Camel's Hump Natural Area wilderness guide
Natural Area · VT

Camel's Hump Natural Area

Camel's Hump Natural Area is renowned for its distinctive peak, offering breathtaking views and a variety of recreational activities in Vermont's Green Mountains.

Natural Area21,2244+ Trails

Designation

Natural Area

Total Wilderness Area

21,224

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Camel's Hump Natural Area

Camel's Hump Natural Area is renowned for its distinctive peak, offering breathtaking views and a variety of recreational activities in Vermont's Green Mountains.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Camel's Hump Natural Area is a prominent and highly recognizable landmark in the Green Mountains of Vermont. It encompasses one of the state's highest peaks, Camel's Hump, rising to 4,083 feet. This natural area plays a significant role in Vermont's ecological and cultural landscape, protecting a range of ecosystems from subalpine forests to alpine tundra. The land has a rich history, from Native American heritage to its role as a navigation aide for early settlers. Today, it attracts outdoor enthusiasts for its challenging hiking trails, particularly the popular Long Trail that traverses the mountain, offering spectacular panoramic views. Aside from hiking, visitors can enjoy bird watching and exploring the varied flora and fauna unique to the region. The natural area remains relatively undisturbed, providing a refuge for both wildlife and those seeking solace in nature.

Field Guide · Natural Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Camel's Hump Natural Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The summit of Camel's Hump offering 360-degree views of Vermont's landscapes.✦ Subalpine and alpine ecosystems supporting a variety of rare plant species.✦ The Long Trail, which is part of America's oldest long-distance hiking trail.✦ Diverse wildlife including moose and black bears that can be seen in the area.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Camel's Hump Natural Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Camel's Hump Natural Area
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Camel's Hump Natural Area
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Camel's Hump Natural Area
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Camel's Hump Natural Area
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Camel's Hump Natural Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No permits or fees required for access.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Camel's Hump Natural Area

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Huntington Campground

Located near the base of the trailheads, offering minimal facilities but close proximity to hiking areas.

Reserve on Recreation.gov

Little River State Park

Provides more amenities and is located within driving distance for those exploring Camel's Hump.

Reserve on Recreation.gov
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Camel's Hump Natural Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Huntington, Vermont
⌖ 4.57 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Huntington, Vermont

Huntington, VT is a charming village perfect for nature enthusiasts. With fantastic hiking in Camel's Hump State Park and scenic trails for skiing and biking, it's a hidden gem for outdoor adventures.

Fall
Explore Town
Fayston, Vermont
⌖ 5.80 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Fayston, Vermont

Fayston, Vermont offers peaceful mountain adventures from hiking and biking to classic New England skiing. Visitors will enjoy tranquil forests, scenic paddling, and a welcoming small-town feel year-round.

Fall and Winter
Explore Town
Richmond, Vermont
⌖ 7.60 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Richmond, Vermont

Richmond, Vermont offers outdoor lovers peaceful river paddling, forest hiking, and easy winter skiing near Camel’s Hump. This charming town is perfect for enjoying Vermont’s natural beauty with fewer crowds year-round.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Monkton, Vermont
⌖ 12.65 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Monkton, Vermont

Monkton, Vermont offers outdoor lovers peaceful hiking, paddling on Lake Champlain, and cross-country skiing amid quiet rural landscapes. It’s an ideal spot for nature watchers and travelers seeking tranquil adventures.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Jericho, Vermont
⌖ 13.66 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Jericho, Vermont

Jericho, Vermont offers quiet forest trails, mountain biking, paddling on the Browns River, and cross-country skiing in winter. It’s a serene spot for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore the Green Mountains’ beauty without the crowds.

Late Spring to Early Fall and Winter
Explore Town
Essex, Vermont
⌖ 14.04 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Essex, Vermont

Essex, Vermont offers easy access to hiking, paddling, and winter sports in a welcoming setting. With river trails and forest preserves, it’s a great spot for outdoor families and adventure seekers wanting a Vermont experience close to nature.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for skiing and snowshoeing
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Camel's Hump Natural Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Four Miles of Quiet: Paddling the Winooski beneath Camel’s Hump
ADVEXPEDITION
Burlington, Vermont
Boat TourADV Bookable

Four Miles of Quiet: Paddling the Winooski beneath Camel’s Hump

A roughly two‑hour, four‑mile paddle from Waterbury that threads gentle currents, Vermont farmland vistas and steady birdlife—this guide explains what to expect and how to match the right craft to the river.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Float Richmond: Tube Rentals Launched from Main Street
ADVEXPEDITION
Richmond, Virginia
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Float Richmond: Tube Rentals Launched from Main Street

Umiak Outdoor Outfitters rents tubes daily from its Richmond store (and Stowe); this guide explains pickup, timing, and the self‑shuttle vs. operator shuttle options to plan a seamless float.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Car-top Paddling Out of Stowe: Simple, Self-Serve Boat Rentals from Umiak
ADVEXPEDITION
Stowe, Vermont
Boat TourADV Bookable

Car-top Paddling Out of Stowe: Simple, Self-Serve Boat Rentals from Umiak

A compact rental program offering kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, canoes and inner tubes from Umiak Outdoor Outfitters in Stowe — this guide explains what’s included, how day and multi-day rentals work, and practical packing tips.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip