Tenting, Fishing, Swimming Utopia

Exclusive back-to-basics get-away in the heart of Vermont is all yours here. A gorgeous, private swimming hole and a sandy, sunny beach are just a few steps away from your tent door: swim, fish, paddle, sun and siesta. Listen for the call of a horse or hawk. Situated in the Scenic Mad River Valley Byway (between Waitsfield and Stowe / Waterbury), there are so many adventure
Exclusive back-to-basics get-away in the heart of Vermont is all yours here. A gorgeous, private swimming hole and a sandy, sunny beach are just a few steps away from your tent door: swim, fish, paddle, sun and siesta. Listen for the call of a horse or hawk. Situated in the Scenic Mad River Valley Byway (between Waitsfield and Stowe / Waterbury), there are so many adventures to choose from! Visit, play and relax at Sugarbush Resort, Bolton Valley Resort, Ben & Jerry's Factory, Red Hen Bakery, Alchemist Brewery (among others) and many more.
Our property is located on the CROSS VERMONT TRAIL: "a multi-use path connecting communities, and the natural areas in between - across Vermont!" Check out their website (Cross Vermont Trail Association) for maps, guide, events and outings! Many adventurists also enjoy nearby, mountainous and beloved trails: Camel's Hump, The Long Trail, Mt. Mansfield, Stowe Pinnacle, Smuggler's Notch and more. There are a plethora or shorter, scenic and gentle hikes in our region, "the crossroads and recreation center of Vermont"! We also offer on-site horsemanship and riding lessons ($35/30-minute overview and sweet introduction or $90/hour and $130/1.5hours). Visit our website: Horses and Pathfinders - we'd love to hear from you.
Meanwhile, back at the campsite, enjoy a slow-paced, relaxing time with a leisurely forest trail that leaves directly from the site, an on-demand hot water shower, a 20" Weber charcoal kettle grill, a clean and comfortable outhouse and yard games such as mini corn hole, frisbee and old fashioned horse shoes. We also have 5 River Run tubes (equipped with cupholders, handles and hooks) for rent: please inquire about the rate, details and tubing route.
This is Forest/Beach/OpenMeadow/River private camping at its best. We have plenty of dry, level, open space in the main campsite area for at least 4 tents, with additional level, comfortable ground in the adjacent meadow. Do you have a larger group or an event? The adjacent, open, mowed field can situate a variety of tents and parking, so we can usually accommodate. Just ask!
*****PLEASE NOTE***** Holiday weekend reservations will be accepted only for groups of 4 or more people and if booking for a 3-night stay. Holiday weekends include: Memorial Day weekend (May), July 4th weekend (July), Indigenous People's Day weekend (October).
- Check in: After 2PM
- Check out: Before 12PM
- Cancellation policy: Super Strict
- On arrival: Meet and greet
- Minimum nights: 1 night
- Accepts bookings: 9 months out Weeknight discount: 5% off
- Response time: Within 6 hours
- Response rate: 100%
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Activities
Offered on the Host's property or nearby.
Boating
Great launch for TUBING the Winooski River to Waterbury, about a 3-hour drift. We rent tubes $10/tube/day + $10 refundable depo...Read more
Fishing
We can't claim that we've "caught the biggest fish" here, but many fly fishing anglers like to cast at the confluence of the ri...Read more
Hiking
Straight off from the site there is a trail to follow, that pops out on a quiet dirt road but then goes back into a class 4 roa...Read more
Horseback riding
We offer Horsemanship and Riding lessons in a non-pressure, connected style using Equine Guided Education. $35/30 minutes (up ...Read more
Paddling
We have one lightweight kayak and paddle for rent: $20 per day with a $50 refundable deposit or credit card number in case it g...Read more
Swimming
Swimming doesn't get better than this! This private, secluded swimming hole is very deep and cold in some spots. There is a cle...Read more
Whitewater paddling
Just 10 or so yards upriver from the swimming hole and from the campsite (on the Mad River), is a rapid that kayak paddlers com...Read more
Wildlife watching
On one side, the campground looks out onto a beautiful large meadow - we frequently have wild turkey, Canada geese, fox, deer, ...Read more
Terrain
Natural features you'll find at Tenting, Fishing, Swimming Utopia in Vermont.
Beach
We have a short path out to a clean, smooth, sandy, private and sunny riverside beach. You'll feel transported! Great sand to ...Read more
Forest
The secluded campground is tucked in a woodsy corner of our property - one side of the camp ground is a woodsy, tall bank - wit...Read more
Field
To access the campground by SUV or truck, you will drive across a field,, through a gate, and then out onto a beautiful meadow ...Read more
River, stream, or creek
The campground is tucked in a corner of our land, that is situated just at the end of the beautiful Mad River. From there, the ...Read more
Swimming hole
Private paradise!
Farm
Horses, barns and beautiful fields
Ranch
Our property is home to Horses & Pathfinders Equine Guided Education - for Leadership & Team development (www.horsesandpathfind...Read more
Places to see near Vermont Ranch & Riverside Retreat
76 Reviews
Love, love, love this camping spot. It’s a secluded spot right by a beautiful river, small beach, and large field bounded by a split-rail fence. The outdoor shower (with hot water!) and sink took this place to the next level. Plenty of places of park the Jeep and rooftop tent.

I loved Lucinda’s private utopia. Would definitely come back. She was a wonderful host. It was exactly what I needed
This was my wife, son, and I’s third time camping at Lucinda’s (first time at smaller site in field then last two at the site near river). Probably our favorite Hipcamp spot, had an incredible time and enjoyed sharing the experience w four other friends. Highly recommended!
This is the most beautiful camping spot! We particularly loved the sandy beach, swimming in the river, and the hiking trail. Thanks Lucinda and can't wait to book again!



Wonderful place to camp. Lucinda is a fantastic host, will definitely be coming back!
Thank you Lucinda for another wonderful stay! We appreciate that you share your little slice of paradise. The horsemanship and leadership classes are so insightful and life changing. Thank you!
Great camping spot on the edge of a horse pasture! There was a short path leading to a scenic view of the river and plenty of privacy from the other campsite. I hope to visit again when the weather is warm to take advantage of the private swimming spot! Lucinda was very friendly, helpful, and responsive 😊
Awards
- Property
- Vermont Ranch & Riverside Retreat
- State
- Vermont
- Country
- United States
- $59/night
- 1 Site