Free Verse Campground, Chelsea, VT

Introduction / Overview

For Vermonters seeking an authentic, peaceful, and beautifully secluded camping experience, Free Verse Campground at Free Verse Farm in Chelsea is an absolute must-visit destination. This is not your typical crowded state park campground; it is a true farm stay nestled high in the verdant hills of Central Vermont, offering panoramic, stunning views of the First Branch of the White River valley. The philosophy of Free Verse Farm, run by a dedicated team of art-making, herb-loving farmers, extends to their campground: a place of tranquility, privacy, and connection to the land.

The reviews consistently praise the campground for its "gorgeous" scenery and "incredible sense of privacy and seclusion." With only two campsites available, guests truly feel like they "have the place to ," making it the perfect retreat from the hustle of daily life. Beyond the rustic beauty of the natural setting, the hosts provide thoughtful, high-quality amenities that elevate the experience far beyond simple tent camping. Guests are not just campers; they are temporary residents in a working organic herb farm, with the unique opportunity to interact with the landscape, the lovely "adorable cows," and the farm’s renowned apothecary products.

Location and Accessibility

Free Verse Campground is perfectly located for Vermont residents in the heart of the state’s beautiful, rolling farmland and forests. The address for the farm is 34 Baraw Hill Rd, Chelsea, VT 05038, USA. This places the campground high atop a hill overlooking the charming village of Chelsea, the historic shire town of Orange County.

While the location is beautifully remote, offering a true escape, it remains accessible. It’s situated near VT Route 110, providing a convenient starting point for exploring other Central Vermont attractions, including the nearby world-famous mountain biking trails or simply the quiet back roads that define the region. The drive up Baraw Hill Road, which is a dirt road, offers an immediate sense of getting away from it all. While four-wheel drive is recommended by the hosts, especially in certain seasons, the reward is reaching a spacious, open meadow campsite with views that are truly incredible, as numerous guests attest. The seclusion of the hilltop location makes it an unrivaled spot for clear-night "incredible stargazing."

Services Offered

The services at Free Verse Campground focus on providing a comfortable, clean, and authentic off-grid experience. The hosts have clearly thought through every detail to ensure guest comfort while maintaining an eco-conscious approach.

Immaculate Sanitation Facilities: Features a "pristine outhouse" with a compostable toilet, which customers describe as having "seriously no smell," showcasing the host's commitment to cleanliness and sustainable practices.
Hot Outdoor Shower and Sink: A major highlight is the hot outdoor shower and sink area, complete with provided soap, shampoo, and conditioner. This amenity is frequently praised by guests, offering a refreshing and comfortable end to a day of exploring.
Campsite Essentials: Each of the two private campsites includes a picnic table, a dedicated firepit for a traditional camping experience, and comfortable seating, often Adirondack chairs, for relaxing and soaking in the views.
Firewood Provision: Guests can conveniently request firewood for the night, eliminating the need to haul wood from home or forage on the property.
Farm Store Access: The campground is directly associated with the Free Verse Farm Shop, located just a mile away in downtown Chelsea. This offers campers easy access to fresh produce, provisions, baked goods, local provisions, and the farm’s signature line of handcrafted herbal teas and apothecary products.
Personalized Welcome: Upon arrival, guests receive a thoughtful welcome packet that includes a map of the property and helpful information, reflecting the hosts' friendly and attentive service.

Features / Highlights

The unique appeal of Free Verse Campground stems from its harmonious blend of a working farm environment and a private, luxury camping experience.

Extreme Privacy: With only two spacious and separate campsites—one often referred to as a "meadows campsite" and another near the forest edge—the defining feature is the superior privacy and seclusion. It’s an ideal setting for couples, families, or solo travelers seeking quiet solitude.
Panoramic Valley Views: The hilltop location offers breathtaking, long-distance vistas of the rolling Green Mountain landscape and the village below. This view is a core part of the experience, enjoyed from the campsite and the property's scenic areas.
Farm Experience: Guests are welcomed onto a working organic herb farm. They can explore the cultivated fields of herbs and vegetables, and watch the "adorable cows" grazing on the pastures, offering a tangible connection to Vermont’s agricultural heritage.
Stargazing Sanctuary: The remote, high-elevation location minimizes light pollution, providing truly "incredible stargazing" opportunities on clear Vermont nights.
Artisan Apothecary and Provisions: The proximity to the Free Verse Farm Shop allows campers to easily purchase handcrafted, farm-grown teas, herbal remedies, locally sourced meats, dairy, and freshly baked goods, ensuring a delicious and locally-supported camping menu.
Forest Trails: The property boasts scenic forest trails for "magical woodland wanderings," giving guests the option to explore beyond their immediate campsite.

Contact Information

The Free Verse Campground is run by the owners of Free Verse Farm & Apothecary, who also operate a delightful farm shop in the village.

Farm & Campground Address:

34 Baraw Hill Rd, Chelsea, VT 05038, USA

General Inquiries and Reservations:

Phone: While a specific phone number for the campground is not always publicly listed for reservations (which are often handled online via booking platforms), the main farm number is sometimes shared with customers. It is recommended to check the official Free Verse Farm website or their Hipcamp listing for the most current reservation method and contact details.

Free Verse Farm Shop (Downtown Chelsea):

3 North Common, Chelsea, VT (Recommended stop for provisions and a coffee).

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of Vermont, Free Verse Campground is a perfect sanctuary that encapsulates the best of the Green Mountain State. It offers an easy, low-stress escape without the need for extensive travel. Instead of driving for hours, locals can be quickly immersed in the solitude of Central Vermont’s rolling hills, enjoying a level of privacy that is nearly impossible to find at public campgrounds.

The seamless integration with the working farm and the Free Verse Farm Shop provides an added layer of community connection and convenience—campers can literally support local agriculture and stock their pantry with high-quality provisions just a mile from their tent. The emphasis on high-quality, clean amenities like the pristine outhouse and the hot outdoor shower ensures a comfortable and pleasant stay, even for those who prefer "glamping" over roughing it. Free Verse Campground is an "absolute gem" that offers Vermonters a chance to reconnect with the beautiful views, the clear night skies, and the rich agricultural life that defines their home state, all while creating "a wonderful sense of privacy and seclusion."