🌝 2024 Solar eclipse: Book now for 4/8

The best camping near Big Deer State Park

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

Discover Big Deer State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Big Deer State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Big Deer State Park

97%
(146)

Art and Health Chill Camping

8 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres ¡ Cabot, VT
Spring is in the air...and will burst forth momentarily. Its Vt right!! The buds are unfurling and earth worms coming to seek the sun. Dandylions blanket the landscapes. For those wanting to be creative or explore a new art Medium the art studio has many supplies and i offer pottery classes to a group or individuals. Roam around the Sacred Geometry Gardens, all connected by pollinator fields of flowers and mowed walking paths. There are veggies for sale from the hoophouse fresh eggs and medicinal herbs salves and teas. Sauna is beautiful cedar shaped like a bee hive. hu -um is a beautiful new rock sauna stove. New benches and 1 way glass door. Massages vary from hot stone to medical scar removeal. CBD oils.. Herbs.. Maple salt scrub....you know! The variety of camping options are sure to suit your fancy from swinging in a hammock, to tenting around huge pines. There are open meadows of wild flowers to being tucked into a cozy alcove of ferns next to the woods. Some sites can fit up to 3 tents for a group. Most sites have a fire pit lots of wood branches to burn and campwood is also available. Some sites have tables and benches. Some have electric. The cabin and vintage camper are also available. Tiny house also fully equipted for your arrival. Once here at Back Roads Farm your adventure begins. If your up for music and a night out the Den Hardware store offers music and craft beer. There are resturants and venues within 20 miles. The Village store 2 miles away. Or sink in and lite a fire. Spend the day riding your bike or the Vt Rail Trail , or explore all the walking paths throughout Cabot. Enjoy the view of the Green Mt range to them west... Amazing Camels hump and Mt Mansfield views. To the East the White Mountains. There are many events planned here this summer from the Cabot Arts Festival, and 4th of July parade, Manifestus music fest as well as Ride the Ridges and other pop up events . The sauna is an extra charge but oh so worth it. Pottery classe,, yoga space and fresh greens from the greenhouse await. To top off the weekend enjoy a hot stone massage! (Urban Farm Road) Urban Rd, is named after the original owner of this farm and surrounding land. The original barn burned, although they saved the milk house where my art gallery currently is . The barn has been rebuilt, which is a meeting place. And pottery studio. We also have 100 ft hoop house. After a long day of canoeing Joe's Pond, hiking to the top of Mt Mansfield, or riding the ridges around Cabot you will be glad to arrive and relax. You will find a peaceful, private camp sites. Each with a fire pit, flat ground for your tent or trees to hang your hammock . There are also sites for a RV or "glamping." A few sites are large enough to accommodate 3 tents for a group gathering. I am now offering a shower and flush toilet. Unique offerings include a health component from meditation classes to sauna and masssage.The pottery studio is available for classes or private lessons including Raku firings. Singing Bowls and tunning forks are available on massage or outside. Movement classes are also available in the barn, in the fields or in the Flower of Life meditation garden and labyrinth. The outside garden and 100 ft hoop house is filled with organic vegetables and edible flowers for your enjoyment. The Herb Barn is for drying flowers and creating tinctures and ointments. The Art Gallery in the old milk house is filled with pottery and art work. Bring your easel and paint brushes, learn a new craft, or relax in the sauna. Bike trails are being established throughout Cabot, right out the front door. There are ponds for swimming within a few miles., There are many options for water sports minutes away at Joe's Pond, and many others. The rail trails are less than 10 minutes. Organic beef, raw milk and fresh eggs are around the corner at Molly Brook Farm. Maple Sugar at Goodrich's and fresh blueberries and veggies at Blossoms and Berries, as well as Burtt's Apples and of course Cabot cheese The land is diverse with large open meadows to fields to quiet pine forest. As you walk the tree line you will find old farm implements, old bottles and even an old Ford coop. I would love to restore and use them on the farm. The land is on the crest of the ridge looking East to Danville and the White Mts, and a few feet to the West the entire Green Mts splay before you. The water tastes wonderful, and bubbles up here and there on the property. Our neighbors who also offer camping have sheep, to berries... I offer the healing arts, massage, scar release, the sauna, and other art learning experiences. Please call for arts schedule. * Ps please do not say you will arrive at 5 and show up after dark! Respect goes both ways. I appreciate great campers who pick up and discard their pets poop and respects my time a well. Ps no smoking cigarettes on the property. Thank you to all my great campers! And blessings to those few bad apples!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night
89%
(92)

Onion River Campground

8 sites ¡ Tents23 acres ¡ Plainfield, VT
Onion River Campground is connected with Onion River Intentional Community. We hold events throughout our season, which runs from May 1st through October 31st. We offer spacious sites along the Winooski River, or come find a private nook tucked up in the apple orchard, next to the plum tree by the pond, or in the high meadow. Our amenities include: 26 spacious sites for rigs: 24 W/E and 6 W/E/S Plus 23 acres of private tenting options Owner-operated River access: Great fishing, wading, tubing, swimming Orchards and greenhouse: Join us for the harvest Trails, meadows, waterfall access Bathouse, free hot showers, free dumping Commercial party tent for functions Please keep in mind: We charge by the tent, not by the site.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night
100%
(4)

Pine Cone Cabin

1 site ¡ Lodging29 acres ¡ Groton, VT
Welcome to our cozy tiny cabin nestled on 29 acres in the breathtaking Northeast Kingdom! Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, our cabin is the perfect base camp for all your outdoor pursuits. Situated close to Lake Groton, VAST trails, and Groton State Park, you'll have easy access to a myriad of activities including hiking, fishing, snowmobiling, kayaking/boating, swimming, hunting, and more! The cabin itself features a charming kitchen area, a loft for sleeping under the stars, a cozy fireplace to warm up after a day of exploration, and an outhouse for added convenience. Come and experience the beauty and serenity of the Northeast Kingdom at our tiny cabin retreat!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$65
 / night
100%
(6)

The Pasture

10 sites ¡ Tents4 acres ¡ Peacham, VT
Learn more about this land:The campsite can be anywhere within the open field that is mowed or a few feet off from where it is mowed. It has to be within the fence boundaries. No camping under or around the shed or barn. The island of trees in the pasture is around an old spring, so please do not cross into that trench / wet area.
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$38
 / night
99%
(262)

Waterfall & Brook Camping

4 sites ¡ Tents4 acres ¡ Plainfield, VT
This is one of the most beautiful places to live or visit in Vermont. My home for the past 40 years is right next to a stunning waterfall and brook. I love sharing this space with others. I have 3 separate campsites, each with their own pathways and privacy from each other. Your visit here will allow you many choices of ways to relax. My land abuts the 700 acres of school property behind me and I have trail and path access right from my yard to many miles of an old road bed for walking, biking, hiking, or exploring the length of the brook. There is a waterfall across the street. At least 5 different swimming holes and the water is cold and refreshing! I am 20 minutes from the state capital, Montpelier, Vt. You have access to my delicious pure clean spring water from the hose. There is a pizza/restaurant/bar in my town just 6 minutes away. Please, no fireworks, you'll get me banned by the town officials! If you camp here you will feel like you are in a forest, but will be able to drive anywhere with ease.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$60
 / night
88%
(4)

Purple Cow Campin Heinzhillfarm

3 sites ¡ RVs, Tents10 acres ¡ Montpelier, VT
Purple Cow Camping Wooded Sites are NEW! In addition to our more open air sites...These sites are carved out a quiet section of woods adjacent to the Campground Common Area . Simple and clean. These sites  can handle most size tents. Central to all VT has to offer, quite rural setting  Fire Pit, chairs, cooking area, composting toilet, solar shower. Supplies and food also available see our website camping page. ThanksHeinz Hill Farm and Purple Cow Camping. Minutes from Montpelier, close to recreation and tourism.Learn more about this land:We are Heinz Hill Farm ...google us for more specifics... father daughters farm operation with fresh meat products available.Our sites range from wooded to open air. We can accommodate small RV's and Campers. This is s working farm in constant motion and we invite you to come to the quiet side of out small 10 acre property and enjoy the tranquility. Big star sky and groomed woods. 10 ft fire pit for social connection or secluded sites for a private escape.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
98%
(218)

Woodbury Meadows

6 sites ¡ RVs, Tents50 acres ¡ East Calais, VT
We live on 52 wooded acres in a natural area surrounded by lakes and ponds just 14 miles north of Montpelier VT, our state capital. We are located on the Green Mountain Gravel Growler bike packing trail and have lots of hiking , biking, boating and swimming opportunities nearby. Our amenity's include a bath house, One 30 amp RV site and 4 tent/small RV non electric sites. We are 100% solar powered and have WIFI but no cell service. We cater to small quiet groups who can enjoy our peaceful setting. We are a family friendly, non smoking campground. Pets on leashes are OK. Quiet time is all the time :~). 12 and under free, no Generators.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$32
 / night
97%
(135)

Thornhill Farm

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents406 acres ¡ Greensboro Bend, VT
Come stay on our diversified farm! We grow winter rye. There are trails to hike on Barr Hill and a great view. Swimming is nearby in Caspian Lake. Hill Farmstead brewery is just over a mile away.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$28
 / night
100%
(78)

SiloSide Barn and Homestead

2 sites ¡ Lodging, Tents10 acres ¡ Barnet, VT
The SiloSide barn and homestead is better known around town as the "Old Somers Farm" in reference to the day when the barn housed 60 head of cows. The farm was a part of the Cabot Creamery Cooperative, and closed this era in the late 1980s. Prior to being a dairy farm consisting of over 500 acres, the property served as a tavern, inn, tannery, and has always been a traditional, well-loved farmhouse. Our farmhouse was built in 1785, and the barn built around the 1830s and expanded in 1941. The soil here is rich, and the forest full of wildlife. We've named our home "SiloSide" as tribute to the magic we feel on the non-road facing, silo-side of the barn, where you'll be camping.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night
Booked 2 times

Tall Pines & Starry Skies

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents10 acres ¡ Plainfield, VT
Explore 10 acres of undistrubed forested land. Encounter creeks and streams, forage for mushrooms and take a rest on soft moss or fallen pine needles. Practice your tracking skills by finding the path straight through the woods taken by many deer and other woodland creatures. Nights bring a star filled sky and hoots from nearby owls. You can pitch a tent in wooded clearings or wander deeper into the forest and find your own special spot. You'll have privacy, peace and quiet aside from the sounds of the trees and chirps of the birds! When rain has come you will find many creaks and streams running througout the land.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
100%
(4)

The Shady80

10 sites ¡ RVs, Tents82 acres ¡ Hardwick, VT
Learn more about this land:There is plenty of nature and privacy to enjoy on the Shady80. Pitch your tent or pull your camper around the community fire pit and picnic area. Enjoy the peepers and fireflies around the spring fed pond.15 minutes from Hill Farmstead brewery, Craftsbury outdoor center and Caspian Lake. VAST trails are nearby and 4 ski resorts are within a 45 min drive.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$32
 / night
100%
(130)

Huntington Open Women's Land

10 sites ¡ Tents50 acres ¡ Huntington, VT
Eclipse weekend is coming! Come and see the eclipse from our beautiful location in rural Vermont! A total Solar Eclipse will be taking place on the afternoon of Monday, April 8th. Men are not allowed at HOWL (with the exception of trans men). Thanks! In April, we'll still be in winter camping mode. It will be early spring in Vermont, and a variety of weather is possible. We're likely to have snow, rain, and/or mud. It's also likely to be windy, and if that’s the case, it will feel colder than it is. Please plan accordingly, and know that the eclipse might not be visible (but it will get really dark in the middle of the afternoon!) . Bring warm clothes, layers, a raincoat or snow shell, and sturdy shoes/boots. Eclipse viewing glasses will be available free of charge at the check-in station. Recently, Vermont has experienced catastrophic flooding & wind storms, leaving many trees unstable and broken tree limbs stuck in the canopy overhead. All visitors to HOWL understand that activity is at their own risk and take responsibility for checking overhead canopy for unstable trees before walking underneath. Hammock campers especially need to be careful. HOWL is a non-profit land trust held in perpetuity for the full diversity of women, regardless of gender assigned at birth, and transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive individuals. We are an intentional community working to create an alternative to systemic oppression and patriarchy. We work collectively to preserve and steward the land, to provide space for community building, service, and skill-sharing, and to collaborate in projects and programming that reflect our shared values of intersectional feminism, compassion, respect, sustainability, and love of the earth.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night

The best camping near Big Deer State Park guide

Overview

About

Just a little ways east of Montpelier in Groton State Forest is where you’ll find Big Deer State Park. The deer here are of average size, however. What’s above average is the amount of things you’ll have access to if you camp here. In Big Deer alone, there are miles of hiking and multi-purpose trails by which you can explore the 26,000 acre forest. But here’s the real kicker—when you camp at one state park in Vermont, you get free day use at all the others during your stay. And since Big Deer is so close to several other parks, your options literally multiply!

But we’re here to help you narrow down your decision, so heed this advice. If it’s a hot day and you’re looking to cool down, head over to Boulder Beach for wide sandy beaches, or Kettle Pond for a quiet paddle around the water. On the other hand, if stellar hiking is what you seek then New Discovery is where you want to be. Finally, anglers won’t want to miss Vermont’s sole public fly-fishing-only trout pond at Seyon Lodge State Park. And while you’re in the neighborhood, you might as well check out the incredible view from Owl’s Head and the intriguing plants at Peacham Bog. Big Deer is the best place to post up and do it all.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Big Deer State Park is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and the park is fully accessible. Fall also offers a spectacular display of foliage, making September and October popular as well. Winters can be harsh, with heavy snowfall limiting access to certain areas of the park.

Know before you go

  • Check the weather forecast and prepare for changing conditions, as Vermont's weather can be unpredictable.
  • Be aware of park operating hours, typically from 8:30am to 5pm, and plan your visit accordingly.
  • Ensure you have a valid park pass or pay the day use fee upon entry.
  • Respect wildlife habitats and maintain a safe distance from any animals you encounter.
  • Take advantage of the park's amenities, including picnic areas and trails, but remember to leave no trace.

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Hipcamp is the most comprehensive resource for beautiful private campsites.

Discover and reserve tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glamping.

Download the Hipcamp App

Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.