Campsites near Brandon, Vermont provide direct access to the Green Mountain National Forest at elevations between 600-2,000 feet. Many camping areas require bear-proof food storage, with some campgrounds lacking potable water or basic amenities. The camping season typically runs May through mid-October with primitive sites available outside this window.
What to do
Hike accessible trails: Moosalamoo Campground connects to multiple hiking paths. "Lots of great hiking accessible from the campground, or within a short drive. Silver Lake and Lake Dunmore are nearby. Both have beaches: Silver Lake is accessible only by foot, down a .6 mile trail from the parking area," notes Nancy M. at Moosalamoo Campground.
Fish mountain streams and ponds: Anglers find opportunities at Half Moon Pond State Park. "We fished and kayaked right from our site. Oddly, our fire pit faced the neighboring site rather than the pond," explains Rebecca D. The pond offers calm water ideal for beginners.
Winter dispersed camping: For off-season adventures, Michigan Brook Road provides free primitive sites. "I stayed at this campsite located at the end of upper Michigan road. It is winter and there is a lot of snow. The main road to the parking lot is plowed and sanded," reports Keegz M., noting the lack of cell service.
Mountain biking: Trails around Moosalamoo feature smooth surfaces for family-friendly cycling. "Moosalamoo campground has awesome bike trails with smooth trail beds and nice rolling bumps. The kind campground hosts can tell you all about the hiking and biking trails within Moosalamoo National Forest," says Jill B.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Silver Lake Campground offers secluded spots with natural barriers. "This campground is hike in only and from the parking lot it's about .5 mile. The hike is short but it's also a hike down to the lake and back up with all your gear so be prepared," explains Katy Z.
Clean facilities: Vault toilets at basic campgrounds receive regular maintenance. "Although they had no power, water, dumps or modern bathrooms the campsite had well water pumps and the cleanest most order free toilet vaults we have ever seen," mentions Rosie Lon S. about Moosalamoo Campground.
Stargazing opportunities: Light pollution remains minimal at remote sites. "At night, you can go out to the bicycle pump track and lay a blanket on the grassy hill against the track and look at stars in COMPLETE darkness," describes Alan at Moosalamoo.
Well-maintained fire pits: Most established campgrounds provide contained fire rings. "The fire pit was a little disappointing since it was installed too high and it was difficult to use the grill because the coals were too far away from the grate, but we made do and had good meals anyway," notes Alan about Moosalamoo Campground.
What you should know
Limited services: Most forest camping areas lack amenities. "No hookups are available but there is a dump station and a bathroom facility with paid showers," explains Trip Over Life about Branbury State Park Campground.
Bear activity: Food storage precautions remain essential. "I saw bear storage lockers but I did not use them as I had my bear keg with me," reports Lauren S. at Moosalamoo Campground. Multiple campgrounds post warnings about proper food storage.
Variable road conditions: Access to more remote camping areas requires careful driving. "There's a 2.5 mile dirt road with a steady incline into the camp, which my subie had no issue with, but not sure how well an RV would fair," notes Jessica C. about Chittenden Brook Campground.
Limited phone service: Communication capabilities vary widely. "Cell services on ATT and TMobile were nonexistent. Campground WiFi is a joke (less than 1mbps)," reports K L. about Lake Bomoseen KOA. Plan navigation accordingly.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Gifford Woods State Park Campground offers recreational facilities for children. "Stayed at site 15 in the lower campground for a few nights and it was level and spacious but pretty close to neighbors compared to other sites," says Katy Z.
Swimming holes for kids: Natural water features provide cooling options. "There is a deeper swimming area. Great for a little kayaking," notes Michele S. about Half Moon Pond State Park Campground.
Lean-to structures: Shelters offer protection during unpredictable weather. "We chose the open area and enjoyed a campfire and the spacious grounds that we shared with only one other RV," mentions Trip Over Life about Branbury State Park.
Junior ranger activities: Some state parks provide educational programming. "Theres a nature center with all kinds of information and activities. A large playground. Volleyball and horseshoe pits," reports J L. about Branbury State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Country Village Campgrounds provides basic RV services. "Has seasonals, tent sites and RV sites. The swimming pool is very inviting and the bathrooms are always attended to," notes Elizabeth H.
Size restrictions: Many forest campgrounds cannot accommodate larger units. "Great tent camping area with good privacy at sites. Would be tough for any but the tiniest RV," James K. explains about Chittenden Brook Campground.
Dump station locations: Plan waste management carefully. "For $15 a night, this campground is well worth the price," says Dana M. about Moosalamoo, though noting limited facilities beyond pit toilets.
Generator regulations: Most public campgrounds prohibit generators. "The grassy sites near the beach are in a large field, and across the road, the campsites are wooded," explains Lisa S. about Branbury State Park Campground, recommending specific site locations for various camping styles.
