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Best Campgrounds near Rochester, VT

714 Reviews

The rolling Green Mountains surrounding Rochester, Vermont provide a variety of camping environments from riverside sites to forest settings. Chittenden Brook Campground in the Green Mountain National Forest offers tent, RV and cabin accommodations just a few miles from Rochester's downtown area. Moosalamoo Campground provides additional options with tent and RV sites and several access types including drive-in, hike-in and walk-in approaches. For those seeking a more primitive experience, dispersed camping is available in designated areas of the national forest, particularly along Michigan Brook Road and Forest Road 207.

Camping in the Rochester area generally operates from late May through mid-October, with most developed campgrounds following a Memorial Day to Columbus Day season. Winter access becomes limited as forest roads are not maintained for snow removal. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially for summer weekends and during fall foliage season when the area sees increased visitors. Cell phone coverage can be spotty throughout the region, particularly in valleys and remote forest locations. The terrain varies from relatively flat riverside camping to more rugged forest settings. As one visitor noted, "Gifford Woods State Park is located just outside of Waterbury Vermont so it's an ideal location for jumping off on other adventures!"

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive feedback from visitors to the area. Abel Mountain Campground offers sites along the Third Branch of the White River, allowing campers direct access to swimming and fishing opportunities. Several developed campgrounds provide amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings, while dispersed sites offer more primitive experiences. Campers frequently mention the tranquility of forest sites and mountain views as highlights. Reviews indicate that campsites at established campgrounds tend to have good spacing and privacy compared to more crowded destinations. A camper described Chittenden Brook as having "sites that are fairly private without being built too close together," making it popular for those seeking a more peaceful camping experience while still maintaining access to amenities.

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Best Camping Sites Near Rochester, Vermont (191)

    1. Moosalamoo Campground

    16 Reviews
    Salisbury, VT
    11 miles
    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."

    2. Gifford Woods State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Killington, VT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 775-5354

    "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."

    3. Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    8 Reviews
    Granville, VT
    9 miles
    Website

    "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."

    4. Chittenden Brook Campground

    5 Reviews
    Goshen, VT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 767-4261

    $15 / night

    "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."

    5. Branbury State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Salisbury, VT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 247-5925

    "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."

    6. Michigan Brook Road Camping - Green Mtn Ntnl Forest

    4 Reviews
    Pittsfield, VT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "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."

    7. Lake Champagne Resort Vermont, Inc.

    6 Reviews
    Randolph, VT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 728-5293

    "Campsites are spread out, great dog walking areas , and very spacious dog parks, one for big dos and one for little ones."

    "I chose to stay here while I was finishing up the VT 4000-footers because it was midway between the trails for Mt Ellen/Abram and Killington."

    8. White River & Gulf Brook

    4 Reviews
    Granville, VT
    9 miles
    Website

    "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."

    9. Abel Mountain Campground

    3 Reviews
    Randolph, VT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 728-5548

    $45 / night

    "Close to Randolph for groceries and take-out. The Barn gas station complex off of Exit 4 was perfect for fueling-up before getting back on the road."

    "WE camp on a site on the river, some sites you can hear the river rushing over the rocks and some not but we like the view of the river when outside. "

    10. Silver Lake Campground

    6 Reviews
    Salisbury, VT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 767-4261

    $10 / night

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Rochester, VT

450 Photos of 191 Rochester Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Rochester, VT

714 Reviews of 191 Rochester Campgrounds

  • Jenna L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Crown Point Campground

    Nice with a view

    Pretty nice campground all things considered, bathrooms are definitely rustic but kept clean. Some of the campsites are very close together, and others have a decent amount of space between them, not necessarily a lot of trees in between campsites for privacy. Beautiful views of the water, and surrounding mountains. Staff was extremely friendly!

  • 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.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Frontier Town Campground

    So clean!

    We stayed in site 33 which is in the equestrian camping area. It’s really open with little tree cover which is perfect for those who work remote using Starlink. We had fantastic connection. The sites in the equestrian camping area are huge and so clean. The bathrooms are the cleanest I’ve seen so far and we do this full time. The only disappointment was that the hot water doesn’t get very hot in the shower so you better do some jumping jacks to get pumped before showering during colder temps! The trails are well marked and well maintained. Overall, this is a fantastic campsite. There’s even a brewery a ten minute walk down the road. We didn’t go but looks nice. Get your supplies before you arrive! Not many places around to quickly grab charcoal if you need it.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Kampersville

    Nice

    The campsites are all in the trees with some sites not clearly defined. The sites seem good sized with new bathroom and showers, with individual showers with a toilet. There are a lot of monthly staying here. Overall a nice park

  • nThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites — Waterbury Center State Park

    State park

    Little river st park wide flat camp sites no hookups limited gen. Use hours 8am/10am and 4pm/6pm. Rough road coming5th to campground. Very quite. cell phone t mobile works fine. Site could hold big rig we have a 28ft 5th wheel plenty of room for 35/40

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Storrs Pond Recreation Area

    Okay

    Stayed here on a Sunday night in late September. It was very quiet and peaceful. Tent sites were hilly/uneven and extremely far from the toilets and bathhouse. Bathhouse is old and run down. The shower curtains were covered in mildew so we decided not to shower. We were just here overnight and did not make use of the other recreation facilities.

Guide to Rochester

Camping near Rochester, VT, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the Dalley Loop Trail, which is rich in history. One visitor 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: Enjoy the Waterbury Reservoir at Little River State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "We stayed at site 13... shared driveway/camping area with site 14... a large reservoir with boating access and stunning views."
  • Fishing: The peaceful pond at Gifford Woods State Park Campground is perfect for fishing. One camper shared, "Great campground with many hiking trails and a peaceful pond with fishing across the street."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Quechee State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms (which have coin-operated showers) were immaculate and seem to be somewhat newer than the other state parks."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer generous spacing between sites. A reviewer at Moosalamoo Campground mentioned, "Sites are generously spaced out... extremely peaceful and quiet!"
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Button Bay State Park Campground noted, "Super friendly guests and park rangers."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A visitor at Rogers Rock Campground pointed out, "The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting and falling apart... the only thing the workers did was add toilet paper."
  • Seasonal Availability: Many campgrounds are only open during specific seasons. For example, Gifford Woods State Park Campground operates from May 19 to October 16.
  • Cell Service: Expect limited cell service in some areas. A camper at Lake Bomoseen KOA mentioned, "Cell service is very limited. Very remote... the Wi-Fi didn’t even work at the office."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. A reviewer at Quechee-Pine Valley KOA said, "This place was very clean and loaded with amenities: pool, dog park, events, open fields."
  • Plan for Privacy: Some sites can be close together, so pick wisely. A camper at Button Bay State Park Campground advised, "On Loop 2, campsites are wide open so make sure to bring a screen shelter or pop up with panels if wanting privacy."
  • Pack for Activities: Bring bikes or games for downtime. A visitor at Gifford Woods State Park Campground mentioned, "We love hiking and there is no shortage of hiking trails in and around the park."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your site can accommodate your RV. A reviewer at Quechee State Park Campground noted, "The sites are nicely spaced and seem to accommodate big rigs rather well."
  • Be Prepared for Rough Roads: Some access roads can be bumpy. A camper at Little River State Park Campground mentioned, "The access road is a bit rough but navigable by all vehicles."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. A visitor at Rogers Rock Campground said, "The only thing the workers did was add toilet paper... the bathrooms were absolutely disgusting."

Camping near Rochester, VT, has its ups and downs, but with the right preparation, you can have a great time enjoying the outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best camping spots near Rochester, MN?

The Rochester area offers excellent camping options for all preferences. Chittenden Brook Campground stands out with its proximity to Rochester, offering both drive-in and walk-in access with reservable sites and toilet facilities. For those seeking a more natural experience, White River & Gulf Brook provides drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in camping opportunities. Many campers appreciate the blend of accessibility and nature these locations offer, with well-maintained sites that provide the perfect base for exploring the surrounding area.

When is the best time of year to camp in Rochester, Minnesota?

The prime camping season around Rochester runs from late May through early October when temperatures are most comfortable. Wilgus State Park Campground is notable for being one of the first parks to open each spring, typically well before Memorial Day, offering an early start to the camping season with cabin rentals available for those chilly early-May nights. Summer months provide warm days perfect for water activities, while September and early October offer spectacular fall foliage with fewer crowds. Winter camping is possible for experienced campers, but facilities are limited as most campgrounds close for the season.

What activities are available near Rochester camping areas?

The Rochester area is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Mount Ascutney State Park Campground offers excellent mountain biking trails and hiking opportunities with clean facilities. Water lovers can enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating at Silver Lake Campground, which features a concrete dock popular with families, boat rentals, and ranger-led nature tours. The region also offers abundant wildlife viewing, photography opportunities, and easy access to nearby towns for shopping and dining. Many campgrounds connect to trail systems perfect for hiking and biking, with some providing direct water access for kayaking and canoeing.

What amenities are available at Rochester campgrounds?

Rochester area campgrounds offer varied amenities to suit different camping styles. Mountain View Campground features two swimming pools, a well-stocked camp store, and tent sites along the Lamoille River. For those seeking more basic facilities, Moosalamoo Campground provides picnic tables and fire rings with natural attractions like cascading waterfalls, mountain views, and access to a swimming hole and nearby lake. Most campgrounds in the region offer standard amenities like restrooms, while some include electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities.

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