Depends. Most state parks in VT open Memorial Day Weekend. Mid to late June is a great time and if you are tent camping, sites should be plentiful. If you need a lean-to some of the more desirable parks fill up quickly.

It's always easiest to call the parks directly for last minute visits.

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Be forewarned… black flies til about Father’s Day.

Yes, I will be tent camping. Good to know about Memorial Day, thank you.

Oof. Good to know.

just get reservations online its super easy then you can pick the site you want

I want to reiterate how horrible the black flies are. Last spring I miserably stood in my driveway being eaten alive talking to my neighbor because it was warm out and we wanted to be outside but we were just getting wrecked. We finally trudged in our own houses, thwarted from enjoying the nice day.

Shoot for after black fly season. Trust us.

Absolutely heard. Good looking out.

2 nights minimum at most state parks for reservations. But that early in the spring you can show up and be the ony one there at a lot of state parks.

I'd prefer to have a more fluid itinerary if possible. That's why I phrased my question the way I did. Where I come from, a reservation is pretty much necessary. Just wondering what the situation is in Vermont.

I recommend reservations. You might be able to technically manage by winging it, but if you have any care at all about what quality of site you get, then definitely, definitely, definitely make reservations. The sites that are apt to be available short notice are what are-imho— the shitty sites: ones that are right on top of the bathroom ( you don’t wanna be way far away, but being right close to it is an ick) or the blahh sites that are out in a field with no pretty forest surroundings.

Absolutely get reservations. I would not expect to find openings at the popular state parks on summer weekends.

As others said, nice summer weekends can get booked fast, so reservations come in handy.

That said: in the national forests and some state forests you can dispersed tent camp in certain areas (there’s rules on distance from trails and water, so google around before you pitch a tent in the woods). A friend and I spent a week driving around Vermont, and camped somewhere free every night.

No. Get reservations. Anything outdoors here sells out fast.

Come to Island Pond! Very nice area!

Their website pretty clearly answers this question.

Much like many questions that tourists come here to ask.

In my experience, many recreation websites say all kinds of things that don't line up with reality, so I came here to ask people with first-hand knowledge and advice.