Best Camping in Vermont

Camping in Vermont

By Alex Murphy

Vermont, appropriately nicknamed The Green Mountain State, is known for mountains and rolling hills. It is one of the most popular destinations for those who love the outdoors, and visitors can find camping just about anywhere.

Even though Vermont is second only to Wyoming in terms of least populated, there's still plenty of attractions to find in the state's largest city of Burlington, with more breweries per capita than any other U.S. State.

From the Green Mountains to state parks, here's a look at Vermont campgrounds.

See a map of all camping in Vermont.

Vermont State Parks

Throughout the state, Vermont State Parks offer many different recreation opportunities that keep visitors coming back for more.

Vermont has 55 different state parks and has some of the best camping in New England.

Brighton State Park is located on a lake not far from the Canadian border. Brighton State Park offers tent and RV sites and a unique opportunity to stay in a lean-to, an open-air structure.

New Discovery State Park is another popular option located in one of the state forests. This park has great access to trails.

One note for VT State Parks, be sure to check which are open before planning any trips as many parks are closed seasonally.

Vermont National Parks

Most of the state's open spaces are state-owned, but besides a section of the Appalachian Trail, the other National Park System site to see is the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park.

The park is named for Fredrick Billings and others who originally owned the property, which included a forest and a dairy farm. Today the location is known for the historic architecture and gardens found on the property.

Vermont RV Parks

The list of Vermont RV Parks is long and allows for some close stays in places like Burlington.

The majority of the state lives in Burlington, and that's where you'll find the most restaurants and businesses to see. Nearby RV campgrounds include Shelburn Camping Area and Malletts Bay Campground.

Kampfires Campground, Inn and Entertainment is located in the southern part of the state and is great for anyone passing through who wants to stay in an outdoor setting.

Other unique stops include Apple Island Resort, located on Lake Champlain with easy boating access.

Free Camping in Vermont

Visitors can find most of the free camping in Vermont in the state's National Forest, which is in the southwest corner of the state. Some of the most popular of these stays include Bear's End and Mt. Moosalamoo Dispersed. As with most camping in federal forests, these sites provide easy access to great hiking and other outdoor sports.

A unique stop for anyone looking for a place to rest after enjoying some of the Green Mountain State's spirits is Vermont Distillers. This is just a parking lot but offers ample parking and is a popular place for many to spend the night.

National Forests in Vermont

Green Mountain National Forest is home to everything from moose to black bears and offers hikes on world-renowned trails and skiing in the winter.

Some more popular campsites in Green Mountain National Forest include Hapgood Pond, a picturesque campground near the water in thick green pines.

Other options include nearby state parks like Half Moon Pond State Park.