Vermont is full of wonderful camping sites where you can take in the beauty of nature while getting away from the hectic pace of city living. There are countless areas that have the best remote camping in Vermont. What is primitive camping? It usually means camping in a forest with no developed facilities and leaving the site with little or no evidence of human visitation, and are usually in areas with difficult access. Are you up for the challenge of primitive camping in Vermont?

1. L.R. Jones State Forest, Plainfield
05667, Plainfield, VT 05667, USA
Flickr/Charles Wohlers
Beautiful views of the Green Mountain Range can be seen from the fire tower in Vermont's first state forest.
2. Burnt Rock Mountain, North Fayston
Center Fayston Road, Center Fayston Rd, Waitsfield, VT, USA
Facebook/Green Mountain Club
This is an impressive rocky dome, located along the Long Trail just north of Huntington Gap. The trail is a favorite of many and worth a hike to check it out. Camping at this site is prohibited, but find a spot nearby and enjoy the views.

Get an aerial view of Burnt Rock Mountain:

3. Coolidge State Forest, Plymouth
05056, Plymouth, VT 05056, USA
Dave’s Adventures/Google
Sometimes, you just have to pack up everything and get away from it all, at least for one night. After all, primitive camping is an all-season activity in Vermont! Coolidge State Forest is the perfect place for it.
4. Okemo State Forest, Ludlow
Ludlow, VT 05149, USA
Flickr/Eric Heupel
There are outdoor adventures to be found all four seasons at the Okemo State Forest, along with two primitive camping areas.
5. Groton State Forest, located in Danville, Groton, Marshfield, Orange, Peacham, Plainfield and Topsham
05667, Plainfield, VT 05667, USA
Flickr/Charles Wohlers
You can find all types of camping in the Groton State Forest including RV, tent, cabin, cottage, lean-to, remote, and primitive. They really have something for everyone!

See how gorgeous Groton State Forest is in the fall:

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6. Mathewson State Forest, Lyndonville
Lyndonville, Lyndon, VT 05851, USA
Flickr/Kathryn
Remote camping is fun, but getting stuck in a desolate area is not. Be prepared, yet still enjoy the beauty of Mathewson State Forest!
7. Mendon
05701, Chittenden, VT 05701, USA
Doug Chuka/Google
Areas in Mendon, such as the 918-acre Aitken State Park, offer many hiking and primitive camping opportunities for those with a good pair of hiking boots.
8. Green River Reservoir State Park, Hyde Park
1394 Green River Dam Rd, Hyde Park, VT 05655, USA
Flickr/Paul Moody
The Green River Reservoir State Park is Vermont's most secluded state park. The 28 scattered campsites are so remote you can only reach them by paddling, and some are more than a mile away from the boat launch! All campsites have limited facilities including a fire ring with a cooking grate and an outhouse nearby.

Take a flyover above this gorgeous area:

9. Burton Island, St. Albans
2714 Hathaway Point Rd, St. Albans Town, VT 05478
Max Metzger/Google
One of the things that makes Burton Island so special is that you can only get there by boat or ferry. Whether you're there for quiet time or for a camping vacation with the kids, you'll love any of the 17 tent sites and 26 lean-to sites (plus 15 boat moorings and a 100-slip marina). Be sure to reserve a campsite early! Unlike other parks, reservations for Burton Island campsites open up eleven months in advance on the 15th of the month. This is so that they can devote all their energies to serving Burton customers on these busy days.
10. Molly Stark State Park, Wilmington
705 VT-9, Wilmington, VT 05363, USA
Flickr/Sean Salmon
If you're looking for some independence, Molly Stark State Park is the place to go. Named after a woman whose accomplishments range from teaching her 11 children to read and write, to being instrumental to the American success at the Battle of Bennington. Pick one of the two camping loops which consist of 23 tent/RV sites and 11 lean-to sites for a camping trip of a lifetime.
11. Jamaica State Park, Jamaica
05343, Jamaica, VT 05343, USA
Flickr/Gerald Azenaro
Jamaica State Park is located on a bend of the West River, which is also a favorite spot for fishing. Bring your rods and get ready to kick back and relax at one of the 41 tent/RV sites and 18 lean-to sites that are spread throughout the campground. Venture out and see Hamilton Falls, Ball Mountain, and trek along one of the many hiking trails.

No summer is complete without some remote camping in Vermont. After all, some of the best memories of all are the ones where we’re sitting around a smoky campfire, roasting marshmallows and telling stories late into the night. Many of the state parks have excellent beaches, too! Check them out!

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More to Explore

The Natural Beauty of Vermont

William Suphan | April 13, 2023

What are the most incredible natural wonders in Vermont? 

The most incredible natural wonders in Vermont include:

  • The Burlington Buried Forest. This is a tiny copse of woods where all of the trees have sizable burls on their trunks.
  • Willoughby Gap in Westmore. This is a cold and deep lake with swimming areas on the North and the South ends. 
  • Lake Dunmore. This beautiful lake lies at the entrance of the Green Mountain National Forest and sits at the base of Mt. Moosalamoo.
  • The Green Mountains. These are the mountains that Vermont is named for with its nickname The Green Mountain State.

Learn more about the most incredible natural wonders in Vermont. 

What are some bucket list natural wonders in Vermont? 

Bucket list natural wonders in Vermont include:

  • Quechee Gorge. This 165-foot-deep gorge is known as the Grand Canyon of Vermont. The spectacular views make this area a local favorite.
  • Moss Glen Falls. This is the tallest waterfall in Vermont at 125 feet. These rushing falls are quite stunning. 
  • Lake Champlain. This lake rests against the border of Vermont and New York and is the state's largest freshwater lake.
  • Barre Gray Quarry. You'll find gleaming white stone and turquoise waters at this beautiful place.

Find out more about bucket list natural wonders in Vermont. 

What are some hidden gem state parks in Vermont? 

Hidden gem state parks in Vermont include:

  • Branbury State Park in Salisbury. This is a great family-friendly place where you can ride in pedal boats or paddle around in a canoe or kayak.
  • Green River Reservoir State Park in Hyde Park. You'll find pristine natural beauty at the remote camping sites that are only accessible by boat.
  • Seyon Lodge State Park in Groton. This idyllic little spot is a local hidden gem with a serene lake and lush forests.
  • Woodford State Park in Bennington. The campground here is at the highest elevation of any campground in the state.

Discover more about hidden gem state parks in Vermont. 

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