Best Campgrounds near Barnard, VT
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.