1) Green Mountain National Park: Chittenden Brook Campground
One of the most beautiful parks in Vermont is Green Mountain National Park. There are all kinds of hiking trails through the mountains as well as modern campgrounds or primitive backcountry sites. Located between the Rochester and Middlebury Ranger Districts is the Chittenden Brook Campground which has 17 campsites and the Chittenden Brook Hut which is cabin available for rent. Although it does not have running water it has beds for 10 people, a propane stove and an outhouse. While staying at Chittenden you can hike on the 7.1 mile trail that goes right along the brook. It connects to the Beaver Pond trail where you can look for beavers, wood ducks, and cooper’s hawks. After a day of hiking settle into your campsite for a nice dinner by the campfire. You can see why this mountain camping adventure is one of the best places to camp in Vermont this summer.
2) Button Bay State Park
Just south of Burlington on bluff overlooking Lake Champlain is the Button Bay State Park. Hike along the bluffs for some great lake views then end at the beach to cool off in the lake. If you prefer the campground has a swimming pool as well so bring your suits. There are 53 campsites for RV’s and Tents and 13 lean-to sites, all with picnic tables and fire rings. The camp also has 4 log cabins for rental with one allowing pets. Be sure to stop at the nature center to learn all about the wildlife that lives near Lake Champlain like turkey, fox, woodchucks, and white-tail deer. Keep your eyes peeled on the trails to see if you see any for yourself!
3) Burlington: North Beach Campground
The North Beach Campground just north of downtown Burlington is so close to all the sites of Burlington but has the lakeside camping feel. There is a large sandy beach that has lifeguards in the summer and a convenient snack bar. Bring your bikes because there are 9 miles of bike trails. There are 29 full hookup sites, 69 tent-only sites, and 39 sites for trailers, so a variety to choose from. Lake Champlain is also a great fishing lake, especially for bluegill, perch, pike and bass (Small and Largemouth). After a day at the beach, you can settle into your campsite to fry up some of the delicious pan fish you caught earlier in the day. Now that is a great camping trip!
4) Wood Island State Park
For some of the most remote camping, you have to camp at Wood Island State Park. You can only access the park by boat so you know it is going to be peaceful! Located in the far NW corner of Vermont on Lake Champlain there are 5 primitive sites spread out along the shore of the island. Each site is private and has composting toilets. There is a trail that connects all five campsites and a great hike to look for some of the wildlife on the island like plovers, mallards, and great blue herons. Take your kayak out to explore the other islands nearby or try some fishing. A peaceful, relaxing camping trip for sure.
5) The Long Trail
The Long Trail in Vermont follows the ridge of the Green Mountains from the southern border of Vermont all the way up to Canada. It is 272 miles and the oldest continuous footpath in the United States. There are many day hikes that are scenic and considered easy hiking, or you can plan a multi-day backpacking trip, or camping along the way. For the ultimate backpacking adventure you could plan to hike the entire trail which takes anywhere from 3-4 weeks. There are 70 backcountry campsites along the trail with sites spaced about a days hike in between. Be aware that the trail does pass through bear country so always keep food in bear-safe containers. Clearly one of the best places to camp in Vermont this summer!
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