The best camping near Emerald Lake State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Emerald Lake State Park adventure.

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Emerald Lake State Park: A Gem for Nature Lovers and Campers Alike.

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Stay at a public campground in Emerald Lake State Park

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Emerald Campground

67 sites · RVs, Tents In Emerald Lake State Park

from

$20

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Top-rated campgrounds near Emerald Lake State Park

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Grateful Acres Vermont

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · West Dover, VT

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. WE ARE NOT A COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISE, just a family with some land in Vermont that we would.like to share. PLEASE OBSERVE THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT

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Birds Eye View Vermont

7 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Bethel, VT

Mountain top views surrounded by nature Enjoy a peaceful Vermont mountainside field with beautiful mountain views and amazing star gazing away from city lights. We offer well groomed, clean campsites, an outhouse and a fire ring. We are located on a minimally traveled no outlet wooded road. Pitch a tent near or next to your vehicle or park a small to medium sized camper and use it as a base camp while you explore Vermont. We are centrally located to Bethel, Royalton, Queechee, Woodstock, Rutland, Killington, Waitsfield, Randolph, Barre and Montpelier. What is there to do? Visit to our secret swimming hole located nearby...and White River access just down the road. Just up the road is the popular Silver Lake and State Park, great swimming, sunbathing, paddle boarding, kayaking or canoeing. We are close to interesting activities, such as the White River National Fish Hatchery, Billings Farm, the Queechee Balloon festival, and more. Near by farm stands sell fresh organic produce, eggs, grass fed meats, homemade food products and crafts. What is there to eat and drink? Nearby restaurants include The Barnard Inn, Cloudland, Toziers, Tessi’s Tavern, Locust Creek Diner, The Bethel Sandwich Shop, Cockadoodle and Village Pizza. Babe’s Bar in Bethel offers amazing creative cocktails in an old railway station. In the village of South Royalton 12 miles away is our local Co-op. There you can access lots of healthy food choices, many locally sourced and lots of drinks, it's our go to market. Three miles up Route 12 is the Barnard General Store and gas station they have just about everything a camper could want. They stock ice, fresh baked goodies, fruit and vegetables, prepared foods and many locally produced delights such as ice cream, kombucha and fresh baked goods. Their meat case features, sausages, thick pork chops, fresh air chilled chicken, local grass fed beef and they always have fresh Farro Island salmon. They also offer wine, beer and ciders. A mile away on 107 is the Locust Creek General Store and gas station, they uniquely offer block ice, diesel and kerosene, drinks, simple fresh sandwiches, many frozen foods and lots of newspapers. We have generous amounts of firewood available onsite for sale. Please join us for a Birds Eye View of the beautiful state of Vermont, we hope to see you soon....David and Lisa PS. Please visit our visitor comments and view the HipCamp photographer's photos of the star filled sky, what a nice gift, sent by HipCamp.

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Timbertrail Farm

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents145 acres · Shaftsbury, VT

Come see Lake Shaftsbury State Park! This 200 year old farm is at the top of a dead end road on 150 acres. It sits in a region of Bennington County formerly called Healing Springs Vermont. The springs that flow off of West Mountain come down through the farm and across Route 7 where they feed the picturesque state park! Arrive at our 150 acre property at the top of this dead-end road.. (Please stay left all the way up to the top...the road becomes our driveway).. Step out onto this 200-year-old farm at your own private site all of which are several acres each minimum.. Walk to streams ponds and Lake Shaftsbury State Park.

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Quiet Lake George Area Campground

5 sites · RVs, Tents130 acres · Fort Ann, NY

Granite Hill Lodge and Campground is a re-invented campground, brought back to life with the purpose of providing a place of quiet and leisure in the busy Lake George area. Only 20 minutes to Lake George beaches, downtown and outlet shopping, Granite Hill is in a great location to enjoy the beautiful Adirondacks while providing a getaway in the foothills of Fort Ann. Situated on 130 acres, the four bedroom three bathroom lodge allows family and friends to enjoy each other as well as the surrounding landscape without the need of camping gear. The newly designed campground provides a small camping feel with plenty of outdoor space to bike and hike. The property is located on the Champlain Canalway Bike Trail and has an established hiking trail and a smaller walking trail to beautiful overlooks, looking over the Adirondack Mountains.

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Sunrise Farm

8 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · Dover, VT

Voted 3rd in Vermont by Hip Camp 2022 6 Sites are on Sunrise Farms 75 acre Conservation land with 50 mile view for Sites 1 and 2. Very quiet area with lots of wildlife and ponds and disc golf. Very quiet with great swimming and lots of hikes right from your sites. 2 of the Brookside Sites (Wishbone Left and Right) are close by (2.7 miles) where we have another 1/2 mile of river frontage and can handle bigger groups as Conservation land on Sunrise Farm only allows 4 campers per site. Sunrise Farm Sites 1 and 2 have oodles of space and Spectacular 50 mile views of Mount Monadnock with no house lights out there in the evening except the party string lights we provide. Site 1 (with entrance 70 yards south of the farmhouse) is best for camping in with up to 20 foot trailers or multiple tents …on the large flat spaces in the 25 acre field to choose from. Great Well water available near farmhouse. Biodegradable soaps Only if used in the ponds. Double Olympic sized Swim Pond we stock with Rainbow Trout to keep clear. We have been advised Not to allow imported firewood (can import Wood Beetle dangerous for our forest). - PLEASE use the Firewood bundle tubs we provide ($11) - pick up at the farmhouse or pull wood from the woods (and make it safer for use). Beautiful and plenty of wildlife nearby... as well as Port a Potties are marked on Map we provide with solar lights marking them at night. Do Not Leave food out when camping or away from site. Bears are rarely seen but it is wild country. Sites have locking garbage lids. Unique and lovely as well as being next to trails and roads to miles of remote spots with very few if any ... people. In Winter we request only AWD vehicles go down to this site or park up by farmhouse and hike in so you can easily get out. When wet park up by the road if you have 2 wheel drive. Always WISE to arrive When LIGHT out as we do not live at the site and are not able to show guests to their sites as a result.

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Private campsites miles of trails!

5 sites · RVs, Tents22 acres · Adams, MA

Aisling Mountain Farm campgrounds are located in Adams MA, is directly connected to Mount Greylock state park and its miles of trails. We currently have four tent campsites throughout the year with one that will accommodate trailers up to 16' without backing up! Enjoy the view, our cascading waterfall brook, and spend some time with our horses. Please see our FB page at Aisling Mountain Farm for more info. SOLID SOUND FESTIVAL CAMPERS PLEASE MESSAGE US BEFORE YOU REQUEST. With the increased traffic for the event, we have changes to our venue. Aisling Mountain Farm event campgrounds are available for local events. Tent camping conveniently located close to North Adams and Mass MoCA, with direct access to Mount Greylock and miles of trails. Minutes from free parking with shuttle service to Mass MoCA festivals. On event weekends we will have fire pits located around the property for everyone's use. unfortunately for large events we will not be able to accommodate trailers or RV campers.

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Kindness!

4 sites · RVs, Tents284 acres · West Brattleboro, VT

Come explore our historic circa 1785 homestead situated on 284 gorgeous acres of mixed forest and fields. Miles of trails to explore. Excellent for mountain biking horseback riding, hiking birdwatching, and forest bathing. Broad Brook is a lovely cool brook that cascades through a series of small swimming holes. Sit by our beaver pond and watch all the wildlife. Excellent bird watching, all kinds of flora and fauna. Miles of ancient stone walls. Bring your horses, lots of trails and fields to ride on. Excellent dark sky area for terrific star gazing. Try your luck at panning for gold in Broad Brook. Campers are welcome to borrow our panning equipment.

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Know Town

2 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Stockbridge, VT

A quiet, beautiful private setting with brook side camping, a large field or in the woods. Located three miles up on Stoney Brook road with a beautiful stretch of the brook passing through the property. Stoney Brook feeds into the White River, which has multiple amazing swimming and fishing holes, and is great for kayaking, canoeing, and tubing. On site activities include fishing, swimming, hiking, and skiing. Situated close to Killington, Woodstock and various local points of interest. Know Town is pet friendly, 420 friendly and is geared towards those interested in arts, music, meditation, and ecology. We are currently building a Geodesic dome that will be available to rent soon.

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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!

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BlueberryHill Field Camp

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Goshen, VT

The field is adjacent to the Blueberry Hill Inn and Outdoor and in the heart of the Green Mountain National Forest and Moosalamoo Recreation Area. Great sunsets! We offer access to outdoor showers with hot and cold running water and toilets in the nearby Outdoor Center. There is an internet connection near the buildings but not necessarily at your site. You can drive your car to the site. There is privacy between the sites though occasionally there are other tents in the open field. You can forage for wood for a small fire or you can request 'bundles' (a small cartful) to be available upon arrival. Wood from outside Vermont is not allowed. Access to many hiking/biking/running trails just outside your tent door. We are stewards of these trails and your camping fees help to support our work. Nearby swimming, kayaking, and canoeing are available too. We provide trail maps upon arrival and you can also view them online from our webpage at Blueberry Hill Inn. Blueberry picking on-site in August. Don't want to cook? Packed lunches are available. Check out our website at Blueberry Hill Inn for Pizza by the Pond nights.

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Slateville Farm Secluded Camps

8 sites · RVs, Tents350 acres · Granville, NY

7 Extremely Private Sites ~ Outdoor Private Hot Shower, Flush Toilet, Sink Available Sweeping pastoral hillsides mixed with densely wooded private acres make our camp sites unique with each one offering a different experience. We have developed a network of trails to enjoy and offer swimming, catch release fishing, hiking, and biking is nearby at the Slate Valley Trails. Lots of places to picnic and enjoy the sunset. We have a farm stand, unlimited firewood, ice, and free flowing spring water for you to enjoy. Our bucolic farmland was originally for milking cows, it was leased at times for mining red slate when Granville was at its peak. Technology changed and the industry left us with beautiful abandoned quarry holes that have filled with natural spring water. Our farm currently offers firewood, bagged spring ice, spring water, and we operate a farm stand on the weekends seasonally selling our own pesticide produce and free range eggs and camp related supplies. We consider 1 night reservations on week days and for our repeat guests, Inquire. Oak Tree - Pastoral with expansive views, Extremely Private, Great for Dogs Owl - Wooded, Hammocks, walkable to Quarry, our original site. Guest Favourite Pines - Wooded, Most Remote, Great for Dogs, Viking Chairs, Picnic Table Ridgeline - Open Pastoral, Covered Pergola with Pit & ADK Chairs, Great for Groups, RVS, Kids, Pets. Sunset Views Hops - Newly Renovated, Metal Pit, ADK Chairs, Combination Site Wooded/Open, Suitable for an RV, Graveled, Guest Favorite Quarryside - Close to Quarry Hole, smaller site, room for 2 tents on the trail network, Shaded, No Grill On Farm Activities: Large Red Quarry Swimming Hole, Catch Release Bass, Hiking, Biking, Yoga Pergola, Sunset Pergola, Farm Stand, Enjoy the Scottish Highland Cows! We also have a 40 acre parcel with a Lookout Tower and Cabin that is Incredible. "Slateville Retreat" No words to describe!

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Maple Ridge Farm

9 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Guilford, VT

Welcome 2024 and our 5th season! Enjoy all Summer has to offer in the Vermont Countryside yet closer than you think. Our 7 1/2 acre farm is nestled along a country road and between several other farms, mostly horses and a special needs/therapy farm, we are hobby farmers/homesteaders. We have three sites open at anytime, during camping season (May thru October) its all three tent camping sites but after that closes down for the season (November 1st) we open up for camper vans and small trailers (also in early Spring). 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! 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, Guilford is by no means considered a large community. Yet with its beautiful old covered bridges, churches, and one-room schoolhouses, 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 Guilford Center; shop for great local products at the Guilford Country Store, visit the charming Guilford Free Library, or even see some of the exhibits at the Guilford 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 of rolling hills and lush forests, with small family farms that have in some cases been in operation for generations. A visit to these farms will allow you to sample some of the best maple syrup, cheeses, and fresh produce in the area. Of course, being in a place like Guilford that is known for its natural beauty means it is always easy to escape into the woods to hike, run, or mountain bike, and in the winter months there is great skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. A bit more off the beaten path are the many tucked away swimming holes, such as those along Broad Brook, which despite sometimes being hard to find are well worth the effort of searching for. In fact, the same could be said for the town of Guilford as a whole. With its feeling of peaceful seclusion and gorgeous setting, this small community really has the feel of being a well-kept secret, tucked away in its own corner of Vermont. The city of Brattleboro is a 10 minute drive away and offers many amenities similar to a city twice its size; arts, entertainment, dining and shopping plus many historical and outdoor activities await!

The best camping near Emerald Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

Emerald Lake State Park is conveniently located between Manchester and Rutland, just a stone’s throw from Route 7. The lake is aptly-named for its water’s greenish birds-eye hue. The 20-acre lake is limited to non-motorized watercraft, providing superb swimming, paddling and fishing. Boat rentals are available for your ‘yakin satisfaction. The sandy shores are adjacent to picnic tables, a concession stand, a playground and even a nature center. Peeps can take refuge from the noonday sun in the park’s ample wooded campground or many lean-tos which are divided into two types: “prime” and, well...regular. Take your pick (they all have cute tree names, though).

The lake is a favorite oasis for Appalachian and Long Trail hikers. And for the day-trotters, there are plenty of trails within the park’s 430 acres. On your jaunt, you might even stumble upon the North Dorset Cemetery, located on the hill overlooking the park’s contact station and parking lot. Fun fact: many of the headstones in the cemetery are made from local marble, extracted from the quarries that once stippled the hillsides.

Notable campgrounds

Emerald Lake Campground - Offers a serene camping experience with easy access to the lake's pristine waters.
Lakeside Campsites - Ideal for those who love to wake up to the sound of gentle waves and enjoy quick dips.
Forest Campsites - Tucked away amid towering trees, these sites are perfect for privacy and shade lovers.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your spot, especially during peak summer months when the park is most popular.
Consider visiting during the weekdays for better availability and a quieter experience.
Keep an eye on cancellation policies; last-minute openings can be your opportunity to reserve a prime site.
Explore nearby camping options if the park's campgrounds are fully booked to still enjoy the area's natural splendor.

When to go

The best time to visit Emerald Lake State Park is during the summer and early fall, when the weather is warm and the park is fully operational. Spring can be wet and muddy, while winter brings snow and limited access. Plan your trip from late May to early October for the ideal experience.

Know before you go

Check the park's operating schedule as it varies seasonally, with full services available from late spring to early fall.
Be prepared for varying weather conditions and pack accordingly for your outdoor adventures.
Review the park's safety guidelines, especially if you plan to engage in water activities or hiking.
Accessibility options are available; contact the park in advance for specific needs.
Day-use amenities include picnic areas and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit.