New England is a hotspot for RV travelers. The rich history of the area mixed with the beautiful sights makes it almost impossible to resist. One of the New England states, Vermont, makes it even harder to resist! The mountainous regions make it a popular spot for hiking, skiing, and sightseeing. It’s also popular with history buffs, as the area has a charm brought to it by the rich history. With so much to offer, it may seem like there’s too much to do – you may not know where to start! Well, that’s where we come in. We here at RVshare have compiled this free Vermont RV travel guide to help find you the perfect stops for your vacation. Simply take a look at these top-notch attractions, find the ones that pique your interest, and hit the road!
1.Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
The first stop on our trip through Vermont has it all – rich history, stunning views, and hands-on adventures. This one of a kind Museum cares for the Maritime heritage and environment of Lake Champlain, and inspires visitors in the process! There’s plenty of opportunities to expand your knowledge on the history and heritage of Lake Champlain; you’ll be able to board a 1776 gunboat replica, learn all about the lake’s 300+ historic shipwrecks, and inquire with nautical archaeologists.
For a more personal experience, you can take a shipwreck tour that uses a remotely operated vehicle to dive to the sunken vessels. Some of the more unique things offered at the museum include courses in blacksmithing and bronze-casting, a sailing club, and special rowing events.
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum Information
Address: 4472 Basin Harbor Rd, Vergennes, VT 05491
Contact: (802) 475-2022
Price: Admission starts at $12 for adults. Discounts available for seniors.
Website: http://www.lcmm.org
Where to Stay
If you want to experience all that Lake Champlain and the Museum have to offer, River’s Edge Cottages & RV Park is the obvious choice. It’s less than five minutes from the museum, it offers free WiFi, full hookup sites, and even a game room- all for only $42 per night! You can even pick up great RV rentals in Vermont, close to the campground.
2. Smugglers’ Notch State Park
Nothing captures the natural beauty of Vermont quite like their state parks. A perfect example of that is Smugglers’ Notch – a narrow pass that runs through the picturesque Green Mountains. The 1000-foot cliffs that line this mountain trail make for stunning mountain views. It’s not just a pretty sight, though, there’s a lot of history to this hidden gem. In 1807, President Jefferson Passes an embargo act that resulted in many using this pass to carry goods for illegal trade with Canada- thus the name Smugglers’ Notch! Later on, fugitive slaves escaped to Canada via the narrow pass, and liquor was smuggled from Canada during the Prohibition.
Today, the park has been relocated; all the historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps were restored and moved to preserve this marvelous piece of history. One of the most popular activities here is without s doubt the hiking, but you can also enjoy bouldering, ice climbing, and cave exploring!
Smugglers’ Notch State Park Information
Address: 6443 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672
Contact: (802) 253-4014
Price: Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for kids
Website: https://www.vtstateparks.com/smugglers.html
Where to Stay
While there is a fantastic campground in the park, there are very few sites that can accommodate RVs. Another great option is Mountain View Campground, a fantastic park that even made it onto our list of the top 10 RV parks in Vermont! Rates start at $40; with luxurious amenities such as a heated pool, hot tub, and even mini golf, it’s a steal!
3. Billings Farm & Museum
Next up on our Vermont RV trip itinerary is Billings Farm & Museum- the perfect stop if you’re looking for ideas on places the whole family will love. It’s a charming showcase of rural Vermont; the farm includes livestock barns that house the many animals, a fully restored 1890 farmhouse, and multiple farm life exhibits.
See the animals that keep a farm running up close and personal- meet the magnificent draft horses that pull wagons and farm equipment, view the daily afternoon milking of the Jersey dairy herd, and watch as the flock of sheep graze on grassy fields. One of the best parts of a visit the farm, though, is without a doubt the dairy bar. Here you’ll be able to enjoy fresh Vermont-and rice cream, milk, cheese, and more!
Billings Farm & Museum Information
Address: 69 Old River Rd, Woodstock, VT 05091
Contact: (802) 457-2355
Price: $15 for adults(16-61), $14 for seniors(62+), $8 for kids(5-15), $4 for toddlers(3-4). Discounts available for students and AAA members.
Website: https://billingsfarm.org
Where to Stay
Silver Lake State Park is only fifteen minutes from the Billings Farm and offers peaceful RV sites. The main attraction at this campground is the sandy swimming area, but it also offers a snack bar, canoe rentals, hot showers, and clean restrooms. For only $18 per night, you can enjoy all that the state park offers, as well the convenience of being close to all the fun waiting for you at the Billings Farm & Museum!
4. Bromley Mountain
If you prefer to make your Vermont RV vacations in the Winter, Bromley Mountain is the perfect destination for you. This ski resort is the perfect way to enjoy the snow. Learn to ski and snowboard with personal lessons, or head onto the terrain by yourself!
The fun doesn’t end in the summer though; there are plenty of summer activities for those visiting in the hotter months! The Mountain Adventure Park has plenty to do, including mini golf, rock climbing, an alpine slide, water slide, and much more. On top of that, the Aerial Adventure Park is the perfect choice for those who love thrills!
Bromley Mountain Information
Address: 3984 Vt Route 11, Peru, VT 05152
Contact: (802) 824-5522
Price: Regular pricing ranges from $50-$80 for children to adults. Discounts available for online purchases.
Website: https://www.bromley.com
Where to Stay
Dorset RV Park is a beautiful campground situated in peaceful surroundings only 20 minutes from Bromley Mountain. Rates start at $26 per night. If you Lil to have options, there’s plenty of other great Vermont RV campgrounds to choose from.
5. ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
ECHO is a nonprofit organization that helps inspire people to enjoy the science behind Lake Champlain and discovering the wonders of nature along the way. Visiting the aquarium and science center is a fantastic way to teach adults and children alike about how they can positively impact the environment. You can check out the theater for a National Geographic Experience, marvel at all the cool species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, and sea life on the aquarium, and take part in the many events and programs that ECHO hosts.
ECHO is a no-brainer when it comes to choosing where to go on Vermont RV trips with kids. Along with all the fun things for kids to do, they also provide amenities that make the day go by smoother. Indoor/outdoor strollers, noise-canceling headphones, and family-friendly bathrooms are all things that can keep you and your little ones comfy and in a good mood.
ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain Information
Address: 1 College St, Burlington, VT 05401
Contact: (802) 864-1848
Price: General Admission is $14.50 for adults and $11.50 for kids. Discounts are available for seniors and students.
Website: http://www.echovermont.org
Where to Stay
North Beach Campground is the perfect home base for exploring Burlington. In about a ten minute drive, you’ll be able to go from the beautiful beach of the campground to the ECHO aquarium and science center. Rates start at $41 per night for an RV site, and that includes free WiFi, hot showers, water and electric hookups, and a beautiful beach!
6. Pump House Indoor Waterpark
For a place where you can relax and let your cares float away and have an exhilarating adventure, you’ve got to head to the Pump House Indoor Waterpark. From thrilling water rides like La Chute, where you’ll travel 45 mph and make a 360-degree rotation, to more laid back rides such as the Big River, a lazy river that winds around the entire park, you’ll find plenty of rides no matter what you’re in the mood for. Other attractions include a kids play area, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, and private double barrel lessons. Not all the fun has to be in the water though. The family arcade is a great place to have a blast while drying off.
Pump House Indoor Waterpark Information
Address: 830 Jay Peak Rd, Jay, VT 05859
Contact: (802) 988-2611
Price: Day passes are $39 for adults, $29 for juniors, and free for toddlers!
Website: https://jaypeakresort.com/waterpark/water-park
Where to Stay
For a mere $33 per day, you can stay at one of the best campgrounds in the state. Millbrook Campground offers reasonably priced full hookup RV sites, free showers, free WiFi, and a natural pond, stream, and forest. The best part, though, is that it’s only 15 minutes from the water park! It’s without a doubt one of the best home bases for RV trips in this part of Vermont.
7. Vermont State House
For the political buffs out there, the Vermont State House is a place worth visiting. It’s the State Capitol of Vermont and seat of the state’s general assembly. It’s a historic building that was first designed all the way back in 1857! The Vermont State House has a beautiful neoclassical style design; making it a picture-perfect spot for tourists. What’s interesting about the Vermont State House is that there’s a little something for everyone, whether you’re into politics, history, or photography.
Vermont State House Information
Address: 115 State St, Montpelier, VT 05633
Contact: (802) 828-2228
Price: Admission is free, and so are many of the tours!
Website: http://statehouse.vermont.gov
Where to Stay
If you plan on making the Vermont State House part of your itinerary, we recommend staying somewhere like Meadowcrest Campground. It’s a “small, quiet, family-oriented central Vermont Campground,” conveniently located On Route 2, along the Winooski River. This park is an easy drive to not only the Capitol, but also the Alchemist Brewery, Ben & Jerry’s, and other attractions. Rates are only $30 per night if you stay six nights. Plus they throw in a seventh night free!
8. ArborTrek Canopy Adventures
Do you love adventure? What about exploring nature? Do you want to have the adventure of a lifetime surrounded by the beauty of nature? If so, you’ve got to make ArborTrek Canopy Adventures a part of your Vermont RV road trip stops. This exhilarating zip line tour heads through the forests of the Green Mountains of Northern Vermont. The tours available suit different interests. If you want to take your time learning and appreciating the views around you, there are fully-guided tours that will be perfect for you. If you’re eager to get physical and challenge your body’s limits, the Treetop Obstacle Course allows you to do just that! Whether you’re a first-timer or are experienced with navigating a zip line, you’ll be sure to have a fun, safe adventure bag you won’t soon forget!
ArborTrek Canopy Adventures Information
Address: 1239 Edwards Rd, Jeffersonville, VT 05464
Contact: (802) 644-9300
Price: Climbing adventures starting at $20, zip line canopy tours starting at $65, treetop obstacle courses starting at $35
Where to Stay
Mountain View Campground, mentioned earlier as a place to stay for a visit to Smugglers Notch State Park, also happens to be close to ArborTrek Canopy Adventures! As mentioned, the rates start at $40. That price includes their great amenities, as well as the convenience of a close proximity to not one, but two of the best places to visit in Vermont!
9. Hildene
Located in the charming Manchester, Vermont, Hildene is rich with history. It’s the former summer home of Abraham Lincoln’s eldest son, Robert Todd Lincoln! The house was built back in 1905 and sits on a whopping 300-foot promontory overlooking the famous Battenkill Valley. To this date, the house is still furnished mostly by Lincoln family furniture and everything.
Hildene Information
Address: 1005 Hildene Rd, Manchester, VT 05254
Contact: (802) 362-1788
Price: Admission is $20 for adults, $5 for youth
Website: http://www.hildene.org
Where to Stay
Described as “Peaceful. Clean. Spacious.” Dorset RV Park is just a short 15-minute drive to the Hildene. Its amenities include restrooms, showers, laundry, and everything else you need for a comfortable stay. Dorset hosts different activities throughout the months of May to October, such as bonfires and a chili contest. Rates start at $26 per night with options like no hook-ups, 30 amp, and 50 amp.
10. Green Mountain National Forest
Last on our list is the Green Mountain National Forest located near Rutland. The forest is home to a multitude of species of wildlife like beavers, moose, coyotes, black bears, and more. Green Mountain is humongous, consisting of more than 399,100 acres! Green Mountain National Forest is natural beauty that must be seen in person to really appreciate.
Green Mountain National Forest Information
Address: 231 N Main St, Rutland, VT 05701
Contact: (802) 747-6700
Price: $4 entrance fee per vehicle
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/gmfl
Where to Stay
The bad news is that the nearest campgrounds to Green Mountain either don’t offer all the amenities RVers need, don’t offer RV spaces at all, or don’t have great reviews. Thankfully, Dorset RV Park is less than an hour away. Rates start at $26 per night for an RV spot. The good news about this park is that you conveniently placed in the middle of multiple Vermont hotspots.
Final Thoughts
Of course, as we read through the list, it becomes very clear as to why Vermont is such a cool spot for RVers (and all vacationers, really) to visit. The state is filled with rich US history and politics, like their State Capitol. Vermont is full of natural beauty like the Green Mountain National Forest. And finally, it even has many places where you can mix fun with education. Who can ask for more than that? Next time you’re ready to hit the open road and travel to another state, Vermont should definitely be high on your list!
