Peakbagging vacation in Vermont

[onestep]

Starting the 3rd week of August I'll be in Vermont for 10 days or so of hiking the 4K & HH peaks. I'd like to set up a "base camp" and do day hikes, although I'm tossing the idea around of backpacking the LT to hit the peaks from Killington to Breadloaf/Wilson.
Any suggestions where to stay? I'm looking for Hiker Hostel type accomodations or campgrounds. Also, as the peaks are located from one end of Vermont to the other do you think one central location would be do-able, or would you suggest a location up north then something down south?

Onestep

 

[Double Bow]

If you are looking for something a little more comfortable, one of the best places to stay anywhere is The Inn at Long Trail (http://www.innatlongtrail.com). Very hiker friendly and a great location, right in Killington and the old route of the Long Trail is just out the door. There, you will be sure to meet plenty of ATers as many of them stop in for a night or a drink (since they have a pub).

Otherwise, I would recomend hiking a section of the LT and staying at the shelters and/or tentsites along the way. That's what I do when I head out there for a week. In fact I'll being heading back there shortly!

 

[RoySwkr]

The GMNF is much more hiker-friendly than the WMNF in terms of roadside camping, many trailheads are officially-designated primitive campsites and you can camp roadside most anywhere. Since there is a lot of private land intermixed, you probably need a GMNF map with land ownership marked.

Whether to base-camp or move depends a lot on how long it takes you to setup-strike and how much you mind leaving your stuff. I would suggest separate N-S camps at least, if you sleep in a vehicle I would probably move nearly every night.

Two lodging possibilities not yet suggested are the state ski dorm in Smugglers Notch and the free GMNF campsites at Grout Pond at the base of Stratton.