Are you wondering if there is an alternative to the traditional family style camping in the Vermont State Parks?  For those seeking something more rustic, Vermont State Parks offer remote site camping in a number of its campgrounds.

Remote sites differ from primitive camping in that the sites are reservable and are located in designated areas.  They may have a lean-to or space for a tent, a fireplace or fire ring, or picnic tables.  Sanitary facilities are minimal and there is no potable water supply. We ask that you follow “Leave No Trace” guidelines when remote camping. You can only reach these sites by paddling, or sometimes hiking, in to them.

Remote sites offer great privacy, but it also means you have to paddle or hike with your gear and trash.  Do not bring anything you are not prepared to carry in and carry out. 

Each remote site has a designated occupancy based on the characteristics of each site.  A reservation is generally required.  Some sites may be available on a first come, first served basis.  Please call the specific park for details.  A canoe or rowboat may even be included in a package deal!

You can find remote site camping opportunities at Osmore Pond, which is a 48-acre undeveloped, no motors permitted pond, accessible through New Discovery State Park in Groton Forest. There are 4 remote lean-to sites, each with a fireplace and picnic table. They are accessible by hiking or boating, and for those without a boat, rowboats or canoes are available by the hour or with a “boat to a remote” package deal.  Hiking trails through Groton Forest are right outside your “door”, and include trails to Big Deer, Little Deer, Hosmore Brook and Coldwater Brook. 

Kettle Pond, also in Groton Forest, is a 109 acre undeveloped pond with five remote lean-to sites and one tent site. These sites are accessible by hiking, or portaging your car top boat to a small dock at the waters edge.  Kettle Pond also has a group campground located on the southeastern shore.  

Green River Reservoir State Park, near Morrisville, offers 27 tent sites along 19 miles of undeveloped shoreline.  Access is by car top boat only.  Green River is designated as a “quiet” lake.  Internal combustion motors are prohibited.      

If an Island setting is your idea of remote, try Burton Island, Woods Island or Knight Island.  Burton Island has 4 remote tent sites, Woods Island has 5 tent sites, and Knight Island has 1 tent site and 6 Lean-tos.  There are also a number of remote sites scattered along the Lake Champlain Paddlers Trail.  You must be a member of the Paddlers Trail and pay the appropriate State Park fees to camp. 

Fishing, paddling, wildlife viewing and hiking opportunities abound just beyond your campsite.  If this sounds like the camping experience for you book your stay today!  Sites are popular and fill up quickly.