Known as the Green Mountain State for a good reason, it’s full of pastoral beauty, quaint towns, great skiing, some of the United States’ most stunning fall foliage, and lots of tasty farm-to-table dining.
And let’s not forget Ben & Jerry’s, right?
Vermont has a bit of free camping and boondocking, but like most northeastern states, the camping options lean more heavily toward either state parks or private campgrounds.
Are you ready to explore the beauty of Vermont? Here’s where to camp while you’re doing it.
The Best RV and Tent Camping in Southern Vermont
Classic New England charm awaits in southern Vermont. Tiny villages with cool museums and cute cafes are connected via two-lane roads that traverse rolling green farmland. Artists studios dot the landscape, and small, family restaurants craft dishes made with Vermont cheese, maple syrup, and fresh produce and meat from local farms. If you’re looking to be woo-ed by the independent spirit that Vermont is known for, start here.
The Greenwood Lodge & Suites in Bennington is a popular home base in this area and offers clean and well-kept grounds that are surrounded by woods and bordered by a stream. Another great choice is Winhall Brook Campground, run by the Army Corps of Engineers and bargain-priced at $26 for an electric site.
If you’re looking for free boondocking, you can try your luck at Bear’s End dispersed camping area. Big rigs beware—this is a spot best suited for small campers and tents.
The Best RV and Tent Camping in Central Vermont
Central Vermont is the transition zone between the rural south and the mountainous north. The state’s capital, Montpelier, is located here, along with plenty of historical museums and natural wonders like the Quechee Gorge. For something a little bit more unusual, check out the Rock of Ages visitor center and take a tour of their granite rock quarry.
New Discovery State Park is particularly lovely in the fall, and small campers and tenters can meander their way into the remote Mt. Moosalamoo dispersed camping area to spend a few nights for free. A quick rule of thumb to follow in New England—if the camping area is free, you’re probably going to be far enough off-the-beaten-path that you won’t have cell service. For a more full-service experience, check out Lake Champagne Campground, which is only 25 minutes from Montpelier.
The Best RV and Tent Camping in Northern Vermont
Itching to be in the mountains? Northern Vermont is going to be your kind of place. Rugged and beautiful, the Green Mountains are a paradise for hikers, skiers, and outdoor wanderers of all kinds. You can get so off-the-grid here that you’ll forget you’re in the densely-populated northeast altogether. Don’t worry about being too remote, though…Vermont’s largest and most vibrant city, Burlington, is in northern Vermont along the shores of Lake Champlain. Tell Champ we say hi.
A small beach area, spectacular views of the Green Mountains, and a nice hiking loop to a fire tower are what make Elmore State Park such a crowd-favorite in northern Vermont. Way up on the Canadian border is Lake Carmi State Park, which is loved for its gorgeous scenery and quiet location. To stay close to the resort town of Stowe and the Trapp Family Lodge (of The Sound of Music fame), check out Gold Brook Campground.
If you like mountains, rural landscapes, quaint towns, and great food…Vermont is calling your name. But be prepared to fall in love—it’s one of those risks you have to take to explore the Green Mountain State.
