Glorious Green Mountain Camping

It's one thing to look at the glorious green mountains of Vermont or sparkling Lake Champlain from afar, but it's another to step away from the chaos of everyday life, immerse yourself in nature, and call it home for a few days. So whether you've never been camping a day in your life or you've hiked the Appalachian Trail, we have your next Vermont camping adventure covered!

The first thing you have to determine is what kind of camping you want to do. Are you ready to hike all day with your gear strapped to your back into a remote wilderness campsite? Or are you looking to drive up to your tent site? Glamping maybe? Let's dive in and take a look at a few options and also give you a few helpful hints along the way! 

Ease Your Way into the Wilderness

Heading out for a night or weekend of camping for the first time can seem intimidating, so instead of hoping you packed everything you need for your maiden voyage, pick a place where some of the work has already been done for you. 

Drive-up/car camping

New Discovery State Park allows you to drive your car right up to your tent site and has running water, bathrooms, showers, and designated picnic areas on site. It is also a great central home base if you plan to get out and hike, explore the Groton State Forest, or head to Osmore Pond for some swimming and fishing. Another option is Moosalamoo Campground in Salisbury, Vermont, which also has some bathroom facilities close by, drive-up parking, trails for hiking, and a mile-long bike pump track to ride!  

"Glamping"

Don't want to worry about buying a tent, setting one up, or breaking it down? Check out The Vermont Retreat Yurt nestled in the hills of beautiful Putney, Vermont. You will have to pay quite a bit more than you would for a traditional campsite, but you won't have to worry about bringing anything except an overnight bag and a good book. The yurt is fully equipped with a wood-burning stove, small kitchen, bathroom, outdoor shower, and is near other area amenities like hiking, swimming, and downtown Putney. If you're looking for more of a "tent" experience, check out this furnished and fully screened-in "house" that sits right on a waterfall in Starksboro, Vermont. Fall asleep to the sounds of falling water and the crickets while still enjoying comforts like a real bed, outdoor cedar shower, and small outdoor kitchen.  

Ready for the Next Level? 

So now you've warmed yourself up to camping in the great outdoors with a few beginner camping options. Now it's time to head out for the real adventure. For these trips, it’s essential to plan and pack carefully. Be aware of incoming weather conditions, educate yourself on what facilities may or may not be available at the site, and most importantly, follow state park regulations on packing out what you packed in. 

Remote/Primitive sites

These sites are located a little deeper in the Vermont wilderness and cannot be accessed by car. One of our favorites is the hike up to Butler Lodge, where you can stay in the actual lodge to catch beautiful sunsets and enjoy exploring other trails in the area. Taylor Lodge in Nebraska Notch is a shorter hike than the one to Butler, the cabin can sleep up to 18 people, and there is a platform nearby if you would prefer to set up a tent. One last option we’ll mention if you feel like you want to be off the beaten path and truly immersed in nature is primitive camping. These sites can be used free of charge, are often harder to access, do not have water or other facilities, and require that you leave no trace of your visit so that the land can be protected and preserved. A list of primitive camping locations can be found on the Forest, Parks, and Recreation Department of Vermont's website, along with vital tips to keep in mind before heading out for your adventure. (Print this out and take it with you!)

Go by boat

One of the most peaceful spots we've ever camped in the Green River Reservoir, accessible only by boat and is also a designated "quiet lake," which means you won't have to deal with the noise and the wakes of motorized boats. There are 27 tent sites that you can view online before booking but they must be reserved in advance to secure your spot. After you park and bring your canoe, paddleboard, or kayak down to the boat launch site, you'll paddle to your site, where you'll find plenty of space, composting toilets, a fire ring, and sometimes even a picnic table. This is a beautiful place to hang a hammock and read a good book while you listen to the loons or the water lapping against the shore. Another peaceful waterfront option is to check out one of the seven campsites on Grout Pond in the Vermont National Forest, accessible only by non-motorized boat. These spots also need to be reserved in advance but offer a peaceful retreat along with plenty of easy to moderate hikes around the 80-acre pond.  

Our Top 5 Camping Tips

1. Always check the weather before you go! Being adequately prepared with tarps, rain gear, bug spray, bathing suits, and sunscreen can mean the difference between a comfortable camping stay or a cold and miserable mess. It will get cool at night no matter what time of year you go, so definitely bring your favorite warm coat or sweatshirt.
    

2. Be ready for visits from furry friends. This means securing your food in your car (if you are car camping), a locked cooler, or a bear bag/canister before heading to bed. Bear bags should be hung about 100 feet up between two trees and tied securely with rope. Be sure to empty all of your pockets and packs that may have food wrappers on waste in them as well. Raccoons and bears have a VERY good sense of smell.
    

3. Do not burn wood that you did not purchase in the state of Vermont or from your specific campsite. Wood from out of state can carry pests not native to this area that may infest local vegetation and potentially ruin vital parts of our local ecosystem. This link provides more information and answers several other questions around this subject. While we’re on the topic of campfires, don't forget your s'mores supplies!
    

4. Familiarize yourself with the policies of the site where you may be staying. Some observe quiet hours, check-in and check-out procedures might vary depending on the site, and some may have specific information on how the site is to be used. The most important thing to remember is to leave no trace. This means that no one will be coming to collect your trash or pick up your mess, so you are required to pack OUT what you pack IN. Be sure to find yourself reusable plates and utensils that you won't have to worry about throwing away, and we suggest pre-organizing all of your things in a Rubbermaid bin that can hold up if it rains.
    

5. Don't forget to bring your favorite Vermont beer to relax with by the fire! Need some recommendations? We can do that. Lawsons, Alchemist, Stowe Cider, Hill Farmstead, Fiddlehead, Foam, and Burlington Beer Company are excellent options to start! Once you decide which beer to bring, plan simple camping meals that you can prepare beforehand that will be easy to cook or warm on the fire or pre-made and can be enjoyed without too much prep. 

   

    

Now get out there, happy campers, and enjoy some green mountain goodness! 

For a complete list of camping options and descriptions in the Vermont State Parks system, visit their website.