The Green Mountain National Forest surrounds Goshen, Vermont, providing a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping options within a 30-minute drive. Moosalamoo Campground, located in the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area just north of Goshen, offers tent and RV sites with basic amenities like drinking water and toilets but no hookups or showers. Silver Lake Campground provides waterfront camping with boat rentals and swimming areas, while Branbury State Park on nearby Lake Dunmore features more developed facilities including electric hookups and a sanitary dump station. For those seeking a more rustic experience, free dispersed camping can be found along Forest Road 207 in the national forest, though these sites lack facilities beyond fire rings.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from Memorial Day through mid-October, with limited options available in spring and late fall. Vermont state parks typically close between mid-April and Memorial Day for maintenance. As one camper noted about Michigan Brook Road camping, "This area is open for camping year-round but probably only accessible in Spring through early Fall because the dirt road is not plowed." Spring conditions on forest roads can be challenging, with mud and ruts making access difficult for low-clearance vehicles. Cell service varies throughout the area, with better coverage near larger towns. Reservations are recommended for summer weekends and during fall foliage season when campgrounds fill quickly.
Waterfront camping locations receive consistently high ratings from visitors. According to one Silver Lake Campground reviewer, "The sites are fairly private without being built too close together. Lake is clean and has a great concrete dock that the kids love to jump off." Many campgrounds in the region feature lean-tos, which provide additional shelter during Vermont's unpredictable weather. Gifford Woods State Park, about 25 minutes south of Goshen, stands out for its proximity to the Appalachian Trail and Killington. Campers frequently mention the privacy of sites, clean facilities, and access to swimming holes as highlights. The area's combination of forest, mountain, and lake settings creates diverse camping experiences within a relatively compact region.
$15 / night
"there are no amenities other than cascading waterfalls, mountain views, incredible swimming hole, a nearby lake, a picnic table and a fire ring. the easiest access to sites one and two is the Silver Lake"
"Access to campground is on a gravel road but my van did okay. It is small and primitive and there is a camp host who is very nice."
"The site was so scenic with a little waterfall and stream nearby. The camp staff was so nice. They kept the the bathrooms and areas so clean."
"Love to lake access, secluded camping, the hiking and remote area. Planning on revisiting next summer, even in august the nights get to a good sleeping temperature a vast majority of the time."
$10 / night
"This is one of our favorite places to camp in Vermont. The sites are fairly private without being built too close together. Lake is clean and has a great concrete dock that the kids love to jump off."
"Lovely place, free camping, fire pits at the campsite, and access to the water. We camped in the off season, but in the on season there are pit toilets and campground stewards."
"Decent bathroom situation--I've seen better and I've seen worse in Vermont."
"The park is amazingly clean, well run, located just of RT 4 and very near to Killington, Vermont. It has multiple lean-to sites which are in wooded areas."
$15 / night
"Nice hiking trails close to long trail, really tucked away a few miles off 73. Great if you’re looking for some solitude."
"Well maintained, and nice access to trails right from the campground."
"If you're considering a spot in Vermont to camp, come here! Also, make sure your car has a bit of clearance as some sports have dips in the ground."
"Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests. Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles."
"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."
"Few nice ones near the creek. I stayed at one on top of a lots of space at mine."
$22 - $172 / night
"For the last three years, we have traveled with dozens of friends and families to Rogers Rock Campground, which is tucked into the north end of the gorgeous 32 mile-long oasis that is Lake George."
"Ive been coming to this spot nearly every year since I was a little girl."
"The one thing we loved the most was that the kids could ride their bikes around safely."
"No ATM on site to get cash… The sites are spacious enough, but are very close to each other. Zero buffer between neighboring sites means encroaching slide outs."
"family camping Kabins, rv, and tent sites, arcade, store, ice cream, and Lake Bomoseen. Easy to get to, close to Castleton, Rutland, and Hubbarton Battlefield. Great spot for a family get-a-way."
GuideRight along the road (so if anything happens you can get help) also has wifi signal. It’s right along a creek that’s clean and beautiful. Crisp air and calming flowing river noises all night made it so I slept like a baby!
GuideDrove all the way here just to pull in and see signs that say “no overnight camping”
ScoutPublic Lands with about 8 semi private sites, each with nice views west or easterly. It's a large meadow and with a breeze, it will keep bugs away. Lacking a breeze, it is tough but still beautiful
ScoutPam met us outside as she said ‘dodging rain drops’ to stack wood. She was warm and friendly. You can tell she runs a tight ship immediately telling us when quite hours were, and letting us know the dogs needed to be on leash and under our control. We brought our 2 labs with us. Only 2 vehicles per site is allowed. You do need tokens to use the shower. 2 tokens was more than enough for me to shower and not feel rushed. The bathrooms are AMAZING! I am looking forward to coming back!
ScoutHad a site booked for Memorial Day weekend but had a complication to my 5th shoulder surgery in 2.5 years and had my 6th which was a 3rd attempt at rotator cuff repair in mid-May. Called to see if I could change my reservation since I cannot drive due to Dr.'s orders but no dice. Could care less and told me too late due to policy. Offered to provide doctors documentation but didn't matter. I did not ask for refund just to change the date. Rude, dismissive and unwilling to work with me. Sad that a family-oriented place is run this way. End result I am out over$600 and they are smiling. As a business owner myself I would be out of business if I treated my customers this way.
ScoutDEC has designated and constructed 12 camp sites in areas around Shelving Rock Road and Dacy Clearing Road. Camping will only be allowed at the designated campsites or more than 500 feet from the Shelving Rock and Dacy Clearing Roads.
ScoutAs noted by others, most of the sites have a fire ring and nothing more. A little more than half of the sites can be driven to and others require a very short walk (50 ft?). The toilets mentioned are at Texas falls area and are not a practical walk from most of the campsites.
There are no showers.
Aside from the loop trail at the falls there are also a couple of snowmobile trails that cross the area.
GuideWe emailed twice and traveled five hours to only find out they have a list of dog breeds they don’t accept. The list has no rhyme or reason. Our 7 year old 95lb Great Dane was not allowed. Ridiculous
RangerStayed here for a week. Josh and Dori were super nice and helpful. Level grass field with water and 30amp hookup. Fire pit port o potty, creek across the street. Very pretty setting. Dark sky area. Cell att and Verizon we decent enough to work plus they had WiFi if needed.
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.
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Goshen, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Goshen, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 207 campgrounds and RV parks near Goshen, VT and 22 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Goshen, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Goshen, VT is Moosalamoo Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 16 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Goshen, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 free dispersed camping spots near Goshen, VT.
What parks are near Goshen, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Goshen, VT that allow camping, notably Green Mountain National Forest and Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests.
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