Silver Lake Campground

OVERVIEW

Tucked deep in the heart of the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area, Silver Lake Campground offers a true backcountry camping experience in one of Vermont’s most peaceful and scenic locations. Perched on the shores of Silver Lake and surrounded by dense forest, the campground is only accessible by foot, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers, backpackers, and anyone seeking solitude and stunning natural beauty.

If you're looking to disconnect, paddle, hike, or just listen to loons call across the water, Silver Lake Campground is one of Vermont’s best-kept wilderness secrets.

THE CAMPGROUND

Silver Lake Campground is a walk-in, primitive campground managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The only way to access the campground is via a 0.6-mile hike from the Silver Lake Trailhead, ensuring a quiet, vehicle-free atmosphere that’s perfect for rustic, low-impact camping.

Campground features include:

• 15 primitive campsites (first-come, first-served)
• Fire rings and picnic tables at most sites
• Vault toilets available
• No running water — pack in your own water or filter from the lake
• Bear-safe food storage strongly recommended
• Access to Silver Lake for swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking
• Pet-friendly (dogs must be under control)

There is no vehicle access to the campsites — campers must hike in from the trailhead on Silver Lake Road.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES & ACTIVITIES

Silver Lake Campground is a gateway to some of the best hiking, paddling, and backcountry adventures in central Vermont. Whether you're enjoying a quiet paddle across the lake or exploring the nearby peaks and trails, there's no shortage of outdoor experiences to be had.

Popular activities include:

• Swimming and paddling in Silver Lake (non-motorized boats only)
• Fishing for perch, bass, and trout
• Hiking nearby trails, including Silver Lake Trail, Rattlesnake Cliffs, and Falls of Lana
• Wildlife watching — keep an eye out for loons, deer, moose, and eagles
• Stargazing under truly dark skies with minimal light pollution
• Picnicking and photography in a quiet, scenic setting

For more challenging hikes, the Moosalamoo area connects to a network of trails offering panoramic views of the Green Mountains and Otter Creek Valley.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Open Season: Late May – Mid-October (weather permitting)
Check-In / Check-Out: Self-service — first-come, first-served
Campground Type: Primitive / walk-in only
Fees: Small nightly fee may apply (check Forest Service website for current rates)

Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM
Leave No Trace principles strongly encouraged.

CAMPSITE ADDRESS

Silver Lake Campground
Silver Lake Rd
Salisbury, VT 05769
(Location: Moosalamoo National Recreation Area, Green Mountain National Forest)