Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests in Vermont feature diverse camping experiences, from developed state parks to primitive sites on Forest Service land. Gifford Woods State Park Campground serves as a hub for campers with tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and lean-tos situated near Killington. Michigan Brook Road offers free dispersed camping options with multiple sites along forest roads. Several campgrounds provide waterfront camping, including Lake Bomoseen KOA and Branbury State Park, which offer cabin accommodations alongside traditional campsites.
Road conditions vary considerably across the region, with many forest service roads requiring higher clearance vehicles. Michigan Brook Road presents particular challenges, as one visitor noted: "Road goes in pretty far. Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!" Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from Memorial Day through Columbus Day weekend, closing during winter months when snow makes access difficult. Cell phone service is limited in remote areas, particularly at Michigan Brook and other dispersed sites. Visitors should prepare for variable weather conditions, as Vermont's mountain terrain can experience significant temperature fluctuations even during summer months.
The Appalachian Trail runs directly through Gifford Woods State Park, making it particularly popular among hikers. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "The Appalachian Trail runs right through the park and you can hike up to Deer Leep, around Kent Pond, or to Thundering Falls right from the campground." Many campers appreciate the region's waterfront options, with riverside sites along Michigan Brook receiving positive reviews for their natural setting. Privacy varies significantly between campgrounds, with the upper loops at Gifford Woods offering more secluded sites compared to the more crowded lower loops. For those seeking solitude, dispersed camping areas provide greater isolation but fewer amenities. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the region, with recent reports of increased black bear activity that campers should be prepared for by practicing proper food storage.
"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
"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."
"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."
$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."
"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."
"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."
"This place gets my vote for best campground in Vermont. Especially true if you're lucky enough to get one of the few sites on the outside of A loop that has a Lean-to with a view."
"Coolidge is off the beaten path but well worth the wander! There are no water sites, it’s on the side of a heavily wooded mountain with a few sites having amazing views!"
"Bomoseen State Park is right down the road, but I recommend staying at Half Moon and taking advantage of the large swimming area at Bomoseen, as well as all the cool ponds, lakes, and hiking trails nearby"
"The pond is clean and swim-able and great for kayaks/canoes (near Glen Lake and Lake Bomoseen for boating and more kayaking/canoeing)."
$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."
GuideSimply said, if you like a well maintained place with a swim beach, floating dock, grass galore, space to stretch out, and more, this is the place. It’s beautiful. As a bonus, it’s cost effective over other RV parks. If you want free, nope. If you want wild open spaces, nope. You a great lush big clean park that feels like your Owen estate, then come check this place out. We will be back.
GuideFree dispersed camping site in the Green Mountain National Forest, off a dirt road. The site curves around past the driveway so you can tuck up into the trees to be more private. The upper part there has a circular open area, surrounded by thin trees. There’s a fire ring set up midway on the site. It felt more isolated than other sites I’ve stayed at and there were quite a few animal sounds in the woods, including large animal bones left past the treeline. They seem to be left behind from people (based off of how the bones were cut). Dispersed camping so don’t expect facilities of any sort. Decent site and pretty large compared to some of the other spots. Heard Barred Owls in the distance which was awesome. Uploaded a video of the site at night and pics of the area on a map that my friend was able to pull up.
GuideWent with a friend on an impromptu last minute camping trip up in the NF and hoped we could find a spot on a Friday night. Quite a few spots were taken but there were still some free ones. We stayed at one near the creek just over a little bridge. Cute little site, nice fire pit, clean, perfect rock to put a big water jug on. The sound of running water was soothing. In the morning, adorable little red squirrels with big personalities made themselves known and there were wildflowers blooming all over with hummingbirds going about their business. This is dispersed camping so there’s no rest rooms, running water, etc. The particular site we stayed at did have another site on the other side of the creek and we could hear the family during the day and see them as they walked past, so it wasn’t as isolated as some of the other sites. It was a cute spot and I’ll def be back.
ScoutWe spent several days here during the summer and had a really good experience. Some days we stayed busy swimming and exploring, while other days we barely left our campsite. That was probably what we enjoyed most.
ScoutReally enjoyed the setting at Crow’s Nest. There are lots of trees and having the Sugar River running alongside the campground gives the whole place a nice New Hampshire feel. We were mostly looking for somewhere to disconnect for a couple of days, cook outside, fish a little, and enjoy being away from home. Crow’s Nest was a great fit for that.
ScoutWhat we liked most about Crow’s Nest was being able to choose between doing absolutely nothing or heading out and exploring. One day we stayed around the campground, went swimming and relaxed by the river. The next day we got out and explored more of the Lake Sunapee area. It made a really good home base and it was always nice coming back to our campsite at the end of the day.
ScoutVery Disappointed With the Changes
Crown Point Campground used to be a wonderful place to camp. Unfortunately, since Happy Grounds purchased the campground, we have seen a significant decline in the overall experience.
I do want to make one thing very clear: the woman managing the campground is absolutely wonderful. She genuinely cares about the campers, is kind, helpful, and does her best to make people feel welcome. Our frustrations are not directed toward her. She deserves recognition for the effort she puts in, especially given the circumstances.
Unfortunately, there are serious concerns with the direction the campground has taken. There is no reliable Wi-Fi or cell service, which is especially concerning because there is no dependable way to call out in the event of an emergency. We have also seen a significant change in the atmosphere and clientele. Drugs have been found on the premises, including needles, which is extremely concerning for the safety of campers, especially families with children.
The campground has also become increasingly overcrowded. Tent sites have had upwards of 10 people on a single site, creating a very different camping experience from what many long-time campers originally signed up for.
Seasonal campers were told that there would be a gradual increase over two years to bring rates up to the new “going rate.” However, when the new contracts came out for next year, the price had increased by approximately $900. That is a substantial increase for a campground that, in our opinion, has continued to decline rather than improve.
What was perhaps most disappointing was how campers' concerns were handled. When people questioned the increase and expressed their frustrations, the response from the corporation was, and I quote:
“Get out and leave. I’ve heard enough complaints. Just leave if you don’t like it.”
That is an incredibly disappointing way to speak to people who have supported this campground for years.
It is heartbreaking to see what Crown Point Campground has become. There are good people here, and the campground itself has so much potential. Most importantly, the manager genuinely cares about the campers, and she deserves credit for that.
Our hope is that Happy Grounds will listen to the people who have invested years of their time and money here, address the safety and overcrowding concerns, and bring back the sense of community that once made Crown Point such a wonderful place to camp.
TravelerGreat little dispersed camping area off Forest Road 71 in West Dover, Vermont. Once you get onto the forest service road, everything is gravel/dirt, with several small pull-offs and primitive campsites scattered along the road. Some sites are only a few feet from the road, while others are tucked back around 100 feet and offer a little more privacy.
The individual pull-offs can be a little more challenging to reach. Most involve some combination of hills, rocks, ruts, and mud, although nothing was too crazy. Some spots are definitely easier to get into than others, so having a vehicle with decent ground clearance is helpful.
There was a decent amount of traffic passing through the area while we were there, but nothing too crazy or disruptive. The campsite we stayed at had a fire pit, but there was no running water at our site, and I don’t believe the other dispersed sites have running water either.
Overall, a pretty good option if you’re looking for a primitive, low-key camping spot with multiple sites to choose from. Just don’t expect complete solitude, especially during busier times.
GuideGood size campground with three loops. 2 shower / restroom facilities. Many of the sites are simply grass. There are a few gravel ones. The staff has no problem with driving on the or parking on grass. All sites have a firepit. Wood can be obtained locally. There is no store at the camp. There is only one dump station. There is a boat launch with limited trailer parking although when we stayed (Aug 2026) the water was only 18 in to 2 ft deep at docks. Heavily choked with vegetation. Shower facilities were clean enough but could use more attention, heavy cobwebs at lights, corners and edges of shower pretty dark with mold. Plenty of fresh water spigots throughout the camp. Camp is on the banks of lake Champlain, although only a couple sites have a lake view. Ruins of two pre-revolutionary war forts are within walking distance and offer a great introduction to life in the early 18th century. Fort Ticonderoga is a 30 min drive and will take most of the day to tour. Well worth the trip. Only 3 min drive to Vermont. I would stay again.
Camping near Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests, Vermont, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests, Vermont, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying the great outdoors, there's something for every camper to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests?
According to TheDyrt.com, Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests offers a wide range of camping options, with 224 campgrounds and RV parks near Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests and 31 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests is Gifford Woods State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 18 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 31 free dispersed camping spots near Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests.
What parks are near Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests that allow camping, notably Green Mountain National Forest and North Hartland Lake.
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