The Green Mountain National Forest near Goshen, Vermont sits at elevations between 1,500-3,500 feet with hiking trails that connect to the Appalachian Trail system. The camping season typically extends from late May through mid-October, though some forest roads remain unplowed in winter, limiting access during shoulder seasons. Nighttime temperatures in this region can drop into the 40s even during summer months.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Moosalamoo Campground offers direct access to mountain biking paths with well-maintained trail beds. "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," notes camper Jill B. from Moosalamoo Campground.
Stargazing in complete darkness: The remote location of many campgrounds creates ideal conditions for night sky viewing. Alan from Moosalamoo Campground shares: "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."
Waterfall exploration: Several trails lead to cascades and falls within short hiking distances. At Chittenden Brook Campground, Michelle R. describes that "sites one and two are just steps from incredible mountain views, an unbelievable swimming hole, and 3 amazing large waterfalls. The trail features a multitude of cascading falls and is incredibly tranquil."
What campers like
Secluded, spaced-out sites: Many campgrounds offer significant privacy between sites. Dana M. reports that at Chittenden Brook Campground: "Great tent camping area with good privacy at sites. Would be tough for any but the tiniest RV. No water. Well maintained, and nice access to trails right from the campground."
Wildlife encounters: The forests around Goshen provide opportunities to spot native wildlife. Phil J. from Michigan Brook Road Camping notes: "My first time winter camping and had the entire area to myself. Beautiful sunsets, night skies and scenery. Extremely calm and peaceful. Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving."
Clean facilities despite rustic settings: Even primitive campgrounds maintain clean restrooms. Lauren S. mentions that Silver Lake Campground has "surprisingly clean vault toilets. No showers. There are dumpsters on the way out for trash and recycling. I saw bear storage lockers but I did not use them as I had my bear keg with me."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Most forested camping areas have little to no connectivity. Scott A. from Lake Bomoseen KOA reports: "The internet speed fluctuates and was slow to unusable our last day. I could not get the cable TV working. Cell services on ATT and TMobile were nonexistent. Campground WiFi is a joke (less than 1mbps)."
Bear precautions required: Black bears inhabit the region, requiring proper food storage. Nicole E. from Branbury State Park Campground advises: "Just make sure you put your food and trash away—there are black bears in the area!"
Vehicle clearance considerations: Forest roads may require higher clearance vehicles. About the dispersed sites at Green Mountain National Forest FR207, Miccal M. states: "This is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance. Views are spectacular, choose either sunrise or sunset and you should be able to get a site to fit your needs."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Some campgrounds offer kid-friendly amenities. J L. notes that Branbury State Park has "spacious sites, hiking trails, biking trails, nice beach and grounds. Fishing, kayak, canoe, paddle boat and paddle board rentals. There's a nature center with all kinds of information and activities. A large playground. Volleyball and horseshoe pits."
Rocky play features: Natural features become entertainment for children. Desiree V. from Branbury State Park shares: "We stayed in a wooded area surrounded by large rocks my daughter could climb on. The beach was nearby and included in the stay with horseshoes and a playground."
Biking-friendly campgrounds: Kids can safely ride bikes in certain campgrounds. Elizabeth H. from Country Village Campgrounds mentions: "The one thing we loved the most was that the kids could ride their bikes around safely. We also found out that one weekend each summer they close the campground down to the public and fill all the sites with military families."
Tips for RVers
Limited full-hookup options: Most forest campgrounds lack RV amenities. James K. from Chittenden Brook notes sites "would be tough for any but the tiniest RV. No water."
Uneven terrain challenges: Many sites aren't level, requiring stabilization. K L. from Lake Bomoseen KOA cautions: "The sites are spacious enough, but are very close to each other. Zero buffer between neighboring sites means encroaching slide outs."
Dump station availability: Some parks offer dump stations despite primitive camping sites. Trip Over Life explains that at Branbury State Park: "No hookups are available but there is a dump station and a bathroom facility with paid showers."
