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Camping in Vermont: campsites, permits and passes

Camping in Vermont starts in one of a few places: Vermont State Parks for state park campsites, Recreation.gov for federal campgrounds, or free dispersed camping on National Forest land. Here's where to book each, plus permits, passes and licences.

Most people go to:

State park campsites

Vermont state park campgrounds are booked through Vermont State Parks ↗. Book as early as you can for summer and holiday weekends, and check each park's page for cabins, yurts, group sites and pet rules.

National parks in Vermont

Vermont has no national park, but it has National Park Service sites such as monuments, historic parks and trails. See them on the National Park Service Vermont page ↗.

National forests and free camping

Vermont's national forests include Green Mountain. Developed campgrounds are booked on Recreation.gov (some are first-come, first-served), and most national forest land allows free dispersed camping away from developed sites, usually for up to 14 days. Check the forest's rules and any fire restrictions first.

Permits and lotteries

Most camping in Vermont doesn't need a special permit beyond your campsite reservation. Some wilderness areas, rivers and busy trailheads do; check the managing agency before you go.

Fishing and hunting licences

Licences for Vermont are sold by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife ↗, online or at local retailers. Rules and seasons differ by species and water, so check before you go.

Passes

The America the Beautiful pass covers entrance fees at national parks and many federal lands in Vermont. State parks usually sell their own day or annual passes; see Vermont State Parks.

Best time to camp in Vermont

June to mid-October. Peak foliage weekends in late September and October sell out first; black-fly season can affect late spring.

Questions

Packing checklists

Nearby states (Northeast)