The Green Mountains around Florence, Vermont sit at approximately 600 feet elevation with surrounding peaks rising to 4,000 feet, creating distinct microclimates for camping throughout the region. Most primitive sites in the national forest require bear-resistant food storage containers from May through October. Winter camping opportunities are limited, with most facilities closing after Columbus Day when overnight temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls and viewpoints: The Moosalamoo National Recreation Area provides access to several trails directly from campsites. At Moosalamoo Campground, "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 camper Nancy M.
Paddling secluded ponds: Half Moon Pond State Park offers quiet water experiences on a small pond. "We had a waterfront site so we could launch our kayaks right from our site. The pond is very weedy, so fishing was not so great, but the hiking trails around the park were fun," shares Cynthia K. This park tends to remain uncrowded even in peak season.
Exploring Appalachian Trail connections: Gifford Woods State Park Campground provides direct access to the famous long-distance route. As Sarah K. explains, "The AT runs directly through this park. While on a 4 state section hike I traveled by foot through this park. The ranger gave me an ice cream, pointed me to the showers and then chatted with me for an hour about my hike so far."
What campers like
Tent platforms on sloped terrain: Many state park campsites feature wooden platforms that create level sleeping surfaces on otherwise challenging ground. A camper at Chittenden Brook Campground mentioned, "Each site has a fire pit, tent platform, and picnic table. The sites were well cared for... The constant sound of running water from the brook was truly relaxing."
Lean-to options for weather protection: Several campgrounds near Florence feature three-sided shelters as alternatives to tent sites. At Bomoseen State Park, Angela J. notes, "The waterfront lean-tos are kind of close together... We like the waterfront lean-tos so we can keep our kayaks on the water the whole week." These structures typically cost $5-10 more than standard tent sites.
Site privacy and spacing: Moosalamoo Campground receives consistent praise for well-designed site layout. Lauren S. states, "Large sites, friendly campground host, the moosalamoo trailhead right next to campground. The trail connects to many others... Behind the parking spur at the site there is gravel with picnic table and fire pit. Beyond that in the trees was a spot for the tent."
What you should know
Challenging road access: Some campgrounds require navigating unpaved roads. Jessica C. cautions about Chittenden Brook: "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."
Limited connectivity: Cell service remains spotty throughout the region. At Lake Bomoseen KOA, Rick G. notes, "No cell coverage and poor wi-fi if that is important. Access to far end of Lake Bomoseen with boat rental and dock space but area pretty overgrown with lake weeds." Download maps before arrival.
Bear safety requirements: Black bears inhabit the Green Mountain National Forest. At Branbury State Park, Nicole E. warns, "Just make sure you put your food and trash away- there are black bears in the area!" Most state parks provide metal food lockers.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and swimming areas: Branbury State Park Campground combines lake access with recreational facilities. J L. reports, "Spacious sites, hiking trails, biking trails, nice beach and grounds. Fishing, kayak, canoe, paddle boat and paddle board rentals. Theres a nature center with all kinds of information and activities. A large playground. Volleyball and horseshoe pits."
Bike-friendly terrain: Many campgrounds offer dedicated cycling paths. At Moosalamoo Campground, ten-year-old reviewer AJB mentions, "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 Mossalamoo National Forest."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds provide ranger-led programs focused on local ecology. Shawn B. describes Silver Lake Campground: "They have boat rentals and nature tours on the lake led by the state park faculty. When the kids get tired from swimming they're a nice beach area and playground."
Tips from RVers
Dump station availability: While most state parks lack hookups, dump stations are provided at select locations. Trip Over Life shares about Branbury State Park: "No hookups are available but there is a dump station and a bathroom facility with paid showers."
Site leveling challenges: The mountainous terrain means few naturally level pads. Scott A. from Lake Bomoseen KOA advises, "Somehow we managed to get the one pull through spot that was at the end and harder to get in... All in all it is a nice Campground and most of it (the back in spaces) look nice and wooded. I would stay here again despite the small inconveniences but I would definitely pick a different camp site."
Size restrictions: Larger rigs face limitations at most public campgrounds. At Michigan Brook Road Camping, Thomas and James S. warn, "Road goes in pretty far. Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!"
