The Best Places to Go Camping in Vermont

Outdoor enthusiasts are sometimes surprised that Tim Burton’s horror-comedy classic Beetlejuice was filmed in rural Corinth – especially if they’ve always prized the surrounding region for its hiking, kayaking, fishing and snowshoeing. Corinth, comprised of seven small villages inhabited by loggers, artists, writers and farmers, is a rural community with hidden depths. Be sure to try the award-winning local cheese from Corinth’s own century-old Blythedale Farm, including Vermont brie and camembert, Green Mountain gruyere, Cookeville grana and Jersey blue.

Camping meets creature comforts at Brook Haven. Not only is a hammock included in your amenities, but you can choose a theme for your bedding: moose, bear or cabin. Or pay extra for a cheese tray for two. In addition to the usual gamut of active outdoor fun, possible day trips include jaunts to the scenic mountains of New Hampshire, Groton State Forest, shopping in Stowe and a stop at Ben and Jerry’ Ice Cream factory in Waterbury.

Chelsea earned its way onto the National Register of Historical Places with two town commons (a nod to its days as a British colony) and historic buildings (some Greek Revival) dating back to the 1820s. The country stores are the real deal – great for stocking up before heading back to your pitch.

This hilltop campsite with a large swimming pond is set on 220 acres (90ha) of secluded farmland. On-the-property diversions include kayaking, swimming, hiking, dirt-road biking and greeting horses (from across the fence). Or you can drive 30 minutes to South Royalton to pick up supplies in the local coop grocery store, or head further afield to Hanover or Montpelier for a restaurant meal and local entertainment.

Waterbury’s claim to fame is the hugely popular Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream factory – a justifiable reward after a day spent hiking, biking or paddling the Green Mountains, Mad River Byway and other verdant spaces. Waterbury is also known for its craft-beer industry and booming field-to-table restaurants.

Imagine kicking back in your Adirondack chair, coffee mug in hand, staring up at Vermont’s Green Mountains. Not a bad way to start the day at your mountain-view tent site situated on 10-acre (4ha) property with its own pond plus access to excellent hiking trails (Perry Hill will give you a decent workout). The free boat access at Waterbury Reservoir is barely a mile away. Your Vermont campsite includes a fire pit, wood stove and campfire grill.

Chartered in 1753, Stamford is one of the oldest towns in Vermont, boasting excellent hiking (especially the Cascades Trail for its waterfall) plus decades-old footpaths lacing through the Green Mountains. Must-visit nature hotspot, the Natural Bridge State Park, is home to the only natural white marble arch on the continent.

How often do you share space with wild turkeys, deer, woodpeckers or owls? Whispering Pine offers you the option of pitching your tent (bring your own) anywhere on their 18-acre (7ha) property – or you can pay for the use of a vintage 1988 camper that sleeps four. There’s no running water, but you will find a natural swimming stream off the property where you’re welcome to take a dip. Bring candles and a flashlight, as there’s no electricity – which only adds to the sense of calm and quiet.

The hamlet of South Woodstock is known for pretty views (Kedron Brook winds its way through the picturesque valley), stately architecture (smidgeons of pre-Civil War Greek Revival), horses (dressage competitions courtesy of the Green Mountain Horse Association) and celebrities who like to stay under the radar (actor Michael J. Fox used to live here).

Enjoy comfortable camping (queen bed, Adirondack chairs, solar shower, fire pit) on a hillside meadow that’s only seven minutes from the village green in “Vermont’s prettiest little town.” Nature viewing is provided by wild turkeys, coyotes, raccoons and the occasional black bear that could make an appearance. Hosts are eighth-generation Vermont locals who can advise on outings, whether to the hiking trails of Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park or fly-fishing on the Ottauquechee River.

Randolph, the gateway to the Green Mountains, is on the National Register of Historic Places, thanks to the historic C.K. Smith Covered Bridge that crosses the White River, as well as the railroad-era architecture and Victorian homes. Foodies, take note: Randolph is on the Vermont Cheese Trail, thanks to family-owned organic Neighborly Farms of Vermont.

Despite the name, you’re more likely to hear sheep baa-ing, cows moo-ing, or hawks whistling than wolves howling at this 88-acre (35ha) working farm above Randolph. Indeed, you can also bank on seeing deer, turkeys and foxes. There’s a network of mountain biking trails to explore, or you can join a one-hour farm tour to learn about biodiversity, grazing and climate change; a kid-friendly version is possible, too. You can also buy sausage, ham and bacon directly from the hosts’ farm.