If you are a Vermonter who loves the outdoors, it’s always a great time to go camping. In the wintertime, it’s a great time to go on a camping adventure as crowds disperse and campgrounds become more of peaceful retreats. Of course, the warmer months also bring with them plenty of fun and adventures. There are 30 state parks where you can camp year-round and the best part is that during the off-season camping is free! What better reason to check them out multiple times a year! Let’s take a look at nine of these winter wonderlands that are year-round campgrounds in Vermont where you can pitch a tent at any time of the year.

1. Brighton State Park
102 State Park Rd, Island Pond, VT 05846, USA
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Located on the shores of Spectacle Pond, Brighton State Park is known for its beautiful water views and its remoteness.
2. Smuggler's Notch State Park
6443 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672, USA
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Enjoy views of the breathtaking Green Mountains rising above your campsite at this year-round campsite in Vermont. Smuggler's Notch State Park is full of adventure year-round.
3. Lake Carmi State Park
Farm Road, Farm Rd, Sheldon, VT 05450, USA
Google Images/Peter Leary
This 482-acre park lies on the shores of Lake Carmi, the state's fourth-largest natural lake. Lake Carmi State Park also has the biggest campground of all the parks.
4. Button Bay State Park
5 Button Bay State Park Rd, Vergennes, VT 05491, USA
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The campground at Button Bay State Park overlooks the stunning Lake Champlain. Explore the interesting clay deposits along the shoreline or hike the trails when you visit Button Bay State Park
5. Jamaica State Park
48 Salmon Hole Ln, Jamaica, VT 05343, USA
Google Images/eriz amit
Situated on a bend of West River, Jamaica State Park is a favorite haunt of anglers. And did we mention the waterfall?
6. Quechee State Park
5800 Woodstock Rd, White River Junction, VT 05001, USA
Vermont State Parks
Enjoy this popular spot without the summertime crowds in the off-season. Quechee State Park has been awarded "Park of the Year" a time or two for its breathtaking views of the gorge.
7. Ricker Pond State Park
18 Ricker Pond Campground Rd, Groton, VT 05046, USA
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Ricker Pond State Park is one of seven parks in the Groton State Forest. Some campsites have water views while others are wooded, offering a variety of choices for campers.
8. Knight Island State Park
1 Knight Island, North Hero, VT 05474, USA
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This remote campground is at what seems like the end of the world. Knight Island State Park is located in Lake Champlain's inland sea.
9. Lake St. Catherine State Park
3034 VT-30, Poultney, VT 05764, USA
Vermont State Parks
Lake St. Catherine State Park has been a popular recreation area for Vermonters since its opening in 1953. Winter offers a respite from the usually-crowded park. We think you'll fall in love with this campground as much as we have.
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For more information, you can view a complete list of state parks that offer year-round camping in Vermont. Apply for a permit at least three or four days before you plan to go camping. All sites are accessible only on foot in the off-season, so you must carry in - and out - all of your supplies. RVs and motorized vehicles are not allowed inside the parks. Parking is available outside the gates. Water supply and restrooms are closed in the off-season, so please plan accordingly.

Did you know that there was year-round camping in Vermont at these amazing state parks? Have you ever gone winter camping in Vermont? Share your stories and photos in the comments section or in our Vermont Nature Lovers Group on Facebook!

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More to Explore

State Parks to Visit in Vermont

Tori Jane | February 17, 2022

What are the best state parks in Vermont for camping?  

With 55 awesome state parks in Vermont to choose from, deciding where to begin can be kind of challenging, don’t you think? We did some footwork for you, though – we have a handy list of our favorite hikes in Vermont for all skill levels and needs. For example:

  • Nestled in the George Aiken Wilderness Area is Woodford State Park, which is the highest-altitude state park in all of Vermont. It’s got 2.7 miles of great trails and 76 wonderful campsites available to reserve.
  • Another great one is New Discovery State Park in the Groton State Forest, which features 39 tent or RV campsites and 15 lean-to shelters. There are also some remote sites, and horse-camping sites available, too.
  • In the Taconic Mountains, you’ll find Bomoseen State Park. This park has 55 campsites available and is just 20 miles west of Rutland.
  • Brighton State Park is home to 54 tent/RV hookup sites, 23 lean-to campsites, and five cabins available for reservations on the shore of Spectacle Pond as well.  

 

What are some of the best campgrounds in Vermont?  

As we alluded to above, Vermont is awesome for campers! Some of the fan-favorite campgrounds in the state include:

  • The much-loved Moose River Campground, near St. Johnsbury.
  • Tree Corners Family Campground, which is just as family-oriented-fun as it sounds, and that one can be found near Irasburg. 
  • Pine Valley KOA, at White River Junction.
  • North Beach Campground at Lake Champlain in Burlington is to die for. That entire area is amazing – you'll never want to leave! 
  • Winhall Brook Campground, located in South Londonderry.

The possibilities are many, and Vermont is an epic place to go camping. These rustic camping spots in Vermont seem to be calling your name!  

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