Do you love winter camping in Vermont? There’s no reason why you can’t take advantage of this incredible outdoor adventure all year long. More than 30 Vermont State Parks are open for winter camping during the off-season. And even better — from November 1 through April 15th, you can pitch your tent for free! Let’s take a look at 10 of these gorgeous state parks where you can escape for a cold-weather retreat.

1. Molly Stark State Park
705 VT-9, Wilmington, VT 05363, USA
Facebook/Vermont State Parks
Molly Stark State Park is a popular hiking and picnic spot with 148 amazing acres to explore. During the wintertime, enjoy some much needed quiet time camping under the stars. Find the park at 705 VT-9, Wilmington, VT.
2. Ricker Pond State Park
18 Ricker Pond Campground Rd, Groton, VT 05046, USA
Flickr/Jasperdo
Located on the western shores of Ricker Pond, this state park is one of seven located in the Groton State Forest. Pitch your tent and then take the opportunity to explore the endless trails. Ricker Pond State Park is located at 18 Ricker Pond Campground, Groton, VT 05046.
3. Mt. Ascutney State Park
1826 Back Mountain Rd, Windsor, VT 05089, USA
Google Images/Operator K
Mt. Ascutney State Park is one of Vermont's first state parks created in the mid-1930s. Hike to the peak for panoramic views or stick to the lower trails for plenty of outdoor adventure. There's so much to explore, you'll want to stay more than one night. Visit this gem of a park at 1826 Back Mountain Rd., Windsor, VT 05089.
4. Green River Reservoir State Park
1393 Green River Dam Rd, Hyde Park, VT 05655, USA
Facebook/Vermont State Parks
As one of the state's most remote camping areas, the off-season provides a well-deserved retreat at Green River Reservoir State Park. Pack your gear and get ready for a rustic experience. Find the park at 1393 Green River Dam Rd., Hyde Park, VT 05655.
5. Underhill State Park
352 Mountain Rd, Underhill, VT 05489, USA
Google Images/Eric Brown
Located within the Mt. Mansfield State Forest on the western slope of the mountain, Underhill State Park is best known for its hiking including trails to the summit. Campsites at each level of the park ensure you can pitch your tent at the location you prefer. Visit the park at 352 Mountain Rd., Underhill, VT 05489.

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6. Woodford State Park
42 State Park Rd, Woodford, VT 05201, USA
Facebook/Vermont State Parks
Located on a mountain plateau surrounding Adams Reservoir at 2400 feet, this state park is the highest elevation campground of any state park. The heavily wooded park has many campsites to choose from, each one as picturesque as the next. Find the park at 142 State Park Rd., Bennington, VT 05201.
7. Gifford Woods State Park
34 Gifford Woods Acc, Killington, VT 05751, USA
Google Images/Michael K
This unique state park is home to an old-growth forest, one of the few remaining in the state. Enjoy the trails and then pick one of 19 lean-tos to bed down for the night. Find Gifford Woods State Park at 34 Gifford Woods Rd., Killington, VT 05751.
8. Kettle Pond State Park
4239 VT-232, Groton, VT 05046, USA
Google Images/Patrick Laperle
Located on the shores of an undeveloped pond, Kettle Pond State Park is a natural oasis for campers. As a part of the Groton State Forest, you'll find plenty of outdoor adventures waiting for you. The state park is located at 4239 VT-232, Groton, VT 05046.
9. Stillwater State Park
44 Stillwater Rd, Groton, VT 05046, USA
Google Images/teresa duffy
Enjoy camping with a water view at Stillwater State Park. Also one of the seven state parks in the Groton State Forest, this spot is loaded with trails to enjoy. Visit the park at 44 Stillwater Rd., Groton, VT 05046.
10. Bomoseen State Park
22 Cedar Mountain Rd, Fair Haven, VT 05743, USA
Google Images/Michael Rau
This 3,576-acre park is situated in the Taconic Mountains on the shores of Lake Bomoseen. Take the self-guided history trail to visit the remains of former quarrying sites. Choose from wooded, lakefront, or open field campsites. Find Bomoseen State Park at 22 Cedar Mountain Rd., Castleton, VT 05743.

View a full list of the state parks that offer winter camping here. You’ll need to apply for a permit at least 3 – 4 days before you plan to go camping. Accessible only by foot in the off-season (November 1 – April 15), you’ll need to hike or ski and carry in and out all of your supplies. RV’s and motorized vehicles are not allowed inside the parks during the winter. Parking is available outside the gates. Water supply and restrooms are closed in the off-season, so plan accordingly for your stay.

What are some other great winter camping Vermont spots? Which are your favorite winter camping in Vermont spots?

Have you ever been winter camping at one of the state parks? Share your experiences and photos in the comments section below. For more year-round camping options in the Green Mountain state, click here.

Looking for more winter in Vermont content? Then check out these 11 awesome winter spots in Vermont this year for a great winter getaway in Vermont. You won’t be disappointed with a winter trip to Vermont.

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Winter in Vermont

Luke | November 15, 2022

How cold is too cold for winter camping?

It varies depending on how good your camping equipment is. For advanced and hardcore winter campers in Vermont, it is possible to camp in temps below freezing all the way down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. But for novice winter campers, it is recommended to only go winter camping when temperatures are above 32 degrees.

For more ideas of what winter is like in Vermont, check out these 12 best winter spots in Vermont to explore this winter.

Check out the best things about Vermont during the winter with the 12 best winter places in Vermont.

Vermont is not the coldest state in the U.S., but it is consistently one of the coldest places. It has an average of 43.2°F, making it the seventh coldest state. For more information about what Vermont is like during the winter, check out the 21 things no one tells you about surviving Vermont winters.

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