Green Mountain National Forest offers several pet-friendly dispersed camping areas near Granville, Vermont. FR207 features multiple meadow campsites with established fire rings where campers and their dogs can enjoy spectacular mountain views. FR25 provides streamside camping spots where pets can cool off in the water. All dispersed camping areas in the national forest are free and allow pets, though they lack amenities like drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Campers report the sites along FR207 have great tree coverage for setting up tarps and protection from weather while still offering wide open views of three mountain ranges.
Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road provides peaceful riverside camping where pets can enjoy the outdoors. The dirt road follows the river with several primitive sites featuring established fire rings. Some sites are drive-in while others require a short walk. White River & Gulf Brook offers similar pet-friendly dispersed camping on a well-maintained gravel road accessible even with standard vehicles. The area remains quiet with minimal traffic, particularly on weeknights, creating a peaceful environment for pets sensitive to noise or activity.
Sites in these areas require campers to practice leave-no-trace principles with pets. No outhouses or waste stations exist, so pet owners must pack out all waste. Many campers report excellent hiking opportunities on nearby trails like Clark Brook Trail, which connects to the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail system. The crystal clear waters of the rivers and brooks provide natural drinking sources for filtered water and cooling spots for dogs during summer months. Visitors note that sites can become crowded during peak seasons and weekends, with some areas facing closure due to overuse, so arriving mid-week improves chances of finding available pet-friendly spots.
$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."
"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."
"All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings. Keep it clean!"
"This area is right next to FireRoad 25 rd. We did not camp here we camped on FR25."
"It is located in the mountains of Vermont and right next to a beautiful river. The only con was the highway noise since it's pretty close to the road."
"Entrance and exit are a little steep and tricky in the winter, lot wasn’t plowed so AWD/4x4 and good ground clearance are recommended."
"A great peaceful spot right next to the river."
"Loved camping next to the water and hearing the river as we slept. There are fire rings. No bugs."
"All the sites were full when I visited (6 to 8 sites, approximately, but i didn't go down a couple little gravel paths to check each spot as you couldn't turn around easily) , so I didn't get to camp there"
$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."
$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."
"The dirt road along the river is an easy drive, though it is single lane in a few locations, so be aware of oncoming traffic. "
"There is no services of any sorts at this location. Mostly local traffic. Peaceful! Gorgeous rock river 💜"
$45 / night
"I spent a couple of days at Abel Mountain with my dog, and we both had a nice stay."
"WE camp on a site on the river, some sites you can hear the river rushing over the rocks and some not but we like the view of the river when outside. "
ScoutThis 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. 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.
GuideI have a 24’ RV towing a 30 foot trailer for perspective. I easily fit in site 107 and lots of other sites would have worked. They have a place to drop trailers if you don’t fit.
Sites 90 to 108 are best. Spaced out under trees.
Sites 1 to 16 are close to each other.
Sites 113 to 119 are bad. Very close to each other. No redeeming qualities.
Sites have 30 amp electric and water but might need a longish cord or hose. Clean easy to use dump with water.
Tent sites looked nice.
Short walk to nice beach or you can drive a car. Short tunnel so no campers or bikes on the roof.
Right next to rails to trails path that goes onto a causeway over the lake. There is a bike ferry to keep going. Nice ride.
Nice dog park 3/4 miles to the South on the trail.
Far away from noise. Can’t comment on loud campers.
GuideVery nice, clean campsite. Staff are very friendly and helpful. Campsites are spread out, great dog walking areas , and very spacious dog parks, one for big dos and one for little ones.
LegendWilgus State Park is the first Vermont state park to open each spring, well before Memorial Day each year. While it's still pretty cold for camping in Vermont in early May, you can get a jump start on the season by renting one of the four camping cabins. I'll admit that I haven't stayed in one of the Wilgus cabins, but they are pretty much the same all over Vermont - nothing fancy - just four solid walls, bunk beds, and a small table.
Usually when we stay at Wilgus State Park, we rent a lean-to or stay in site #16, which is the very last tent site, and the most private. All sites have a great view of the river, but I won't go so far as to call them waterfront as there is a bank covered with lush foliage between the sites and the water. There is also a short trail that runs between the campsites and the water - a great place to watch the sunrise!
The best part about camping here is getting out on the water. You can rent kayaks and canoes, and the river moves slowly enough to paddle up stream. There is also a shuttle service run by Great River Outfitters upstream in Windsor. If you make reservations, the come to the park (I think on Wednesdays and Fridays), and they will pick you up in the morning, drive you up river to Windsor, outfit you with a canoe or kayak, and let you paddle back to the park. Later in the evening they will come back and pick up the boats. If you choose this option, be sure to stop at Artisan Park, right on the river and have lunch at Harpoon Brewery.
The campground is really small (under 25 sites) and super quiet. Restrooms are clean. There is a short hiking trail, which is just okay - no views or anything. The ranger has been there for years and is an expert fisherman. He's got lots of tips if you ask. For good hiking, be sure to check out Mt. Ascutney, which is just a few miles away.
TravelerWe stayed in a cabin with our pup. This place was very clean and loaded with amenities: pool, dog park, events, open fields, deer, store, etc. This was glamping with a fire pit 😃 There were plenty of sites for all size RV’s with hook-ups. A town with lots to do and see is nearby including hiking trails.
TravelerClean and quiet, good for kids and pets are welcome. There are 2 bathrooms with coin operated showers. There are sites for campers, tents, and a handful of lean tos. It’s a short hike down to Quechee Gorge, where you can cool off in the shallow water.
It’s very close to Quechee village and Woodstock so there are plenty of other activities, shopping, and dining options near by.
Rangers also run fun programs for children- my children churned butter and made popcorn over the campfire one night, and made tie dyed T-shirts the next (for no fee.)
Pets are welcome.
RangerI’d say this was one of Vermont’s best kept secrets, except I don’t think it’s exactly a secret. Even in October, the Park seemed full with visitors and Stowe was hopping! Leaf peepers were in full force and the grounds were absolutely spectacular- I really picked the perfect time of year to go. Nights got pretty brisk, but the foliage was breathtaking.
The Park, located along scenic Rte108, has about 20 tent sites and 14 lean-to’s well dispersed throughout the grounds. A couple spots were drive-in sites, accessible to those with disabilities; most had small pathways and/or stairwells leading to their platforms. There was not a bad site within the entire vicinity. All were fully shaded and extremely private. Although, I’d be curious about checking out Sites 1 or 16 next time around!
Bathrooms were clean and the main office sold firewood at the entrance. Facilities are also pet friendly. Plus, there are so many hiking trails and recreational opportunities in and around the Park-from Stowe Mountain Resort to the quaint shops in town and local craft breweries. And even with the Park seeming “full”, the grounds were perfectly quiet, without the incessant sound of generators you find at larger state parks.
Without a doubt, Smugglers Notch State Park is a favorite of mine!
LegendThis KOA is what you expect from a KOA– lots of amenities, sites of all sizes and levels of cost, tons of activities, and in a vacation destination area. We spent five nights at the campground and found lots to do in the area and that we had an enjoyable and pleasant stay.
The park is a large park that is terraced since it is in a pretty hilly area. There is the range of sites from pull-thrus, pull-ins and back-in sites and can accommodate RVs of any size. Some sites are full hookup while others are not and that is reflected in the cost. We paid $57/nigh for our full hookup site which is pretty costly especially since we did not use any of the amenities. Most sites are gravel with gravel patios but there are deluxe sites with paved patios, patio furniture, umbrella, and gas bbq grill. There are also camping cabins, some of which have kitchenettes and bathrooms that sleep six people.
Our site, was located in the back of the park in a quieter section because it was away from most of the activities and park entrance. The site was a pull-in which was kind of nice because the view out of our front windshield was of a wooded area. Our fire pit was in the front of our site so there was a nice amount of privacy when we sat outside by a campfire and didn’t feel like we were on the side of the road. Despite the hilliness of the park and all the trees, we did not have any trouble navigating our 45’ RV to our site. The trees at our site would prevent satellite television reception but our site had cable and we got about 20 or so channels. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Like many KOAs there are tons of amenities and things for kids to do – swimming pool, fishing ponds, bike rental, scheduled activities, propane sales, camp store, fire wood delivery, and more. There is a fenced dog park which was a fairly good size and our lab was happy to chase a ball.
As a whole, the park was very clean and manicured. No trash laying around and the gravel roads were free of potholes. The campground is located near the Queechee Gorge, covered bridges, hiking trails (including sections of the Appalachian Trail), good dining, maple syrup/cheese farm, the Marsh Billings- Rockefeller National Historic Park.
RangerWe stayed last year during the fall and the views were breathtaking. Close to tons of beautiful hikes. As for the campground. It was quiet, comfortable, and kid, as well as pet friendly. Would definitely camp here again. The staff was friendly and the bathroom facilities were kept nice and clean.
Green Mountain National Forest contains numerous dispersed camping options near Granville, Vermont, situated at elevations between 1,000-3,000 feet. These areas experience cool summer nights with temperatures often dropping into the 40s even during July and August. Roads accessing these camping spots typically open in late May after mud season and close with the first significant snowfall, usually in November.
Hiking from campsites: Several dispersed camping locations connect directly to trail systems. At Moosalamoo Campground, "There is some decent hiking from the campground, one hike of maybe 2 miles (one way) to a reservoir, and another of 3 miles (one way) to the 'Falls of Lana', which is really just a cascade, but nice nonetheless."
Mountain biking on established trails: Trails around Moosalamoo offer varied terrain for mountain bikers. "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."
Star gazing in complete darkness: The remote location provides exceptional night sky viewing. "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."
Riverside camping sites: Austin Brook offers several sites with direct water access. "This is a beautiful little pull off the road right on the river with tables & fire rings."
Privacy between campsites: The layout of campgrounds prioritizes seclusion. "The camp sites are well spaced and staggered for maximum privacy. Hosts are pleasant and very helpful." Many sites feature natural barriers between camping areas.
Accessibility with standard vehicles: Most dispersed sites in the area can be reached without specialized equipment. At White River & Gulf Brook, "Gravel road is well maintained, made it here in a prius easily. Less of established camping and more dispersed, but sites are clear and many have rock fire rings."
Bear safety precautions: Though bear sightings are uncommon, proper food storage is essential. "I saw bear storage lockers but I did not use them as I had my bear keg with me."
Limited firewood availability: Most dispersed sites require bringing your own wood. "No firewood available onsite, but the campground manager (a very nice and helpful couple) told me about a place about 7 miles away that sells very good firewood for $4/bundle."
Winter accessibility restrictions: Roads to many sites close seasonally. At Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road, "This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF."
Spacious communal areas: Some campgrounds offer common spaces for children. "There is a grassy area in the center of the campground—great for kids, gatherings, etc."
Water features for summer cooling: Multiple sites provide safe water access for kids. At Silver Lake Campground, "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. When the kids get tired from swimming they're a nice beach area and playground."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Granville, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Granville, VT is Moosalamoo Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 16 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 144 dog-friendly camping locations near Granville, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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