Best Campgrounds in Vermont

Vermont’s landscape is a masterpiece of rolling green mountains, pristine lakes, and dense forests that transform with the seasons—from the emerald explosion of summer to the legendary blaze of fall colors and the crystal stillness of winter. This small New England state offers camping experiences that connect visitors to both pristine wilderness and the cultural landscape of small towns, covered bridges, and working farms that define Vermont’s character. The state’s compact size makes it possible to experience diverse camping settings within short drives, from mountain summits to lakeshores. Let’s explore the best places to camp in the Green Mountain State, where natural beauty and outdoor traditions have been carefully preserved.

Green Mountain National Forest – Grout Pond

Number of campsites: 18 remote sites
Reservation website: www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251869
Address: Grout Pond Road, Stratton, VT 05360

Hidden among the mountains of southern Vermont, Grout Pond offers a wilderness camping experience that feels remote despite being relatively accessible. This 1,600-acre recreation area centers around a pristine 100-acre pond, where campsites are scattered along the shoreline and accessed via a network of hiking trails.

The camping style here is deliberately primitive—no electricity, running water, or vehicle access to individual sites. Campers must park in designated areas and carry their gear to their chosen spot, creating a true backcountry experience without requiring extended hiking. This system preserves the peaceful atmosphere and ensures that the sound of lapping water against the shore remains the dominant soundtrack.

Each campsite occupies its own small peninsula or sheltered cove, creating natural privacy and offering unique views across the pond to the surrounding Green Mountains. Tall spruce and hemlock trees create a cathedral-like canopy above many sites, while others open to small beaches or rocky outcrops perfect for swimming or fishing.

Morning at Grout Pond often brings a mystical quality as fog rises from the water’s surface, gradually unveiling the forested mountains that ring the pond. Loons call hauntingly across the water, while the occasional splash of a jumping trout breaks the mirror-like surface. As the day progresses, the pond invites exploration by canoe or kayak, with countless hidden coves and wetland areas to discover.

A 4.5-mile trail circles the pond, offering changing perspectives on both the water and surrounding forest. Longer hiking options connect to the extensive Green Mountain National Forest trail network, including access to portions of the famous Long Trail—America’s oldest long-distance hiking path.

In autumn, the camping experience at Grout Pond reaches its aesthetic peak as the surrounding hardwood forests transform into a kaleidoscope of red, orange, and gold. The still water creates perfect reflections of this color explosion, doubling the visual impact. Even in summer, nights can be refreshingly cool at this elevation, perfect for gathering around a campfire to watch stars appear in the darkening sky.

Wildlife viewing opportunities abound—beavers maintain an active lodge in one section of the pond, while moose occasionally visit during early morning or evening hours. Birders will appreciate the diversity of species, from water-loving mergansers to the barred owls that call from the forest after dark.

Camping at Grout Pond offers a rare combination of genuine wilderness immersion with just enough management to ensure that the experience remains accessible and sustainable for future generations of outdoor enthusiasts.

Grand Isle State Park

Number of campsites: 117
Reservation website: www.vtstateparks.com/grandisle.html
Address: 36 East Shore South, Grand Isle, VT 05458

Situated on an island in the northern reaches of Lake Champlain, Grand Isle State Park offers a waterfront camping experience with spectacular views of both Vermont’s Green Mountains and New York’s Adirondacks across the expansive lake. The park occupies a beautiful shoreline where the lake reaches its widest point, creating an atmosphere that feels more oceanic than lacustrine.

The campground features several loops with varying proximity to the shoreline. Premium sites sit just steps from the water’s edge, where the gentle lapping of waves provides a soothing backdrop throughout the day and night. Mature trees create natural divisions between sites and offer welcome shade during summer months.

What makes camping at Grand Isle particularly special is the ever-changing character of Lake Champlain. The massive body of water creates its own weather patterns and moods—from mirror-calm mornings that perfectly reflect the surrounding mountains to afternoons when freshening breezes kick up whitecaps that crash against the rocky shore. Sunsets here are legendary, with the Adirondack peaks silhouetted against skies painted in vivid oranges, pinks, and purples.

The park’s south-facing beach provides ideal swimming conditions as summer progresses and the lake waters warm. Kayak and canoe rentals make it easy to explore the shoreline, while the boat launch accommodates those bringing their own watercraft for fishing or exploration of the broader lake.

Bicycling is particularly popular, with the Island Line Trail passing near the park. This remarkable path includes the “Bike Ferry” that connects a former railroad causeway that has been converted to a bike path extending far into the lake.

The surrounding islands and mainland offer charming Vermont attractions within easy driving distance—farmers markets, wineries, orchards, and classic New England villages with white church steeples rising above tree-lined streets. During summer months, roadside stands selling fresh corn, berries, and other local produce make provisioning for camp meals a delicious adventure.

Wildlife viewing opportunities focus on the diverse bird life drawn to the lake environment. Osprey and bald eagles can often be spotted fishing the waters near camp, while herons stalk the shallows with prehistoric elegance. After dark, the distant calls of loons echo across the water, creating a hauntingly beautiful evening serenade.

Camping at Grand Isle combines the best elements of lakeside recreation with easy access to Vermont’s rural cultural landscape, creating a perfect base for exploring the state’s northwestern corner.

Little River State Park

Number of campsites: 81
Reservation website: www.vtstateparks.com/littleriver.html
Address: 3444 Little River Rd, Waterbury, VT 05676

Nestled against the shores of the 850-acre Waterbury Reservoir and surrounded by forested mountains, Little River State Park offers a camping experience that combines excellent water recreation with fascinating historical exploration. The campground sits in an area once occupied by a 19th-century hill farming community, where remnants of stone foundations, cellar holes, and cemeteries create an atmospheric backdrop to the natural beauty.

The campsites are arranged in two main areas—one near the beach with open, grassy sites perfect for families, and another section tucked into the forest with more private, wooded sites. The sound of the small streams feeding into the reservoir creates a constant gentle soundtrack throughout the camping area.

What makes Little River exceptional is the combination of activities available directly from camp. The beach area provides a perfect swimming spot with views across the reservoir to the surrounding mountains. Boat rentals make it easy to explore the numerous coves and inlets of the reservoir, where wildlife is abundant and the shoreline varies from sandy beaches to rocky outcroppings.

Hikers will discover an extensive trail network leading from the campground into the surrounding Mount Mansfield State Forest. These paths range from easy historical interpretive trails past old homesteads to more challenging routes climbing nearby mountains. The History Hike takes visitors through the remains of the abandoned hill farming community, where interpretive signs tell the story of the hardy Vermonters who once made their living from this challenging landscape.

Mountain biking enthusiasts flock to Little River for the renowned network of single-track trails that range from beginner-friendly routes to technical challenges that attract riders from throughout the Northeast. The Perry Hill section, just a short ride from the campground, is considered some of the best mountain biking terrain in Vermont.

During autumn, the camping experience at Little River reaches spectacular heights as the hillsides surrounding the reservoir explode with fall colors. The still waters create perfect reflections of this natural display, and the already-beautiful hiking trails become corridors through a wonderland of color.

Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, porcupines, and occasionally moose, while beavers maintain active lodges in quieter sections of the reservoir. Bird watchers can spot everything from water-loving mergansers to soaring hawks riding thermals above the ridgelines.

Little River’s proximity to attractions like Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory, Cold Hollow Cider Mill, and the resort town of Stowe makes it an ideal base for exploring central Vermont while still providing a genuine outdoor experience with a rich historical dimension.

Jamaica State Park

Number of campsites: 41
Reservation website: www.vtstateparks.com/jamaica.html
Address: 48 Salmon Hole Ln, Jamaica, VT 05343

Set along the banks of the West River in southern Vermont, Jamaica State Park combines excellent water features with a fascinating historical backdrop. The campground occupies a scenic spot where the river valley widens slightly before the water tumbles through a series of dramatic gorges and rapids.

The camping area features well-spaced sites arranged in an open, park-like setting beneath mature maples, birches, and pines. The sound of the flowing river creates a constant peaceful backdrop throughout the campground, with many sites offering direct views of the water. The camping style here balances natural immersion with convenient amenities, creating an accessible experience that still feels connected to the surrounding landscape.

What makes Jamaica State Park special is the remarkable diversity of recreational opportunities available within a short walk from camp. The West River Railroad Trail follows the route of a historic railway along the river, providing an easy, flat pathway ideal for walking, jogging, or cycling. This 3-mile trail leads to Hamilton Falls, where water cascades 125 feet through a series of dramatic stone steps and pools, creating one of southern Vermont’s most picturesque waterfalls.

During hot summer days, the West River provides excellent swimming opportunities in designated areas where deep pools have formed between rock outcroppings. Anglers enjoy productive fishing for brook and rainbow trout in the cool, clear waters. When water levels are suitable, whitewater kayakers and canoeists tackle the challenging rapids downstream from the park.

The park preserves elements of Vermont’s industrial past, with interpretive signs explaining how the river once provided power for mills and how the railroad transported goods and tourists through this valley. Stone foundations and other remnants of this history can be spotted along the trails, creating a connection to the generations who shaped this landscape.

In autumn, Jamaica State Park becomes a showcase for Vermont’s legendary fall foliage, with the valley’s sugar maples, birches, and beeches creating a spectacular canopy of color. The open areas near the river offer perfect vantage points for appreciating this seasonal display against the backdrop of surrounding hills.

Wildlife viewing focuses on the river ecosystem, where kingfishers dart above the water and herons stalk the shallows with patient precision. Lucky visitors might spot river otters playing in quiet pools, while deer frequently graze in the meadows near camp during early morning and evening hours.

The surrounding region offers classic Vermont attractions within easy driving distance—covered bridges, quaint village centers, artisan studios, and small family farms selling everything from maple syrup to artisanal cheeses. The nearby towns of Brattleboro and Manchester provide cultural activities and shopping opportunities for days when weather discourages outdoor recreation.

Jamaica State Park exemplifies southern Vermont’s special charm—a landscape where natural beauty and human history intertwine to create an experience that feels authentically New England in every detail.

Burton Island State Park

Number of campsites: 26 tent sites, 17 lean-tos, 100 boat slips
Reservation website: www.vtstateparks.com/burton.html
Address: Burton Island, St. Albans, VT 05481

For a truly unique Vermont camping experience, Burton Island offers an island getaway accessible only by boat. This 253-acre island sits in Lake Champlain’s inland sea, creating a self-contained world where the rhythms of lake and sky dictate the pace of daily life. The absence of cars and the separation from the mainland foster a special atmosphere of tranquility and community among campers.

The journey to Burton Island is part of the experience, beginning with either a private boat trip or passage on the state park ferry that runs regularly from the mainland during the camping season. This small voyage creates a psychological transition, leaving behind the hurried pace of modern life in favor of island time.

The campground offers several distinct camping environments. Sites along the eastern shore enjoy sunrise views over the water toward the Green Mountains, while the western edge of the island provides spectacular sunset vistas with the Adirondacks silhouetted on the horizon. Interior sites offer more protection from wind and greater privacy among mixed hardwood and conifer forest.

Life on Burton Island naturally gravitates toward the water. A marina accommodates up to 100 boats, while designated swimming areas provide access to Lake Champlain’s refreshing waters. The moderating effect of the lake creates a microclimate that often remains comfortable even when the mainland experiences more extreme temperatures.

A network of trails crisscrosses the island, leading through diverse habitats from marshy wetlands to open meadows and mature forests. These paths provide excellent opportunities to observe the island’s surprising diversity of plant and animal life. Interpretive signs explain the island’s natural and human history, including its past as a working farm.

The small camp store and café become a natural gathering spot, where campers share stories of the day’s adventures over Vermont craft beers or locally made ice cream. The community atmosphere extends to evening campfires where strangers often become friends, sharing the special camaraderie that develops in this island setting.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Burton Island offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, with over 200 species recorded on and around the island. The interaction of lake and land environments creates diverse habitats that attract everything from water birds to woodland species. Lucky visitors might spot osprey diving for fish or catch glimpses of foxes that inhabit the island’s interior.

What makes camping on Burton Island truly special is the quality of night sky viewing. Far from mainland light pollution and surrounded by the dark waters of Lake Champlain, the island offers stellar stargazing. The Milky Way stretches in a brilliant band across the sky, while the lake surface reflects the moon and brighter stars, creating a magical environment for nocturnal appreciation.

Burton Island represents Vermont camping at its most distinctive—an experience that combines natural beauty with just enough separation from the everyday world to create lasting memories of island life in the heart of New England.

Final Thoughts About Camping in Vermont

Vermont’s campgrounds offer an experience distinctly different from the dramatic deserts of Utah or the vast expanses of Texas, yet equally captivating in their intimate, verdant beauty. Here, camping means immersion in a landscape where human history and natural processes have created a harmonious balance—where working farms neighbor wilderness areas, covered bridges span clear-running streams, and forests reclaim old pastures in a continuous cycle of renewal. The five campgrounds highlighted here represent the essence of Vermont camping, where connections to both land and heritage run deep.

What makes Vermont camping special is the proximity of diverse experiences within a compact area. In a single day, campers might paddle quiet lakes watching for osprey and otters, hike woodland trails to cascading waterfalls, cycle through valleys dotted with classic New England villages, and still return to camp with time to enjoy a sunset over mountain ridgelines. The state’s small size belies its recreational diversity, offering experiences that range from island camping on Lake Champlain to remote mountain ponds where loons call across misty waters.

Vermont’s camping seasons each offer distinct pleasures. Summer brings warm days perfect for swimming in quarry holes and mountain lakes, while cool evenings create ideal sleeping conditions. Spring showcases ephemeral wildflowers carpeting forest floors before trees leaf out, while sugar maples share their sweet bounty. But it’s perhaps autumn when Vermont camping reaches its aesthetic peak, as the famous fall foliage transforms mountainsides into a patchwork quilt of red, orange, and gold that reflects in the still waters of lakes and ponds. Even winter offers special opportunities for hardy campers who might combine their overnight adventures with cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.

Whether you’re seeking family-friendly base camps for exploring Vermont’s cultural attractions or remote sites for solitary communion with nature, the state’s campgrounds provide settings where the natural world feels both accessible and authentic. Here, camping becomes a way to experience a landscape where human scale and natural wonder achieve perfect balance—a place where the simple pleasures of a crackling campfire, a wooded trail, or a cool mountain stream create memories that embody the essence of the Green Mountain State.