Mountains, Maple, and Peaceful Backroads in the Green Mountain State
Vermont is a van lifer’s dream: winding mountain roads, charming towns, crisp mornings in the forest, and more maple syrup than you can handle. With its friendly locals, abundant state and national forest lands, scenic byways, and outdoor adventure culture, it’s one of the most van life–friendly states in the Northeast.
Whether you're boondocking in the Green Mountains, biking to a covered bridge, or soaking in a fall foliage view, here are 10 of the best places to car camp and enjoy van life in Vermont.
⛰️ 1. Green Mountain National Forest (Dispersed Camping)
Location: Southern and central Vermont
Cost: FREE (up to 14 days)
This massive national forest is the ultimate van life playground, with free, legal dispersed camping along many forest roads.
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🚐 Dozens of forest road pull-offs, most accessible to vans
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🥾 Trails connect to the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail
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🔥 Primitive sites often include fire rings
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🍂 Unmatched fall colors and starry skies
💡 Check USFS maps or iOverlander to confirm legal spots. Many roads are well-maintained.
🏕️ 2. Smugglers’ Notch State Park
Location: Near Stowe, VT
Cost: ~$20–$30/night
Set at the base of Mt. Mansfield, this park offers incredible hiking, waterfall views, and rock walls that hug the road.
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🧗 Nearby climbing and world-class trails
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🌲 Shaded, quiet campsites perfect for vans
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❄️ Closed in winter, but open May–mid-October
🌄 3. Camel’s Hump State Park (Primitive Camping + Trail Access)
Location: Central Vermont
Cost: FREE (primitive camping)
Vermont’s second-highest peak is surrounded by peaceful wilderness areas where you can camp primitively near trailheads or backroads.
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🥾 Epic hike to Camel’s Hump summit
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🚐 Small lots or roadside spots nearby (no amenities)
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🌌 Ideal for self-sufficient setups and backcountry feel
🌲 4. Branbury State Park (Lake Dunmore)
Location: Addison County
Cost: ~$20–$35/night
Right on Lake Dunmore, this laid-back park is perfect for relaxing by the water, paddleboarding, or hiking nearby.
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🛶 Beach access and boat rentals
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🏕️ Tent and van-friendly sites with bathrooms
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🌞 Beautiful in late spring and early fall
🚐 5. Rest Areas Along I-89 and I-91
Location: Throughout Vermont
Cost: FREE
Vermont has well-maintained, scenic highway rest areas that are open 24/7 and allow overnight parking.
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💤 Great for quick stops or stealthier nights
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🧻 Clean bathrooms and picnic spots
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🌲 Often surrounded by trees and quiet settings
🏞️ 6. Quechee State Park
Location: Eastern Vermont
Cost: ~$20–$35/night
Right next to the dramatic Quechee Gorge, this state park is great for hiking, scenic views, and easy access to town.
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🌉 Walk across the gorge bridge
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🛍️ Explore Quechee Village and Woodstock
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🚐 Spacious sites for vans and small campers
🧭 7. Grout Pond Recreation Area (Primitive Forest Camping)
Location: Southern VT, near Stratton
Cost: FREE or $10 donation
Located in Green Mountain National Forest, Grout Pond has primitive campsites scattered around a beautiful lake.
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🔥 Fire rings and picnic tables
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🥾 Trail network around the pond
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💤 Peaceful and surrounded by forest
🌻 8. Little River State Park
Location: Near Waterbury, VT
Cost: ~$25–$40/night
This scenic park has it all — mountain biking, a reservoir for swimming or paddling, and quiet campgrounds nestled in the trees.
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🏞️ Close to Stowe and Ben & Jerry’s factory
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🚐 Electric and non-electric sites available
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🚿 Showers and bathrooms
🌌 9. Hapgood Pond Recreation Area
Location: Peru, VT
Cost: ~$10–$20/night
Small, simple, and peaceful — this Forest Service campground is perfect for low-key overnights in a van or car.
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🛶 Swim or paddle on the pond
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🔥 Fire pits and picnic tables
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🧭 First-come, first-served sites
🛒 10. Walmart, Cracker Barrel, and Local Businesses (Stealth Parking)
Location: Barre, Rutland, Brattleboro (check signage)
Cost: FREE (where permitted)
Vermont is less strict than many Northeast states when it comes to stealth camping, especially outside major towns.
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✅ Ask before parking overnight
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🧼 Pair with local gyms or rec centers for showers
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💤 Look for quiet pull-offs in rural areas
🔧 Van Life Tips for Vermont
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Best Season: May–October (fall foliage = epic!)
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Winter: Cold and snowy — travel carefully or stay in the south
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Bugs: Blackflies in spring, mosquitoes in summer — bring spray
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Stealth Camping: Easier in rural areas, small towns are generally friendly
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Showers: State parks, truck stops, Planet Fitness in Barre or Brattleboro
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Apps to Use: iOverlander, Gaia GPS, Campendium, FreeRoam
Final Thoughts
Vermont has all the peace, beauty, and slow-living charm that make van life feel special. From deep green forests to chilly mountain mornings and small towns with fresh bread and strong coffee, this little state delivers a big sense of freedom and connection with nature.
It’s perfect for a quiet solo journey or a cozy couple’s trip, and it pairs beautifully with New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and upstate New York for a New England road trip loop you won’t forget.
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