Camels Hump State Park
Rising to 4,083 feet with its unmistakable twin-humped summit, Camel’s Hump is Vermont’s most iconic mountain — and the state’s highest undeveloped peak. The summit hosts one of only three alpine tundra communities in Vermont, a fragile 10-acre ecosystem where rare arctic plants have survived since the last Ice Age. Camel’s Hump State Park protects over 21,000 acres of wild forest, making it the largest undeveloped state park in Vermont.
Why Camel’s Hump Stands Out
While Vermont offers many excellent hiking destinations, Camel’s Hump is special: it’s the only undeveloped summit above 4,000 feet in the state, and its exposed alpine zone feels more like northern Labrador than New England. The summit panorama stretches from the Adirondacks across Lake Champlain to the White Mountains — and on exceptional days, all the way to Mount Royal in Montreal. The mountain is also bisected by Vermont’s legendary Long Trail, which runs 273 miles along the Green Mountain spine.
Hiking Trails
| Trail | Distance (one way) | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burrows Trail | 2.1 miles | Moderate | Most popular summit route, starts from Huntington side |
| Monroe Trail | 3.1 miles | Moderate | Eastern approach, steady climb through hardwood forest |
| Long Trail | 18.7 miles (through park) | Difficult | Vermont’s iconic thru-trail crosses the summit |
| Forest City Trail | 2.2 miles | Moderate | Quieter route along Brush Brook |
| Alpine Trail | 1.7 miles | Difficult | Alternate summit approach, exposed conditions |
| Camel’s Hump View Trail | 0.8 miles | Easy (Accessible) | Universally accessible, views of Camel’s Hump |
Insider Tip: The Burrows Trail is the fastest summit route but gets extremely crowded on nice weekends — arrive before 8 AM to secure parking. The Monroe Trail is slightly longer but offers a more solitary experience. Popular loop options include Burrows + Forest City (6.7 miles) and Monroe + Dean Trail (6.1 miles). In winter, Camel’s Hump is excellent for snowshoeing and backcountry skiing.
The Alpine Tundra
The summit of Camel’s Hump supports a rare 10-acre alpine tundra ecosystem — the second-largest in Vermont. Arctic-alpine plants like Bigelow’s sedge, alpine bilberry, and mountain sandwort survive here in conditions of extreme wind, cold, thin soil, and intense UV exposure. These plant communities have persisted since the last glacial period, roughly 12,000 years ago.
Please stay on marked trails above treeline. A single footstep can destroy decades of growth in these fragile communities. Summit stewards are present during peak seasons to educate hikers and protect the tundra.
Camping & Shelters
Camel’s Hump State Park is an undeveloped park — there are no visitor facilities, campground offices, or phone service. Primitive camping is permitted at designated sites including the Hump Brook Tenting Area and Green Mountain Club shelters and lodges along the Long Trail. GMC caretakers supervise shelters from May through October on a first-come, first-served basis, with a nominal fee and a two-night maximum stay. Open fires are allowed only in designated fire rings.
For developed campgrounds, nearby Little River State Park offers full-service sites within a short drive.
Seasonal Guide
| Season | Experience | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Summit hiking, alpine wildflowers, summit stewards present | Arrive early on weekends for parking |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Spectacular foliage, crisp temperatures, fewer bugs | Peak foliage typically late September |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, ice-coated summits | Full winter gear required, trails unmarked above treeline |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Mud Season — trails CLOSED | Avoid trails to prevent erosion; typically closed until Memorial Day |
Visitor Essentials
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Elevation | 4,083 feet (1,244 m) |
| Park Size | 21,000+ acres |
| Admission | Free |
| Facilities | None — no phone, no visitor center, no potable water |
| Dogs | Allowed on leash (keep off alpine tundra) |
| Group Permit | Required for groups of 10+ or commercial events |
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the hike to the summit?
The Burrows Trail (shortest route) covers 2.1 miles one way with about 2,200 feet of elevation gain — moderately challenging for fit hikers. Allow 3–5 hours for a round trip. The final stretch is rocky and exposed, with conditions that can change rapidly even in summer.
Why are trails closed in spring?
Vermont’s “mud season” (roughly early April through Memorial Day) leaves high-elevation trails saturated and extremely vulnerable to erosion. Hiking during this period causes significant trail damage that takes years to repair. The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation closes trails until conditions stabilize.
Can you camp at Camel’s Hump?
Yes — primitive camping is allowed at designated sites including the Hump Brook Tenting Area and Green Mountain Club shelters along the Long Trail. There are no developed campgrounds within the park. Nearby Little River State Park offers full-service camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit Vermont state parks?
Day-use fees are typically $4-$5 per adult and $2 for children. Camping fees vary by park and campsite type. Vermont state parks are generally smaller and more intimate than neighboring states.
When is the best time for fall foliage in Vermont?
Vermont foliage typically peaks from late September in the northern Green Mountains to mid-October in southern Vermont. The Green Mountain Byway and Route 100 are legendary foliage drives.
Can I swim in quarries at Vermont state parks?
Yes, several Vermont parks offer unique swimming in historic granite quarries, including Groton State Forest areas. These former quarry pools offer deep, clear water in dramatic stone settings.
What are the best state parks in Vermont?
Top parks include Smuggler’s Notch (dramatic mountain pass), Burton Island (island camping by ferry), Branbury (Lake Dunmore beach), and Quechee State Park (Quechee Gorge overlook).
Explore More Vermont State Parks
Camels Hump State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Vermont. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Vermont guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
