Firewood:  Do not bring firewood into Vermont state parks from outside the state, unless it is packaged, labeled, and heat-treated. The label must show it is certified by the USDA or another state’s agriculture department. To learn more, view our Camping Policies and Rules.

Camping Overview

Vermont State Parks offer many ways to camp. You can choose from:

• Drive-in campsites
• Lean-tos, also known as 3-sided shelters
• Remote campsites
• Group camping areas
• Cozy cabins and cottages

All sites are surrounded by Vermont's beautiful mountains, lakes, forests, and fields.

Not sure which type of camping is for you?

Read the descriptions below, then use our Park Finder tool to pick the activities and features you want.

Need help? 

Call us at 1-888-409-7579 between 9 am and 4pm, Monday through Friday.

Operating Schedule

Most Vermont State Parks are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day or until the second Monday in October.

Some parks may open earlier or stay open longer.

Check the full list of opening and closing dates on our Operating Schedule page.

Campground Maps

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Each park has an interactive map on our reservation website. Every reservable site has information to help you pick the perfect site for your visit.

Click on a campsite to see:

• A photo of the site
• A description of the site and what it offers

Information Provided on Site View

You can search for campsites based on site characteristics. Each campsite has a description with details like:

• Accommodates: Shows what size tent or RV fits. Tents are labeled small, medium, or large. RVs are measured in feet.
• Maximum Occupancy: Most sites allow up to 8 people. Some smaller ones allow up to 6.
• Site Access: Describes how you access a site. Options include: Drive-in, Walk-In, Hike-in, Remote Boat-In, or Remote Paddle-In. Most sites are drive-in. Some sites require campers to park below and then walk up some stairs.
• Shade: Says how much the site is shaded from the sun. Options are partial, full, or none.
• Driveway Surface: Can be fine gravel or grass.
• Proximity to Water: Says if a site has waterfront access for swimming.
• Pets: Explains whether or not pets are permitted on site. Pets are allowed at all campgrounds. However, they are not permitted in certain cabins, and they are not allowed in cottages or picnic pavilions.
• ADA Accessible: Means the site meets federal accessibility standards for people with disabilities.

Campground Amenities

Most Vermont State Park campgrounds are shaped in loops. Along the loop, you’ll find:

• Water spigots every few campsites
• Restrooms in a central spot (most have hot and cold running water)
• Showers that take tokens purchased at the contact station

Each campsite comes with:

• A fire ring or fireplace with a grill
• A picnic table

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Many parks also have:

• Playgrounds
• Beaches for swimming
• Hiking trails
• Horseshoe pits
• Volleyball nets
• Nature centers
• Picnic shelters
• Dump stations for RVs

Many parks also sell firewood and ice. Some parks offer nature programs, performances, and special events.

Note: Vermont State Park campgrounds do not have electric, water, or sewer hookups for RVs.

Want to see what each park offers?

Use the Park Finder tool or check the campground amenities list (PDF). You can also find info on each park's webpage and their interactive maps

Camping Sites and Facilities

Vermont State Parks offer several types of places to camp, including tent/RV sites, lean-tos, cabins, cottages, and a lodge. Here's what each type includes.

Tent/RV Sites

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These are the most common campsites.

Each site includes:

• A fire ring or fireplace with a grill
• A picnic table

Some are in sunny, grassy areas, while others are in shaded, wooded areas (often on gravel).

• Most sites fit up to 8 people
• RV sites list the maximum RV length they can fit
• Use the interactive map on each park page to see photos and details

View largest RV sites by park (PDF)

Note: Vermont State Park campgrounds do not have electric, water, or sewer hookups for RVs.

Lean-tos

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A lean-to is a 3-sided shelter with a roof and is open on one side.

• Fits up to 8 people
• Keeps you dry and out of the wind
• Comes with a fire ring or fireplace with grill and a picnic table

Tent Options at Lean-to Sites 

There are several ways to handle tent placement in or around a lean-to site.

• No tent at all: Just sleep inside with sleeping bags and pads
• Tent inside: Set up your tent inside for extra bug or weather protection
• Tent outside: Use the lean-to for sheltered activity space and sleep in a tent nearby

Typical Lean-to Size

• Floor: 13'4" wide by 9'3" deep
• Opening: 13'4" wide by 7'5" tall
• Back height at lowest point: 4'3"

Cabins

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Cabins are one-room shelters that comfortably sleep up to 4 people. They are built with local materials and have:

• Bunk beds and a futon or sleeper couch. Make sure to bring your own bedding and towels!
• A table and chairs
• An overhead light and electric outlet
• A covered front porch, picnic table, and fire ring with cooking grate

Note: Cooking is done outside. Bring your own cookware.
Bathrooms and showers are nearby in the campground.

Learn more about cabins

Cottages

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• Cottages are larger and more private, with separate rooms. They sleep 4–6 people and include:
• Beds: 1–2 regular beds, bunk beds, and a futon or sleeper couch
• Tables, chairs, and dressers
• Electricity and heat
• Full indoor kitchen: Fridge, stove, sink, microwave, toaster or toaster oven, coffee maker, cookware
• Indoor bathroom: Toilet and shower

Pillows, linens, and towels are not provided. Make sure to bring your own.

Learn more about cottages

Lodge

Want a cozy bed and breakfast experience? Stay at Seyon Lodge State Park.

Looking for adventure? Try the Stone Hut, a remote lodge at the top of a mountain during the winter!

Making Reservations

There are 3 easy ways to make a reservation at a Vermont State Park:

1. Online: Use our reservation website
2. Call the Reservation Center: 1-888-409-7579 (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–4 PM)
3. Call the park directly during the camping season

When Can You Book?

Camping reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance on a rolling basis.  Visitors can make same-day reservations until 2 p.m. by booking online, calling the Reservation Call Center, or contacting the park directly. Full payment is due when you make the reservation.

Make reservations

OR

Set up or change your account information.

Day-Use Facility Reservations

Many day-use facilities can be booked online. The following parks you cannot reserve online:

• Coolidge
• Kill Kare
• Kingsland Bay
• Mt. Philo

To book these, call the Reservation Center or the park directly.

Competition for Popular Sites

When booking online:

• A site might look available, but it’s not yours until you pay.

• If someone else finishes their payment first, you’ll get a message saying the site is no longer available.

• Just go back to the list and pick a different one.

If the other person cancels, the site may become available again.

Camping without a Reservation

Feeling spontaneous? You can camp without a reservation — if space is available.

• Most parks have some sites open, especially during weekdays
• There are no sites held just for walk-ins — it's first-come, first-served

Camping Fees

Updated prices in effect starting July 1, 2025. 

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

• Prices are for up to 4 people
• Add $8 non-refundable reservation fee per site

Camping Policies and Rules

Vermont State Parks has a few important policies and rules for all campers.

Vermont State Parks camping reservation policies are changing on February 11, 2026. Review the 2026 Camping Reservation Policy Updates.

Site Capacity

• Maximum of 8 people and 2 vehicles per site.

Check-In and Check-Out Times

• For campsites, lean-tos, cabins, and cottages:
  • Check-in: Between 2:00 PM and 9:00 PM
  • Check-out: By 11:00 AM 

Firewood Policy

• Don’t bring out-of-state firewood, unless it’s:
  • Packaged
  • Heat-treated
  • Labeled and certified by the USDA or an appropriate state agriculture department
• If you bring firewood from another state, you must exchange it at the park — except for enough to burn the first night only.
• This helps stop harmful pests from spreading.

Generator Use

• Generator use is allowed from:
  • 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
  • 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM 

Quiet Hours

• Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
• Please keep noise (music, talking, pets) to a minimum during these hours.

Camper Visitor Policy

• All visitors must register and pay the day-use fee.
• Visiting hours are 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

No Show Policy

• Notify park staff if arriving later than expected.
• Visitors with camping reservations must check in by 2 p.m. on the third day of their reservation.
  • For example, if the reservation begins on Friday, you must check in by 2 p.m. on Sunday. If you cannot check in by this time, you must contact park staff to inform them of your later arrival.
• If you fail to check in or notify park staff, you will not receive a refund, and your campsite will be made available to others. 

Minimum Stays

• Reservations made more than 7 days before the arrival date have a two-night minimum.
• Visitors arriving by vehicle or not camping in designated group areas can make 1-night reservations up to 7 days before their arrival.

Exceptions

• Individuals arriving at the park by hiking, bicycling, or paddling, as well as those camping in designated group camping areas, are eligible to make 1-night reservations.
• Remote site reservations at Waterbury Reservoir, Osmore Pond, and Kettle Pond require a minimum stay of 2 nights.
• Cabins require a minimum of 2 nights. Burton Island cabins are an exception and can only be rented Monday through Thursday, or Friday through Sunday.
• Cottages have different minimum night reservations based on the time of year.
  • Before June 15 and after Labor Day, cottage rentals have a 3-night minimum.
  • Between June 15 and Labor Day, cottage rentals have a 7-night minimum. Reservations run Saturday to Saturday.

Maximum Stays

• 7-night maximum stay for cabins, cottages, Burton Island waterfront lean-tos, Molly's Falls Pond sites, and Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites.
• 14-night maximum stays for prime sites at Little River and Ricker Pond as well as all sites on Knight and Woods Island.
• 21-night maximum stays for other sites within the park system.

Please note: After you reach the maximum stay limit on a site, you must wait 7 days before booking another site in the same park.

Camping with your Pet

• Pets are allowed in campgrounds for a per-night fee.
• Rules for pets:
  • $3 per pet, per night
  • Pet must be on a leash (max 10 feet) or confined
  • No excessive barking
  • Owners must clean up after pets
  • Pets must be vaccinated
• Pets are not allowed in cottages or most cabins. Learn more about cabins.

Changing Reservations

Restrictions on Making Changes to Reservations

To keep reservations fair and prevent overbooking, reservations made on the first day a date becomes available have temporary change restrictions. These restrictions last for 22 days after the reservation is made. 

During the 22 days, these first-day bookings cannot:

• Change arrival and departure dates.
• Cancel reservations.
• Transfer sites.

During these 22 days, campers can still update reservation details, such as:

• Camping unit.
• Number of people on the reservation.

After the 22-day period ends, reservations may be changed or canceled as usual. This restriction does not apply to reservations booked later, once dates have been available for more than 22 days.

Please note: each site has a maximum stay limit (ranging from 7 to 21 consecutive nights per visit). After you reach that limit, you must wait 7 days before booking another site in the same park.

Changing Reserved Sites or Dates

You may change your reservation at no cost if all of the following apply:

• You keep the same number of nights and campsites
• The new dates or park are within the current camping season
• You make the change more than three or more days before your original arrival date

Eligible changes include moving your reservation to different dates or to another Vermont State Park within the same season. Any changes made two days or less before arrival will be treated as a cancellation and rebooking.

Tent/RV Sites, Lean-to, and Cabin Cancellations

• If you cancel at least 10 days before your scheduled arrival date, you will receive a full refund, minus the $8 reservation fee.
• If you cancel 3 to 9 days before your scheduled arrival date, you will receive a full refund, minus the $8 reservation fee and the cost of one night of camping.
• No refund will be issued if you cancel 0 to 2 days before your scheduled arrival date.

Cottages and shelters have different policies. Scroll further for the cottage cancellation policy. Head to the Day Use Reservations Rules and Policies page for more information on shelters.

What day should I edit or change my reservation?

An example of how cancellation penalties work.

You have a reservation scheduled to arrive on Friday, June 12, but your travel plans have changed, and you need to cancel.  In order to avoid being charged a 1-night cancellation penalty, you must cancel before Tuesday, June 2, at 11:59 pm. If you cancel before this time, you will receive a full refund minus the non-refundable reservation fee ($8).  

If you cancel between Wednesday, June 3, at midnight up to Tuesday, June 9, at 11:59 pm, you will receive a full refund minus the non-refundable reservation fee ($8) and the cost of one night's stay (varies depending on the campsite).  

If you cancel on Wednesday, June 10, at 12:00 am or later, no refund will be issued.  

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.

Official Rules Document

For more information on park rules and regulations, please review the Dept. of Forests, Parks and Recreation's official rules document.

Group Camping

• A group consists of 8 or more people.
• Each campsite must have a minimum of 4 people.
• Reservations can be made:
  • Online
  • By calling the Reservation Call Center at 1-888-409-7579 (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–4 PM)
  • By contacting the park directly
• Groups must be supervised by at least one adult who is responsible for the group’s activities and behavior.
• A Group Use Form must be submitted within two weeks of making a reservation.

Parks with Group Camping Areas

• Allis State Park: Maximum of 24 people.
• Camp Plymouth State Park: Accommodates smaller groups.
• Coolidge State Park: Maximum of 24 people.
• Green River Reservoir State Park: Two sites with maximum 12 people each.
• Kettle Pond State Park: Maximum of 208 people.
• Lake Shaftsbury State Park: Maximum of 120 people.
• Underhill State Park: Group area accommodates up to 75 people.
• Wilgus State Park: Maximum of 24 people.

Group Camping Fees

• Vermont Residents pay $6 per person, per night.
• Non-Residents pay $10 per person, per night.
• Reservation Fee is $8 (non-refundable).

A minimum of 8 people plus the reservation fee is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due upon arrival.

Group Camping in Non-Group Areas

• 1-night reservations are available before June 15 (except Memorial Day Weekend) and after Labor Day.
• During other times, regular non-group camping fees and rules apply.

Remote Camping

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Remote sites are different from primitive campsites because they can be reserved and are located in designated areas. These sites may include:

• A lean-to or space for a tent
• A fireplace or fire ring
• Picnic tables

Sanitary facilities are minimal, and no potable water is available.

Remote sites offer privacy and a backcountry experience, but you must be prepared to hike or paddle in with all your gear. You must carry out all trash. Bring only what you can transport safely.

Each remote site has a designated occupancy limit based on its size and features. Reservations are usually required, though some sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For details about specific sites, please contact the park directly.

Locations

Burton Island State Park: In addition to its developed campground, Burton Island State Park (located on St. Albans Bay on Lake Champlain) offers four remote tent sites on the south side of the island. These sites are set apart from the main campground, park office, and store, providing a more secluded experience. Access is by boat only. Reservations can be made directly through the park. For more information, see the State Parks of the Champlain Islands (PDF).

Green River Reservoir State Park: Located near Morrisville, Green River Reservoir State Park offers 27 remote tent sites scattered along 19 miles of undeveloped shoreline. Access is by car-top boat only. Green River is designated as a “quiet” lake. This means that 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 (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–4 PM).

Kettle Pond State Park: Also located in the Groton State Forest, Kettle Pond is a 109-acre undeveloped pond featuring five remote lean-to sites and one tent site. These sites are accessible by hiking or by portaging a car-top boat to a small dock at the water’s edge, then paddling to your site. Kettle Pond also has a group campground on the southeastern shore. There are many nearby trails and several lakes within the Groton Forest area to explore. Reservations can be made online, through New Discovery State Park, or by calling the Reservation Call Center at 1-888-409-7579 (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–4 PM). For more information, see the Remote Camping in Groton State Forest (PDF).

Knight Island State Park: Located on Lake Champlain in St. Albans Bay, Knight Island State Park has long been a favorite destination for those seeking a quiet, secluded getaway. Access is by boat only. The island offers one tent site and six lean-tos, all set in peaceful, private locations. Reservations can be made online, at the park, or by calling the Reservation Call Center at 1-888-409-7579 (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–4 PM). For more information, see the State Parks of the Champlain Islands (PDF).

Little River State Park: Little River State Park offers 27 remote campsites along the Waterbury Reservoir shoreline. Campsites can be reserved online or by calling the Reservation Call Center at 1-888-409-7579 (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–4 PM). Sites that are not reserved are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site has a privy, but no potable water is available. View the Waterbury Reservoir Remote Site Map (PDF).

Osmore Pond at New Discovery State Park: Osmore Pond is a 48-acre, undeveloped pond located within the 26,000-acre Groton State Forest. Motorized boats are not permitted, and the pond is accessible through New Discovery State Park. The pond features four remote lean-to sites and three remote tent sites, each with a fireplace and picnic table. Sites can be reached by hiking or boating. For visitors without a boat, rowboats and canoes are available for hourly rental or as part of a “boat-to-remote” package. Hiking trails in Groton State Forest are located near the campsites. Reservations can be made online, through New Discovery State Park, or by calling the Reservation Call Center at 1-888-409-7579 (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–4 PM). For more information, see the Remote Camping in Groton State Forest (PDF).

Woods Island State Park: Located approximately 2.5 miles from Burton Island, Woods Island State Park offers five secluded tent sites around the island. Access is by boat only, and the sites provide a quiet, private experience. Reservations can be made online, at the park, or by calling the Reservation Call Center at 1-888-409-7579 (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–4 PM). For more information, 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 at least 1,000 feet from any road.

There are no public drinking water or toilet facilities, and there are no reservations or assigned sites. Vermont does not offer free, dispersed car camping on state lands.

Review the Dept. of Forests, Parks and Recreation's Primitive Camping page for guidelines, allowable primitive camping locations, and district office contacts for designated primitive camping areas.

Horse Camping

Cost: $10 per horse per night

At New Discovery State Park

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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

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

Off-season camping is available November 1 - March 31. Off-season campsites cannot be accessed by RVs or vehicles. Access is hike-in only. 

• Check the Off-Season Access and Parking information before your visit. Most gates are locked for the season.
• Please park in a way that lets others get through. Only drive on marked roads and in parking areas.
• Water, restrooms, and trash services are closed during the off season. There are no facilities available.
• Follow Leave No Trace Principles, including 'Pack It In, Pack It Out'. Pack out everything, even human waste.
• Plan ahead before your visit. Snow removal is different at each park. Be ready for winter weather and bring what you need to dig yourself out.
• Hunting is not allowed in developed park areas during the regular season. However, hunting is allowed on most state lands in the parks during the off season.
• There is no fee to enter the park in the off season.
• You may camp for up to three nights in a row.
• Park staff are not always on site during the off season. If you see something unusual, such as damage or unsafe behavior, report it by email to parks@vermont.gov.
• Off-season camping is unavailable from April 1 through October 31. This allows park staff to safely carry out essential maintenance during the shoulder seasons without disrupting the visitor experience.

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

Northeast: Big Deer, Brighton, Elmore, Green River Reservoir, Kettle Pond, Little River, Maidstone, Molly's Falls Pond , New Discovery, Smugglers' Notch, Stillwater, Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites,    
For more information, call 802-476-0171

Southwest: Bomoseen, Branbury, Button Bay, Emerald Lake, Lake Shaftsbury, Lake St. Catherine, Mt. Philo, and Woodford    
For more information, call 802-786-0060

Southeast: Camp Plymouth, Coolidge, Fort Dummer, Jamaica, Molly Stark, Mt. Ascutney, Quechee, and Wilgus

For more information, call 802-289-0603

The permit form will open by November 1. Apply for permit.

Additional Resources

Camping How-tos

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. View the full Vermont State Parks Camping Tips and Tricks YouTube Playlist.

External Links

• Vermont Vacation Directory - Camping
• Green Mountain National Forest
• Green Mountain Club