About Silver Lake Campground
Overview Silver Lake Campground is a small, primitive hike or bike-in only campground located on Silver Lake in Leicester, VT. There are 15 campsites, seven of which are available for advanced reservations along with eight first-come, first-served sites. It is a 0.6 mile hike in or a 1.5 mile bike ride in to access the campground. Please note: This Silver Lake Campground is located in Vermont. Recreation The Moosalamoo National Recreation Area consists of 16,000 acres abounding with recreation opportunities. With over 70 miles of well-maintained trails, mountain vistas, waterfalls, lakes and streams, it offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, swimming, fishing, hunting and more. From Silver Lake Campground, several hiking and mountain biking trails begin, including the Leicester Hollow / Chandler Ridge loop (open to hiking and biking) and the Rattlesnake Cliff / Aunt Jenny hiking loop (closed March 15 - August 1 for Peregrine Falcon nesting). Fishing and swimming are both popular activities accessible from the campground. Facilities There are two vault toilets and a spring (treat or boil water) within the campground. To access each campsite you must hike or bike-in, including all your gear. Each campsite has a fire ring, picnic table and a bear-proof food storage locker. There is no garbage service available; please carry out what you carry in. Natural Features Silver Lake is a gorgeous 100-acre lake surrounded by National Forest on all sides. It has attracted people for many generations and, along with its natural beauty, holds a strong sense of history. Long before the famous Silver Lake Hotel and religious retreat located on the site of today's picnic area, ancestors of today's Abenaki people were here enjoying the peace and beauty. Nearby Attractions The nearest available shopping and dining is in Brandon, located nine miles from the campground. Also nearby is Middlebury (17 miles from the campground), which offers many additional options.
How to Get There
From 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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Silver Lake Campground
Heading to Silver Lake Campground? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Silver Lake Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Silver Lake Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/246520) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Silver Lake Campground?
From 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 o…
How do I contact Silver Lake Campground?
You can reach the park at phone: 802-767-4261.
References & Official Resources
