The best camping in Lake Shaftsbury State Park, VT

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Top-rated campgrounds

Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat

100%
(529)
50mi from Lake Shaftsbury State Park · 5 sites · Lodging · Warwick, MA
Best HipCamp Massachusetts 2023 Best HipCamp USA Finalist 2023 Best HipCamp Massachusetts Finalist 2022 THERE IS WIFI, PRIVATE HOT SHOWER and FLUSH TOILET. EXCEPT FOR THE RECENTLY ADDED TULLY 'THOREAU' ISLAND. Salamander Hollow is a private, evolving honeybee and human being sanctuary on 17 acres of land abutting Massachusetts State Forest. We currently have a one-room, wood stove warmed, cozy sleeping loft for one or two - with two benches below on either side of room - for two sleeping bags; plus, a separate 22 foot Sioux tipi with two cots. There are two chairs in the tipi, which if removed at night, make floor room for four other sleeping bags. 'Forest Bathing' for miles! If you're a larger group booking Salamander Hollow main camp with its Sleeping Library, Tipi & Slovenian Beehive House, you might consider renting this additional Tiny Cabin want to entertain all in glamping style, utilizing its amenities; as well, providing another bathroom/shower and guest bedroom for those who prefer being indoors while in the great outdoors. Note that Kula Bata Tiny Cabin abuts the wheelchair accessible larger bathroom/shower which is available to those at the Salamander Hollow main camp, yet you are secluded with your own private entry points and private bathroom. A ten minute drive takes you to the parking area to hike up Tully Mountain. There is a grill, wood fired pizza oven, two fire pits and a hygienic Incinolet electric toilet on the property for night convenience, with small camp sinks for washing & teeth brushing. Take a short hike off the property to organic Chase Hill Farm for milk, eggs, seasonal veggies, grass fed meat and other goodies. Say hello to their cows, chickens, pigs, goats, pups and kids. Nestled across the road from Salamander Hollow is Timber Haven Farm, where you can schedule your pickup of bacon and eggs, while loading up on delicious Owl Energy Bars for your adventurous excursions. For those interested in the glamping side of camping, you will enjoy a remote rustic experience with a few creature comforts to keep you well read, clean and fed. Please bring your own bedding - pillows, sleeping bags, comforter, teddy bears.There is a wall mounted blue tooth car radio/CD player in Sleeping Library, so bring your pre-digital favorites. Classical CDs to listen to. Lots of eclectic books to peruse.Walkie talkies, a set of 4, are available upon request. Chess & poker sets, too. Electric 2-burner stovetop and griddle upon request. Bring fire-starters/newspaper for tinder. We suggest if you are staying more than a night or two in winter, you bring supplemental wood or we can direct you to a nearby stand. Next season, our own cut and split wood will be seasoned and available on site. We ask that you carry out trash and recyclables. An established Western facing four point sacred Medicine Wheel site being established on Askari Ridge - our name for the slope starting with the two fire pits - 'Askari' being Swahili for night guard. Here is where we envision a great touch-point area for those leading groups to be for a base-camp by day or night, where eventually a multi-use tenting platform/performance stage will be constructed for outdoor entertainment, creating an authentic 'stadium style' seating on the hill. You will see on your way up to Salamander Hollow main clearing - the Kula Bata Tiny Kabin on the left of the dirt road- now available to rent with its small guest room for two, infrared sauna, hot shower, kitchenette, dishwasher and laundry.
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$75
 / night

Riverside Retreat and Tiny Cabin

100%
(43)
35mi from Lake Shaftsbury 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.
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$20
 / night

Green Mountain Getaway

99%
(357)
44mi from Lake Shaftsbury 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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$86
 / night

Quarry Brook

97%
(380)
35mi from Lake Shaftsbury 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!
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$35
 / night

Atland Artist Residency

100%
(110)
45mi from Lake Shaftsbury State Park · 9 sites · Tents, Lodging · West Chesterfield, MA
We're named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024 and 2023! Over 40 acres of solitude tucked in the hilltowns of the western Massachusetts Berkshires -- boasting warm sunrises over the distant hills, lush forest for hiking and meandering river frontage on Bronson Brook and walking distance to the Westfield River to wade and soak in the cool mountain water or fish for native trout! The cabin and camping sites are located in beautiful trails that were created around the main home -- an architect designed masterpiece boasting a wonderful asian influence yet handcrafted from the very timberstock off the land on which it sits lending a refined rustic twist. 25 Min to Northampton and 10 min to the Berkshires! You can hike or bike to the best swimming holes around and camp within our beautiful forested hills of hemlock, birch, maple, and wildflower meadow. If you're into kayaking/canoeing/tubing/hiking/fishing, then this is the perfect space for you. Come escape and breathe in our cool clean mountain air :)
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$45
 / night

Sweet Song Acres

99%
(446)
46mi from Lake Shaftsbury 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".
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$60
 / night

Cozy Mountain Cabin

99%
(146)
6.2mi from Lake Shaftsbury 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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$94
 / night

Wyomanock Farm

97%
(844)
36mi from Lake Shaftsbury State Park · 33 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Stephentown, NY
Our 75 acres is a wonderful, diverse mix of habitat, harmoniously integrated with our small farm. This land was the homestead of the very first non native settler of the area, John Wiley, in 1787. Before that, it was the land of the Mahican native Americans. They named it "valley of the butternut trees", or Wyomanock. The Wyomanock Creek is the backbone of this little valley. Beaver have dammed the creek at several points to create ponds and other wetland features that support a diversity of wildlife including otter, moose and a myriad of birds, from osprey to herons. This sanctuary is host to many uncommon native plants and plant communities. We would love to share it with you! Your host, Thom, invites you to property to explore 75 acres of meadows, woods and water. Choose one of several sites either in the woods or open areas. You are also free to use our outdoor solar shower or take a dip in the cold pond or artesian spring fed pool. Our location is convenient to the Berkshire Mountains, state parks, hiking and other attractions, including Ramble Wild tree to tree adventures and Jiminy Peak. There are a few miles of rail trail access just down the road.
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$32
 / night

Other options near Lake Shaftsbury State Park

The best camping in Lake Shaftsbury State Park, VT guide

Overview

About

Your social media feed has been clogged up with notions of picturesque docks, jutting out into the foggy morning mist, with hands holding coffee before the tree-lined distance. That could be you at Lake Shaftsbury! It comes with the perfect recipe for camera-ready outdoor time--canoes, lake, forest, dock, the works. The only thing you need is that steaming cup of java.

Lake Shaftsbury State Park used to operate as a private cabin resort before it opened for public enjoyment. Now you can take advantage of the kayak, rowboat, canoe, and pedal boat rentals from the park’s concession stand before heading out on the Healing Springs Nature Trail. If you have a family reunion or are just really popular, head here for reservation details about the beautiful pavillion on site.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Lake Shaftsbury State Park is during the summer months, from late May to early September, when the weather is warm and the park is in full bloom. Fall also offers a spectacular display of foliage, making it a great time for photographers and leaf peepers. Winter visitors can enjoy the stark beauty of the landscape, though some amenities may be limited.

Know before you go

  • Check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience amid Vermont's variable climate.
  • Be aware of park operating hours, typically from 8:30am to 5pm, to plan your activities accordingly.
  • Remember to pack insect repellent and sunscreen to protect against the elements during your outdoor adventures.
  • Stay informed about any trail closures or area restrictions that may be in effect during your visit.
  • Facilities such as restrooms and picnic areas are available, but it's wise to bring your own supplies in case certain amenities are closed.
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