The 5 Best Places to Camp in Vermont this Summer

Written by Cindy Rasmussen
Published: September 26, 2022
© Danita Delimont/Shutterstock.com
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If you live in Vermont and want to plan a relaxing camping trip or you are visiting Vermont this summer there are plenty of great options for camping in the state. There is mountain camping in the Green Mountains, lakeside sites Burlington and a lake island to boat out to in northern Vermont with water-only access, that sounds peaceful! Here are the 5 best places to camp in Vermont this summer.

1) Green Mountain National Park: Chittenden Brook Campground

One of the best places to camp in Vermont this summer is Green Mountain National Park.

©Jonathan A. Mauer/Shutterstock.com

One of the most beautiful parks in Vermont is Green Mountain National Park. There are all kinds of hiking trails through the mountains as well as modern campgrounds or primitive backcountry sites. Located between the Rochester and Middlebury Ranger Districts is the Chittenden Brook Campground which has 17 campsites and the Chittenden Brook Hut which is cabin available for rent. Although it does not have running water it has beds for 10 people, a propane stove and an outhouse.

While staying at Chittenden you can hike on the 7.1 mile trail that goes right along the brook. It connects to the Beaver Pond trail where you can look for beavers, wood ducks, and cooper’s hawks. After a day of hiking settle into your campsite for a nice dinner by the campfire. You can see why this mountain camping adventure is one of the best places to camp in Vermont this summer.

Chittenden Brook Campground
LocationSW corner of Vemont
Nearest CityBrandon or Rochester
RV/Tent sites17 sites total for tents and campers less than 18’
Cabins1
Picnic Tables at each siteYes
Fire Pit at each siteYes
AmenitiesVault toilets
Pet FriendlyYes
ReservationsYes
What makes it one of the bestBeautiful mountain camping!

2) Button Bay State Park

Lake Champlain, Vermont
A great place to cool off at the lake this summer is at Lake Champlain at Button Bay State Park.

©Mark Castiglia/Shutterstock.com

Just south of Burlington on bluff overlooking Lake Champlain is the Button Bay State Park. Hike along the bluffs for some great lake views then end at the beach to cool off in the lake. If you prefer the campground has a swimming pool as well so bring your suits. There are 53 campsites for RV’s and Tents and 13 lean-to sites, all with picnic tables and fire rings. The camp also has 4 log cabins for rental with one allowing pets. Be sure to stop at the nature center to learn all about the wildlife that lives near Lake Champlain like turkey, fox, woodchucks, and white-tail deer. Keep your eyes peeled on the trails to see if you see any for yourself!

Button Bay State Park
LocationNW Vermont, along Lake Champlin
Nearest CityFerrisburgh
RV/Tent sites53
Lean-to sites13
Cabins4
Picnic Tables at each siteYes
Fire Pit at each siteYes
AmenitiesRestrooms, showers, laundry
Pet FriendlyYes, no pets in 3 of the 4 cabins
ReservationsYes
What makes it one of the bestLake camping and hiking all-in-one campground.

3) Burlington: North Beach Campground

Trophy Largemouth Bass
If you catch one of these bass, you can fry them up for dinner at your campsite. Camping at the North Beach Campground is definitely one of the best places to camp this summer!

©iStock.com/stammphoto

The North Beach Campground just north of downtown Burlington is so close to all the sites of Burlington but has the lakeside camping feel. There is a large sandy beach that has lifeguards in the summer and a convenient snack bar. Bring your bikes because there are 9 miles of bike trails. There are 29 full hookup sites, 69 tent-only sites, and 39 sites for trailers, so a variety to choose from. Lake Champlain is also a great fishing lake, especially for bluegill, perch, pike and bass (Small and Largemouth). After a day at the beach, you can settle into your campsite to fry up some of the delicious pan fish you caught earlier in the day. Now that is a great camping trip!

North Beach Campground
LocationNorth of downtown Burlington
Nearest CityBurlington
RV Full hookup sites29 sites
Tent sites69 sites
Trailer sites water/electric39 sites
Picnic Tables at each siteYes
Fire Pit at each siteYes
AmenitiesRestrooms, showers, snack bar
Pet FriendlyYes
ReservationsYes
What makes it one of the bestCamping so close to downtown Burlington!

4) Wood Island State Park

Everglades National Park - Kayaking
Load up your camping gear in your kayak for a peaceful camping trip on Wood Island. (Picture above in a kayak but not Wood Island)

©Maridav/Shutterstock.com

For some of the most remote camping, you have to camp at Wood Island State Park. You can only access the park by boat so you know it is going to be peaceful! Located in the far NW corner of Vermont on Lake Champlain there are 5 primitive sites spread out along the shore of the island. Each site is private and has composting toilets. There is a trail that connects all five campsites and a great hike to look for some of the wildlife on the island like plovers, mallards, and great blue herons. Take your kayak out to explore the other islands nearby or try some fishing. A peaceful, relaxing camping trip for sure.

Wood Island State Park
LocationFar NW corner of Vermont
Nearest CitySt. Alban’s Bay
RV/Tent Sites5 tent only sites
Picnic Tables at each siteYes
Fire Pit at each siteYes
AmenitiesRestrooms, showers, laundry
Pet FriendlyYes
ReservationsYes, permits required
What makes it one of the bestPeaceful, remote island camping!

5) The Long Trail

For some of the best backpacking plan a multi-day trip along the Long Trail in Vermont. There are camping sites along the way with tent pads, water and outhouses.

©Raccoon posse / Creative Commons – License

The Long Trail in Vermont follows the ridge of the Green Mountains from the southern border of Vermont all the way up to Canada. It is 272 miles and the oldest continuous footpath in the United States. There are many day hikes that are scenic and considered easy hiking, or you can plan a multi-day backpacking trip, or camping along the way. For the ultimate backpacking adventure you could plan to hike the entire trail which takes anywhere from 3-4 weeks. There are 70 backcountry campsites along the trail with sites spaced about a days hike in between. Be aware that the trail does pass through bear country so always keep food in bear-safe containers. Clearly one of the best places to camp in Vermont this summer!

The Long Trail
LocationFrom the southern border of Vermont up to Canada
Nearest CityVaries
Tenting Area (wooden tent platforms)Yes
Shelter (3-sided with a sloped roof)Yes
Lodge (4-sided with bunk beds)Varies locations along the trail
Picnic Tables at each siteNo
Fire Pit at each siteSome have fire pits
AmenitiesComposting toilets, water nearby (usually needs to be purified)
Pet FriendlyYes
ReservationsNo, they are all first come first serve
What makes it one of the bestCamps somewhere different each night along one of the best backpacking trails!

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Camel’s Hump State Park
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About the Author

I'm a Wildlife Conservation Author and Journalist, raising awareness about conservation by teaching others about the amazing animals we share the planet with. I graduated from the University of Minnesota-Morris with a degree in Elementary Education and I am a former teacher. When I am not writing I love going to my kids' soccer games, watching movies, taking on DIY projects and running with our giant Labradoodle "Tango".

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Sources
  1. , Available here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd581103.pdf
  2. , Available here: https://enjoyburlington.com/place/north-beach-campground/
  3. , Available here: https://www.greenmountainclub.org/the-long-trail/overnight-accommodations/
  4. , Available here: https://vtstateparks.com/buttonbay.html
  5. , Available here: https://vtstateparks.com/assets/pdf/woodsisland.pdf