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Best Campgrounds in Vermont

910 Reviews

Vermont's state park system provides a range of cabin camping accommodations across numerous locations, with options available at Grand Isle, North Beach, Little River, Quechee, Smugglers Notch, and Woodford State Parks. Most cabins feature basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water. State park cabins typically do not include electrical hookups, with the exception of North Beach Campground in Burlington which offers both electric and water hookups. Private campgrounds like Shelburne Camping Area supplement the state offerings with additional cabin options, often providing more amenities than their public counterparts.

Cabin availability is highly seasonal, with most Vermont state parks operating from mid-May through mid-October. Reservations are required at all state park cabin sites and should be secured well in advance, particularly for summer weekends and fall foliage season. Facilities vary significantly between locations, though most provide access to showers and toilets. A visitor at Grand Isle noted, "We had a huge campsite that was comfortable for 3 tents and 6 adults. The restrooms/showers are vintage but clean and functional."

Campers consistently mention the natural beauty surrounding cabin sites as a highlight of their Vermont experience. State parks with cabin options are strategically positioned near recreational opportunities, including hiking trails, swimming areas, and fishing spots. Several visitors commented on the family-friendly atmosphere at Vermont state parks, with amenities like beaches and nature centers enhancing their stays. The cabin experience at Vermont state parks strikes a balance between rustic camping and comfort, with clean facilities and well-maintained grounds frequently mentioned in reviews. For those seeking a more primitive experience, Green Mountain National Forest offers dispersed camping alternatives, though these lack the structured amenities of developed campgrounds.

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Best Camping Sites in Vermont (225)

    1. Grand Isle State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Grand Isle, VT
    Website
    +1 (802) 372-4300

    $6 - $28 / night

    "Beautifully set on Lake Champlain in Vermont! This is a relatively large campground but is well laid out and doesn't feel small even when it's packed to the gills."

    "Since the park is on a island in Lake Champlain in Vermont there is water all around. Good places to walk and ride."

    2. North Beach Campground

    28 Reviews
    Burlington, VT
    Website
    +1 (802) 862-0942

    $37 - $100 / night

    "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."

    "Sites 1 to 16 are close to each other. Sites 113 to 119 are bad. Very close to each other. No redeeming qualities.

    Sites have 30 amp electric and water but might need a longish cord or hose."

    3. Little River State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Waterbury Center, VT
    Website
    +1 (802) 244-7103

    $19 - $28 / night

    "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."

    4. Quechee State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Quechee, VT
    Website
    +1 (802) 295-2990

    $38 / night

    "The Quechee Gorge, best accessed from the back of the lawn behind the bathhouse, is the deepest in Vermont.. which is kind of like saying the best bagel or most populous city in Vermont."

    "Got there close to the time the rangers left for the night, Nick was really kind to make sure I got situated before he left."

    5. Smugglers Notch State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Stowe, VT
    Website
    +1 (802) 253-4014

    $20 / night

    "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"

    6. Woodford State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Bennington, VT
    Website
    +1 (802) 447-7169

    "Woodford State Park is situated between Wilmington and Bennington VT in the southern part of the Green Mountain National Forest."

    "The views on some of the sites to the lake are beautiful. the grounds and facilities are well kept. and you are close to both Bennington and Wilmington. a great spot to camp at in Southern Vermont!"

    7. Jamaica State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Jamaica, VT
    Website
    +1 (802) 874-4600

    $20 - $42 / night

    "This tops our list for camping in Vermont. There is so much to do here, and yet the campground feels very private and quiet. There are 41 tent/RV sites to choose from and 18 lean-tos."

    "This was our second stay at this Vermont State Park. It was a great three days. The park rangers were tremendous in ensuring we had a great visit. They worked with us to get the right site."

    8. Camping On The Battenkill

    20 Reviews
    Arlington, VT
    Website
    +1 (802) 375-6663

    $45 - $57 / night

    "Our first time in Vermont and we picked an awesome campground. This place has a great layout with lots of great sites to choose from. There are several sites right on the river!

    Clean bath houses."

    "Site 16 had a path to the river and was slightly tucked away. Sites 13 and 14 were cool spots too, I’d imagine in the summer you may have less privacy because it’s near the swimming area."

    9. Emerald Lake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Danby, VT
    Website
    +1 (802) 362-1655

    "Beautiful campground in south central Vermont.  On a lovely emerald green small lake with nice beach. Good for fishing and kayaking.  Well kept."

    "The camp sites are quite a bit of a walk up the hill from the lake where there is swimming, kayaking, paddle boating and picnicking."

    10. Moosalamoo Campground

    16 Reviews
    Salisbury, VT
    Website
    +1 (802) 767-4261

    $15 / night

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos in Vermont

498 Photos of 225 Vermont Campgrounds

Recent Reviews in Vermont

910 Reviews of 225 Vermont Campgrounds

  • Marc D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Mount Ascutney State Park Campground

    Great state park

    This is a beautiful state park at the base of Mt ascutney. The campground is lovely. Forest Ed and beautiful fall colors in October. Good facilities. Friendly staff. Some noise from the interstate but not terrible. There is a 3.7 mile road that is extremely steep but paved, and goes to the summit of the mountain. Less than 1 mile hike from there to the observation tower. Great views. Lots of hiking trail trails.

  • S.D.G
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Quechee State Park Campground

    Great stop on any trip

    Clean, good facilities. Price has gone up to $38 a night. Got there close to the time the rangers left for the night, Nick was really kind to make sure I got situated before he left. Walking distance from the antique mall which is a stop everyone should make as well as good food and pizza right nearby. Great spot to stop at on any trip

  • Carroll K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Gus's Gardens Camping

    It was quite and peaceful

    We enjoyed our stay with Gus very much. With the email to confirm our stay, there were excellent directions to get there. It is behind his home by a lake with creek nearby. There is also a hiking trail. We had no problems. If we are in the area again, we would camp here again.  Thanks

  • Stuart M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Moscow Recreation Park

    Quiet & Safe in Stowe

    Quiet spot out of the way. Large sporting field car park suitable for big dogs. No 'no camping' signs. There was a portaloo on site.

  • Marc D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Shelburne Camping Area

    Nice Campground

    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. Sides are somewhat small close together. Bathrooms spotlessly clean. Older couple is the staff, very friendly and unhelpful.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Woodbury Meadows Campground

    Family-Owned Campground Near Stowe

    With 6 sites, this family-owned campground was the perfect pit stop on our road trip to Stowe. Dig and kid friendly. Has showers, water, and electrical hookup.

  • Keith L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Jamaica State Park Campground

    Great Camping Experience at Jamaica State Park

    This was our second stay at this Vermont State Park. It was a great three days. The park rangers were tremendous in ensuring we had a great visit. They worked with us to get the right site. The bathroom facilities, while rustic, were clean. There is a plethora of things to do in the park itself and in the local community. Nonetheless, it starts and ends with the management of the campground. Lauren, the campground manager, and her team of professionals, do a great job. We will definitely return.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Austin Brook

    Site is mislabeled as FR 25

    There are a handful of sites down Austin Brook road, I had trouble finding a level spot. Minimal ATT reception but overall pretty area

  • B The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Quechee State Park Campground

    Beautiful, road noise, not a lot there

    Big, flat, beautiful sites. Road noise isn't super loud, but it's constant. Might be the nicest bathrooms I've seen in decades of camping.

    The weird thing is that there just isn't much here. The Quechee Gorge, best accessed from the back of the lawn behind the bathhouse, is the deepest in Vermont.. which is kind of like saying the best bagel or most populous city in Vermont. Prepared to be whelmed.

    It's a ~30 minute hike, you can access some slow semi-rapids at the bottom.

    Camping at the SP does give access to another trail that's moderately challenging and has both some level spots and a nice overlook.

    Don't regret the trip at all but it seems more like an awesome stopover than a worthwhile destination. Some decent restaurants in the area and even more in nearby Lebanon/White River Junction.

Guide to Vermont

Camping in Vermont offers a unique blend of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there's something for everyone.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore trails like the Dalley Loop Trail, which is rich in history and offers stunning views. One camper mentioned, “We came here to hike the Dalley Loop Trail... the park is beautifully maintained and there are many more trails to explore.”
  • Boating and Swimming: Many campgrounds, like Little River State Park Campground, provide access to lakes and reservoirs. A reviewer noted, “The campground has a nice swimming beach and several nice hikes right from the campground.”
  • Mountain Biking: The Moosalamoo Campground is close to great biking trails. One visitor shared, “If you like mountain biking they have multiple trails... it was perfect for a beginner/intermediate biker!”

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful scenery. One said, “This campground is great! Located down a gravel forest road but easy to navigate... the sites are nice and spread apart with a lot of privacy.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A camper at Lake Champagne RV Resort remarked, “Campground is very clean, friendly, peaceful and lots of room.”
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peacefulness of Vermont's campgrounds. A review stated, “This has become a favorite spot! Extremely quiet campground. Clean pit toilets.”

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Moosalamoo Campground, have basic facilities. A visitor mentioned, “There were only 3 other campers... it was extremely peaceful and quiet!”
  • Seasonal Access: Many campgrounds are only open during specific seasons. For example, Little River State Park Campground operates from May 19 to October 22.
  • Dispersed Camping: If you prefer a more rustic experience, check out places like Green Mountain National Forest FR207. A camper noted, “Great mountain views, some sites right on the road, some in fields and some tucked away out of view.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with swimming areas and playgrounds. A family reviewer at Silver Lake Campground said, “The lake is clean and has a great concrete dock that the kids love to jump off.”
  • Plan for Privacy: Choose sites that offer some separation from others. One camper shared, “The sites are fairly private without being built too close together.”
  • Pack Essentials: Since some campgrounds have limited facilities, make sure to bring everything you need. A parent mentioned, “It’s a pack in pack out campground... pack out wisely fitting your abilities.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds are not suitable for larger RVs. A reviewer at Moosalamoo Campground advised, “I would not recommend this place for larger RVs, it's pretty tight with larger vans.”
  • Book Early: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. One RV traveler noted, “We went ‘first come, first serve’... had no problem getting a site.”
  • Know Your Vehicle: Ensure your RV can handle the terrain. A camper mentioned, “Make sure your car has a bit of clearance as some spots have dips in the ground.”

Vermont camping is all about enjoying nature, so pack your gear and get ready for an adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Vermont state parks offer the best camping facilities?

Grand Isle State Park Campground on Lake Champlain stands out with excellent facilities. Despite being a larger campground, it's thoughtfully designed so it never feels crowded. The park provides well-maintained amenities and convenient access to Vermont's extensive bike paths. Mount Ascutney State Park Campground is another excellent option with clean facilities and access to mountain biking trails. For campers seeking variety, Emerald Lake State Park offers drive-in sites with water access, toilets, and big-rig-friendly accommodations. Smugglers Notch State Park provides diverse access options (drive-in, hike-in, walk-in) with reservable sites and basic amenities in one of Vermont's most scenic areas.

What are the best campgrounds in Vermont for family trips?

Vermont offers exceptional family camping experiences with something for everyone. Jamaica State Park Campground tops the list with its 41 tent/RV sites and 18 lean-tos, providing privacy while offering numerous activities. The campground feels quiet despite having plenty for families to do. For water-loving families, Silver Lake Campground features clean swimming areas with a concrete dock perfect for kids to jump from, boat rentals, and ranger-led nature tours on the lake. Other family-friendly options include Mountain View Campground with riverside sites and amenities like pools and a well-stocked camp store, and North Beach Campground with its convenient access to Burlington's attractions via bike paths.

Is camping available year-round in southern Vermont?

Year-round camping in southern Vermont is limited, with most campgrounds closing for winter. Wilgus State Park Campground is notably the first Vermont state park to open each spring, well before Memorial Day. While traditional camping might be cold in early May, their four camping cabins offer an early start to the season. Brattleboro North KOA provides extended season camping opportunities with clean facilities and proximity to downtown Brattleboro. Camping On The Battenkill near Arlington may offer longer seasons for hardy campers. Most southern Vermont campgrounds typically operate from May through October, with precise opening/closing dates varying by location and weather conditions. Winter camping is generally limited to backcountry sites for experienced winter campers.

Where can I find the best primitive tent camping sites in Vermont?

Moosalamoo Campground offers an authentic primitive camping experience with no amenities beyond natural features. What it lacks in facilities, it makes up for with cascading waterfalls, mountain views, incredible swimming holes, and access to Silver Lake. Sites are accessible from the Silver Lake trailhead parking lot on Vermont Route 53. Another excellent primitive option is Hapgood Pond in the Green Mountain National Forest, offering an affordable camping experience in Vermont's beautiful wilderness. For those seeking island primitive camping, Woods Island State Park provides remote tent sites accessible only by boat, offering a true wilderness experience with basic facilities and stunning lake views.

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