The Best Places to Go Camping in Vermont

Vermont is a scenic New England state with plenty of outdoor adventures and nature offerings
Vermont is a scenic New England state with plenty of outdoor adventures and nature offerings | Courtesy of Tentrr / Hotels.com
Doug ONeill

Stay on working farms in Corinth where you can buy local cheeses, hike through the Green Mountains and learn about biodiversity in Randolph, all while camping in New England’s trail-laced, foliage-filled Vermont.

The Green Mountain State may be one of the least populous states in the United States, but all that empty space means this scenic New England state doubles down on outdoor adventures and nature offerings. The Green Mountains, which form a scenic natural spine, attract hikers and campers during the warmer months, while its forested hinterland draws leaf-peepers during the world-renowned fall foliage season. Add to that an abundance of hiking trails (such as the Long Trail), plus plentiful parks and camping opportunities, and you’re all set for a simple, star-speckled night under canvas.

Corinth

Architectural Landmark

The village of East Corinth in Vermont during fall foliage season, with colorful trees around the village
© Dennis Hallinan / Alamy Stock Photo

Outdoor enthusiasts are sometimes surprised that Tim Burton’s horror-comedy classic Beetlejuice was filmed in rural Corinth – especially if they’ve always prized the surrounding region for its hiking, kayaking, fishing and snowshoeing. Corinth, comprised of seven small villages inhabited by loggers, artists, writers and farmers, is a rural community with hidden depths. Be sure to try the award-winning local cheese from Corinth’s own century-old Blythedale Farm, including Vermont brie and camembert, Green Mountain gruyere, Cookeville grana and Jersey blue.

Brook Haven

Camping

A rocky trail over Franconia Ridge in New Hampshire, one of the sections of the Appalachian Trail
© Alex Holder / Alamy Stock Photo

Camping meets creature comforts at Brook Haven. Not only is a hammock included in your amenities, but you can choose a theme for your bedding: moose, bear or cabin. Or pay extra for a cheese tray for two. In addition to the usual gamut of active outdoor fun, possible day trips include jaunts to the scenic mountains of New Hampshire, Groton State Forest, shopping in Stowe and a stop at Ben and Jerry’ Ice Cream factory in Waterbury.

Chelsea

Architectural Landmark

Fall foliage surrounding a village with a church in Chelsea, Vermont
© Chad Ehlers / Alamy Stock Photo

Chelsea earned its way onto the National Register of Historical Places with two town commons (a nod to its days as a British colony) and historic buildings (some Greek Revival) dating back to the 1820s. The country stores are the real deal – great for stocking up before heading back to your pitch.

Moonlight Meadow

Camping

Two Adirondack chairs on a wood platform at sunset, looking out at trees and the ridgeline, at Moonlight Meadow
Courtesy of Tentrr

This hilltop campsite with a large swimming pond is set on 220 acres (90ha) of secluded farmland. On-the-property diversions include kayaking, swimming, hiking, dirt-road biking and greeting horses (from across the fence). Or you can drive 30 minutes to South Royalton to pick up supplies in the local coop grocery store, or head further afield to Hanover or Montpelier for a restaurant meal and local entertainment.

Waterbury

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

Two people canoeing on Waterbury Reservoir during a morning fog in Vermont
© Sandy Macys / Alamy Stock Photo

Waterbury’s claim to fame is the hugely popular Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream factory – a justifiable reward after a day spent hiking, biking or paddling the Green Mountains, Mad River Byway and other verdant spaces. Waterbury is also known for its craft-beer industry and booming field-to-table restaurants.

Rachel Lane Getaway

Camping

A canvas tent with two nunk beds and Adirondack chairs on a wood platform, next to a campfire, in Vermont
Courtesy of Tentrr

Imagine kicking back in your Adirondack chair, coffee mug in hand, staring up at Vermont’s Green Mountains. Not a bad way to start the day at your mountain-view tent site situated on 10-acre (4ha) property with its own pond plus access to excellent hiking trails (Perry Hill will give you a decent workout). The free boat access at Waterbury Reservoir is barely a mile away. Your Vermont campsite includes a fire pit, wood stove and campfire grill.

Stamford

Architectural Landmark

A man and a woman hiking through the trees on the Long Trail in Vermonts Green Mountains near Eden
© EcoPhotography.com / Alamy Stock Photo

Chartered in 1753, Stamford is one of the oldest towns in Vermont, boasting excellent hiking (especially the Cascades Trail for its waterfall) plus decades-old footpaths lacing through the Green Mountains. Must-visit nature hotspot, the Natural Bridge State Park, is home to the only natural white marble arch on the continent.

Whispering Pine

Camping

A person roasting marshmallows over a fire while camping, with a tent in the background
© Buianskyi Dmytro / Alamy Stock Photo

How often do you share space with wild turkeys, deer, woodpeckers or owls? Whispering Pine offers you the option of pitching your tent (bring your own) anywhere on their 18-acre (7ha) property – or you can pay for the use of a vintage 1988 camper that sleeps four. There’s no running water, but you will find a natural swimming stream off the property where you’re welcome to take a dip. Bring candles and a flashlight, as there’s no electricity – which only adds to the sense of calm and quiet.

South Woodstock

Architectural Landmark

Red farm buildings of Jenne Farm near South Woodstock in Vermont, surrounded by yellow and orange trees
© Brian Jannsen / Alamy Stock Photo

The hamlet of South Woodstock is known for pretty views (Kedron Brook winds its way through the picturesque valley), stately architecture (smidgeons of pre-Civil War Greek Revival), horses (dressage competitions courtesy of the Green Mountain Horse Association) and celebrities who like to stay under the radar (actor Michael J. Fox used to live here).

The Perch

Camping

A fireplace, picnic table, and wood platform with Adirondack chairs and a large canvas tent with a bunk bed
Courtesy of Tentrr

Enjoy comfortable camping (queen bed, Adirondack chairs, solar shower, fire pit) on a hillside meadow that’s only seven minutes from the village green in “Vermont’s prettiest little town.” Nature viewing is provided by wild turkeys, coyotes, raccoons and the occasional black bear that could make an appearance. Hosts are eighth-generation Vermont locals who can advise on outings, whether to the hiking trails of Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park or fly-fishing on the Ottauquechee River.

Randolph

Architectural Landmark

A picturesque red barn in North Randolph, Vermont, with yellow and orange trees behind
© Hoffmann Photography / Alamy Stock Photo

Randolph, the gateway to the Green Mountains, is on the National Register of Historic Places, thanks to the historic C.K. Smith Covered Bridge that crosses the White River, as well as the railroad-era architecture and Victorian homes. Foodies, take note: Randolph is on the Vermont Cheese Trail, thanks to family-owned organic Neighborly Farms of Vermont.

Howling Wolf Farmstay

Camping

A cyclist on a black bike rides along a woodland trail near Skipping Rock campsite, Virginia.
© sportpoint / Alamy Stock Photo

Despite the name, you’re more likely to hear sheep baa-ing, cows moo-ing, or hawks whistling than wolves howling at this 88-acre (35ha) working farm above Randolph. Indeed, you can also bank on seeing deer, turkeys and foxes. There’s a network of mountain biking trails to explore, or you can join a one-hour farm tour to learn about biodiversity, grazing and climate change; a kid-friendly version is possible, too. You can also buy sausage, ham and bacon directly from the hosts’ farm.

Looking for more campsites in the area? Read our guide to the best places to go camping in New England, which you can book on Culture Trip.

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