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Camping near Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

779 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests (211)

    1. Gifford Woods State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Killington, VT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 775-5354

    "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."

    2. Moosalamoo Campground

    16 Reviews
    Salisbury, VT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 767-4261

    $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."

    3. Lake Bomoseen KOA

    10 Reviews
    Bomoseen, VT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 273-2061

    "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."

    4. Chittenden Brook Campground

    5 Reviews
    Goshen, VT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 767-4261

    $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."

    5. Michigan Brook Road Camping - Green Mtn Ntnl Forest

    4 Reviews
    Pittsfield, VT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "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."

    6. Branbury State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Salisbury, VT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 247-5925

    "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."

    7. Coolidge State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Plymouth, VT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 672-3612

    "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!"

    8. Half Moon Pond State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Bomoseen, VT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 273-2848

    "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)."

    9. Silver Lake Campground

    6 Reviews
    Salisbury, VT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 767-4261

    $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."

    10. Bomoseen State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Bomoseen, VT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 265-4242

    "It was during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are happy to report that everyone wore masks in public spaces (restrooms), and that there was plenty of room for social distancing. "

    "We had a nice private site, close to amenities and the lake, the beach area was nice,  kind of rocky, but had sand for the beach. The play area has a nice set up, overall a nice camping area."

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Recent Camping Photos near Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

472 Photos of 211 Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

779 Reviews of 211 Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests Campgrounds

  • Elena A.
    Nov. 6, 2025

    Gifford Woods State Park Campground

    Highway Adjacent But Good Hiking Access

    When camping in VT it is usually our goal to hike, rest, cook, and relax at camp. We live in a busy/loud city so we really love a rural spot where we can just unplug and enjoy nature. Gifford Woods has great access to the AT and the Long Trail, nice bathrooms, and kind staff... but campers beware- it is wedged between two major highways. Initially we pulled up to the site "Poplar" after driving 4+ hours and I could have cried, this site faces a large DOT/Parks Dept. parking lot with a huge building and trucks everywhere. Luckily the (very sweet) staff said they understood that this was an issue and that they do get lots of complaints about that site. They moved us to T02 which was dramatically better. Unfortunately, you can still hear trucks/car honking/ambulances from that site and I assume all other sites. I understand now that people camp here just for AT access, but I would probably not go back due to the sheer volume of the neighboring highways and quieter camping options nearby.

  • Marc D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Mount Ascutney State Park Campground

    Great state park

    This is a beautiful state park at the base of Mt ascutney. The campground is lovely. Forest Ed and beautiful fall colors in October. Good facilities. Friendly staff. Some noise from the interstate but not terrible. There is a 3.7 mile road that is extremely steep but paved, and goes to the summit of the mountain. Less than 1 mile hike from there to the observation tower. Great views. Lots of hiking trail trails.

  • S.D.G
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Quechee State Park Campground

    Great stop on any trip

    Clean, good facilities. Price has gone up to $38 a night. Got there close to the time the rangers left for the night, Nick was really kind to make sure I got situated before he left. Walking distance from the antique mall which is a stop everyone should make as well as good food and pizza right nearby. Great spot to stop at on any trip

  • Marc D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Shelburne Camping Area

    Nice Campground

    This is a nice little private campground in Shelburne, just outside of Burlington. Close to Lake Champlain. Good place to spend the night and good access to activities. Sides are somewhat small close together. Bathrooms spotlessly clean. Older couple is the staff, very friendly and unhelpful.

  • Jenna L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Crown Point Campground

    Nice with a view

    Pretty nice campground all things considered, bathrooms are definitely rustic but kept clean. Some of the campsites are very close together, and others have a decent amount of space between them, not necessarily a lot of trees in between campsites for privacy. Beautiful views of the water, and surrounding mountains. Staff was extremely friendly!

  • Keith L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Jamaica State Park Campground

    Great Camping Experience at Jamaica State Park

    This was our second stay at this Vermont State Park. It was a great three days. The park rangers were tremendous in ensuring we had a great visit. They worked with us to get the right site. The bathroom facilities, while rustic, were clean. There is a plethora of things to do in the park itself and in the local community. Nonetheless, it starts and ends with the management of the campground. Lauren, the campground manager, and her team of professionals, do a great job. We will definitely return.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Austin Brook

    Site is mislabeled as FR 25

    There are a handful of sites down Austin Brook road, I had trouble finding a level spot. Minimal ATT reception but overall pretty area

  • B The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Quechee State Park Campground

    Beautiful, road noise, not a lot there

    Big, flat, beautiful sites. Road noise isn't super loud, but it's constant. Might be the nicest bathrooms I've seen in decades of camping.

    The weird thing is that there just isn't much here. The Quechee Gorge, best accessed from the back of the lawn behind the bathhouse, is the deepest in Vermont.. which is kind of like saying the best bagel or most populous city in Vermont. Prepared to be whelmed.

    It's a ~30 minute hike, you can access some slow semi-rapids at the bottom.

    Camping at the SP does give access to another trail that's moderately challenging and has both some level spots and a nice overlook.

    Don't regret the trip at all but it seems more like an awesome stopover than a worthwhile destination. Some decent restaurants in the area and even more in nearby Lebanon/White River Junction.

Guide to Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

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.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. At Gifford Woods State Park Campground, one camper mentioned, "There is no shortage of hiking trails in and around the park, including the AT that runs right through the park." The trails offer stunning views and a chance to connect with nature.
  • Fishing: Enjoy some fishing at Emerald Lake State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "Great hikes and fishing!" This campground is perfect for families looking to spend a day by the water.
  • Swimming: Take a dip at Branbury State Park Campground, where one reviewer noted, "The day use section has a wonderful beach with a swimming area." It's a great spot to cool off during the summer months.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathrooms and showers. A visitor at Quechee State Park Campground said, "They have very clean bathrooms and showers." This attention to cleanliness makes for a more enjoyable stay.
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer ample space between sites. A camper at Moosalamoo Campground mentioned, "Sites are generously spaced out," which allows for privacy and a more relaxed camping experience.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of the staff. At Quechee-Pine Valley KOA, one family noted, "The owners were very helpful, meeting all of our needs promptly and always with a smile." This kind of service can make a big difference in your camping experience.

What you should know:

  • No Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Emerald Lake State Park Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A camper pointed out, "No hot water at the sinks," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Coin-Operated Showers: Be ready to bring quarters for showers at places like Gifford Woods State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Showers were fine. 50 cents for 5 minutes," so plan accordingly.
  • Wildlife Awareness: Campers should be cautious about wildlife. A reviewer at Gifford Woods State Park Campground noted, "There has been an increase in Black Bear activity," so it's important to store food properly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Amenities: Look for campgrounds that offer family-friendly activities. At Emerald Lake State Park Campground, a family shared, "The lake and beach is lovely, clean, and the water is warm and clear." This makes for a fun day out with kids.
  • Lean-Tos for Rainy Days: Consider reserving a lean-to, especially if rain is in the forecast. A camper at Moosalamoo Campground mentioned, "The camp host was very helpful in pointing out the prime first come first serve sites," which can be great for families needing shelter.
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Make sure to respect quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good time. A visitor at Rogers Rock Campground noted, "This was a huge issue because the campers next to us were partying," so be mindful of noise levels.

Tips from RVers:

  • Big Rig Friendly Sites: Many campgrounds, like Quechee State Park Campground, are big rig friendly. A camper mentioned, "The sites are nicely spaced and seem to accommodate big rigs rather well," making it easier for larger RVs to navigate.
  • Check for Dump Stations: Ensure the campground has a sanitary dump station. A visitor at Emerald Lake State Park Campground noted, "There is a spacious dump site if needed," which is essential for RVers.
  • Cell Service Considerations: Be aware that cell service can be spotty in some areas. A camper at Gifford Woods State Park Campground mentioned, "The (AT&T) cell phone reception was pretty good, but could be slow at times," so plan your connectivity needs accordingly.

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 211 campgrounds and RV parks near Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests and 26 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?

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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