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."
ScoutI wanted to get into camping at a place I knew was going to have a grocery store near by and close to the Comnecticut River. This has all that plus well kept bathrooms and kayak rentals. All very cool and easy accessible.
TravelerPrivate, large site. This was the first site in the road. We have a low clearance car and it was a bit bumpy. This site was amazing, clean and easy pull in pull out.
GuideClean, spacious sites. O shower in this loop.
ScoutWe camped here in June of 2026. It is not as remote as some other locations, mainly because you are in Waterbury, VT and Waterbury can be quite busy with visitors.
We parked on Cotton Brook Rd and were told by multiple people that you need to be aware of rain. The parking lot can flood if you get days of rain. The days we camped we did have heavy downpours the morning of day 2 and by the time we left the reservoir was probably 6 ft higher. So it is a real thing. The benefit of that is tons of waterfalls lead into the reservoir and they are quite pretty.
It is a long canoe from the Cotton Brook lot and you need to go to campsite 14 to really get a campsite with a full view of the lake. We were on campsite 18 and it is surrounded by trees. Thats great if you want privacy, but not great if you want a view of the lake.
No loons while we were there. : (
In short, it is pretty good, but we would recommend others.
ScoutMy family has camped here for three years and we love it. We rent a canoe and paddle all the way down to the furthest campsites. The ability to hike to your spot or canoe makes it a blast, and it is a nice stepping stone to full backpacking if you ever want to get there.
For the past two seasons there was a Loon on the which is always a plus.
The toilets are great and fresh water is available from a well were you park. One of the greatest spots we have found.
ScoutMy family and I go here every year durning the summer. Big campsites (must of them are shaded), great for tent or RV camping, easy parking in sight. Great lake for swimming. Lots of things to do, very friendly staff, clean bathrooms located all around the campground and even a bigger bathroom with showers.
ScoutWe have stayed here a few times. It’s always clean and quiet. Pool is nice but very family (kid) oriented. Love the trails to the water from both camp loops. Great place to stay with a kayak or paddle board!
TravelerSuper clean and well maintained small campground. A walking path runs in front of all the sites. Most sites have an obstructed water view of the Connecticut river. There is a vegitation barrier between the sites and the river. Canoes and kayaks are available for rental, and there is a small office with ice and wood for sale. Sites are close together but i still found it peaceful and relaxing. Mt Ascutney trail head and auto road are about a 15 minute drive and i found waterfalls and swimming holes within a 20 minute drive.
TravelerTerrible. Only 1 bar of Verizon. They have WIFI but it’s useless. Plus way too crowded for me. Noisy
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 219 campgrounds and RV parks near Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests and 27 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 17 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 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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