B
Brooke D.
Scout
ScoutCrow's Nest Campground
Our Favorite Part
The Sugar River was our favorite part. We spent a good amount of time down by the water and the kids loved cooling off there.
Camping near Chittenden, VT
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Camping near Chittenden, Vermont spans from developed campgrounds with tent sites, RV spaces, and cabins to free primitive dispersed sites along Michigan Brook Road. The best campgrounds near Chittenden include options for every style: full-facility state park camping, rustic dispersed sites with fire rings, and waterfront locations 15-20 miles out. Michigan Brook Road provides free dispersed camping with basic fire rings in more remote settings. The region includes several developed facilities like Chittenden Brook Campground and Moosalamoo Campground that accommodate both tent and RV camping, though hookup availability varies considerably between locations.
Roads accessing dispersed camping areas often present challenges, particularly during spring thaw and after heavy rainfall when mud and ruts can make navigation difficult. "Road goes in pretty far. Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!" notes one Michigan Brook visitor. Most established campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October, with some closing after Columbus Day weekend. Cell service remains spotty throughout much of the area, particularly at primitive sites along Michigan Brook Road where reception is only available by walking to the road's end. Winter access to many locations requires snowshoes or snowmobiles as service roads are not plowed beyond main parking areas.
The Appalachian Trail runs directly through Gifford Woods State Park, providing hikers with immediate trail access and convenient overnight accommodations. Several campers highlight the cleanliness and maintenance of facilities at established state parks compared to free dispersed sites. A camper at Gifford Woods described it as "absolutely the best kept and cleanest campground I've ever been to." Waterfront options exist at Lake Bomoseen State Park and Branbury State Park, both approximately 15-20 miles from Chittenden. Primitive sites along Michigan Brook often feature riverside camping but lack amenities like toilets, drinking water, or trash removal. Visitors seeking a balance between natural settings and basic facilities might prefer Chittenden Brook Campground, which maintains vault toilets and trash collection but preserves a more rustic camping experience than fully developed resort-style facilities.
Best Campgrounds near Chittenden (224)
1. Gifford Woods State Park Campground
"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."
2. Moosalamoo Campground
"there are no amenities other than cascading waterfalls, mountain views, incredible swimming hole, a nearby lake, a picnic table and a fire ring. the easiest access to sites one and two is the Silver Lake"
"Access to campground is on a gravel road but my van did okay. It is small and primitive and there is a camp host who is very nice."
from $15 / night
Check Availability3. Lake Bomoseen KOA
"No ATM on site to get cash… The sites are spacious enough, but are very close to each other. Zero buffer between neighboring sites means encroaching slide outs."
"family camping Kabins, rv, and tent sites, arcade, store, ice cream, and Lake Bomoseen. Easy to get to, close to Castleton, Rutland, and Hubbarton Battlefield. Great spot for a family get-a-way."
4. Chittenden Brook Campground
"Chittenden Brook Campground is in the Green Mountain National Forest off of Rt 73."
"Nice hiking trails close to long trail, really tucked away a few miles off 73. Great if you’re looking for some solitude."
from $15 / night
Check Availability5. Michigan Brook Road Camping - Green Mtn Ntnl Forest
"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."
"Few nice ones near the creek. I stayed at one on top of a lots of space at mine."
6. Coolidge State Park Campground
"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!"
7. Branbury State Park Campground
"The site was so scenic with a little waterfall and stream nearby. The camp staff was so nice. They kept the the bathrooms and areas so clean."
"Love to lake access, secluded camping, the hiking and remote area. Planning on revisiting next summer, even in august the nights get to a good sleeping temperature a vast majority of the time."
8. Half Moon Pond State Park Campground
"Bomoseen State Park is right down the road, but I recommend staying at Half Moon and taking advantage of the large swimming area at Bomoseen, as well as all the cool ponds, lakes, and hiking trails nearby"
"The pond is clean and swim-able and great for kayaks/canoes (near Glen Lake and Lake Bomoseen for boating and more kayaking/canoeing)."
9. Last light on Michigan Brook
10. Silver Lake Campground
"This is one of our favorite places to camp in Vermont. 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."
"Lovely place, free camping, fire pits at the campsite, and access to the water. We camped in the off season, but in the on season there are pit toilets and campground stewards."
from $10 / night
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Drive Time
- 1 hr 12 min from Glens Falls, NY
- 1 hr 24 min from Burlington, VT
- 1 hr 55 min from Albany, NY
- 1 hr 57 min from Pittsfield, MA
Recent Camping Photos near Chittenden, VT
377 Photos of 224 Chittenden Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
On the Hill Dispersed Camp
Michigan BrookM
Gifford Woods State Park Campground
Chittenden Brook Campground
Lake Bomoseen KOAR
Tentrr Signature Site - The Landing
Half Moon Pond State Park Campground
Branbury State Park Campground
Moosalamoo CampgroundN
Coolidge State Park Campground VermontJ
Coolidge State Park Campground
Silver Lake State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Chittenden, VT
814 Reviews of 224 Chittenden Campgrounds
Tara S.
LegendCoolidge State Park Campground Vermont
Very private with gorgeous views
This is a quiet campground in a quiet part of the state. The terrain is mountainous, and all of the sites are private. There are two loops, one for tents/RVs and one for lean-tos. We stayed in the Willow lean-to, and while our site didn't have a view, it was one of the most private sites we've stayed in and just a short walk to the bathhouse.
The campground was created by the CCC in the 1930s, and from what I've heard, it hasn't changed much since that time. While we were here, we visited the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site (very cool), Long Trail Brewing, and the town of Woodstock. Great trip!
- SSTEVEN J.
GuideLake Champagne Resort Vermont, Inc.
A Gem in Vermont
Simply said, if you like a well maintained place with a swim beach, floating dock, grass galore, space to stretch out, and more, this is the place. It’s beautiful. As a bonus, it’s cost effective over other RV parks. If you want free, nope. If you want wild open spaces, nope. You a great lush big clean park that feels like your Owen estate, then come check this place out. We will be back.
Jessica M.GuideKelley Stand Rd - NF Dispersed Camping
Interesting, decent site
Free dispersed camping site in the Green Mountain National Forest, off a dirt road. The site curves around past the driveway so you can tuck up into the trees to be more private. The upper part there has a circular open area, surrounded by thin trees. There’s a fire ring set up midway on the site. It felt more isolated than other sites I’ve stayed at and there were quite a few animal sounds in the woods, including large animal bones left past the treeline. They seem to be left behind from people (based off of how the bones were cut). Dispersed camping so don’t expect facilities of any sort. Decent site and pretty large compared to some of the other spots. Heard Barred Owls in the distance which was awesome. Uploaded a video of the site at night and pics of the area on a map that my friend was able to pull up.
- Jessica M.Guide
Dispersed site along Forest RD 71
Cute dispersed spot
Went with a friend on an impromptu last minute camping trip up in the NF and hoped we could find a spot on a Friday night. Quite a few spots were taken but there were still some free ones. We stayed at one near the creek just over a little bridge. Cute little site, nice fire pit, clean, perfect rock to put a big water jug on. The sound of running water was soothing. In the morning, adorable little red squirrels with big personalities made themselves known and there were wildflowers blooming all over with hummingbirds going about their business. This is dispersed camping so there’s no rest rooms, running water, etc. The particular site we stayed at did have another site on the other side of the creek and we could hear the family during the day and see them as they walked past, so it wasn’t as isolated as some of the other sites. It was a cute spot and I’ll def be back.
Henry M.ScoutCrow's Nest Campground
Spent Several Days
We spent several days here during the summer and had a really good experience. Some days we stayed busy swimming and exploring, while other days we barely left our campsite. That was probably what we enjoyed most.
Harley J.ScoutCrow's Nest Campground
Really Enjoyed
Really enjoyed the setting at Crow’s Nest. There are lots of trees and having the Sugar River running alongside the campground gives the whole place a nice New Hampshire feel. We were mostly looking for somewhere to disconnect for a couple of days, cook outside, fish a little, and enjoy being away from home. Crow’s Nest was a great fit for that.
David B.ScoutCrow's Nest Campground
Always Nice Coming Back
What we liked most about Crow’s Nest was being able to choose between doing absolutely nothing or heading out and exploring. One day we stayed around the campground, went swimming and relaxed by the river. The next day we got out and explored more of the Lake Sunapee area. It made a really good home base and it was always nice coming back to our campsite at the end of the day.
- KKaSondra S.Scout
Crown Point Camping Area
Disappointed
Very Disappointed With the Changes
Crown Point Campground used to be a wonderful place to camp. Unfortunately, since Happy Grounds purchased the campground, we have seen a significant decline in the overall experience.
I do want to make one thing very clear: the woman managing the campground is absolutely wonderful. She genuinely cares about the campers, is kind, helpful, and does her best to make people feel welcome. Our frustrations are not directed toward her. She deserves recognition for the effort she puts in, especially given the circumstances.
Unfortunately, there are serious concerns with the direction the campground has taken. There is no reliable Wi-Fi or cell service, which is especially concerning because there is no dependable way to call out in the event of an emergency. We have also seen a significant change in the atmosphere and clientele. Drugs have been found on the premises, including needles, which is extremely concerning for the safety of campers, especially families with children.
The campground has also become increasingly overcrowded. Tent sites have had upwards of 10 people on a single site, creating a very different camping experience from what many long-time campers originally signed up for.
Seasonal campers were told that there would be a gradual increase over two years to bring rates up to the new “going rate.” However, when the new contracts came out for next year, the price had increased by approximately $900. That is a substantial increase for a campground that, in our opinion, has continued to decline rather than improve.
What was perhaps most disappointing was how campers' concerns were handled. When people questioned the increase and expressed their frustrations, the response from the corporation was, and I quote:
“Get out and leave. I’ve heard enough complaints. Just leave if you don’t like it.”
That is an incredibly disappointing way to speak to people who have supported this campground for years.
It is heartbreaking to see what Crown Point Campground has become. There are good people here, and the campground itself has so much potential. Most importantly, the manager genuinely cares about the campers, and she deserves credit for that.
Our hope is that Happy Grounds will listen to the people who have invested years of their time and money here, address the safety and overcrowding concerns, and bring back the sense of community that once made Crown Point such a wonderful place to camp.
Guide to Chittenden
The Green Mountain National Forest area near Chittenden, Vermont sits at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,500 feet, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the season. Summer temperatures average 10-15 degrees cooler than nearby valleys, while fall brings frost to campsites by early September. Night temperatures drop significantly even in summer, often requiring warm sleeping gear regardless of season.
What to do
Hiking direct from campsite: At Gifford Woods State Park Campground, trails connect directly to the Appalachian Trail for day hikes. "The Appalachian Trail runs right through the park and you can hike up to Deer Leep, around Kent Pond, or to Thundering Falls right from the campground," notes camper Tara S.
Mountain biking on managed trails: The Moosalamoo Campground offers dedicated biking trails with smooth surfaces. "Moosalamoo campground has awesome bike trails with smooth trail beds and nice rolling bumps," writes Jill B., adding that the "kind campground hosts can tell you all about the hiking and biking trails within Moosalamoo National Forest."
Fishing in remote settings: Silver Lake provides quieter fishing opportunities with less pressure than larger bodies of water. "Lake at the top is very nice for swimming and cooling off. Quite a few places to set up a tent too, as well as a picnic area with little grills," reports Emma B.
What campers like
Privacy between campsites: Coolidge State Park Campground features well-separated sites with natural buffers. "There was plenty of room between sites. The roads going in and leaving were well maintained," shares William P., who appreciated the quiet atmosphere.
Clean facilities despite rustic settings: Vault toilets at Moosalamoo Campground receive consistent praise from visitors. "Surprisingly clean vault toilets. No showers. There are dumpsters on the way out for trash and recycling," notes Lauren S., who stayed in site 15 and found it "absolutely perfect for our group of three adults and two kids."
Lakefront lean-to options: At Bomoseen State Park Campground, waterfront lean-tos provide direct water access. "We like the waterfront lean-tos so we can keep our kayaks on the water the whole week," explains Angela J., who visits annually with friends.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds in the region have limited or no connectivity. At Moosalamoo Campground, "there is no cell phone service or wifi connection," notes Keegz M., though you can find service by walking to nearby areas.
Elevation affects temperature: Coolidge State Park's higher elevation means significantly cooler nights. "High up on a hillside. The prime lean tos have great views," reports Bob W., highlighting the park's elevation advantage.
Water access varies significantly: Chittenden Brook Campground features a brook rather than lake access. "The constant sound of running water from the brook was truly relaxing," notes Jessica C., who appreciated the natural soundtrack.
Tips for camping with families
Beach and playground access: Branbury State Park Campground combines camping with swimming facilities. "Spacious sites, hiking trails, biking trails, nice beach and grounds. Fishing, kayak, canoe, paddle boat and paddle board rentals. There's a nature center with all kinds of information and activities. A large playground," recommends J L.
Kid-friendly lean-to options: Several parks offer lean-tos that simplify camping with children. At Half Moon Pond State Park, "We stayed in site T06, which is right on the water. We were easily able to go straight from the tent to our kayak," shares Tara S.
Central activity areas: Many campgrounds feature common spaces where children can interact. At Branbury State Park, "Across the street from the campground was access to the lake with plenty of grassy areas to hang out. And beautiful sunsets at night," notes Nicole E.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Lake Bomoseen KOA offers more amenities but sites can be tight for larger RVs. "It was a little tight for our 36ft 5th wheel but manageable. The sites are a good size and relatively level," reports Dave S.
Road condition alerts: Access roads to many campgrounds require careful navigation. At Chittenden Brook, "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," cautions Jessica C.
Dump station locations: Plan waste management carefully as not all campgrounds offer dump facilities. At Branbury State Park, sanitary dump facilities are available, but Scott A. notes at Lake Bomoseen KOA, "I could not get the cable TV working. All in all it is a nice Campground and most of it (the back in spaces) look nice and wooded."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Chittenden, VT?
What camping is available near Chittenden, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Chittenden, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 224 campgrounds and RV parks near Chittenden, VT and 31 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Chittenden, VT?
Which is the most popular campground near Chittenden, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chittenden, VT is Gifford Woods State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 18 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Chittenden, VT?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Chittenden, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 31 free dispersed camping spots near Chittenden, VT.
What parks are near Chittenden, VT?
What parks are near Chittenden, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Chittenden, VT that allow camping, notably Green Mountain National Forest and Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests.
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