Goshen, Vermont sits at the base of the Green Mountains with elevations ranging from 1,300 to 3,000 feet in the surrounding area. Winter conditions can last from November through April, with summer nights often dropping below 50°F even in July. Dispersed camping options in Green Mountain National Forest require proper waste management and bear-resistant food storage practices.
What to do
Hiking trails from camp: Moosalamoo Campground provides immediate access to numerous trails. "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.
Mountain biking options: The Moosalamoo area offers well-maintained bike paths directly from camp. "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," writes Jill B.
Water activities: Silver Lake Campground provides swimming and paddling options. "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. They have boat rentals and nature tours on the lake led by the state park faculty," reports Shawn B.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Moosalamoo Campground maintains spacious site spacing. "The campsites are well spaced and staggered for maximum privacy. Hosts are pleasant and very helpful," according to Nancy M. Another camper adds, "The camp sites are spread out and it's nice and quiet with great privacy. The campground is conveniently located less than 20 minutes from Middlebury."
Natural amenities: Dispersed campers appreciate the views and quiet settings. Phil J. says of Green Mountain National Forest FR207, "Great mountain views, some sites right on the road, some in fields and some tucked away out of view." Another camper adds, "Beautiful meadow campsites overlooking the valley. Firepits and tent platforms are in place although most of the sites are drive-in."
Clean facilities: Primitive campgrounds still maintain basic cleanliness. "Surprisingly clean vault toilets. No showers. There are dumpsters on the way out for trash and recycling," notes Lauren S. Another reviewer mentions, "The water from the hand pump was fresh, clear and tasty."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Green Mountain camping requires preparation for all seasons. Phil J. describes Michigan Brook Road winter camping: "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."
Vehicle clearance issues: Some forest roads require appropriate vehicles. "This is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance. Views are spectacular," warns Miccal M. Another camper adds, "Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles."
Limited connectivity: Most forest campgrounds lack reliable service. "No cell service a few miles leading up the site, so download your maps in advance," advises Jessica C. At more developed campgrounds, campers note: "Cell services on ATT and TMobile were nonexistent. Campground WiFi is a joke (less than 1mbps)."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Gifford Woods State Park provides water access for kids. "When the kids get tired from swimming they're a nice beach area and playground," notes Shawn B. Another camper adds, "It's just a short hike back to the pond, which is very pretty."
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer space for children to play. "There is a grassy area in the center of the campground—great for kids, gatherings, etc.," shares Nancy M. A young reviewer states: "When you are in the Moosalamoo area, beautiful trees and wildness surrounds you! You should definitely come to the Mossalamoo campground."
Family site selection: Look for level sites with amenities. "We stayed at site 15 that was absolutely perfect for our group of three adults and two kids, it's a pack in pack out campground so only pack what you truly need for camping," advises Kyle B.
Tips from RVers
Site surfaces and conditions: Lake Bomoseen KOA accommodates larger rigs but with limitations. "The sites are a good size and relatively level. We visited mid-week so it was quiet, but there are a lot of seasonal rigs there so weekends could be busy," notes Dave S.
Access considerations: Forest roads can challenge larger vehicles. "There is 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," explains Jessica C.
Hookup options: Most forest service sites lack amenities for RVs. "Small campground, I think 19 sites, in one loop. Clean pit toilets and fresh water source. No firewood for sale on-site, but the campground manager told me about a place about 7 miles away that sells very good firewood for $4/bundle," Thomas R. reports.
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