Map showing campground location near Salisbury, Vermont

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Silver Lake Campground

This US Forest Service campground requires a half-mile hike from the parking area, with campers carrying all gear down to Silver Lake. The 15 hike-in sites spread along the lakeshore within Green Mountain National Forest, accessible via gravel forest roads near Salisbury.

Reviewers consistently mention the lake access as a primary draw, with a concrete dock for swimming and jumping. The sites maintain spacing between them without crowding, and the pack-in, pack-out policy keeps visitor numbers manageable. One access road provides an alternative route for gear transport, though it adds distance and involves uphill hiking on the return trip. "Lovely place, free camping, fire pits at the campsite, and access to the water," notes Kate S..

During peak season, pit toilets and campground stewards are available, while off-season camping operates without these services. The campground accepts reservations and allows pets. Fire pits are provided at each site, and campers report the lake water stays clean for swimming throughout the season.

For those preferring drive-up access, Branbury State Park Campground sits just over a mile northwest with vehicle-accessible sites and similar lake access.

Description

Overview

Silver Lake Campground is a small, primitive hike or bike-in only campground located on Silver Lake in Leicester, VT. There are 15 campsites, seven of which are available for advanced reservations along with eight first-come, first-served sites. It is a 0.6 mile hike in or a 1.5 mile bike ride in to access the campground. Please note: This Silver Lake Campground is located in Vermont.

Recreation

The Moosalamoo National Recreation Area consists of 16,000 acres abounding with recreation opportunities. With over 70 miles of well-maintained trails, mountain vistas, waterfalls, lakes and streams, it offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, swimming, fishing, hunting and more. From Silver Lake Campground, several hiking and mountain biking trails begin, including the Leicester Hollow / Chandler Ridge loop (open to hiking and biking) and the Rattlesnake Cliff / Aunt Jenny hiking loop (closed March 15 - August 1 for Peregrine Falcon nesting). Fishing and swimming are both popular activities accessible from the campground.

Facilities

There are two vault toilets and a spring (treat or boil water) within the campground. To access each campsite you must hike or bike-in, including all your gear. Each campsite has a fire ring, picnic table and a bear-proof food storage locker. There is no garbage service available; please carry out what you carry in.

Natural Features

Silver Lake is a gorgeous 100-acre lake surrounded by National Forest on all sides. It has attracted people for many generations and, along with its natural beauty, holds a strong sense of history. Long before the famous Silver Lake Hotel and religious retreat located on the site of today's picnic area, ancestors of today's Abenaki people were here enjoying the peace and beauty.

Nearby Attractions

The nearest available shopping and dining is in Brandon, located nine miles from the campground. Also nearby is Middlebury (17 miles from the campground), which offers many additional options.

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Location

Public Campground

Silver Lake Campground is located in Vermont

Directions

From Middlebury, travel south on Route 7 to the Junction of Route 125.Travel east on Route 125 for 6.8 miles, and turn right onto Forest Road 32. Follow FR 32 for 6.8 miles, and turn right onto Silver Lake Road. Follow Silver Lake Road 2.2 miles to the parking lot at the end. From Rochester, travel south on Route 100 to the junction of Route 73. Travel west on Route 73 for 10.3 miles. Turn right on Hathaway Road, and follow it for 1.3 miles. Turn right onto Flora White Road, and follow it for 1.4 miles to a stop sign. Go straight through onto Silver Lake Road. Follow Silver Lake Road 2.2 miles to the parking lot at the end.

Coordinates

43.89709 N
73.0501 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
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VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Cabins

Features

For Campers

Trash
Phone Service
Reservable
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time

1 hr from Burlington, VT
1 hr 21 min from Glens Falls, NY
2 hrs 4 min from Albany, NY
2 hrs 16 min from Pittsfield, MA

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5 Stars

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4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Campers regularly praised this hike-in campground's beautiful lake access, private sites, and family-friendly amenities. The half-mile hike with gear is noted as moderate effort but worth it for the peaceful setting.

Katy Z.

Ranger

Reviewed Oct. 6, 2022

Hike in camping with Lake access

This campground is hike in only and from the parking lot it’s about .5 mile. The hike is short but it’s also a hike down to the lake and back up with all your gear so be prepared! It’s quiet and only 15 sites so if you like that style of camping I’d recommend coming here! The parking is off gravel forest roads

Month of VisitOctober

(10) View All

Kyle B.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 2, 2020

We found gold at silver lake!

We had a very relaxing and peaceful camping experience, we stayed at site 15 that was absolutely perfect for our group of three adults and two kids, it's a pack in pack out campground so only pack what you truly need for camping the comforts are more work then they're worth. If you need to bring them there is and access road that you hike in on for can easy transportation of your gear, it's down hill on the way to the site and work on the way back to your car, it's also a mile longer then the other trail to the site. Pack out wisely fitting your abilities and you'll have a great time we did!

(4) View All

Shawn B.

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 25, 2018

This is a great place for the whole family

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. 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.

Site38

Month of VisitJuly

Emma B.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 6, 2018

silver lake

Lake at the top is very nice for swimming and cooling off. Quite a few places to set up a tent too, as well as a picnic area with little grills.

Kate S.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 6, 2018

Scenic and Secluded

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.

Month of VisitMay

Nick L.

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 21, 2017

Gold medal experience at Silver Lake

Wow, what a beautiful area! We all dipped!

Month of VisitOctober

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Silver Lake Campground located in Vermont?

Silver Lake Campground is located in Salisbury, Vermont. The campground is situated beside Silver Lake and requires a short hike of approximately 0.5 mile from the parking area to reach the campsites. The parking area is accessible via a gravel road. This hike-in campground offers a peaceful setting in the Vermont wilderness, making it ideal for those seeking a more secluded camping experience away from crowded areas.

What amenities are available at Silver Lake Campground in Salisbury?

Silver Lake Campground features 15 hike-in sites with fire pits at each campsite. During the main camping season, the campground provides pit toilets and has campground stewards on duty. The facility operates on a pack-in, pack-out basis, so campers should be prepared to carry out all trash. Additional amenities include picnic areas with small grills, boat rentals, and nature tours on the lake led by state park staff. The campground offers a good balance of basic facilities while maintaining a natural camping experience.

Can you swim at Silver Lake in Vermont?

Yes, swimming is a popular activity at Silver Lake. The lake offers clean waters perfect for cooling off during warm weather. There's a concrete dock that's especially popular with children who enjoy jumping into the water. The swimming area provides a refreshing experience in a natural setting, making it an excellent feature of the campground experience.

Are there hiking trails near Silver Lake Campground?

While specific named trails aren't detailed, Silver Lake Campground itself requires a short but notable 0.5-mile hike from the parking area to reach the campsites. This trail goes downhill to the lake and back up when returning to your vehicle, so be prepared for carrying gear both ways. The natural setting around the lake likely offers opportunities for shoreline walks and forest exploration. For more extensive hiking options, contact the state park office for information about nearby trails in the surrounding area.

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