How much does camping cost at Silver Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Silver Lake Campground range from $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Silver Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Silver Lake Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Silver Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Silver Lake Campground has 2 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Silver Lake Campground?

Silver Lake Campground is open May 22 to October 12. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Silver Lake Campground?

Silver Lake Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Silver Lake Campground have?

Silver Lake Campground has 15 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Silver Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Silver Lake Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Silver Lake Campground?

Silver Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Silver Lake Campground

4.10

58 reviews

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,289 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Peak season runs fro...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Not Provided Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,289 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Peak season runs fro...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Not Provided Official Website

Get Directions

Silver Lake Campground

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

S&P Standard Nonelectric: $10.00; Standard Nonelectric : $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$10.00

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Provider

802-767-4261

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Plan a trip to Silver Lake Campground

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Campground Map

Silver Lake Campground

43.8971, -73.0501

Nearby places

Brandon (9 miles), Middlebury (17 miles)

Driving directionsFrom Middlebury, travel south on Route 7 to the Junction of Route 125. Travel east on Route 125 for 6.8 miles, and turn right onto Forest Road 32. Follow FR 32 for 6.8 miles, and turn right onto Silver Lake Road. Follow Silver Lake Road 2.2 miles to the parking lot at the end. From Rochester, travel south on Route 100 to the junction of Route 73. Travel west on Route 73 for 10.3 miles. Turn right on Hathaway Road, and follow it for 1.3 miles. Turn right onto Flora White Road, and follow it for 1.4 miles to a stop sign. Go straight through onto Silver Lake Road. Follow Silver Lake Road 2.2 miles to the parking lot at the end.

Weather at Silver Lake Campground

Current alerts(3)

There is no garbage service available; please carry out what you carry in.
This Silver Lake Campground is located in Vermont.
To access the campground and your campsite, you must hike or bike-in, including all your gear. The hike is .6 miles and the bike ride is 1.5 miles.

Best Time to Camp at Silver Lake Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the clearest, most spectacular experience at Silver Lake — cool, crisp days (typically 45–65°F) and brilliant hardwood foliage reflected on the 100‑acre mirror of the lake. Hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography are at their peak as crowds thin after Labor Day and the forest puts on its autumn show; water activities can still be pleasant on warm early‑September afternoons. Expect lower overnight temps (often dipping into the 30s by October) and generally light crowds compared with Peak months: September, October, August, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall delivers dramatic foliage and is highlighted as an especially beautiful season to visit.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to October 12. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peak season runs from May 23 to October 12.

About Silver Lake Campground

Silver Lake Campground sits in the Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests, offering primitive tent sites near a 100-acre lake in Vermont's foothills. This small, budget-friendly campground operates seasonally during peak months and provides vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for fall foliage reflected on clear water, hiking, birdwatching, and a peaceful escape with minimal development.

Silver Lake Campground caters to primitive camping enthusiasts and offers hike-in or bike-in access. It is not suitable for RVs or trailers.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the clearest, most spectacular experience at Silver Lake — cool, crisp days (typically 45–65°F) and brilliant hardwood foliage reflected on the 100‑acre mirror of the lake. Hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography are at their peak as crowds thin after Labor Day and the forest puts on its autumn show; water activities can still be pleasant on warm early‑September afternoons. Expect lower overnight temps (often dipping into the 30s by October) and generally light crowds compared with Peak months: September, October, August, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation1289 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe 100-acre lake reflects surrounding forested ridges at 1,289 feet elevation. Reviewers consistently mention the clear water and secluded shoreline access. Large trees provide natural screening between sites, with some campsites elevated above the lake on steep banks. Cascading streams feed the lake, and wildlife ranges from chipmunks to occasional moose. The Green Mountain geology creates the basin that holds the lake, with hardwood forests dominating the ridgelines.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging accommodations such as cabins or lodges are available.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Stay limit information not provided.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guest limit information not provided.

Groups

No designated group camping sites are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, via mobile app, or through their contact center.

AccessibilityAccess to the campground requires a hike of 0.6 miles or a bike ride of 1.5 miles. Campsites are described as elevated from the water with steep banks, which may be challenging for individuals with mobility issues.

Site SizeStandard campsite size. Site 14 is noted as double-sized by a user.

PrivacySites offer a mix of privacy and proximity to the lake. Most are described as secluded and picturesque, with large trees and natural features enhancing privacy.

Total Campsites15 campsites

Recommended SitesReviewers suggest site 1 for lake views, site 5 for privacy, and higher-numbered sites for easier water access.

Best CampsitesSites 1 through 3 earn praise from reviewers. Site 5 gets specific recommendations. Site 14 has a double-sized bear box, suggesting it accommodates larger groups. Sites on the hike-in side sit elevated above the water with steep banks down to the shoreline.

Need help booking Silver Lake Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Silver Lake Campground is a small, primitive hike or bike-in only campground with 15 campsites. It is equipped with two vault toilets, a spring (water must be treated or boiled), fire rings, picnic tables, and bear-proof food storage lockers. It lacks garbage service, requiring campers to carry out their trash. According to user reviews, the vault toilets are basic but functional, and the bear-proof lockers are a recent addition. "The site was clean, and the visit was perfect," one user noted, while another appreciated the "bear box provided in each campsite."

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, and kayaking. Several trails originate at the campground, with options for both beginners and experienced hikers. Fishing and swimming in the lake are popular activities.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. The campground has two vault toilets, which several users describe as basic and functional. One user mentioned that the restrooms include toilet paper.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers provided at all sites. Reviewer JAMES PACKARD appreciates this addition.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.1

58 reviews

Satisfactory

Silver Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Silver Lake Campground is praised for its serene and picturesque setting, clear lake waters, and secluded sites. Users appreciate the minimal facilities, which enhance the rustic experience, but note challenges such as the half-mile hike from the parking lot and the lack of garbage services.

Review Summaries

Based on 58 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 58 reviews.

Site 1Loved
Site 1 is described as the best, followed by sites 2 and 3.
Site 14Issues noted
Site 14 is noted for its double-sized bear box, and site 13 is mentioned for its uneven tent pitch but proximity to trails.

What Campers Love

Users highlight the campground's natural beauty, privacy, proximity to the lake, and opportunities for hiking and birdwatching. Many emphasize the peaceful environment and clear waters of Silver Lake.

Based on 58 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include the steep hike to the campground, the lack of garbage service, occasional conflicts over campsite reservations, and the absence of flush toilets. Some users also mention that...

Based on 58 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing a water filter or boiling water, packing light for the hike-in, and visiting during weekdays for more solitude. A tarp setup is advised for rainy days.

Based on 58 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Visitors note that weekdays are quieter, while weekends attract more people. Fall is highlighted as an especially beautiful time to visit due to the foliage.

Based on 58 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The hike is really a hike down a mountain carrying all your stuff," one user notes, while another mentions, "The lake is so clear and clean." Another camper writes, "Beautiful gigantic trees and...

Based on 58 reviews

Accessibility Features

The steep hike and rugged terrain are challenging for those with mobility issues. One user highlights the steep banks near campsites as a potential concern for less stable individuals.

Based on 58 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and no specific complaints or issues related to pets are noted.

Based on 58 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a peaceful, budget-friendly primitive camping experience near a clear mountain lake with excellent fall colors and wildlife viewing.

Skip if

You need drive-up site access, developed amenities, or guaranteed campsite availability without occupancy issues.

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