The best camping near Gifford Woods State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Gifford Woods adventure.

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Gifford Woods State Park: A Haven for Nature Lovers and Campers Alike.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Gifford Woods State Park

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Gifford Woods Campground

26 sites · RVs, Tents In Gifford Woods State Park

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$20

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Top-rated campgrounds near Gifford Woods State Park

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Green Mountain Trails

2 sites · Lodging600 acres · Pittsfield, VT

Hike or bike 2 miles into a completely secluded cabin on 600 acres with panoramic views of the Green Mountains. You’ll arrive to a cozy cabin that can comfortably sleep 2, or up to 4 if needed, equipped with a potbelly stove and basic cooking equipment.The mountain, once a source of wood for the Stanley Tool factory and a site for bridle trails in the summer and Nordic skiing in the winter, is now best known as a the birthplace of the Spartan Race and host of the infamous Death Races, as well being a popular mountain biking destination called the Green Mountain Trails. The trail system boasts 25 miles of flowy trails for all abilities as well as a stone staircase climbing from the base to the top of the trails at Shrek’s Stone Hut. Awake to an incredible sunrise and panoramic Green Mountain views after a night underneath a starry dome unblemished by city lights. Chilly evenings in the hut are easily tempered by a pot belly stove fed by seasoned wood. A built in bunk accommodates two people, but it’s possible to sleep up to four guests.

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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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Nature Intents

1 site · Lodging280 acres · Woodstock, VT

Learn more about this land:Nature In-tents is a hike in, mountaintop campsite looking over Chateauguay valley that is ready with all accessories needed for camping except your bedding and food! Our dome tent sits on a platform and is currently tarped over for rain. It lives on the edge of the woodlands, above our habitat clear cut boasting valley views, and strategically positioned for breathtaking sunrises just for you! Find your inner wild among the trees during an unforgettable adventure in Vermont. There are forest trails galore and multiple mountain streams with private dipping holes all around. Recharge by a cozy campfire under the stars. You should be looking forward to experiencing a digital detox during your stay. Experiences such as hiking, birding, snowshoeing and biking at various levels surrounds your campsite – pick quiet country roads or challenging mountain trails. Telmark or cross country skiing, sledding and snowmobiling opportunities makes Nature In-tents a year round getaway. A mountain creek is a few steps away providing a tranquil, private spot for “rewilding” your soul. The clear cut boosts plenty of blackberry bushes for picking during late August/September. You’ll have to share with the wildlife, that hopefully you spy, but we can’t make any promises! You will feel like you are miles from civilization, yet only a few miles away you have access to Killington and Woodstock communities for romping, shopping and adventuring. We outline our favorite local spots in our camp manual. It cools off quickly in the evening in the mountains, especially during the fall so please bring warm gear.

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1 mile to Killington Gondola

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Bridgewater Corners, VT

This is a 20x40 level RV pad on 1 acre of land right on route 4 only 1 mile to Killington Mountain Skyeship gondola. Electric on site. No sewer or water. The property is about 10 minutes to all of the bars, restaurants and cafes on Killington road. Approximately 10 minutes to Pico Mountain, 20 minutes to Okemo Mountain and 15 minutes to Woodstock. Long Trail Brewery is 5 minutes down the road. Snowmobile/ATV Vermont is a 1/2 mile away for guided tours. First Stop Board Barn is 1 minute down the street for ski, snowboard and snowshoe rentals in the winter and bikes, kayaks and paddle boards in the summer. The property is 2 minutes to Woodward Reservoir and 10 minutes to Echo lake for water activities in the summer. Close to Appalachian/ Long Trail for hiking.

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Sugar Wood Meadow Camping

13 sites · Tents500 acres · Bethel, VT

Our family purchased the farm to milk dairy cows, but over the year moved away from dairy to beef cattle. The sites are located around our farm with some in the fields behind our farm and others located in some of our summer pastures! We have different site listed individually in hopes of making booking easier!

Pico Penthouse

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Killington, VT

no story, just first time available as a rental and best mountain views and access.Learn more about this land:3 hours from Boston & Hartford, lots of Winter, Fall, and Summer activities! Remodeled top floor unit that has unparalleled mountain views from the two-story windows. Master bedroom and bath on the main floor, and a loft bedroom with separate bathroom and private entrance upstairs. New kitchen with all the things you need, even things you didn't know you needed like a waffle bowl maker and Instant Pot.Comfy great room with powered reclining leather couch, and two oversized lounge chairs, one is a sleeper chair. New TV with Xfinity cable, and new Opalum Bluetooth speakers for playing music. Connect your laptop to the tv and stream movies too.Open sky top floor balcony for relaxing after your activities. Apres, mountain viewing, and stargazing, it has the best view at Pico.Elevator building with ski locker and laundry facilities on the first floor, and unlimited free wood for the fireplace.Location: not only located closer to Boston, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut than Sugarbush, Stowe and others to the North but just minutes from Killington to the East and Rutland to the West. Also located right at the base of Pico Ski Resort, right across from the main lodge you cannot beat this spot.Parking: remember parking hassles last year due to COVID restrictions? Not here. When you stay at our place you automatically have access to the Pico lot and two car spaces.If you stay at Killington you are limited to the few choices there that are always crazy busy and super expensive, and farther away from the affordable and convenient shopping, restaurants, etc in Rutland.This is the sweet spot, trust us, as we have been coming to Vermont and skied every mountain in the State since the 1980s, and we picked Pico for all of these reasons.Pico is the "locals" mountain, much less hassle to get to and around, it feels like a private mountain, yet Killington is 5 minutes away for more action. Regardless of the season, this location has it all. Fantastic mountain biking trails are very close by, and you can walk to the Long Trail or AT for hiking or snowshoeing. Snowmobile trails are right next to the entrance to Pico as well. Kayak or canoe or just swim in the Chittenden Reservoir minutes away also, or Lake Bomoseen. So much to do in every season, not to mention "leaf peeping" out your two-story mountain view windows!The bus to Killington and Rutland picks up right outside of our building, so the kids (or early skiers) can hop the bus to Killington and you can join them, or pick them up later.

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Bradley’s Last Stand

1 site · Tent25 acres · Rutland, VT

This property has been in our family for almost 75 years. My Father and I built this camp approximately 2 years ago and will be passed on to the next generation. Our property backs up to National Forest land. Bear, moose and deer as well as a variety of bird life, chipmunks and squirrels are seen on a daily basisLearn more about this land:Rough camp available, park and hike in to 25 private acres, great Mountain View’s minutes from hiking, fishing, and snowmobile trails. Close to Pico and Killington camp or tenting available. Camp is off grid, solar lights, gas stove, water catch system in the spring, summer and fall with on demand hot water heater for dishes and short showers

Stonybrook Sanctuary

2 sites · Tents2 acres · Stockbridge, VT

This woodland retreat in the heart of central Vermont is ideal for all outdoor enthusiasts. Four miles from excellent hiking on the LT/AT. Surrounding towns have single track mountain biking: Killington, Pittsfield, Rochester Randolph,(Ridgeline Outdoor Collective). Not to mention a 20-60 minute drive to 6 different ski resorts! There’s incredible swimming all along the White River. Pack it in and out, leave no trace. This is for folks looking for a quiet experience. Five minute incline up trail from parking. 4 sleeping mats and fresh drinking water available. 2 burner propane stove and grill upon request. 16 ft wall tent, comfortable for up to four guests.

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Willoughby Farm Animal Rescue

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents107 acres · Fairlee, VT

We are a 107-acre forest and farm animal rescue. Sleep with the sheep, alpacas, donkeys, potbellied pigs, and rabbits when you pitch your tent or park your camper on our Vermont Farm! Reserve the group site and sleep in the middle of the action! (You do not need a "group" to reserve the group site -- it is just our biggest site and can accommodate groups!). Co-located in the open, grassy area with the free-roaming farm rescues is our RV site. Co-located sites share a community fire ring, so it's a great way to meet and make new friends! Don't have a tent or RV? Spend a magical night in "The Greenhouse" (it's a real, working greenhouse that doubles as accommodations for those looking for a more "glamping" experience). Want a little privacy? Reserve one of our two tricked-out Tent Deck sites (Buddha North and Grandmother Pine), each with its own picnic table, private fire ring, and commercial-grade park grill. Nestled discretely in the forest adjacent to the area where the animals are, you will feel like you are in the middle of nowhere even though you are less than a 5-minute walk from your car! Looking for something a bit more remote and spectacular? Hike a half-mile to the Big Sky Tent Deck. An incredible vista awaits you for a little effort! Need gear? We have it for rent, from cast iron grill baskets and griddles to make cooking over a charcoal grill or fire a breeze to tents to 1- and 2- burner propane stoves to tarps to water containers. We even have an Anker Portable Power Station and Portable Kerosene Heater for rent! Need Supplies? Charcoal? Propane? We've got it. ----- We are a small non-profit (501c3). When you stay with us, rent equipment from us, or take a tour with us, 100% of the money you pay goes directly for the care and feeding of the rescue animals. Thanks for supporting us in making a difference in the lives of neglected, abused, and abandoned farm animals! ----- IMPORTANT: MAY 24-26 2024 IS OUR VOLUNTEER WEEKEND AT THE RESCUE. LOTS OF PEOPLE, LOTS OF ACTION, LOTS OF FUN, LOTS OF POOP SHOVELLING AND MORE . ----- CHECK-IN TIME: 3:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m. Please arrive within this time window. If absolutely necessary, you may purchase a check-in extension for $15 in advance or $30 on arrival.

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Dome@Meadows

2 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Tunbridge, VT

Looking for a campground with stunning views of the White River and mountains? Look no further than dome@meadows! This lovely campground offers plenty of open field spots for both tent and RV campers, complete with breathtaking waterfront views. Restrooms, showers, and water are all easily accessible, so you won't have to worry about disturbing your tent mate with any post-hike stink. Located in the charming village of Tunbridge, VT, this property is also conveniently close to the World's Fair, which takes place in September. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore nearby attractions and learn about the fascinating history of Tunbridge and its people. Your vacation promises to be full of fun, learning, and the natural beauty of Vermont. And in the evenings, be sure to catch the incredible sunsets from the comfort of your cozy spot at dome@meadows - whether that means lounging around the campfire or relaxing in a hammock.

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Camp Granville woods field valley

4 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Granville, VT

Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent or settle in in your camper enjoy listening to the brook across the field moose and deer and bear about hiking swimming nearby water from brook or garden hose outhouse for bathroom old sugar house to visit and enjoy company come visit camp Granville where social distancing is the norm! It can fit more than 4 sites so akways call and see depends on if you are tenting or RV

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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.

The best camping near Gifford Woods State Park guide

Overview

About

Leaf peepers rejoice! Gifford Woods’ 285 acres render some of the best fall foliage you can find. The National Park Service named Gifford Woods a National Natural Landmark because of its top-notch old-growth forest. Gifford Woods houses one of the few old-growth hardwood tree stands remaining in Vermont. The stand has ginormous sugar maple, beech, yellow birch, white ash and hemlock (not to mention an understory with native wildflowers galore).

A stone’s throw from Killington and Pico peaks and a hop, skip, and a jump off the Appalachian and Long Trails, the park is a favorite of all flavors of hikers. If you're looking to stay the night, choose from cabins, tents, RV, and lean-to sites within two camping loops. There’s plenty of day hiking trails to explore as well as easy access to the AT, should you get the sudden, inexplicable urge to trek 2,000 miles.

Notable campgrounds

Tent/RV & Lean-to Sites - Experience the rustic charm of camping with facilities catering to both tents and RVs.
Cabins - Cozy up in a cabin surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the forest.
Cottages - Enjoy a homely retreat in the park's comfortable cottages.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your preferred dates, as spots fill up quickly during peak seasons.
Consider visiting during the weekdays for better availability and a quieter experience.
Keep an eye on cancellations for last-minute opportunities.
Explore nearby camping options if the park is fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Gifford Woods State Park is during the summer and fall when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. However, the park's vibrant autumn foliage makes early to mid-October a particularly magical time. Winters can be harsh, with some facilities closed, so plan accordingly.

Know before you go

Check the operating schedule for current opening hours and any seasonal closures.
Review the park's policies and rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Day use fees apply, so bring cash or check for payment.
Pets are welcome in day use areas, but remember to keep them leashed.
Don't forget to pack essentials like water, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing.