The best camping in Emerald Lake State Park, VT

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Top-rated campgrounds

Know Town

99%
(72)
34mi from Emerald Lake State Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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 welcomes well mannered pets (2 per site). We are 420 friendly and geared towards hosting those interested in arts, music, meditation, and ecology. We are currently building a Geodesic dome that will be available to rent soon. However it is currently a bit of a construction site, so pardon the appearance. Also, it should be noted that there is currently no Wi-Fi or cell service. Please be aware that Vermont prohibits out-of-state Firewood. In the future we hope to have firewood for sale, until then firewood can be purchased locally. There is also plenty of dead wood on our property to scavenge.
Pets
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Campfires
from 
$40
 / night

Riverside Retreat and Tiny Cabin

100%
(43)
21mi from Emerald Lake State Park · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Poultney, VT
Refreshing riverside retreat with tent sites, RV/camper parking, and tiny house cabin on over 5 acres, featuring sunny meadows, veggie garden plot, 4-wheeler paths, and seasonal direct access to snowmobile trails. 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 (hot showers here) and Lake Bomoseen and others are close by for fun park activities. 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. Leaf peeping season is here at the riverside retreat! The leaves are turning such lovely colors around here right now. 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. New additions: 6-seater triple hammock stand with built in picnic table. Fire pits and hammocks now at all sites! 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 (with or without sidewalls). Excellent site for photo shoots, glamping, stargazing, sunbathing, leaf peeping, bachelor/ette 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, etc.
Pets
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from 
$20
 / night

Green Mountain Getaway

99%
(357)
28mi from Emerald Lake State Park · 1 site · Lodging · Perkinsville, VT
A former farm now a 150 acre forested retreat. Mt Ascutney, a 3500' monadnock is to the north and view in excess of 60 miles to the south. Phone numbers on the wall of the cabin. The road has gotten quite rough with all the wet weather. 4wd with ground clearance is recommended. Total trip from our house is 320yd if your car is not up to the trip in. Curl up in front of the fire and relax. Marsh Billings farm museum in Woodstock has lots of Vermont Country store is close and Woodstock has unique shopping. Spacious one room camp, bunk bed, dinning table, and chairs. Sweeping view to the South. Swimming pond 5 minute walk. LP burner and some cooking utensils. Wood stove for those chilly nights. No electricity but LED battery lighting. l. Note that we do not charge a cleaning fee like some sites. We appreciate our guest leaving the camp as found. So far so good! Camp has the following: LP 2 burner cook top, pots and pans, dishes, flat ware, some spices and such. Fresh clean water will be at the camp when you arrive. The furnished jugs have been cleaned. If you still wish to bring your own drinking water please do so in reusable jugs. We are trying to limit plastic use. NOTE: Using GPS, Google map, or other device our address may come up as Perkinsville, Ascutney, or even Springfield even though the town is Weathersfield. Check the map and just confirm that Center Grove Rd is shown or called out as off of Weathersfield Center Rd. Firewood for the outside fire pit is available under extras. However if it has rained or raining you may want to bring kindling wood. We now have slab wood for sale if you do not want to rummage for wood in the forest PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN KINDLING WOOD FOR THE STOVE. Chunk wood is furnished for the inside stove. There is a splitting maul, snow shovel, and hatchet Check in and out times are flexible if no one is booked on either side. We have a level 2 EV charger listed under extras. And last but not least if wedding bells are in your future your host is a Justice of the Peace and can perform wedding services!
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from 
$86
 / night

Quarry Brook

97%
(380)
32mi from Emerald Lake State Park · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging · Putney, VT
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!
Pets
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from 
$35
 / night

Green Mountain Trails

99%
(325)
34mi from Emerald Lake State Park · 2 sites · Lodging · 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.
Potable water
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from 
$68
 / night

MalloRied Sugarwoods Cabin

99%
(55)
42mi from Emerald Lake State Park · 1 site · Lodging · Royalton, VT
Nestled into a forest of mature Sugar Maples, this octagon cabin sits on 17 acres of wooded terrain that is about a 1/3 mile on a Private road off from a town road in Royalton, VT. **Driving to the cabin during the winter months is not available!** The property is 5 mins away from necessities, but still quiet, secluded and peaceful as you enjoy nature in a mature hardwood forest that surrounds you during your stay! This property is designated during the spring months for a state of the art maple sugaring operation, as well as a peaceful retreat to “unplug” and enjoy a weekend! There’s Trails to hike nearby, in the woods that surround you, Killington is 30 minutes away, 10 minutes from Silver Lake for canoeing and kayaking and the Barnard General Store. Many options to eat in the area and other events going on throughout the summer and fall months! Or, just find your self getting away from it all to enjoy the quaintness of this rustic cabin. You will find exactly what you will need here to support your glamping adventure! Solar power is set up to power the cabin as well as potable water can be provided onsite for drinking or cleaning the dishes/pots/pans that are also provide within the cabin. There is fire place outside for roasting marshmallows with firewood provided. Or to simply just sit back and enjoy, but feel free to cook your dinner on as well! There is a Full size bed and also two twin beds provided. Linens can be provided but it wouldn’t hurt to bring your sleeping bags just in case! ***During the winter months you will have to hike to the cabin!!*** Don’t be afraid to ask more questions if you are considering booking! This is a super cozy spot to take a night or two to unwind!! Bring your snowshoes, a sled and come enjoy this all this property has to offer!
Pets
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from 
$100
 / night

Sweet Song Acres

99%
(446)
33mi from Emerald Lake State Park · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Charlestown, NH
Sweet Song Acres is 100+ acres of secluded forest nestled along the Little Sugar River, at the base of Perry Mountain. Located in rural Unity, NH and Charlestown, NH, just across the Vermont state line. Southernmost point, located in Charlestown is one of two campsites. The other is Shady Grove, located in Unity. The two sites, located in bordering towns share the same entrance and are connected by a 1/4 mile trail. Both are very large sites. Campers would drive to both sites down a trail so we highly recommend a vehicle with decent clearance and 4WD or AWD. Southernmost Point is a fully drive-in site. Shady Grove campers park above the site and the campsite is down a short path, just a few hundred feet or so. The property consists of varied terrain of rock ledges, lush moss, streams, and panoramic views at the summit. There are many options of local outdoor activities in the area or if you prefer, just sit and "listen to the river sing sweet songs to rock your soul".
Pets
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from 
$60
 / night

Cozy Mountain Cabin

99%
(146)
14mi from Emerald Lake State Park · 1 site · Lodging · Arlington, VT
This off the grid cozy family owned cabin is located in the town of Sunderland, Vermont. Surrounded by hundreds of acres of national forest, campers can enjoy the sounds of a swift stream flowing nearby, birds chirping in trees, and the rustling of leaves and branches in the breeze. This mountainous area has a rich array of wildlife, meadows, trails, and only a few miles away from the Battenkill River, a tributary of the Hudson River of New York. Once inside you’ll find a small kitchen and dining area complete with a wood burning stove for those cool Vermont nights. The sleeping area offers four generously-sized bunks, a loft area, and a queen futon. Enjoy the peace of nature with a cup of coffee on the porch, but don’t forget to cap off the night with smores around the fire pit! Access to Vermont’s Long Trail System is nearby, with its 272 mile footpath and 166miles of side trails. This offers endless hiking opportunities for the day-hiker, weekend overnighter and extended backpacker. The Long Trail follows the main ridge of the Green Mountains from the Massachusetts-Vermont state line to the Canadian border, crossing Vermont’s highest peaks. As for the daily adventures, take a drive to surrounding ski resorts, including Bromley Mountain being just 15 miles from the property, where you can enjoy various activities year-round. Take a 10 minute drive to visit Mount Equinox Skyline drive where you’ll take in incredible views. Just past Mount Equinox is The Village of Manchester, which is home to the famed Equinox Resort and Spa. In Manchester, guests can enjoy everything from shopping & dining to outdoor classes for ATV driving and fly fishing!
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from 
$94
 / night

Other options near Emerald Lake State Park

The best camping in Emerald Lake State Park, VT 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.
100%
4 ratings · 2 reviews