Silver Lake Campground

For Vermont locals seeking a true escape into the wilderness, far from the bustle of modern life, Silver Lake Campground in Salisbury offers an authentic primitive camping experience. Nestled within the breathtaking Green Mountain National Forest, this small, tranquil campground is a haven for those who appreciate solitude, natural beauty, and a genuine connection with the outdoors. It's not a drive-up, amenity-rich resort; instead, it promises a peaceful, rustic adventure for prepared campers.

Visitors consistently describe Silver Lake Campground as "really peaceful" and "beautiful," highlighting its secluded nature and the stunning surroundings. As one reviewer shared, it features "beautiful private tent sites" and is definitely "not for motor homes or trailers." This focus on tent camping and minimal impact ensures a serene environment, where the sounds of nature are your primary companions. While it's important to note that this Silver Lake is distinct from the more popular swimming lake located about an hour away, the pristine 100-acre lake at this campground still offers opportunities for quiet recreation and stunning views, making it a unique and cherished spot for Vermont's outdoor enthusiasts.

Silver Lake Campground is uniquely situated in the heart of the Green Mountain National Forest, accessible via Silver Lake Rd, Salisbury, VT 05769, USA. However, its accessibility is a key characteristic that sets it apart: this is a hike-in or bike-in only campground. Unlike many traditional campgrounds, you cannot drive directly to your campsite.

To reach Silver Lake Campground, campers must either hike approximately 0.6 miles down the Goshen Trail or bike/hike on the Service Road. This requirement ensures a quieter, more secluded experience, but it also means careful planning and packing are essential. While the hike-in might be described as "extremely buggy" at times, especially in certain seasons, the "hiking trail is much nicer but steep," as one visitor noted. This provides a rewarding journey for those prepared for it. The nearest towns for food and services are Brandon (about nine miles away) and Middlebury (about 17 miles away), so campers should stock up on supplies before heading to the trailhead. This unique accessibility makes Silver Lake Campground a destination for those truly looking to immerse themselves in Vermont's wilderness, embracing the journey as part of the adventure.

As a primitive campground, Silver Lake Campground focuses on providing the fundamental necessities for a back-to-nature experience, rather than extensive modern conveniences. Campers should arrive prepared for a self-sufficient stay, as amenities are intentionally minimal to preserve the natural environment.

• Primitive Tent Campsites: The campground offers 15 irregularly spaced campsites designed for tent camping. Each site provides a cleared area for pitching a tent, ensuring privacy and immersion in the wooded surroundings. These sites are not suitable for motorhomes or trailers.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Every campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, complete with a grill. This allows campers to enjoy outdoor meals and gather around a warm campfire, enhancing the traditional camping experience.
• Pit Toilets: Pit-type restrooms (vault toilets) are available within the campground and near the picnic area. While primitive, they provide essential sanitation facilities for campers. During the off-season, these might not be maintained, so campers should be prepared.
• Bear-Proof Food Storage Lockers: Given its location in the Green Mountain National Forest, each campsite provides a bear box for storing food and scented items. This is a crucial service for camper safety and wildlife protection, emphasizing responsible food storage in bear country.
• Untreated Water Access: Water is available at the campground, but it is untreated. This means campers must bring their own drinking water or be prepared to treat any water sourced on-site by boiling or chemical treatment to ensure it is safe for consumption.
• No Garbage Service: Silver Lake Campground operates on a strict "carry-in, carry-out" policy. There are no trash receptacles on-site, so all garbage and waste must be packed out by campers, maintaining the pristine condition of the area.
• Camp Hosts (Seasonal): While the campground is open year-round, hosts are typically on-site from Memorial Day through Columbus Day, providing a helpful presence during the busiest season.

Silver Lake Campground, despite its primitive nature, offers a wealth of natural features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for Vermont outdoor enthusiasts. Its rugged beauty and array of recreational opportunities within the Green Mountain National Forest are its true selling points.

• Serene Silver Lake: The campground is located on the shores of a beautiful 100-acre Silver Lake, surrounded entirely by the National Forest. This pristine lake is popular for quiet recreation such as fishing (northern pike, perch, smallmouth bass, and other warm-water species) and paddling. While it's crucial to remember this is not the more developed "swimming lake" often associated with Silver Lake State Park, the lake here still offers opportunities for swimming and provides a clean, tranquil body of water.
• Hike-In / Bike-In Seclusion: The requirement to hike or bike to the campsites inherently creates a more secluded and peaceful environment. This means less vehicle noise and more opportunities for quiet enjoyment of nature, a significant highlight for those seeking true wilderness immersion.
• Extensive Trail Network: Silver Lake Campground is a gateway to the vast Moosalamoo National Recreation Area, boasting over 70 miles of well-maintained trails. These trails offer opportunities for:
  • Hiking: From moderate day hikes to longer, more challenging routes, including connections to the Long Trail and potential views of waterfalls like Falls of Lana.
  • Mountain Biking: Trails like the Leicester Hollow / Chandler Ridge loop are open to mountain biking.
  • Horse Riding: The Silver Lake Trail is open to horses, providing options for equestrian campers.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The natural setting within the National Forest provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Campers might spot deer, various bird species, and potentially even larger mammals like moose or bear (hence the bear boxes!).
• Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, Silver Lake Campground offers incredible opportunities for stargazing, allowing campers to experience the Vermont night sky in all its glory.
• Picturesque Natural Scenery: The campground is set amidst beautiful woodland scenery, with sites that are described as "fairly private," providing an idyllic backdrop for a rustic camping trip.

As Silver Lake Campground is a primitive, hike-in/bike-in facility managed by the Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests (part of the USDA Forest Service), it does not typically offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the way a private campground might. Its appeal lies in its affordable, minimalist approach to camping.

However, the fee structure itself can be considered a "value offer" for those seeking an economical outdoor experience:

• Low Camping Fee: The camping fee for a site at Silver Lake Campground is generally very affordable, often around $10 per site per night. This low cost makes it a highly accessible option for budget-conscious Vermont residents.
• Seasonal Accessibility: While the campground is technically open year-round, the primary season with on-site hosts and maintained pit toilets runs from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Outside of these dates, camping might be "free" but without services, which can be seen as an offer for truly self-sufficient, off-season adventurers.
• First-Come, First-Served & Reservations: A portion of the 15 campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, providing flexibility for spontaneous trips. Other sites can be reserved in advance through recreation.gov, ensuring a confirmed spot for planners.

Vermont residents interested in camping at Silver Lake should always consult the official recreation.gov website or the Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests website for the most current information on fees, reservation policies, and any potential alerts regarding conditions (such as water availability or trail closures).

For inquiries regarding Silver Lake Campground in Salisbury, VT, particularly its current conditions, accessibility, or reservation details, it is best to contact the Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests, as they manage this site.

Address: Silver Lake Rd, Salisbury, VT 05769, USA (Note: This is the physical location for access, not a mailing address for direct correspondence with management.)

General Information / Reservations:

• Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests (Rochester Ranger District, which manages the Moosalamoo Area): (802) 767-4261
• Reservations through Recreation.gov: You can book sites and find detailed information about Silver Lake Campground on the Recreation.gov website.

It is highly recommended that Vermont locals call ahead or check the official online resources, especially concerning the availability of drinking water (which has been noted as sometimes closed for public health), current trail conditions, and any alerts regarding insect activity, particularly if planning a trip during warmer months when mosquitoes and biting flies can be prevalent. Being well-informed will ensure a more enjoyable and prepared primitive camping experience.

For Vermont locals, Silver Lake Campground in Salisbury offers a uniquely suitable and deeply rewarding camping experience, especially for those who cherish authentic wilderness adventures over creature comforts. Its "hike-in or bike-in only" nature, far from being a drawback, is precisely what makes it a perfect fit for residents who understand and appreciate Vermont’s rugged, unspoiled landscapes. It's a place where the effort of reaching your campsite is part of the reward, leading to a profound sense of peace and seclusion.

This campground is ideal for Vermonters seeking to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in nature. The private tent sites, complete with bear boxes and fire pits, provide a genuine backcountry feel, while the surrounding Green Mountain National Forest offers endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and quiet contemplation by the lake. While the lack of easily accessible swimming (at this Silver Lake) and the potential for bugs are important considerations, they are also part of the authentic outdoor challenge that many Vermonters embrace. With proper preparation—like bringing plenty of insect repellent, long sleeves, and head nets—these minor inconveniences fade into the backdrop of a truly serene natural setting.

Silver Lake Campground is not for every camper, but for those who value tranquility, self-sufficiency, and a deep connection to Vermont's pristine environment, it is an unparalleled local treasure. It’s a place to escape the everyday, embrace the wild, and create lasting memories within the beautiful, untouched heart of the Green Mountains.

Silver Lake Campground

Silver Lake Rd, Salisbury, VT 05769, USA