The best camping in Vermont

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Known for its colorful fall foliage, wilderness lakes, and scenic camping areas, Vermont is an outdoor lover's playground. From camping, hiking, fishing, and boating in summer to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and downhill skiing in winter, the state has something for every kind of adventure traveler. Here you'll find over 50 state parks, a vast network of trails including portions of the Appalachian Trail, and 400,000 acres of protected lands in the Green Mountain National Forest. Choose from hundreds of camping sites to pitch a tent, park an RV, or book a backcountry cabin.

98% (14.4K) • 4,559 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Vermont

Grateful Acres Vermont

1. Grateful Acres Vermont

100%
(600)
West Dover, VT · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Learn more about this land: Welcome to Grateful Acres Vermont, a 420 friendly, Grateful Dead inspired camping destination in the heart of the Green Mountains. We have space available for tents, campers, and trailers. Kayaks available to rent for use at the reservoir located just up the road. Just a family with some land in Vermont that we would like to share. PLEASE OBSERVE THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT
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Harold's View Farm

2. Harold's View Farm

99%
(762)
Westford, VT · 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"
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Broadfork Farmstead

3. Broadfork Farmstead

99%
(281)
Greensboro, VT · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Broadfork is the Fairbank family’s homestead in Greensboro, Vermont. It is a sustainably managed, diversified farm, featuring pastures, a variety of animals, chickens, beehives, and a variety of seasonal produce. Berry picking is available in season, and fresh eggs, pastured meats and poultry, pickles, preserves, and baked goods are available year round. Guests are invited to treat themselves to a picnic basket featuring specially curated local foods, some produced right here at Broadfork. We are excited to help make your stay a unique and memorable one, and are happy to help plan your time with us. Accommodations are situated central to the farmstead’s home acre. Wander the property, visit the animals, or just enjoy the beautiful views of the hills of Greensboro. Close to Caspian Lake beach, Barr Hill nature area, the Willey’s Store, and Hill Farmstead brewery. Snack boards, breakfast or picnic baskets with our own farm products and curated local delicacies are available upon request.
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Showers
Green Mountain National Forest

4. Green Mountain National Forest

95%
(31)
National forest in Vermont · 123 sites
A peaceful woodland in the heart of New England filled with outdoor fun.
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Electrical hookup
Toilets
Button Bay State Park

5. Button Bay State Park

100%
(5)
State park in Vermont · 57 sites
Discover Button Bay State Park's scenic charm and outdoor adventures.
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Burke Line Farm

6. Burke Line Farm

98%
(348)
West Burke, VT · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Burke Line Farm is located in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. We are a working horse farm. Lessons and trail rides are offered 7 days a week by appointment. Please call 802-535-7722 to speak with our wrangler. Along with the horses we have sheep and lambs for market and wool. Our land is relatively flat with many trails for riding or walking. A short drive will bring you to Willoughby Lake, Kingdom Trails, and Burke Mt. We will Be Closing for the season on the 14th of November 2024. We had a great season and looking forward to seeing you all again in the spring of 2025.
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Peregrine Farm and Forest

7. Peregrine Farm and Forest

94%
(180)
Johnson, VT · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Located on 109 scenic acres, we offer beautiful campsites, as well as RV parking and canvas tents for rent. Our property borders Vermont's Long Trail, less than 1/2 mile from the gorgeous vista of Prospect Rock. The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is nearby for bicycle or foot travel, and the Lamoille river is easily accessed for fishing, tubing, kayaking etc. We feature a full-size professionally built Disc Golf course, Elevation Chains, on property. Beautiful views of river and mountains and a secluded yet very accessible location make this an ideal property for camping.  Our campground features a fully functioning outdoor kitchen available to all campers.  Propane stove, running water and cutlery are provided to make food planning and prep easier.  It also features a large firepit and serves as a great center for community gatherings.  Outdoor shower (room temp only) and composting toilets also available.  Biodegradable soaps and hygiene products only please! The frogs will thank you.  Ask us about canoe and paddleboard rental! About us: At Peregrine Farm and Forest we strive to be positive stewards to our land.  We actively farm and forage, and appreciate it when our guests take interest as well.  We graze sheep, pigs and sometimes other ruminants, keep gardens and perennials, and manage our lands with the most ecological practices available to us.  We believe that a strong and thriving community is foundational to a healthy, happy life and welcome all to come visit! Ask about long term camping and internship programs as well. Arriving on site: Don't follow your GPS, as it may send you to an inaccurate location. Instead, put our address (contact us if you're unable to find it on this site) in, locate our road, and then look for the street number on our mailbox on the left as you drive uphill. Once onsite, follow the drive straight until you reach the camping area and follow signage to your site. If you have questions or need assistance we live in the cabin with the blue roof and can usually be found around there.
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Sunnybrook Farm

8. Sunnybrook Farm

99%
(65)
South Royalton, VT · 1 site · Tent, RV
One of the oldest properties in town the Day Homestead (as it is known) dates back hundreds of years and our house was built in 1810. It was run as a successful trout farm of 70+ years. Learn more about this land: We have two sites on our historic Vermont trout farm.  The first site sits near our post and beam "run in" horse barn.  It's a very flat site with easy road access and has 30 AMP electric service and we can provide potable water to fill up your tank. The second site sits a little further back (also very easy access) and closer to Quation Brook. It is better suited for boondocking as it is a little ways from the 30 AMP outlets. Again water is available. Our farm is very rural but close (2 miles) to interstate 89 with a well stocked country store in town. It's a  quiet setting near the gardens and a small stream. We are a small hobby farm that grows and sells produce to local coops.  We also produce and sell Vermont maple syrup and salsa.
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Electrical hookup
Campfires
Quarry Brook

9. Quarry Brook

96%
(397)
Putney, VT · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging
It all started on a first date in Boston....Nick had to excuse himself to take a phone call. His cow had fled its pasture. Much to Tara's surprise in that moment, this man she had just met was finishing his engineering degree at Northeastern, but was simultaneously building a homestead in Vermont. Fast forward 7 years, and here we are, building the life we only dreamed of. We yearned for simplicity. Deeper connections to our surroundings and mother nature. A calmer sense of place. The satisfaction that comes from growing food. Creating with our hands. We're a working farm and homestead. Every day at Quarry Brook is a new adventure, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We’re incredibly excited to share our little corner of southern Vermont and what we’re up to with you!
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Elmore State Park

10. Elmore State Park

100%
(7)
State park in Vermont · 45 sites
Elmore State Park is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
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Toilets
Campfires
Branbury State Park

11. Branbury State Park

100%
(4)
State park in Vermont · 37 sites
Discover Branbury State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
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Campfires
Coolidge State Park

12. Coolidge State Park

100%
(4)
State park in Vermont · 26 sites
Discover Coolidge State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
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Toilets
Campfires
Emerald Lake State Park

13. Emerald Lake State Park

100%
(4)
State park in Vermont · 67 sites
Emerald Lake State Park: A Gem for Nature Lovers and Campers Alike.
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Riverside Retreat and Tiny Cabin

14. Riverside Retreat and Tiny Cabin

98%
(91)
Poultney, VT · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
Refreshing riverside retreat with tent sites, RV/camper parking, and tiny house cabin on over 5 acres, featuring sunny meadows, sledding hill and seasonal direct access to snowmobile trails. It’s maple sugar season! 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 and Lake Bomoseen and others are close by for fun park activities, ice fishing, swimming. 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, snowshoeing, ice skating. Leaf peeping is such a treat around the cabin. 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. Bring your rod or nets for trout and crawfish from the river. Bonus ideas: pool noodles or a pool floaty and some rope to relax in the current. New additions: 6-seater triple hammock stand with built in picnic table. Fire pits and hammocks now at all sites! (Hammocks upon request in winter months at tent sites. Always available with cabin booking.) 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. Excellent site for photo shoots, glamping, stargazing, sunbathing, leaf peeping, bachelor/ette, birthday 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, birthday banner, etc. We have been delighted to help coordinate surprises for birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s, and picnics.
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The Sky Perch

15. The Sky Perch

95%
(37)
Guilford, VT · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Nestled at the crown of the mountain, this private campsite offers a front-row seat to the sky. Surrounded by jagged ridgelines and windswept pines, it sits just above the tree line where the air is thin, crisp, and electric with silence. On clear days, you can see for miles — rolling valleys, distant peaks, and winding rivers far below — a panoramic view that feels like the edge of the world. It is the perfect basecamp for day hikes, wildlife spotting, and stargazing. Trails wind down into lush forests or up to even higher viewpoints for the daring explorer. Hike to a breathtaking swimming hole with all natural running water and waterfalls, then grab a bite to eat at the Guilford Country Deli with organic handmade sandwiches and desserts. Guests are welcome to relax by the pond and grab eggs from the chicken coop. Many breweries and restaurants in the area as well as berry picking farms and apple orchards. Guest can also enjoy renting a canoe and spending the day on the Connecticut river or attending local events in Brattleboro like first Friday (a monthly gathering of local craft makers, food trucks, and music). We are only 5 minutes from I-91 and the Massachusetts border. As the sun sets, golden light spills across the rocks and wildflowers, and the sky deepens to hues of lavender and ember. At night, stars emerge in dazzling clarity, unobscured by city lights or canopy, with the Milky Way streaking overhead like a celestial river. It’s a place where time slows down, and the world below feels very far away.
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Picnic table
Hearth House Farm

16. Hearth House Farm

100%
(54)
North Hartland, VT · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Hearth House Farm is a 250acre farm with great views of Acutney, Cardigan Mountains and Croydon Ridge. We are located on quite countryside roadwith easy access to Woodstock, Quechee and Windsor, Vermont and Hanover , NH We welcome horse camping also with temporary shelters. Miles of dirt road and fields for your recreational use. There are several state and national owned hiking trails in the area.
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Bent Apple Farm

17. Bent Apple Farm

87%
(135)
Londonderry, VT · 5 sites
Often described as being the most relaxing, romantic, dreamy and unique farm you'll ever stay in!!! Bent apple farm is natures perfect scape, thanks to my husband and I efforts to create a sanctuary to share with others. From apple trees, beautiful pond and a rustic cabins. Our farm is at the edge of VT natural forest, with often gifts us the visit of wild deers, moose and turkeys. Our property has 5 cabins total that give a small little village feel to it, but spaced enough that each has its privacy. This quiet piece of heaven is our little treasure, built and cared by us to share with you. Instagram: @bentapplefarm You’ll need 4x4 car in the winter time.
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Islands Base Camp

18. Islands Base Camp

99%
(295)
South Hero, VT · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Conserved by the South Hero Land Trust, the historic Sawyer Bay Farm on the Island of South Hero was converted to grazing beef cattle. Our farm name is Health Hero Farm. We practice intensive planned grazing, moving the cattle daily to fresh grass. The herd may be near the campsites or completely out of sight, somewhere on our 180 acres. While we were building a house, we camped in the equipment shed during the summer and grew to value its convenience. Joan's enjoyment of cycling inspired her to designate the farm stand as a "bike stop" where visitors could buy a snack, get water, fix their bikes and use the unique islands amenity of a composing toilet in a converted ice fishing shack. A port-a-potty is available during high season. South Hero is an agricultural island, as well as a summer tourist destination with numerous outdoor activities. It is also only a half-hour away from Burlington, and the drive is pleasurable. Pitch your tent, stow your gear under cover and explore all the islands have to offer. Yes, this is a summer destination, with great cycling, boating and swimming. We are a grass-fed beef operation, Health Hero Farm, on the island of South Hero. (You can read more about us on our farm website. ) Our farm is on the bike route around the islands, with access to many other vacation activities. Pitch your tent in the farmstead or in half of our empty equipment shed 30' x 60'. Or tool on down the farm road and be alone with the cattle and grass. In the shed, which is open on the north side, you have shelter from the rain, sun and wind. We have two campsites that can share a microwave, hot plate, refrigerator, camp sink and coffee maker in the barn. Lots of storage under roof for bikes and luggage. Our composting toilet (from Natures Head Composting Toilet) is a unique amenity -- installed in a retired ice-fishing shack (on skis). During the busy summer months, we may have a port-o-let (a.k.a. port-a-potty) with professional service. In the winter, the equipment shed not available. We rent out vehicle and boat storage in the equipment shed and cannot accommodate camping there. However, we have ample parking for RVs at any time of the year. And if you are an experienced snow camper, we have several locations to choose from. We have a farm stand where you can buy a few snacks. If you want to try our beef, we'll be happy to show you our freezers. We are 2 miles from a convenience store that packs an amazing array of products into a small space. We are close to a gem of a public beach, a winery (Snow Farm Vineyard), apple orchards, a public school playground, and miles of scenic driving. Local farmers markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays offer some of the best produce from these agricultural islands. We also own 1000' frontage on Lake Champlain, which you may enjoy. It is difficult to access, but affords privacy and serenity. We allow campfires on the gravel areas of the farm and on the beach, where you can gather dead wood. If you want to host a large group, you will need to reserve both campsites and rent a port-o-let (Vermont's lingo for porta-potty) if we don't already have one. Additional fees might apply. There is no RV electrical hookup; however, the equipment shed has electric outlets for your use. Additional fees apply for energy intensive appliances, such as heaters or air conditioners. There is no water hookup; however, we can fill your tanks with a hose from a potable water supply. Generators are not allowed, unless you are sufficiently distanced from other campers and our neighbors. Other accommodations may be available. Just ask! We have many resources, and want you to have a great visit.
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Maple Ridge Farm

19. Maple Ridge Farm

98%
(419)
Guilford, VT · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Thank you for a great 2025 season, as our 6th season closes, we still maintain a few sites for late Fall/early Winter (tent & van/camper sites)! Enjoy the Vermont Countryside year round. Our farm is nestled along a country road between several other farms, mostly horses and a special needs/therapy farm, we are hobby farmers/homesteaders. We have three sites open anytime, during camping season (depending on weather), either all three tent camping sites or a mix of one or two for camper vans & small trailers (into late Fall/early Winter). If there is any question please ask, we can modify the schedule but are only able to accommodate three sites at any given time. Thanks and PLEASE email if you have any questions! The Guilford Fairgrounds is less than 1/4 mile away and has many hiking and biking trails. The land was originally part of a colonial Glebe Trust with the Church of England and divided up, the original 100+ year farmhouse and barn can be seen from many of the campsites. Guilford, Vermont is located in the southeast of Windham County, resting along the Massachusetts border to the south and New Hampshire not far to the east. A community with a long and interesting history, Guilford was actually Vermont’s largest town as long ago as 1790. Now, with a population of about 2,100, its by no means considered a large community yet with its beautiful old covered bridges, churches, and one-room schoolhouse, Guilford maintains an unmistakable sense of history while at the same time having a reputation as one of the truly unique small communities in southern Vermont. Guilford has some of the most quintessential small town landmarks in all of Vermont. Sites like the Christ Church, Broad Brook House, and Guilford Center Meeting House were all built in the early 19th Century and are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These buildings are found in what is considered the historic Center; shop for great local products at the Guilford Country Store, visit the charming Free Library, or even see some of the exhibits at the Historical Society Museum to learn more about the area and its history. Beyond the town center, venturing through the rest of Guilford will enable you to see the beautiful Vermont landscape.
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Woodbury Meadows

20. Woodbury Meadows

99%
(455)
East Calais, VT · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We live on 52 wooded acres in a natural area surrounded by lakes and ponds just 14 miles north of Montpelier VT. We are located on the Green Mountain Gravel Growler bike packing trail and 7 miles south of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. We have lots of hiking , biking, boating and swimming opportunities nearby. Our amenitys include a bath house and laundry. We have two 30 amp RV sites with full hook ups and 4 tent/small RV non electric sites. We are 100% solar powered and have good WIFI but no cell service. We cater to small quiet groups who can enjoy our peaceful setting. If your are bike packing and our sites are booked just text or stop in we will accommodate you. The campground is located along our town road and the sites are 50 - 100 feet apart along our driveway. This is not a wilderness experience you will have neighbors, including us. We have a pond with a couple canoes for paddling and a .5 mile long nature trail along a stream on the premises. We are a family friendly, non smoking campground. We are open early May till late October. Pets on leashes are OK. Quiet time is all the time :~). 12 and under free, no Generators.
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Full hookups

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Vermont camping guide

Where to go

Lake Champlain

Often referred to as the sixth Great Lake, Lake Champlain is a huge freshwater lake flanked by the Green Mountains and the Adriondacks. Nearly half of the lake is in Vermont, parts of it are also in New York and Quebec, and it's known for boating, sea kayaking, swimming, and an array of camping experiences. Campers will find a variety of options near Lake Champlain from RV sites with full hookups and dump stations, and glamping sites near Burlington and St. Alban, to state parks with tent sites right on the lakeshore of Grand Isle and Burton Island.

The Northeast Kingdom

The northeast corner of Vermont is the state's wildest and most remote region, filled with world-class mountain biking trails and challenging hiking trails. Several state parks dot the area, including some with the northeast's most charming campgrounds: Brighton State Park, where you'll find lakeside camping and waterfront cabins, and Maidstone State Park, a favorite among fishermen.

Green Mountain National Forest

Featuring rolling hills of dense forest and some of the best fall foliage shows in the northeast, Green Mountain National Forest is one of Vermont's top outdoor destinations. Hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing weave through the Green Mountains along with nearly a dozen national forest campgrounds and day-use areas.

When to go

Summer is the best time for camping, hiking, kayaking, and paddling in Vermont. Most Vermont state parks are open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, although some parks are open through the second Monday in October and others open earlier and stay open later. Fall is especially lovely, when the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow—catch the show in late September in the northern part of the state or mid-October in the south. Ski season typically runs from December through March.

Know before you go

  1. Vermont State Park reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. Reservations can be made online, by calling the state park's reservations center, or by calling the park directly (during open season).
  2. Many Vermont State Parks have "lean-to" campsites featuring a 3-sided structure that can shelter campers from wind and help keep gear dry. Some campers set up tents inside the lean-to, and others just use it for cooking and staying dry. 
  3. Some Green Mountain National Forest and Groton State Forest campgrounds can be reserved ahead of time online. Plenty of first-come, first-served campsites are also available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Vermont is an excellent destination for camping. The state offers a variety of camping experiences, from remote backcountry sites to well-maintained campgrounds in state parks. Vermont's picturesque landscape, with its lush forests, rolling hills, and charming small towns, provides a perfect backdrop for a memorable camping trip. Some popular camping destinations in Vermont include Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont Tent Camping, and Vermont Open Fields or Forest Camping. Camping in Vermont is ideal during the summer and fall months when the weather is mild and the foliage is vibrant. Winter camping is also possible, but it requires proper gear and preparation for the cold and snowy conditions.

In Vermont, you can find free camping in the Green Mountain National Forest. Dispersed camping is allowed in most areas of the forest, but it's important to follow Leave No Trace principles and be aware of any specific regulations. For more information about camping in Vermont, you can explore Hipcamp.

In Vermont, you cannot camp anywhere, but there are designated areas where you can camp legally. Dispersed or wild camping is allowed in Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest, as long as you follow the rules and regulations. You must camp at least 200 feet away from trails, roads, and water sources. Additionally, there are numerous designated campgrounds, both public and private, throughout Vermont. You can find a variety of camping options on Hipcamp, including tent camping, RV parks, and unique accommodations like cabins and yurts.

Boondocking, also known as dispersed camping or dry camping, is legal in Vermont on public lands like national forests and some state forests, where you can camp for free without amenities. In the Green Mountain National Forest, there are designated areas for dispersed camping, and you can find more information about these locations on the Green Mountain National Forest website. Make sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and any posted regulations when boondocking in Vermont. Additionally, you can find private land options for boondocking on Hipcamp.

Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Maine are known for having the longest fall foliage seasons in the United States, typically from mid-September through October. This is due to their diverse ranges of tree species and northern latitude. Check out the Hipcamp fall foliage prediction map to know exactly when to plan your fall foliage getaway to these northeastern states.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Top national parks and forests in Vermont