Best Campgrounds in Vermont

Vermont is not only one of the best places to live and work in the U.S.; it’s also a hugely popular vacation destination. All seasons have their own charm in this freethinking New England state, from the long, snowy winters to gloriously sunny summers and, of course, the breathtaking fall foliage. It comes as no surprise that Vermont is popular among campers. Along with hiking, skiing and fishing, camping in Vermont is among the greatest things to do in this gorgeous state.

Vermont is one of the least populated American states, home to vast forests, accessible mountains, and picturesque villages. Whether you come for fishing or hiking, kayaking or skiing, Vermont has it all in world-class quality. Fishing on Lake Champlain can be done all year long – ice fishing in winter through boat trips in summer – while kayaks and canoes are welcome on most rivers and lakes. Hiking, however, is arguably the most practiced outdoor pursuit in the Green Mountain State. Trails crisscross across the land, running along the beautiful Lake Champlain shoreline and up to the highest Green Mountain peaks, such as Camels Hump and Mount Mansfield. Vermont is also home to the oldest long-distance trail in the United States, the Long Trail. This path runs from the Massachusetts border all the way north to Canada, following the crest of the Green Mountains. A section of the beloved Appalachian Trail cuts through the state’s southern part as well. Rest assured that you’ll find plenty of camping in Vermont on the way, along the trails, on riverbanks and lakeshores. Are you a winter camper, too? We sure hope so! Vermont happens to be one of North America’s best destinations for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. With renowned resorts such as Killington, Sugarbush and Stowe, it’s a winter sports enthusiast’s paradise.

No matter what adventures you’re after, Vermont has you covered. And at The Dyrt, we’re always ready to help you find the best camping in Vermont.

Best Camping Sites in Vermont (218)

    1. Grand Isle State Park Campground

    27 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

    27 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

    23 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. Smugglers Notch State Park Campground

    22 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"

    5. Quechee State Park Campground

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

    "This is a nice state park located near the Quechee Gorge, a lovely place to explore and play. Vermont State parks often offer lean-to options and Quechee is no exception."

    "You really can't go wrong with a Vermont State Park. They are meticulously maintained and the folx that work there are super helpful."

    6. Jamaica State Park Campground

    21 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."

    "Great spot near the river with a flat trail and a waterfall near by."

    7. Woodford State Park Campground

    20 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!"

    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

    18 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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Showing results 1-10 of 218 campgrounds

Recent Reviews in Vermont

856 Reviews of 218 Vermont Campgrounds



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

What camping is available in Vermont?

According to TheDyrt.com, Vermont offers a wide range of camping options, with 218 campgrounds and RV parks in Vermont and 31 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground in Vermont?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground in Vermont is Grand Isle State Park Campground with a 5-star rating from 27 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping in Vermont?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 31 free dispersed camping spots in Vermont.

What are the best parks in Vermont?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 463 parks in Vermont that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.