201 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Green Mountain National Forest surrounding Hancock, Vermont provides a range of camping experiences from established campgrounds to dispersed sites. Moosalamoo Campground in Rochester offers tent and RV camping with amenities like drinking water and picnic tables, while Green Mountain National Forest FR207 provides free dispersed camping areas for those seeking a more primitive experience. Several campgrounds in the area feature cabin options, including Silver Lake Campground and Gifford Woods State Park, which also offers glamping accommodations. Most established sites are concentrated along Route 100 and within the national forest boundaries.
Camping seasons typically run from Memorial Day through mid-October, with most facilities closing after Columbus Day weekend. "The campground is right on the shoreline of Waterbury reservoir so there is boating (rentals available) and plenty of fishing. There is also ALOT OF HIKING!" noted one visitor about a nearby state park. Road conditions vary throughout the region, with some dispersed camping areas requiring high-clearance vehicles, particularly during spring mud season. Cell phone coverage can be spotty, especially in more remote areas of the Green Mountain National Forest. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly for cabins and during peak foliage season in late September and early October.
Waterfront camping locations receive consistently positive reviews, with Silver Lake Campground and Branbury State Park providing lake access that appeals to families. A camper described Silver Lake as "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." Proximity to hiking trails represents another highlight, with the Appalachian Trail passing directly through Gifford Woods State Park. Campers frequently mention the area's quiet atmosphere and natural beauty as primary draws. For those seeking solitude, the dispersed camping areas in the national forest provide more privacy but fewer amenities than established campgrounds. Winter camping is limited primarily to backcountry areas for experienced winter campers.
"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 Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"A great peaceful spot right next to the river."
"Loved camping next to the water and hearing the river as we slept. There are fire rings. No bugs."
"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
Check Availability"A little more than half of the sites can be driven to and others require a very short walk (50 ft?). "
"Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome. Very pretty area."
"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."
GuideSimply 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.
ScoutVery 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.
GuideGood size campground with three loops. 2 shower / restroom facilities. Many of the sites are simply grass. There are a few gravel ones. The staff has no problem with driving on the or parking on grass. All sites have a firepit. Wood can be obtained locally. There is no store at the camp. There is only one dump station. There is a boat launch with limited trailer parking although when we stayed (Aug 2026) the water was only 18 in to 2 ft deep at docks. Heavily choked with vegetation. Shower facilities were clean enough but could use more attention, heavy cobwebs at lights, corners and edges of shower pretty dark with mold. Plenty of fresh water spigots throughout the camp. Camp is on the banks of lake Champlain, although only a couple sites have a lake view. Ruins of two pre-revolutionary war forts are within walking distance and offer a great introduction to life in the early 18th century. Fort Ticonderoga is a 30 min drive and will take most of the day to tour. Well worth the trip. Only 3 min drive to Vermont. I would stay again.
TravelerThe spot seemed nice enough and had other campers set up at 8p on a Monday. The road was not good for my 2008 Prius and I messed up the underside trying to turn around
ScoutPeaceful, quiet, relaxing space. Super friendly staff.
GuideThis is a very nice campground but it is not at Lake George. It is about 25 min to Lake George Village. We had no trouble getting level and the bathhouse was very nice and CLEAN! The owners are very friendly and receptive to suggestions.
ScoutThis was our first trip away from home. The campgrounds are clean with beautiful views.
ScoutSpent a night here. Sites are grass for most part and level. Plenty of room. We did the water and electric site.
ScoutI wanted to get into camping at a place I knew was going to have a grocery store near by and close to the Comnecticut River. This has all that plus well kept bathrooms and kayak rentals. All very cool and easy accessible.
Dispersed camping near Hancock, Vermont offers both free and established options within the Green Mountain National Forest. Most primitive sites lack facilities beyond fire rings. The elevation ranges from 850 to 2,300 feet throughout the region, creating significant temperature variations. Spring camping often encounters mud season conditions from late March through mid-May when forest roads may become impassable.
Hiking to waterfalls: Access Falls of Lana from Moosalamoo Campground trails. "There is some decent hiking from the campground, one hike of maybe 2 miles (one way) to a reservoir, and another of 3 miles (one way) to the 'Falls of Lana' (or something like that), which is really just a cascade, but nice nonetheless," notes one camper about Moosalamoo Campground.
Mountain biking: Try the pump track at Moosalamoo Recreation Area. "Moosalamoo campground has awesome bike trails with smooth trail beds and nice rolling bumps. The kind campground hosts can tell you all about the hiking and biking trails within Moosalamoo National Forest," writes a young reviewer.
Star gazing: The limited light pollution makes for excellent night sky viewing. A visitor to Lake Champagne Resort noted it's "a terrific place to enjoy the dark sky and fall foliage." Another camper at Moosalamoo mentioned, "At night, you can go out to the bicycle pump track and lay a blanket on the grassy hill against the track and look at stars in COMPLETE darkness."
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites. At Chittenden Brook Campground, "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."
Fresh water access: Streams and brooks enhance many camping spots. A visitor to Austin Brook described it as "a beautiful little pull off the road right on the river with tables & fire rings." At White River & Gulf Brook, campers appreciated that "We were happy to find some free dispersed camping off route 100 on our fall road trip... Loved camping next to the water and hearing the river as we slept."
Clean facilities: Even primitive sites often have well-maintained amenities. At Moosalamoo, a camper noted, "Surprisingly clean vault toilets. No showers. There are dumpsters on the way out for trash and recycling. I saw bear storage lockers but I did not use them as I had my bear keg with me."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely by location. One camper at White River & Gulf Brook advised, "Make sure you know your directions ahead of time bc no service."
Vehicle clearance requirements: Some forest roads need high-clearance vehicles. For FR207, a visitor warned, "This is not a place to go without at least 9 inches of ground clearance."
Bear precautions: Food storage is important in this region. At Chittenden Brook, a camper noted, "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!"
Beach access: Lake swimming opportunities enhance family trips. A reviewer at Branbury State Park shared, "The day use section has a wonderful beach with a swimming area and boat launch. Large trees provide shade on a grassy lawn, and grills are available. The concession stand is open during day use hours."
Playgrounds: Several campgrounds have play areas for children. A Branbury visitor noted, "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."
Educational opportunities: Ranger programs offer learning experiences. One camper mentioned, "They have boat rentals and nature tours on the lake led by the state park faculty. When the kids get tired from swimming they're a nice beach area and playground."
Limited hookup availability: Most forest service campgrounds lack RV amenities. At Gifford Woods State Park, "Although many of the sites here are set up to accommodate large RVs and other trailers, there are also more secluded sites up the hill with trees."
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. A Gifford Woods visitor noted, "Site 16 is one of the smaller sites and is not super level, but we were able to get the Subaru backed in and relatively level for camping."
Road access considerations: Forest roads may pose challenges for larger rigs. A visitor to Chittenden Brook cautioned, "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Hancock, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Hancock, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 201 campgrounds and RV parks near Hancock, VT and 21 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Hancock, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hancock, VT is Moosalamoo Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 16 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hancock, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 free dispersed camping spots near Hancock, VT.
What parks are near Hancock, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Hancock, VT that allow camping, notably Green Mountain National Forest and Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests.
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