nancy B.
Traveler
TravelerLake Bomoseen KOA
Won’t be coming back
Terrible. Only 1 bar of Verizon. They have WIFI but it’s useless. Plus way too crowded for me. Noisy
Camping near Fayston, VT
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping near Fayston, Vermont ranges from free dispersed campsites in the Green Mountain National Forest to developed state park campgrounds with designated sites and facilities. Options like Austin Brook and FR25 provide riverside camping without facilities, while nearby state parks including Camel's Hump and Little River offer tent platforms, designated sites, and basic amenities like picnic tables, drinking water, and toilet facilities.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many forest roads requiring higher clearance vehicles, especially after rain or during spring melt. The camping season typically runs from May to October, with most established campgrounds like Little River State Park open from mid-May through mid-October. Winter access becomes challenging as forest roads are not maintained and many areas experience significant snowfall. A camper noted that "FR 291 is a somewhat primitive road - lots of big puddles. I would want some clearance for a vehicle. Our Toyota Highlander made it easily."
Waterside camping represents a significant draw in the area, with numerous sites situated along brooks and rivers. Several visitors highlighted the peaceful sounds of running water as a major benefit to the camping experience. As one reviewer described Austin Brook: "There's a few sites here! All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings." Many dispersed sites maintain a rustic, natural feel while still providing basic amenities like fire rings and occasionally picnic tables. Campers should note that while these areas are free to use, they lack facilities like restrooms or trash service, requiring strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles. Some reviewers mentioned concerns about improper waste disposal threatening continued access to certain areas, with the Forest Service posting warnings about potential closures if conditions don't improve.
Best Campgrounds near Fayston (197)
1. Little River State Park Campground
"Little River State Park is located just outside of Waterbury Vermont so it’s an ideal location for jumping off on other adventures!"
"We came here to hike the Dalley Loop Trail (which is a great trail full of history), but we wish we had camped here instead of the private campground 45 minutes away where we did stay."
from $19 - $28 / night
Check Availability2. Austin Brook
"All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings. Keep it clean!"
"This area is right next to FireRoad 25 rd. We did not camp here we camped on FR25."
3. Smugglers Notch State Park Campground
"I’d say this was one of Vermont’s best kept secrets, except I don’t think it’s exactly a secret. Even in October, the Park seemed full with visitors and Stowe was hopping!"
"They don't have all the usual amenities its more of a primitive set up. has great clean sites with multiple ways to access mount mansfields trail system which is the highest mountain in the state of Vermont"
from $20 / night
Check Availability4. Route 100 Dispersed Camping
"It is located in the mountains of Vermont and right next to a beautiful river. The only con was the highway noise since it's pretty close to the road."
"Entrance and exit are a little steep and tricky in the winter, lot wasn’t plowed so AWD/4x4 and good ground clearance are recommended."
5. Green Mountain National Forest FR207
"If you're considering a spot in Vermont to camp, come here! Also, make sure your car has a bit of clearance as some sports have dips in the ground."
"Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests. Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles."
6. Mount Philo State Park Campground
"the best part is every night its only a ten minute hike to the summit from where the sites are and you get to watch the sunset over Vermont and lake champlain as the sun falls behind the adirondack mountains"
"apparently this is the first state park in Vermont. Only 8 campsites so try to book early. Nice trails that lead to scenic views of Lake Champlain. Bathrooms and showers were clean."
from $23 / night
Check Availability7. Camel's Hump State Park — Camels Hump State Park
"This is a short and sweet hike to one of the higher points in Vermont. It is a beautiful scenic (somewhat strenuous) hike to the summit. The views are pretty epic though."
from $10 / night
Check Availability8. Shelburne Camping Area
"This is a nice little private campground in Shelburne, just outside of Burlington. Close to Lake Champlain. Good place to spend the night and good access to activities."
"Lastly, the location was perfect, just outside of Burlington made access to the area ideal."
9. Lincoln Dispersed Camping
"Down off this back road in VT you can find some beautiful secluded campsites - Yards away from gorgeous running water. No trash or restrooms - Primitive for sure. Prepare for bugs as well."
"Day 2 we walked past the gate beyond the end of the road followed a trail up 500 feet or so of elevation in the foothills to the west of Mt Ellen. Found one more camp site."
10. Green Mountain National Forest FR25 - Dispersed Camping
"All the sites were full when I visited (6 to 8 sites, approximately, but i didn't go down a couple little gravel paths to check each spot as you couldn't turn around easily) , so I didn't get to camp there"
Drive Time
- 51 min from Burlington, VT
- 2 hrs 21 min from Glens Falls, NY
- 2 hrs 22 min from Manchester, NH
- 3 hrs 5 min from Albany, NY
Recent Camping Photos near Fayston, VT
339 Photos of 197 Fayston Campgrounds
Jonny A.
Madbush Falls
Raj T.
Camel's Hump State Park — Camels Hump State Park
Mike B.
Lincoln Dispersed Camping
Jen V.
Maple Hill Campsites
Thomas and James S.
Austin Brook
Lynn L.
Brook Run Dog Retreat
Lucinda N.
Vermont Ranch and Riverside Retreat
Caitlin M.
Little River State Park Campground
Miccal M.
Green Mountain National Forest FR207
Miccal M.
Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road
M.A.D. P.
White River & Gulf Brook
michael M.
Texas Gap
Recent Reviews near Fayston, VT
808 Reviews of 197 Fayston Campgrounds
- T
Tom M.
ScoutTwin River Campground and Cottages
Friendly Staff, Nice Facilities
The cleanest, nicest shower room we’ve ever experienced. The staff is exceptionally welcoming and friendly. The mini golf is decent but gold panning in the Wild Ammonusuc is the tourist draw. The salt water pool is sparkling cleaning. We enjoyed our visit very much and will come again.
Adam and Suzanne B.
GuideLone Pine Campsites
Exceeded expectations
We stayed only on weekdays. It was very quiet for having so many sites. Sites are very close together. Sites on the upper loop have less noise from the interstate. Showers on the upper loop at dated and have poor pressure and fickle temperatures, but the other bathhouses are newer. Two pools. Large laundry room. They even have rolls of quarters at the office. Most of the sites are seasonal and are very tidy and well-kept. The grounds are mowed and well-maintained.
RebeccaTravelerCrane Pond Dispersed Site
4th of July
My partner and I went on 4th of July weekend for the first time and was greeted by a man in the parking lot who had been coming there for 40 years. The site was gorgeous with 10 different campsites to choose from. The past reviews are correct with a lifted four wheel drive vehicle being needed for this drive in if you plan on getting paddled boats/kayaks in the water. Our plan was to go in and out to explore but decided to hunker down once we took the road in to avoid driving it multiple times. There are four hike-in camps from the parking lot. All campsites are marked on AllTrails. We stayed on the East side camp, #10, which after setting up and visiting the rest of the sites, had the least views from camp of the water but was the most secluded. Many sites have a privy or a box with a hole and a lid. There were a total of four trucks/jeeps in the lot all weekend and only a few camps being used. The black flies and mosquitos were bad given the time of the year so be prepared if you come during the same time. There are some beautiful trails that connect to the parking lot that lead to other hike-in camps at other small ponds/lakes.
There are green tags on the trees marked next to the water where the camp sites are. We made the mistake of setting up our tent at a makeshift campsite someone made and found the "no camping" sign after and ended up moving. There are beaver, ducks, and loons living at the pond.
- AAndy B.
RangerLittle River State Park Campground
Site 69
We stayed at site 69 over the Fourth of July weekend this year. It was amazing - the site is so secluded, wooded, and had a lot of forest for the kids to explore.
The bathrooms were clean and renovated, showers were token only but were clean and hot with good water pressure.
The campground itself had so many activities planned (sunset kayak tour, fishing for beginners, and a Fourth of July parade were the ones we participated in) and the staff was great.
Ice and wood on hand, decently priced.
Sites were cleaned immediately after they were left by the precious campers.
- KKevin F.Scout
Lone Pine Campsites
Good location with clean bathrooms
We stayed here for a week earlier this summer. This campground has a lot of seasonal sites, which I suspect is the majority of their business. The bathrooms were clean and campground staff was helpful when we had questions. The place came to life on the weekend but was pretty empty during the week. Our boys had fun riding their bikes around, playing basketball, and playing a round of mini golf. Our site had a fair amount of ants on it and staff did lay down some pest control when I asked them to, but it didn't completely kill them off. I went by a local Home Depot and got some ant spray and that did the trick for the rest of our stay. Overall our stay here was good and I'd come back again. It was a great launching off point for exploring Vermont.
- MMorgan S.Traveler
Smugglers Notch RV Village
Great camping
We had the best time here. The owner was so so helpful, got us set up for a sight last minute and even gave us a discount. Gave us information on cool things to do in the area also. Great people and a great place!
Tara S.
LegendGrand Isle State Park Campground
Perfectly Fine Campground
The Lake Champlain Islands are amazing, and camping at Grand Isle State Park also makes them pretty affordable. I camped here in October, so I chose to stay in one of the small camping cabins (Camels Hump). It had electricity, but no indoor plumbing, and was very cozy!
This is the most popular campground in the Vermont State Park system, and I think it's because of the location, as aside from camping, there isn't a whole lot to do - no hiking trails to speak of and a small, rocky beach that isn't ideal for swimming.
The cabin was an affordable way to explore the Islands, and for that I would absolutely stay here again!
- Tara S.Legend
Big Deer State Park Campground
Worst of the 4 Campgrounds in Groton State Forest
This is basically a Stillwater overflow campground. It's small, so I thought it would be quiet and peaceful. We booked at the last minute, and it was Father's Day weekend, so we didn't have many options.
These sites are very close together with no privacy. We booked the Moose lean-to, which faced the campsite next to us, about 15 feet away. Our neighbors were nice, so it wasn't a huge deal, but it got kind of awkward, like we were sitting and watching them go about their business.
For reference, we've stayed in a lot of Vermont State Park lean-tos, and most face the woods, even if the neighbors are close. The water faucet closest to our site was out of order, and the bathrooms were dingy, old, and not very clean.
In case you are planning a trip to Groton State Forest, here are our top picks in order:
1. Waterfront lean-tos at Ricker Pond State Park
2. Waterfront lean-tos at Stillwater State Park
3. Most sites at New Discover State Park (sites are pretty private)
4. Big Deer (we won't stay here again)
We absolutely love this part of Vermont, though. I hope you get to visit!
Guide to Fayston
Camping spots near Fayston, Vermont range in elevation from 900 to 4,000 feet in the Green Mountain National Forest, with most dispersed sites situated along forest roads and water features. Weather patterns vary significantly with elevation, often creating temperature differences of 10-15 degrees between valley campsites and mountain locations. Forest roads typically open in mid-May after mud season subsides, with higher elevation roads sometimes remaining inaccessible until early June.
What to do
Explore reservoir paddling: Little River State Park Campground offers waterfront recreation with boat-in camping options. "The reservoir is a fun place to explore via kayak and canoe as well as by motorboat! We tend to hang at the site more than the beaches as the beaches are very small and full of children," notes one camper. Several remote sites are only accessible by water.
Discover historic ruins: The forest around Little River contains remnants of abandoned settlements. "The hiking trails are really good--actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," explains a visitor who camped there with five children.
Summit nearby peaks: Camel's Hump State Park provides access to significant elevation gain with tent platforms available at designated sites. "This is a short and sweet hike to one of the higher points in Vermont. It is a beautiful scenic (somewhat strenuous) hike to the summit," according to a reviewer who noted the camping area is about 1.5 miles into the hike.
What campers like
Scenic mountain views: Sites along Forest Road 207 in Green Mountain National Forest offer expansive vistas. "In the first large meadow, multiple fire rings/sites. Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests," reports one camper. The higher elevation locations provide panoramic perspectives that change with the seasons.
Water features: Austin Brook dispersed camping areas provide stream access at most sites. One visitor noted, "Smaller area roughly 1-6 sites. When driving in on the right there's a culdesac type set up of sites. Pretty sure these sites all have river access." The sound of running water adds to the camping experience.
Seclusion at higher elevations: FR207 camping areas offer isolation on open meadows. "Great mountain views, some sites right on the road, some in fields and some tucked away out of view," writes a camper who found multiple options. The remote location means limited light pollution for stargazing opportunities.
What you should know
Road conditions vary dramatically: Forest roads require appropriate vehicles. A reviewer of Lincoln Dispersed Camping noted, "FR 291 is a somewhat primitive road - lots of big puddles. I would want some clearance for a vehicle. Our Toyota Highlander made it easily." Many forest access roads deteriorate after rainfall.
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites lack amenities. At Green Mountain National Forest FR25, campers should prepare for self-sufficiency: "There was a NFS sign along FR-25 posted asking people to clean up after themselves (litter and human waste) as there'd been complaints to the extent that they were considering closing the sites if people didn't do better."
Weather considerations: Temperature swings can be significant, especially at higher elevations. One FR207 visitor experienced "Winter camping at its finest. My first time winter camping and had the entire area to myself. Extremely calm and peaceful. Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving." Conditions can change rapidly with elevation.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with built-in activities: Mount Philo State Park Campground offers family-friendly terrain with only 10 total campsites. A family camper mentioned, "We love how private the camp sites were. There are less than 20 sites total, and all sites are near walk-in paths to excellent views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks or the Green Mountains."
Consider established campgrounds: For families needing reliable facilities, Smugglers Notch State Park provides consistent amenities. "Pristine facilities, private camp sites and a beautiful area. Smuggler's Notch is close enough to Stowe to not be a hassle to drive to, but far enough away that it's quiet and remote," notes a visitor who appreciated the balance of convenience and nature.
Look for educational opportunities: Many state parks feature ranger programs. "The ranger programming was exceptional, as are the views and the nearby areas for hiking and backpacking," reported a camper at Smugglers Notch who found the structured activities valuable for children.
Tips from RVers
Plan for water access: North Beach Campground accommodates RVs with full hookups near Lake Champlain. "This has been one of our favorite campsites so far. We loved being able to walk down to the beach, as well as having full hookups. We also met the nicest people here," reports an RV camper who enjoyed the combination of amenities and location.
Consider limited turnaround space: Many forest roads lack adequate turning space for larger vehicles. A visitor to Green Mountain National Forest FR207 advised, "This is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance. Views are spectacular, choose either sunrise or sunset and you should be able to get a site to fit your needs."
Reserve established sites early: The limited RV-suitable camping spots near Fayston fill quickly during peak season. One North Beach visitor recommended, "We stay every year for the Vermont City Marathon. It is a convenient bike ride down the bike path to the waterside park. Easy access to all of Burlington by bike. Reasonable price for campsites and the sites are large."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Fayston, VT?
What camping is available near Fayston, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Fayston, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 197 campgrounds and RV parks near Fayston, VT and 18 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Fayston, VT?
Which is the most popular campground near Fayston, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Fayston, VT is Little River State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 26 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Fayston, VT?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Fayston, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 free dispersed camping spots near Fayston, VT.
What parks are near Fayston, VT?
What parks are near Fayston, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Fayston, VT that allow camping, notably Green Mountain National Forest and Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests.
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