A half-mile hike from the parking area leads campers down to Silver Lake Campground's 15 sites, where the Forest Service manages this pack-in destination for $10 per night. The trail descends toward the lake, which means hauling gear back uphill at departure—though an alternate access road provides easier transport for those willing to walk the longer route.
Sites spread across forested and open terrain near both the lake and a creek, with enough spacing to provide privacy without isolation. The concrete dock draws swimmers and families, while the lake itself offers clean water for cooling off during warmer months. Kate S. notes the campground provides "fire pits at the campsite, and access to the water." Basic amenities include pit toilets during peak season, drinking water, and trash service.
The pack-in nature keeps visitor numbers manageable across the 15 sites. Campers report consistently quiet conditions, with the lake and creek providing natural sound buffers. Cell service reaches the area, and both pets and alcohol are permitted. For those seeking additional options, campgrounds outside Salisbury include several alternatives within a few miles.
Reservations are available through the Forest Service system, and the campground operates on a pack-out policy for all gear and waste beyond what the trash service covers.
Description
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundSilver Lake Campground is located in Vermont
Directions
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.
Coordinates
43.89709 N
73.0501 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 1 hr from Burlington, VT
- 1 hr 21 min from Glens Falls, NY
- 2 hrs 4 min from Albany, NY
- 2 hrs 16 min from Pittsfield, MA
