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Best Campgrounds near Barnard, VT

700 Reviews

Camping near Barnard, Vermont encompasses a mix of state parks, backcountry sites, and private campgrounds nestled in the rolling Green Mountains of central Vermont. Silver Lake State Park Campground, located directly in Barnard, serves as the centerpiece of local camping options with its pristine lakefront setting. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access additional established campgrounds including Gifford Woods State Park near Killington and Coolidge State Park in Plymouth. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the region, offering backcountry shelter options like Winturri and Stony Brook for hikers seeking more primitive camping experiences. The area's combination of accessible developed campgrounds and remote hiking destinations makes it suitable for various camping styles.

Most campgrounds in the Barnard area operate seasonally from late May through mid-October, with Silver Lake State Park specifically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend. Winter camping is extremely limited as most facilities close and many access roads become impassable due to snow. Cell service throughout the region is spotty, with reviewers noting variable coverage depending on carrier. Fire regulations follow Vermont state guidelines, with established fire rings at developed sites and seasonal restrictions possible during dry periods. Reservations are strongly recommended for summer weekends and fall foliage season when campgrounds frequently reach capacity.

The camping options around Barnard cater to different preferences and needs. Silver Lake State Park provides tent and RV sites with amenities like showers and a beach area. According to one camper, "The sites are fairly private without being built too close together. Lake is clean and has a great concrete dock that the kids love to jump off." For those seeking backcountry experiences, the AT shelters offer more rustic accommodations with pit toilets and sometimes unreliable water sources. Gifford Woods State Park, about 15 miles west of Barnard, features wooded lean-to sites and provides direct access to the Appalachian Trail, making it popular with both section hikers and families seeking more developed facilities with shower access.

Map showing campgrounds near Barnard, VermontExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Barnard, Vermont (190)

    1. Quechee State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Quechee, VT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 295-2990

    "This is a nice state park located near the Quechee Gorge, a lovely place to explore and play. Vermont State parks often offer lean-to options and Quechee is no exception."

    "You really can't go wrong with a Vermont State Park. They are meticulously maintained and the folx that work there are super helpful."

    2. Gifford Woods State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Killington, VT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 775-5354

    "Decent bathroom situation--I've seen better and I've seen worse in Vermont."

    "The park is amazingly clean, well run, located just of RT 4 and very near to Killington, Vermont. It has multiple lean-to sites which are in wooded areas."

    3. Coolidge State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Plymouth, VT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 672-3612

    "This place gets my vote for best campground in Vermont. Especially true if you're lucky enough to get one of the few sites on the outside of A loop that has a Lean-to with a view."

    "Coolidge is off the beaten path but well worth the wander! There are no water sites, it’s on the side of a heavily wooded mountain with a few sites having amazing views!"

    4. Quechee-Pine Valley KOA

    11 Reviews
    Quechee, VT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 296-6711

    "Nice rustic ,small all amenities park.Great place to explore Vermont ,hundreds of things to do and see in the area. Really like this park."

    "While staying here I could enjoy some fishing, taking the dog for a nice walk, enjoy the evening with a nice fire, camp side, and go swimming on those hot summer days."

    5. Silver Lake State Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    Barnard, VT
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 234-9451

    "Surrounded by breathtaking mountain-scapes. Facilities are nice and the lake is lovely with some great fishing. You can swim, walk around it or rent a vessel to cruise around in."

    "Enjoy the serenity of the forest surrounding you, while you glimpse stars, and warm your innards beside a fire."

    6. Winturri Backcountry Shelter on the AT in Vermont — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    3 Reviews
    West Hartford, VT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 244-7037

    "Note: This is a back country shelter on the Appalachian trail that doesn't have consistent water.

    I stopped here on a section hike of the Appalachian trail."

    7. Lake Champagne Resort Vermont, Inc.

    6 Reviews
    Randolph, VT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 728-5293

    "Campsites are spread out, great dog walking areas , and very spacious dog parks, one for big dos and one for little ones."

    "I chose to stay here while I was finishing up the VT 4000-footers because it was midway between the trails for Mt Ellen/Abram and Killington."

    8. Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter on the AT in Vermont — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    1 Review
    Killington, VT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 281-5894

    "The shelter was a fairly basic 8ish person shelter, but this stop stood out because of a brand new privvy, large tenting areas, and a swimming hole and consistent water just a bit further down the trail"

    9. Chittenden Brook Campground

    5 Reviews
    Goshen, VT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 767-4261

    $15 / night

    "Nice hiking trails close to long trail, really tucked away a few miles off 73. Great if you’re looking for some solitude."

    "Well maintained, and nice access to trails right from the campground."

    10. Michigan Brook Road Camping - Green Mtn Ntnl Forest

    3 Reviews
    Pittsfield, VT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "I stayed at this campsite located at the end of upper Michigan road. It is winter and there is a lot of snow. The main road to the parking lot is plowed and sanded."

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Recent Camping Photos near Barnard, VT

484 Photos of 190 Barnard Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Barnard, VT

700 Reviews of 190 Barnard Campgrounds

  • Andy M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71

    Large Area with Fire Pit in the middle

    This was a great site.  I couldn't believe that the site was not being used at all, especially the just a couple of days before Fourth of July weekend.  Many other sites further south on 71 were filled and some were just TTs holding the space for the upcoming weekend.

    The site was very flat and could accommodate several small campers.  It was quiet during our overnight stay other than a car or two on Stratton-Arlington Rd.  There weren't many mosquitoes either.  Hiking trail to Stratton Pond close by.

  • Erin D.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lost River Valley Campground

    Dirty and Disappointing

    Here’s the revised version of your review with the laundry issue added in seamlessly:⸻ I came to this campground after seeing it advertised in a New Hampshire magazine, noting that it had once been recommended by Yankee Magazine. Unfortunately, it seems that recommendation must have been from many years ago, because what we experienced was nothing like what was promised. From the moment we arrived, it was clear the property was extremely rundown. The entrance and camp store were full of broken wood, broken signs, and musty smells. The bathrooms were absolutely atrocious—filthy, smelly, and clearly not maintained. They may not have been updated in years, but they could at least be kept clean, and they were not. The playgrounds—despite this being advertised as a family-friendly campground—were unsafe and neglected. Structures were practically falling down, weeds were everywhere, and one so-called playground was nothing more than a tarp on the ground with a tiny jungle gym. The game room was equally disappointing: dirty, moldy, and unusable. We had also looked forward to using the laundry facilities, but they were completely out of order and appeared to have been that way for quite some time. This was extremely disappointing and added to the sense that the entire campground is neglected. The swimming area was also a major letdown. The water was murky and uninviting—I wouldn’t even consider kayaking or putting my feet in it. Calling it a“beach” is misleading; it was unkempt and unpleasant. Overall, this campground was an extreme disappointment. It felt neglected, unsafe, and unhygienic in every way. I will not be returning, and I would strongly caution others to look elsewhere for a true family-friendly New Hampshire camping experience.⸻ Would you like me to shorten this into a punchier version(since some review sites have word limits), or keep it as a full detailed account for maximum impact?

  • Laura W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Rogers Rock Campground

    Roger's Rock

    It was a pretty good park. Wooded nicely. Big lots where we were. Down near the water the sites were pretty crammed together Not parked in a row like an RV park.

  • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Lazy Lions Campground

    Nice quiet place

    Nice campground with plenty of shade, well maintained and decent restrooms. The showers are ok and cost a quarter for 4 minutes. Our site was level and along with a picnic table, they also provide two Adirondack chairs (plastic) and a fire ring.

  • W
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Quechee State Park Campground

    Good location

    The park is in a good location; it is right next to the road. We were at sight #3.  We were able to walk to the gorge as well as to the Antique mall.  The staff was very friendly and accommodating with us. My wife really enjoyed it and had a lot of fun. The ice cream was really close and really good. 

    The issue I had was the camp next to ours had the generator on all night long and I had a hard time getting back to sleep after going to the bathroom. Next time I will get a volunteer or park ranger to get it turned off.

  • J
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Plymouth Sands Camping Area

    Nice campground with amenities and friendly owners

    The campground is in a convenient location near lots of hiking trails and attractions. The sites are decently spacious and have various configurations for utilities. There is a nice beach on the river with a rope swing and ability to swim. We were there while the water was fairly low, so it was great for kids. Firewood is available on site. There is a bathroom with a few stalls and sinks that is well kept and clean. The showers are quarter operated with a coin heat lamp as well for the colder seasons. The office has a lending library of games available. The couple that owns the campground are very friendly and have owned it for 3 seasons now and they have done a great job making sure that amenities are kept up and upgrades are being made.

  • K
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Mount Philo State Park Campground

    Hidden gem!

    Great little campground at a beautiful state park. The campground had widely spaced wooded sites and was exceptionally quiet. Very well-maintained! Recommend nearby Charlotte town beach for swimming ($10 for non-residents).

  • Jessica C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Chittenden Brook Campground

    Great site

    This was a great site that feels secluded but isn’t. There’s quite a bit of space between each site so you can’t really see your neighbors which is excellent. The vault toilets were surprisingly clean besides the expected smell/flies. No running water or electricity. No cell service a few miles leading up the site, so download your maps in advance. There’s a 2.5 mile dirt road with a steady incline into the camp, which my subie had no issue with, but not sure how well an RV would fair.

    Didn’t see any bear, but take bear food precautions regardless. Each site has a fire pit, tent platform, and picnic table. The sites were well cared for. There were two dumpsters, one for recycling and one for trash, at the end of the loop. They are bear proof and almost me proof! The constant sound of running water from the brook was truly relaxing. I didn’t have issues with bugs (beginning of August) but I also didn’t stay in the camp during the majority of the day.

    All in all, a great campsite and I’ll definitely be back.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Lost River Valley Campground

    Great Location

    The best thing about this campground is definitely the location. Perfect place to explore the White Mountains. We stayed in a basic cabin. It was clean, but did smell very musty. It was still comfortable. The sites on the river look amazing. Unfortunately my tent is a little too big for some of those sites, but I could still hear the steam from my cabin/site. Bathrooms were okay. Not as clean as they could have been, but they not bad. Again, the location can’t be beat though. And the sites next to the stream look very nice.

Guide to Barnard

Camping near Barnard, Vermont, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Quechee State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "There’s a hiking trail beside of 37 and it’s steep going down and up but well worth it." The trails lead to stunning views of the gorge and nearby visitor center.
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Emerald Lake State Park Campground, families can enjoy a lovely lake with a swimming beach. A reviewer said, "The lake and beach is lovely, clean, and the water is warm and clear."
  • Mountain Biking: For biking enthusiasts, Gifford Woods State Park Campground offers access to great trails. One visitor noted, "Great hiking trails and a pretty peaceful pond with fishing across the street."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathrooms and showers. A review of Quechee State Park Campground states, "They have very clean bathrooms and showers."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds, like Emerald Lake State Park Campground, offer large, wooded sites. A camper shared, "Beautiful ridgetop campground with large wooded sites and lots of room between sites."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. At Gifford Woods State Park Campground, one visitor said, "The staff were always available and willing to help with ice, firewood and quarters for showers!"

What you should know:

  • No Electric Hookups: Most campgrounds, including Moosalamoo Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A reviewer pointed out, "No Electric or hookups."
  • Coin-Operated Showers: Be prepared to bring quarters for showers. At Emerald Lake State Park Campground, a camper mentioned, "Showers were hot but minimal pressure. No hot water at the sinks."
  • Wildlife Awareness: Campers should be aware of wildlife, especially bears. One review from Gifford Woods State Park Campground noted, "There has been an increase in Black Bear activity but that won't deter us from ever coming back."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Lean-To Options: Consider staying in a lean-to for added protection from the elements. A family at Emerald Lake State Park Campground found it helpful during a rainy weekend, saying, "It was very helpful to have a lean-to during a very rainy weekend."
  • Snack Bar Nearby: Many campgrounds, like Quechee State Park Campground, have snack bars or nearby dining options. One camper recommended, "I recommend eating at the snack bar! Their food is so good."
  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds that offer activities for children. At Quechee-Pine Valley KOA, a reviewer mentioned, "There are tons of amenities and things for kids to do – swimming pool, fishing ponds, bike rental."

Tips from RVers:

  • Big Rig Friendly: Many campgrounds, such as Gifford Woods State Park Campground, accommodate larger RVs. A camper noted, "The sites are nicely spaced and seem to accommodate big rigs rather well."
  • Check Site Size: Make sure to check the size of the sites before booking. A review of Lake Bomoseen KOA mentioned, "The sites are spacious enough, but are very close to each other."
  • Cell Service: Be aware that cell service can be spotty. A visitor at Mount Ascutney State Park Campground mentioned, "The (AT&T) cell phone reception was pretty good, but could be slow at times."

Camping near Barnard, Vermont, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Barnard, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Barnard, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 190 campgrounds and RV parks near Barnard, VT and 20 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Barnard, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Barnard, VT is Quechee State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 22 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Barnard, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 free dispersed camping spots near Barnard, VT.

What parks are near Barnard, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Barnard, VT that allow camping, notably North Hartland Lake and Green Mountain National Forest.

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