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Vermont State Parks

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Camping Information

Firewood:To prevent the spread of bugs to the forest, firewood from out of state is prohibited UNLESS the wood is packaged, labeled as having been heat treated, and certified by USDA or the appropriate state department of agriculture. All other non-treated wood brought from out of state can be exchanged for park-supplied firewood on an equal basis.

Camping Overview

Vermont State Parks offer a wide variety of camping experiences, including drive-in camp sites, lean-to's, remote campsites, group camping areas, and even an inn-style lodge, all surrounded by Vermont's beautiful mountains, lakes, forests and fields.

How do you find the right kind of camping for you? Read about the options below, and then spend a little time with our Park Finder to select activities and amenities that interest you.

If we can help you plan your perfect trip, give us a call at 1-888-409-7579.

Operating Schedule

Generally, most parks are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day or the 2nd Monday in October Day, with some opening earlier, and some remaining open later.

For a complete list, check out our Operating Schedule.

Using the Interactive Campground Maps

Interactive Map Sample
View photos of individual sites and other points of interest with park interactive maps

On each park page, there is an interactive map for that park. Clicking on a campsite on the map will bring up a photo of the site as well as a detailed description.

  • Accommodates: Explains what size tent RV will fit on the site. Tent size is expressed in small, medium and large. RV length is expressed in feet.
  • Maximum Occupancy: The maximum number of people permitted per site. For most sites, the maximum number of people is 8, but some smaller sites have a maximum occupancy of 6.
  • Access: Describes whether a site is drive-in (vehicle) or walk-up. Most sites are drive-in, but some sites require campers to park below and then walk up some stairs, which is important to know for hauling gear and wood.
  • Sun: Sunny, shady, partial shade, etc.
  • Surface: Fine gravel or grassy.
  • Water Access: Describes access to swimming area (not drinking water). Sites are coded as waterfront, water view, walking distance, driving distance or none.
  • Pets: Explains whether or not pets are permitted on site. All campgrounds permit pets but pets are not permitted in some cabins, and park not permitted in cottages or picnic pavilions.
  • Universally Accessible: Describes whether the site is accessible via wheelchair.

Campground Amenities

Campgrounds are usually laid out in loops with water spigots located every few campsites, centrally located restrooms (most with hot and cold running water) and coin-operated showers. Additionally, each campsite comes with a fire ring and grill (or fireplace) and a picnic table.

Fire grill
A fireplace with grill at Camp Plymouth State Park

Many parks also have:

  • playgrounds
  • beaches
  • trails
  • horseshoe pits
  • volleyball nets
  • nature centers
  • picnic pavilions
  • dump stations

Most parks sell firewood and ice and many have nature programs, performances and other events.

AT THIS TIME THERE ARE NO ELECTRIC, WATER OR SEWER HOOKUPS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC IN VERMONT STATE PARKS CAMPGROUNDS

For a complete listing of park amenities and activities, please see our Park Finder or view our campground amenities list (PDF). More information can also be found by visiting the individual park pages or by using the interactive campground maps.

Camping Sites and Facilities

Tent/RV Sites

Branbury State Park tent/RV site
A shaded tent/RV site at Branbury State Park

Tent/ RV sites come with a fire ring (or fireplace) with grill and a picnic table. Some sites are in the sun (on grassy terrain) while others are in the woods (often on gravel). Most sites accommodate up to 8 people. For a detailed description of a site, plus the RV length that site can accommodate, check out the specific park's interactive map.

Lean-to's

Lean-to at night
A lean-to at night with the picnic table placed inside
Basswood lean-to
A lean-to showing the picnic table and fire pit

A lean-to is a 3-sided structure that can accommodate up to 8 people. They shelter campers from wind and rain, keep gear dry and kids will love to use them as a stage for performances. Each site comes with a fire ring (or fireplace) with grill and a picnic table.

Tent placement in a lean-to: There are several ways to handle tent placement in or around a lean-to site. One way is not to use a tent at all and just set up your sleeping pads and bag inside the lean-to. Some campers use mosquito netting in the lean-to's to keep out the bugs.

Other campers will set up their tents inside the lean-to. This keeps them dry and out of the wind.

Still other campers will use the lean-to to store gear and food, and set up their tents outside. This allows the lean-to itself to become more of a kitchen, a living room, the game room, or just a common area.

Lean-to dimensions: (most lean-tos)

  • Floor is 13'4" wide, 9'3" deep
  • Front opening is 7'5" inches high, 13'4" wide
  • The lowest height (at the back of the lean-to) is 4'3"

Cabins

Chickadee Cabin Brighton State Park
The Chickadee Cabin at Brighton State Park

Our cabins are cozy, one-room units that sleep four people comfortably. All cabins are constructed with the same layout, using native materials.

Amenities include bunk beds and a futon or sleeper couch (linens, blankets, and towels not included) a table and two chairs, overhead light and an electric outlet. There is also a covered front porch, picnic table and a fire ring with cooking grate.

Cooking is done outside, so remember to bring your own cookware. Bathrooms and showers are located within easy walking distance.

Learn more about cabins

Cottages

Perry Merrill Cottage at Ricker Pond State Park
Perry Merrill Cottage at Ricker Pond State Park

Each of our unique cottages have multiple rooms which sleep four to six comfortably and include all the necessary furnishings, including one to two beds, one or more bunk beds, sleeper couch or futon and bureaus. Pillows, blankets, linens and towels are not provided. Each cottage has electricity, heat, indoor kitchen with refrigerator, stove, freezer, toaster or toaster oven, microwave, coffee maker, cookware, sink and indoor bathroom with toilet and shower. The common area includes tables and chairs.

Learn more about cottages

Lodges

Bed & Breakfast accommodations can be found at Seyon Lodge State Park.

Remote mountain-top accommodations can be found at the Stone Hut.

Making Reservations

You still may get information, change reservations and cancel reservations by calling our reservation call center at 1-888-409-7579 (Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm).

How to Make Reservations

There are three ways to make camping reservations with Vermont State Parks. They are:

  • reserving online
  • calling the Reservation Call Center at 1-888-409-7579 (Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm)
  • calling the park directly (during the season (PDF))

Reservations can be made up to eleven months in advance up to the day prior to arrival. Same day reservations can only be made by calling the park. Payment is due in full at time of making reservations.

Reservations for day use facilities at at Coolidge, Kill Kare, Kingsland Bay, and Mt. Philo cannot be made online. These must be handled by the Reservation Call Center or the park.

Note: Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. The inventory for the entire month opens the first business day of the month at 9am for all parks with the exception of Burton Island (where the inventory opens the first business day at 9am, on or after the 15th of each month).

Make Reservations

OR

click here to set up or change your account information >>

Competition for Popular Sites

When making reservations online, a campsite may show as available on the park list, but you do not have a “lock” on that site until your payment has been successfully completed. It is possible that someone else may be trying to reserve the same site as you and may complete their payment first. If this happens you will get an error message explaining the site is not available. If you navigate back to the site list page, the site list will refresh, you can then select a different site. It is possible that the site may become open at a later date if the other party cancels.

Camping without Reservations:

If you’re feeling spontaneous, you can camp in a campground without reservations, space permitting. Most parks, even in summer, will have at least a few sites available, especially mid-week. Vermont State Parks do not hold a specific number of sites open for “drive-in” campers.

Camping Fees

For a complete list of park fees, please visit our fees page.

Site Type VT Residents Non-Residents Prime Sites Extra People Over 4 (max 8) Pets
RV/Tent Site $20 $28 Add $2 $5 per person, per night $2 per pet, per night
Lean-tos $30 $38 Add $2 $5 per person, per night $2 per pet, per night
Burton Island lean-to $40 $50 Add $2 $5 per person, per night $2 per pet, per night

Base site price is for up to 4 people. There is an additional, non-refundable $8 reservation fee per site for advance reservations.

Camping Policies & Rules

  • Maximum of 8 people and 2 vehicles per site
  • For campsites, lean-tos, and cabins and cottages: Check-in is between 2pm and 9pm. Check out is by 11am.
  • To prevent the spread of bugs to the forest, firewood from out of state is not to be brought to parks UNLESS the wood is packaged, labeled as having been heat treated, and certified by USDA or the appropriate state department of agriculture. Visitors arriving with firewood will be asked to exchange all firewood (except amount needed for a fire the first night's stay) for an equal amount of park-supplied firewood.
  • Generators may only be run from 8am to 10am and from 4pm to 6pm
  • Quiet hours are from 10pm until 7am
  • Visitors to campers must register and pay the regular day use fee. Visiting hours are 10am to 9pm
  • No shows: If you can't make it to the park on the date of your expected arrival, please call the park to notify staff. If you still haven't arrived by 2pm on the second day of your scheduled stay, and have not notified the park, your site will be forfeited and no refund will be issued.

Minimum/Maximum Nights

  • There is a 2-night minimum for advance reservations made before March 1 of the current operating season, except for Green River Reservoir. After March 1, 1-night reservations can be made Sunday - Thursday for the current operating season (except for remote sites at Waterbury Reservoir, Osmore Pond and Kettle Pond, which still have minimum stays of 2 nights.
  • People travelling to the park under their own power (hiking, biking, or paddling) or camping in a group camping area may make 1 night reservations.
  • Cabins, Cottages and Burton Island waterfront lean-to's have a maximum stay of 7 nights. Prime sites at Little River, Ricker Pond and Stillwater have a maximum stay of 14 nights.
  • Otherwise, parks have a maximum stay of 21 nights.

Camping with your Pet

  • Pets are permitted in all campgrounds for a per-night fee
  • Pets must be safely confined or on a leash no more than 10 feet in length
  • Please respect others by keeping your pet's barking to a minimum
  • Pets are expected to have current vaccinations
  • Pets are permitted at designated cabins beginning in 2018. Full listing on cabins page
  • Please clean up after your pet

Changing Reservations

Changing camping reservations: If you wish to change your reservation after it has been made, you may do so at no cost, providing you keep the same number of nights and sites. The reservation may be moved to different dates or to a different park, within the current camping season. Changes must be made by 2:00 p.m. the day prior to your original arrival date. Changes made after that time will be considered a cancellation and rebooking.

Reducing number of nights: If you reduce the number of nights on an existing reservation it is considered a cancellation and rebook. You will lose your original $8 non-refundable reservation fee and there will be a $10 cancellation fee per site. You will also incur an additional $8 reservation fee, per site, for your new, reduced-nights reservation.

Cancellation Policy

Tent/RV sites, lean-to and cabin cancellations: If you cancel your reservation prior to 2:00 p.m. on the day before your expected arrival date, you are entitled to a refund of all fees except a $10 cancellation fee and your $8 reservation fee paid, per site.

If you cancel after 2:00 p.m. on the day before your expected arrival date or if you come camping and need to leave prior to the end of your stay, you can receive a refund for the unused portion (except for the required minimum), per site, if you notify the park staff before departing. No refunds will be issued for an unused portion of the required minimum reservation period. If you are charged for the minimum number of nights that were in effect when you made your reservation, then the cancellation fee will not be charged. There are no refunds for 1-night reservations.

Cottage cancellations: If you cancel your cottage reservation 30 days or more prior to your expected arrival date, you will receive a full refund less a $10 cancellation fee and your $8 reservation fee paid. If you cancel 14 - 30 days prior to your expected arrival date, you will receive a full refund less the equivalent of a two night stay; if you cancel less than 14 days prior to your expected arrival date, you will receive no refund.

No Shows: If you need to arrive later than your expected start date, please notify park staff by calling the park. If you don’t show after your 2nd night of expected arrival and do not contact the park, your reservation will be cancelled, and no refund will be issued.

For more information, please review our Official Rules Document (PDF)

There are three ways to make camping reservations with Vermont State Parks. They are:

Group Camping

  • A group consists of 8 or more people
  • 4 people per site minimum
  • Reservations can be made online, by calling the reservation call center at 1-888-409-7579 (Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm), or by calling the park directly
  • Groups must be supervised by at least one adult who shall be responsible for activities and behavior of group
  • A Group Use form must be submitted within two weeks of making reservation

Parks with Group Camping Areas

Groups pay $6 per person, per night in addition to one $8 non-refundable reservation fee. Minimum reservation of 8 people plus reservation fee required at time of reservation, balance due upon arrival.

Group Camping in Non-Group Areas: 1-night reservations available prior to June 15 (with the exception of Memorial Day Weekend) or after Labor Day. Otherwise, regular non-group camping fees and rules apply.

Remote Camping (Limited Facilities)

Remote site at Green River Reservoir State Park
A remote tent site at Green River Reservoir State Park

Remote sites differ from primitive camping in that the sites can be reserved and are located in designated areas. They may have a lean-to or space for a tent, a fireplace or fire ring, or picnic tables. Sanitary facilities are minimal and there is no potable water supply.

Remote sites offer great privacy, but it also means you have to paddle or hike with your gear and trash. Do not bring anything you are not prepared to carry in and carry out.

Each remote site has a designated occupancy based on the characteristics of each site. A reservation is generally required. Some sites may be available on a first come, first served basis. Please call the specific park for details.

Locations

Burton Island State Park: In addition to a developed campground, Burton Island, on St. Albans Bay on Lake Champlain has 4 remote tent sites on the south side of the island, away from the developed camping area, office and park store. Access is by boat only. Reservations are made through the park. Also see State Parks of the Champlain Islands (PDF).

Green River Reservoir State Park: Near Morrisville, Green River offers 27 tent sites along 19 miles of undeveloped shoreline. Access is by car-top boat only. Green River is designated as a “quiet” lake. Internal combustion motors are prohibited. Reservations can be made online, at the park, or by calling the Reservation Call Center at 1-888-409-7579 in the off season.

Kettle Pond State Park: Also located in the Groton Forest, Kettle Pond is a 109-acre undeveloped pond with five remote lean-to sites and one tent site. These sites are accessible by hiking, or portaging your car top boat to a small dock at the water’s edge, then paddling to your site. Kettle Pond also has a group campground located on the southeastern shore. There are a multitude of nearby trails and several lakes nearby. Reservations can be made online, through New Discovery State Park or by calling the Reservation Call Center at 1-888-409-7579. Also see Remote Camping in Groton State Forest (PDF).

Knight Island State Park: Also on Lake Champlain in St. Albans Bay, Knight Island has long been a favorite for those looking to get away from it all. Accessible only by boat, Knight Island has 1 tent site and 6 lean-tos, all very secluded. Reservations can be made online, at the park, or by calling the Reservation Call Center at 1-888-409-7579. Also see State Parks of the Champlain Islands (PDF).

Little River State Park: There are 27 remote campsites along the Waterbury Reservoir shoreline. The remote campsites can be reserved online or through the Reservation Call Center at 1-888-409-7579. Those not reserved are first come/first served. There are privies at these sites, but there is no potable water. View the site map here (PDF).

Osmore Pond at New Discovery State Park: Located within the 26,000 acre Groton State Forest, Osmore Pond is a 48-acre undeveloped, no-motors-permitted pond, accessible through New Discovery State Park. There are 4 remote lean-to sites and 3 remote tent sites, each with a fireplace and picnic table. They are accessible by hiking or boating, and for those without a boat, rowboats or canoes are available by the hour or with a “boat-to-remote” package deal. Hiking trails through Groton Forest are right outside your “door”. Reservations can be made online, through New Discovery State Park or by calling the Reservation Call Center at 1-888-409-7579. Also see Remote Camping in Groton State Forest (PDF).

Woods Island State Park: Approximately 2.5 miles from Burton Island, Woods Island has 5 secluded tent sites around the island. Reservations can be made online, at the park, or by calling the Reservation Call Center at 1-888-409-7579. Also see State Parks of the Champlain Islands (PDF).

Primitive Camping

Primitive camping is available in state forests and at some undeveloped state parks. This is not car camping -- you must backpack in at least 1,000 feet from any road. There is no public drinking water or toilet facilities, no reservations or assigned sites. Vermont does not offer free, dispersed car camping on it's state lands.

For more information on camping, call the parks central reservations call center at 1-888-409-7579 Mon - Fri 9am - 4pm. For more information on primitive camping, please call the district office that manages the land. Permits are not required. See below for where to go and who to call for more information.

Also please follow our Primitive Camping Guidelines (PDF)

  • Camping must be at least 100 feet away from any stream or body of water.
  • Must be 200 feet away from any trail or property line.
  • Must be 1,000 feet away from any traveled road.
  • Camping above 2,500 feet in elevation is prohibited unless otherwise designated.

Camping while hunting, fishing or trapping is available at some Wildlife Management Areas. If you are interested in primitive camping on Fish and Wildlife Department Wildlife Management Areas, please visit their site.

Southeastern Vermont Contact: 802-289-0603
Coolidge State Forest, Dorand State Forest, Mollie Beattie State Forest, Okemo State Forest.

Southwestern Vermont Contact: 802-786-0060
Aitken State Forest, West Rutland State Forest.

Northwestern Vermont Contact: 802-879-6565
Camels Hump State Park

Central Vermont Contact: 802-476-0171
Mt. Mansfield State Forest, L.R. Jones State Forest, C.C. Putnam State Forest, Roxbury State Forest, Washington State Forest

Northeast Kingdom Contact: 802-751-0110
Darling State Park, Groton State Forest, Mathewson State Forest, Victory State Forest, Willoughby State Forest.

Horse Camping

Cost: $5/horse

At New Discovery State Park

Horse camping at New Discovery State Park
Horse camping at New Discovery State Park

The seven-site horse camping area features a hitching post, water spigot and trough for watering horses. Just up the roadway, and past the toilet/shower area, is a horse washing station. Other pets are allowed at designated camp sites. There are also many miles of hiking on multiple use trails.

Off-Season Camping

Off Season Camping is not available April 1 - October 31.

Review our Operating Seasons Guide for park opening and closing dates.

Off Season Campsites cannot be accessed by RV’s or vehicles. Access is hike-in only.

  • Please park only in a manner that allows access by others and please drive only on roadways or parking areas.
  • Water supply, restroom or refuse removal services or facilities are closed for the season.
  • Follow Leave No Trace Principles including 'Pack It In, Pack It Out'. Pack out everything, even human waste.
  • Have a plan. Snow plowing arrangements vary by location. Be prepared to dig yourselves out in the event of inclement weather.
  • While hunting is not permitted in developed recreation areas like state parks during the regular operating season, hunting is allowed on most state lands during the parks off-season.
  • Access is free of charge.
  • The maximum stay is three consecutive nights.
  • Park staff are only present sporadically during the off-season. We invite you to be our "eyes and ears" by reporting to parks@vermont.gov anything amiss or out of the ordinary (vandalism, break-ins, inappropriate facility use, etc.).

Parks offering off-season camping:

Northwest: Burton Island, Grand Isle, Knight Island, Lake Carmi, Underhill, and Woods Island
For more information, call 802.461.9652

Apply for permit

Northeast: Big Deer, Brighton, Elmore, Green River Reservoir, Kettle Pond, Little River, Maidstone, Molly's Falls Pond , New Discovery, Ricker Pond, Smugglers' Notch, Stillwater, Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites,
For more information, call 802.476.0171

Apply for permit

Southwest: Bomoseen, Branbury, Button Bay, DAR, Emerald Lake, Half Moon Pond, Lake Shaftsbury, Lake St. Catherine, Mt. Philo, and Woodford
For more information, call 802.786.0060

Apply for permit

Southeast: Camp Plymouth,Coolidge, Fort Dummer, Gifford Woods, Jamaica, Molly Stark, Quechee, Silver Lake, Townshend, and Wilgus

For more information, call 802.289.0603

Apply for permit

Additional Resources

Camping How-to's

Meet Sarah, Frank and family. They are one of our favorite, and funniest Vermont camping families. They've had their share of fun times and near mishaps and are here to help you learn everything you need to know to have a blast in camp and on the trail.

Weekend Itineraries

Here are some great ideas for weekend getaways, including some rainy day options.

How-to Checklists

These handy, printable checklists and how-to instruction sheets give you everything you need in an at-a-glance format.

External Links

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