10 Best Fall Camping Spots In Vermont For 2025 -

From rustic ponds to island hideaways, here are the best of the best camping spots to pitch your tent (or park your RV) this autumn.

Why Go Camping in Vermont During Fall?

The state is a perfect blend of rolling Green Mountains, mirror-like lakes, and charming small towns that feel like they’ve stepped out of a postcard.

Peak foliage: Usually late September through mid-October, but even early November can surprise you with golden tones.
Cooler nights: Forget the sweaty summer tent nights—fall camping means cozying up in a sleeping bag with a chill breeze outside.
Perfect pairings: Apple orchards, cider donuts, and harvest festivals are never far from camp.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to plan that camping trip—this is it.

Best Vermont Fall Camping Spots 2025

1. Grout Pond Campground – Foliage Reflections on Water

Nestled in the Green Mountain National Forest, Grout Pond Campground feels like a hidden gem.

Campsites hug the shoreline, and the pond mirrors the fiery maples around it. Wake up early and you’ll catch the mist rising from the water.

Estimated Fees: $20–$25 per night.
Reservations: Available through the USDA Forest Service site.
Amenities: Vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables (no showers or hookups).
Nearby Trails: Catamount Trail and Somerset Reservoir paths.
Local Food: Stop at Wilmington for fresh maple creemees and cider donuts.

Pro Tip: Bring a kayak or canoe to paddle.

2. Kettle Pond State Park – Classic Vermont Wilderness

In the heart of Groton State Forest, Kettle Pond delivers the ultimate rustic camping experience. The walk-in sites circle a pristine pond where loons call at dusk.

Estimated Fees: $18–$22 per night.
Reservations: Book on the Vermont State Parks website.
Amenities: Pit toilets, fire pits, lean-tos (no electricity).
Nearby Trails: Owl’s Head Trail and Groton Nature Center paths.
Local Food: Barre and Montpelier have cozy cafés and cider mills nearby.

Insider Tip: This is a no-frills spot—no hookups, no fancy amenities, just raw beauty. Pack accordingly.

3. Half Moon Pond State Park – Peaceful Pondside Escape

If you’re after quiet, Half Moon Pond delivers. Campsites spread along the water give you front-row seats to fall foliage.

Nights here are all about campfires and starry skies.

Estimated Fees: $20–$27 per night depending on site type.
Reservations: Book via Vermont State Parks.
Amenities: Restrooms, coin showers, fire pits.
Nearby Trails: Bomoseen State Park trails.
Local Food: Head into Castleton for craft beer and hearty Vermont farm-to-table meals.

4. Knight Island State Park – Vermont’s Island Adventure

Yes, you read that right—an island camping trip in Vermont! Knight Island sits in the middle of Lake Champlain, only reachable by boat.

It’s rustic, remote, and a dream for anyone who loves solitude with a side of foliage views.

Estimated Fees: $25 per night.
Reservations: Through Vermont State Parks.
Amenities: Composting toilets, picnic tables, and primitive sites (no showers or hookups).
Nearby Trails: Explore Lake Champlain paddling routes.
Local Food: Burlington and South Hero have farm stands and breweries.

Pro Tip: Book early. Island sites are limited and fill up quickly during fall weekends.

5. Quechee State Park – Camp Beside Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon”

Camping near Quechee Gorge means you’re steps away from Vermont’s most photographed natural wonder.

Estimated Fees: $20–$25 per night.
Reservations: Vermont State Parks.
Amenities: Restrooms, coin showers, RV hookups available.
Nearby Trails: Quechee Gorge Trail, Dewey’s Mill Pond.
Local Food: Don’t miss Simon Pearce restaurant and Woodstock cider donuts.

Insider Tip: The nearby town of Woodstock has some of the best cider donuts in Vermont—don’t miss them.

6. Camp Plymouth State Park – Family-Friendly Lake Camping

Camp Plymouth sits on Echo Lake, making it a family favorite. Kids can splash by day, families can gather around campfires by night, and everyone can wake up to rolling hills blanketed in fall colors.

Estimated Fees: $20–$27 per night.
Reservations: Vermont State Parks.
Amenities: Restrooms, coin showers, group camping areas.
Nearby Trails: Coolidge State Park hiking trails.
Local Food: Grab pizza and cider in Ludlow after your camp adventure.

7. Brewster River Campground – Relax by Smugglers’ Notch

For those who like a mix of convenience and nature, Brewster River Campground near Smugglers’ Notch is ideal.

You’ve got riverside campsites, easy access to hiking, and the kind of small-town Vermont vibes that make fall unforgettable.

Estimated Fees: $35–$45 per night.
Reservations: Available directly via Brewster River Campground’s website.
Amenities: Showers, electricity, restrooms, fire pits.
Nearby Trails: Smugglers’ Notch hiking routes and Long Trail access.
Local Food: Craft beer in Jeffersonville or Stowe’s famous breweries.

8. Green Mountain Glamping – Cozy Comfort Meets Fall Adventure

Not into roughing it? Green Mountain Glamping is the answer. Picture a canvas tent, a real bed, twinkle lights, and still being surrounded by blazing foliage. It’s camping… but Instagram-worthy.

Estimated Fees: $100–$150 per night.
Reservations: Book directly on their website or Hipcamp.
Amenities: Luxury tents, real beds, heating, and shared restrooms.
Nearby Trails: Green Mountain National Forest loops.
Local Food: Farm-to-table dining in Manchester and Rutland.

9. Grateful Acres & Harold’s View Farm – Hipcamp Charm

If you prefer something more private than state parks, Grateful Acres Vermont and Harold’s View Farm offer cozy Hipcamp stays.

You’ll camp on private land, often with bonus perks like farm animals or fresh produce.

Estimated Fees: $40–$70 per night.
Reservations: Via Hipcamp.
Amenities: Vary by host (fire pits, compost toilets, small cabins).
Nearby Trails: Camel’s Hump and local forest trails.
Local Food: Expect fresh farm goods and nearby general stores with Vermont cheese and maple syrup.

10. Broadfork Farmstead & Vermont Homestead – Rustic Farm Vibes

Both Broadfork Farmstead and Vermont Homestead give you the chance to pitch a tent while surrounded by fields, barns, and mountain views.

Estimated Fees: $35–$65 per night.
Reservations: Through Hipcamp.
Amenities: Rustic setups—fire rings, farm tours, composting toilets.
Nearby Trails: Local farm paths and short hikes in Central Vermont.
Local Food: Farm-fresh produce, homemade jams, and nearby farmers’ markets.

Local Fall Events to Pair With Camping

Fall camping isn’t just about the outdoors—it’s about the whole Vermont experience. Time your trip around these local highlights:

Stowe Foliage Arts Festival – early October
Woodstock Apples & Crafts Fair – first weekend of October
Montpelier Fall Foliage Festival – early October
Vergennes Fall Festival – mid-September
Oktoberfests in Stowe and Windsor – throughout October

Where to Stay Nearby If You Don’t Camp

Not everyone in your group a tent person? No problem—Vermont is packed with cozy inns and boutique lodges near these camping areas.

Stowe: Green Mountain Inn
Woodstock: Woodstock Inn & Resort
Manchester: Kimpton Taconic Hotel
Lake Champlain: Basin Harbor Resort

Conclusion

Whether you’re paddling across Grout Pond, roasting marshmallows at Half Moon Pond, or waking up on a Lake Champlain island, these spots promise the kind of autumn adventure you’ll never forget.

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10 Best Fall Camping Spots in Vermont For 2025

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