The best camping near Emerald Lake State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Emerald Lake State Park adventure.

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Emerald Lake State Park: A Gem for Nature Lovers and Campers Alike.

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Community favorites near Emerald Lake State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Emerald Lake State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Emerald Lake State Park

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Secluded Stays At Quill Nook Farm

6 sites · RVs, Tents262 acres · Brattleboro, VT

Welcome to our quiet 262-acre farmstead! We offer an immersive rural Green Mountain experience, yet only 25 minutes from the lively, artsy towns of Brattleboro and Wilmington. Enjoy a private campsite nestled next to a tranquil pond. Soar over our gardens on epic tree swings. Hidden trails bring you through dense forests, past ancient hemlock trees to secluded swimming holes. Ancient stone structures and newer stacked boulders and flower gardens add to the natural beauty all around you. We have one friendly off-leash dog, Oliver, and two kitties, Lupine and Lavender, that roam freely and may want to make friends with you. (And if you ignore them, they will leave you alone). We have laying hens, goats, and piglets that you are welcome to visit! We love animals -- as you can tell -- but are unable to host campers with dogs. While cozing up to a campfire, you might hear the calls of birds of the deep forest like the hermit thrush and the barred owl, or the call of coyotes on the far ridge. We are surrounded by hundreds of acres of unbroken forest that offer habitat to moose, bear, and deer, and numerous other wildlife. (Don't worry -- these animals are very shy and likely to run in the other direction if they see you.) Pitch your tent on Thistledew campsite and enjoy a cedar tent platform, fire ring, rustic picnic table, and direct access to the beautiful forest and miles of walking trails. The campsite is a gentle 25-foot walk from the parking spot. We offer a bathroom with sink and composting toilet, which is across the driveway from the campsite, attached to the "Moonhouse." Enjoy the Moonhouse, your own standalone two-story cottage sitting in its own private corner the homestead. Quill Nook Farm is 25 minutes from artsy, outdoorsy Brattleboro, VT and I-91, and 25 minutes from the quaint village of Wilmington, with restaurants, breweries, and shopping. Mount Snow is 40 minutes away via Routes 9 and 100, and we’re only 45 minutes from the Mass MoCA art museum in North Adams, Mass. The Harriman Reservoir is located 20 minutes away and provides a variety of spaces for boats, kayakers, swimmers, picnic areas with grills and more! Do you want an “off the beaten path” hike or swimming hole with rocks for sunbathing? We can direct you to several secluded spots on our property or within 15 minutes. The Green River covered bridge and log dam is 10 minutes down the road, and you can sample from several farmsteads and art galleries in the area. Interested in homesteading or farming? Would you like a historic walking tour of ancient stone structures on the land? We love to share our expertise — ask about our tours and experiences.

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Sunrise Farm

9 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · Dover, VT

Voted 3rd in Vermont by Hip Camp 2022 6 Sites are on Sunrise Farms 75 acre Conservation land with 50 mile view for Sites 1 and 2. Very quiet area with lots of wildlife and ponds and disc golf. Very quiet with great swimming and lots of hikes right from your sites. 2 of the Brookside Sites (Wishbone Left and Right) are close by (2.7 miles) where we have another 1/2 mile of river frontage and can handle bigger groups as Conservation land on Sunrise Farm only allows 4 campers per site. Sunrise Farm Sites 1 and 2 have oodles of space and Spectacular 50 mile views of Mount Monadnock with no house lights out there in the evening except the party string lights we provide. Site 1 (with entrance 70 yards south of the farmhouse) is best for camping in with up to 20 foot trailers or multiple tents …on the large flat spaces in the 25 acre field to choose from. Great Well water available near farmhouse. Biodegradable soaps Only if used in the ponds. Double Olympic sized Swim Pond we stock with Rainbow Trout to keep clear. We have been advised Not to allow imported firewood (can import Wood Beetle dangerous for our forest). - PLEASE use the Firewood bundle tubs we provide ($11) - pick up at the farmhouse or pull wood from the woods (and make it safer for use). Beautiful and plenty of wildlife nearby... as well as Port a Potties are marked on Map we provide with solar lights marking them at night. Do Not Leave food out when camping or away from site. Bears are rarely seen but it is wild country. Sites have locking garbage lids. Unique and lovely as well as being next to trails and roads to miles of remote spots with very few if any ... people. In Winter we request only AWD vehicles go down to this site or park up by farmhouse and hike in so you can easily get out. When wet park up by the road if you have 2 wheel drive. Always WISE to arrive When LIGHT out as we do not live at the site and are not able to show guests to their sites as a result.

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Grateful Acres Vermont

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · West Dover, VT

Learn more about this land: Welcome to Grateful Acres Vermont, a 420 friendly, Grateful Dead inspired camping destination in the heart of the Green Mountains. We have space available for tents, campers, and trailers. Kayaks available to rent for use at the reservoir located just up the road. WE ARE NOT A COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISE, just a family with some land in Vermont that we would.like to share. PLEASE OBSERVE THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT

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Quarry Brook

4 sites · Lodging, Tents100 acres · Putney, VT

It all started on a first date in Boston....Nick had to excuse himself to take a phone call. His cow had fled its pasture. Much to Tara's surprise in that moment, this man she had just met was finishing his engineering degree at Northeastern, but was simultaneously building a homestead in Vermont. Fast forward 7 years, and here we are, building the life we only dreamed of. We yearned for simplicity. Deeper connections to our surroundings and mother nature. A calmer sense of place. The satisfaction that comes from growing food. Creating with our hands. We're a working farm and homestead. Every day at Quarry Brook is a new adventure, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We’re incredibly excited to share our little corner of southern Vermont and what we’re up to with you!

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Private campsites miles of trails!

5 sites · RVs, Tents22 acres · Adams, MA

Aisling Mountain Farm campgrounds are located in Adams MA, is directly connected to Mount Greylock state park and its miles of trails. We currently have four tent campsites throughout the year with one that will accommodate trailers up to 16' without backing up! Enjoy the view, our cascading waterfall brook, and spend some time with our horses. Please see our FB page at Aisling Mountain Farm for more info. Your campsites are only a few minutes' walk to the Gould trailhead public parking lot sand many trails. Also, you have direct access to some amazing single bike paths running all through the state forest. We are located in the Berkshires, with many attractions like, Mass MoCa, Williamstown theater, and many other places of interest.

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Green Mountain Trails

2 sites · Lodging600 acres · Pittsfield, VT

Hike or bike 2 miles into a completely secluded cabin on 600 acres with panoramic views of the Green Mountains. You’ll arrive to a cozy cabin that can comfortably sleep 2, or up to 4 if needed, equipped with a potbelly stove and basic cooking equipment.The mountain, once a source of wood for the Stanley Tool factory and a site for bridle trails in the summer and Nordic skiing in the winter, is now best known as a the birthplace of the Spartan Race and host of the infamous Death Races, as well being a popular mountain biking destination called the Green Mountain Trails. The trail system boasts 25 miles of flowy trails for all abilities as well as a stone staircase climbing from the base to the top of the trails at Shrek’s Stone Hut. Awake to an incredible sunrise and panoramic Green Mountain views after a night underneath a starry dome unblemished by city lights. Chilly evenings in the hut are easily tempered by a pot belly stove fed by seasoned wood. A built in bunk accommodates two people, but it’s possible to sleep up to four guests.

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Hartshorn Hideaway

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Arlington, VT

This cabin has been in my family for over 20 years. When my sister purchased this cabin it was in rough shape, with a tar paper roof and a single bunk that was falling down. With help from our father's sawmill, and helping hands of friends and family, we were able to rebuild from the ground up. Ever since then, this cabin has been making memories for our family and friends. We hope whoever gets to experience our little piece of VT will also make great memories here. This cozy family owned cabin located in the town of Sunderland, Vermont. Surrounded by hundreds of acres of national forest, campers can enjoy the sounds of a swift stream flowing nearby, birds chirping in trees, and the rustling of leaves and branches in the breeze. This mountainous area has a rich array of wildlife, meadows, trails, and only a few miles away from the Battenkill River, a tributary of the Hudson River of New York. Once inside you’ll find a small kitchen and dining area complete with a wood burning stove for those cool Vermont nights. The sleeping area offers four generously-sized bunks, a loft area, and a queen futon. Enjoy the peace of nature with a cup of coffee on the porch, but don’t forget to cap off the night with smores around the fire pit! Access to Vermont’s Long Trail System is nearby, with its 272 mile footpath and 166miles of side trails. This offers endless hiking opportunities for the day-hiker, weekend overnighter and extended backpacker. The Long Trail follows the main ridge of the Green Mountains from the Massachusetts-Vermont state line to the Canadian border, crossing Vermont’s highest peaks. As for the daily adventures, take a drive to surrounding ski resorts, including Bromley Mountain being just 15 miles from the property, where you can enjoy various activities year-round. Take a 10 minute drive to visit Mount Equinox Skyline drive where you’ll take in incredible views. Just past Mount Equinox is The Village of Manchester, which is home to the famed Equinox Resort and Spa. In Manchester, guests can enjoy everything from shopping & dining to outdoor classes for ATV driving and fly fishing!

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Berkshire Beech House

2 sites · Lodging6 acres · Monroe, MA

This tiny A frame is proudly nestled in a truly secluded camp in the Berkshires and Vermont border of Monroe, MA. Features an off grid heated and lightly electrified solar power. Enjoy the near silence in the forest with the convenience of being only 15 minutes from the town of North Adams. Relax around the cook top fire pit, go on a white water rafting adventure, hike the Appalachian trail, see Mass MoCA art, and the necessary visit to maple sugar shacks. Explore the area and you will find breathtaking views, especially if you make it up here at prime leaf peeping days.

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Green Mountain Getaway

1 site · Lodging150 acres · Weathersfield , VT

A former farm now a 150 acre forested retreat. Mt Ascutney, a 3500' monadnock is to the north and view in excess of 60 miles to the south. The beautiful Weathersfield meeting house is our neighbor as you drive in. Fall is just around the corner and cooler weather, book now before it’s too late. Dogs, we have inherited a dog that is not fond of other dogs. If you are coming to the pond or just walking by please let us know so we can make sure our dog is inside. Phone numbers on the wall of the cabin. The road has gotten quite rough with all the wet weather. 4wd with ground clearance is recommended. Total trip from our house is 320yd if your car is not up to the trip in. Curl up in front of the fire and relax. Marsh Billings farm museum in Woodstock has lots of Vermont Country store is close and Woodstock has unique shopping. Spacious one room camp, bunk bed, dinning table, and chairs. Sweeping view to the South. Swimming pond 5 minute walk. LP burner and some cooking utensils. Wood stove for those chilly nights. No electricity but LED battery lighting. l. Note that we do not charge a cleaning fee like some sites. We appreciate our guest leaving the camp as found. So far so good! Camp has the following: LP 2 burner cook top, pots and pans, dishes, flat ware, some spices and such. Fresh clean water will be at the camp when you arrive. The furnished jugs have been cleaned. If you still wish to bring your own drinking water please do so in reusable jugs. We are trying to limit plastic use. NOTE: Using GPS, Google map, or other device our address may come up as Perkinsville, Ascutney, or even Springfield even though the town is Weathersfield. Check the map and just confirm that Center Grove Rd is shown or called out as off of Weathersfield Center Rd. We DO NOT furnish wood for the outside fire pit. There is plenty of wood to scavenge on site. There is a small buck saw in the cubby. However if it has rained or raining you may want to bring kindling wood. We now have slab wood for sale if you do not want to rummage for wood in the forest PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN KINDLING WOOD FOR THE STOVE. Chunk wood is furnished for the inside stove. There is a splitting maul, snow shovel, and hatchet Check in and out times are flexible if no one is booked on either side. And last but not least if wedding bells are in your future your host is a Justice of the Peace and can perform wedding services!

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ELM TREE FARM

2 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · Lebanon, NH

Our ancestor Ebenezer Cole, settled in our little corner of Lebanon, NH., in 1847. Eight generations of our family have lived, and farmed here since. Although once almost totally cleared for crops and grazing, most of our land is now devoted to forestry, but some land remains open and devoted to forage crops. We also have a modern hillside maple orchard. Although we no longer actively farm full time, the stewardship of our farm is of upmost importance to our family. We encourage people to visit our property and enjoy it fully. We host a Boy Scout Troop campsite on another part of our property. We are located in the heart of the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region with countless cultural, and recreational opportunities just minutes away. We hope you will come for a visit and learn to love our farm and community as much as we do.Learn more about this land:Shaded Brookside Glen is a private, stream side, level, pull through site for a small RV, trailer, or tent. This is the private campsite we developed on our farm several years ago for when my wife and I need a little getaway, but don't have the time to travel. Shaded Brookside Glen is a level, mowed lawn surrounded by mature trees and bushes. Dry camping only, but a nice composting outhouse is easily available nearby. Water is available from the year round trout stream, but drinking water must be carried in. Shaded Brookside Glen has a picnic table, a metal fire pit, and limited fire wood is supplied. The drive to the site is across a grassy, mowed, well drained field, but can be effected by long periods of rain.

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Bent Apple Farm

7 sites · Lodging100 acres · Londonderry, VT

Often described as being the most relaxing, romantic, dreamy and unique farm you'll ever stay in!!! Bent apple farm is natures perfect scape, thanks to my husband and I efforts to create a sanctuary to share with others. From apple trees, beautiful pond and a rustic cabins. Our farm is at the edge of VT natural forest, with often gifts us the visit of wild deers, moose and turkeys. Our property has 5 cabins total that give a small little village feel to it, but spaced enough that each has its privacy. This quiet piece of heaven is our little treasure, built and cared by us to share with you. Instagram: @bentapplefarm You’ll need 4x4 car in the winter time.

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Riverhaven

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Woodford, VT

Come stay in our cozy cabin set just feet from a beautiful trout-filled Vermont river. Sit on the deck under the hemlock trees and sip your coffee as you watch the clear water cascade over the rocks. Go for a hike on your choice of trails--there are many very close by, including the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail only a mile away. Then you can come back and take a refreshing dip in the river. This tributary of the Walloomsac river is stocked with fish every spring and boasts of many native brook trout that are a hidden gem for fly fishermen. Use the grill or fire pit to cook your catch, or drive 10 minutes into the town of Bennington to enjoy a restaurant. Stroll around the shops in the several wonderful small towns in the area or just go on a drive and enjoy the scenery. Just around the corner is a premier cross country skiing center at Prospect Mountain (3 miles away), or downhill skiing at Mount Snow (13 miles) or Stratton (19 miles), or snowshoe around the pond at Woodford State Park (5 miles). Then come back to our riverside cabin, click on the fire, and let the murmur of the river put you to sleep--a haven from the busy world. There is so much beauty and so much to do in every season--or just come and do nothing and enjoy! We built this cabin bit by bit with many repurposed and salvaged materials--it is definitely a labor of love. The walls are from local pine, and the deck boards are from the local high school bleachers. A shelf in the cabin is from a piece of our old piano and the flooring is secondhand. Our family enjoys the cabin experience so much in every season, and we hope you will as well. Cabin setup: Our one room dry cabin (no electricity or plumbing) located just off Route 9 is thoughtfully appointed with a full sized bed with memory foam mattress (linens provided), two armchairs, and a propane stove for heat. The cabin's property abuts hundreds of acres of national forest to explore. Parking is just off the road where you will then follow the mulched foot path about 100 yards to the cabin. If it is too muddy or snowy you will park in our driveway and walk down to the cabin from there. Amenities: We offer cooking items such as a propane grill, spatula, tongs, cast iron skillet, grate for the firepit, 2 plates, 2 mugs, 2 bowls, and utensils. Some cozy books and card games are also available. The two outdoor chairs can be moved from the porch to the nearby firepit as needed. We do provide a battery pack that can be used to charge phones (though please consider that this could run out during your stay), but you will enjoy the "unplugged lifestyle", as there is little to no cellphone service and no internet; however, a short drive into town will keep you connected. Notes: Please know that occasionally when there has been increased rainfall or snowmelt the river will be very high. While this certainly looks and sounds incredible from the cabin, it may impact your plans for wading or fishing, and of course this is unpredictable. We do not recommend very young children staying at the cabin due to the presence of the river just yards from the front door of the cabin, with a significant drop off into the rocky river. For this same reason please either refrain from drinking alcohol or very much limit your intake. We care about your safety and want you to have an amazing stay!

The best camping near Emerald Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

Emerald Lake State Park is conveniently located between Manchester and Rutland, just a stone’s throw from Route 7. The lake is aptly-named for its water’s greenish birds-eye hue. The 20-acre lake is limited to non-motorized watercraft, providing superb swimming, paddling and fishing. Boat rentals are available for your ‘yakin satisfaction. The sandy shores are adjacent to picnic tables, a concession stand, a playground and even a nature center. Peeps can take refuge from the noonday sun in the park’s ample wooded campground or many lean-tos which are divided into two types: “prime” and, well...regular. Take your pick (they all have cute tree names, though).

The lake is a favorite oasis for Appalachian and Long Trail hikers. And for the day-trotters, there are plenty of trails within the park’s 430 acres. On your jaunt, you might even stumble upon the North Dorset Cemetery, located on the hill overlooking the park’s contact station and parking lot. Fun fact: many of the headstones in the cemetery are made from local marble, extracted from the quarries that once stippled the hillsides.

Notable campgrounds

Emerald Lake Campground - Offers a serene camping experience with easy access to the lake's pristine waters.
Lakeside Campsites - Ideal for those who love to wake up to the sound of gentle waves and enjoy quick dips.
Forest Campsites - Tucked away amid towering trees, these sites are perfect for privacy and shade lovers.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your spot, especially during peak summer months when the park is most popular.
Consider visiting during the weekdays for better availability and a quieter experience.
Keep an eye on cancellation policies; last-minute openings can be your opportunity to reserve a prime site.
Explore nearby camping options if the park's campgrounds are fully booked to still enjoy the area's natural splendor.

When to go

The best time to visit Emerald Lake State Park is during the summer and early fall, when the weather is warm and the park is fully operational. Spring can be wet and muddy, while winter brings snow and limited access. Plan your trip from late May to early October for the ideal experience.

Know before you go

Check the park's operating schedule as it varies seasonally, with full services available from late spring to early fall.
Be prepared for varying weather conditions and pack accordingly for your outdoor adventures.
Review the park's safety guidelines, especially if you plan to engage in water activities or hiking.
Accessibility options are available; contact the park in advance for specific needs.
Day-use amenities include picnic areas and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit.