🏕️ Vermont’s Hidden Gems: A Last-Minute Summer Weekend Camping Escape
- Amber in New England
- Jul 18, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Amber in New England | Updated: November 2025
My friend and I had been craving a weekend getaway, a little escape from the routine of daily life. The catch? We were super last minute in our planning. After a few ideas fell through, we stumbled upon Abel Mountain Campground in central Vermont. From the moment we arrived, we knew we had struck gold.
This trip turned out to be a delightful mix of unexpected detours, warm encounters with friendly people, mesmerizing natural wonders, and delicious treats. We left with fond memories and a desire to return to this enchanting corner of the world.
Abel Mountain Campground: A Cozy Find
Abel Mountain Campground was a gem. Cute, cozy, and brimming with amenities. Despite being a tight squeeze, we quickly made friends with our neighbors who graciously invited us to their campfire and shared their s'mores. (Huge thanks to the couple who helped us get our tent set up in the dark. Oops!)
Campground Highlights:
Impeccably Clean: The bathrooms and showers were pristine, a true rarity in many camping spots!
Nightly Fun: Each night brought a themed party under the pavilion, adding a lively atmosphere. We managed to catch the end of the Rock 'n' Roll night!
River Access: The highlight was the beautiful river running alongside the campground. Despite low water levels, we managed to enjoy some leisurely floating on our river floats!
Hiking The Long Trail: Great Cliff Loop
We woke up early on our first morning, fueled by a hearty breakfast, ready for a hike. I had prepped my favorite banana bread overnight oats (the perfect, no-fuss camping fuel!) before we headed out.
After a picturesque 45-minute detour thanks to my GPS (honestly, the scenic route was worth it), we found the parking lot of the Great Cliff Trail. This trail is a small part of the famous Long Trail in Vermont.
Despite the extreme heat, we didn't let it dampen our spirits. We packed light, and though the trail was quiet (we think due to the weather), we had the unexpected fortune of spotting a Peregrine Falcon. An incredible highlight of our Vermont adventure!
(Don't forget your necessities! Always check my Day Hiking Essentials Checklist: What to Pack for New England & Beyond).
River Refreshes & Evening Treats
After the hike, we were desperate to cool off. We headed back to the campground, grabbed a quick lunch, and inflated our trusty river floats.
The river's gentle flow allowed us to walk through the water, surrounded by lovely wildflowers. We even found perfect rocks for skipping, though I still need to work on my technique (I can't seem to get more than three skips!).
As the sun began to set, we made dinner at the campsite. My personal favorite was the cucumber and dill tzatziki sandwiches, a delightfully refreshing treat after a hot day.
An Evening of Local Charm:
Whale Tails Sunset: We headed to the famous "Reverence" whale tails sculptures to witness the magical sunset, taking plenty of photos to remember the moment.
Campfire Connection: We rounded out the night by joining our friendly neighbors for s'mores over the campfire, swapping stories and sharing laughs with the locals.
An Unexpected Mountain Detour at Killington
Sunday morning came, and it was time to pack up. Since hiking in the scorching heat was clearly not the best idea, we decided to enjoy a leisurely lunch and visit a waterfall before heading home.
We took the back roads toward Killington, savoring the beauty of Vermont. Surprisingly, my GPS led us up the mountain once again, but this time, we decided to embrace the unexpected detour.
Killington Summit Adventure:
Gondola Ride: Reaching the top of Killington Mountain amidst the fog and approaching storms was exhilarating. We spotted many mountain bikers and decided to join the adventure, riding the Gondola to the summit.
Summit Views: Despite the fog, the brief moments when it cleared provided breathtaking views. We treated ourselves to a summit beer at the lodge, admiring the scenery.
Dinner: Before leaving, we enjoyed a delicious meal at Charity's 1887 Saloon, relishing some fresh summer salads.
A Final Refresh at Buttermilk Falls
Our luck continued as Buttermilk Falls happened to be directly on our route back home. This was our first visit, and to our delight, we spotted an adorable, curious mink, a unique sighting indeed!
The falls were still bustling with visitors, but we found some peaceful spots for swimming. The area offers something for everyone, with different spots for jumping into swimming holes or relaxing in a gentle pool at the bottom of the falls.
After some exciting jumps and swimming around, we bid farewell to the falls and decided to stop for some local ice cream. The spot we stumbled upon had a charming view of cute cows across the street—a fitting, picturesque finale to our wonderful weekend adventure in Vermont.
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