Camping near Green Mountain National Forest

Green Mountain National Forest has many different camping spots throughout Vermont. Coolidge State Park Campground gives you good space between sites if you want some quiet time away from neighbors. At Emerald Lake State Park Campground, you can camp near the water for swimming and paddling, with trees that keep the sites cool in summer. Frontier Town Campground has a more basic woodland feel and puts you close to several good hiking paths. Vermont's weather makes camping best from late spring to early fall when it's not too hot or cold. Snow can block roads in winter, so always check conditions before driving out, especially if you don't have a vehicle with good clearance. Most campgrounds around here have toilets and tables, but you should bring everything you need since stores in the area might not have much selection. The forest works well for both tent and RV camping depending on what site you choose.

Best Camping Sites Near Green Mountain National Forest (208)

    1. Gifford Woods State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Killington, VT
    7 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

    "Tucked down a gravel road in the Green Mountain National Forest is this hidden treasure. Large sites, friendly campground host, the moosalamoo trailhead right next to campground."

    "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"

    3. Chittenden Brook Campground

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

    $15 / night

    "Chittenden Brook Campground is in the Green Mountain National Forest off of Rt 73."

    "Nice hiking trails close to long trail, really tucked away a few miles off 73. Great if you’re looking for some solitude."

    4. Michigan Brook Road Camping - Green Mtn Ntnl Forest

    4 Reviews
    Pittsfield, VT
    6 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."

    5. 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."

    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
    14 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. Michigan Brook

    3 Reviews
    Pittsfield, VT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "Drive in about a mile after the parking lot!! Can use car to get in! There’s 3 camping spots. 1 before the bridge and 2 after the bridge!"

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Recent Reviews near Green Mountain National Forest

763 Reviews of 208 Green Mountain National Forest Campgrounds


  • S.D.G The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Frontier Town Campground

    So clean!

    We stayed in site 33 which is in the equestrian camping area. It’s really open with little tree cover which is perfect for those who work remote using Starlink. We had fantastic connection. The sites in the equestrian camping area are huge and so clean. The bathrooms are the cleanest I’ve seen so far and we do this full time. The only disappointment was that the hot water doesn’t get very hot in the shower so you better do some jumping jacks to get pumped before showering during colder temps! The trails are well marked and well maintained. Overall, this is a fantastic campsite. There’s even a brewery a ten minute walk down the road. We didn’t go but looks nice. Get your supplies before you arrive! Not many places around to quickly grab charcoal if you need it.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Kampersville

    Nice

    The campsites are all in the trees with some sites not clearly defined. The sites seem good sized with new bathroom and showers, with individual showers with a toilet. There are a lot of monthly staying here. Overall a nice park


Guide to Green Mountain National Forest

Camping near Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont, offers a fantastic escape into nature with plenty of options for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic views to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the campgrounds. At Quechee State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "There’s a hiking trail beside of 37 and it’s steep going down and up but well worth it." The trails lead to stunning views, including the Quechee Gorge.
  • Fishing and Swimming: Enjoy the clear waters at Emerald Lake State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "The lake and beach is lovely, clean, and the water is warm and clear." It’s a great spot for families to relax and have fun.
  • Mountain Biking: For biking enthusiasts, Moosalamoo Campground offers trails suitable for all levels. One camper noted, "We did the campground loop mountain bike trail and it was perfect for a beginner/intermediate biker!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathrooms and showers. A review for Gifford Woods State Park Campground stated, "Bathrooms were cleaned daily, showers were fine." This attention to cleanliness makes for a more pleasant stay.
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds, like Emerald Lake State Park Campground, offer large, well-spaced sites. One visitor mentioned, "The sites are nicely spaced and seem to accommodate big rigs rather well."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of the staff. At Quechee State Park Campground, a reviewer said, "Everyone is friendly," which adds to the welcoming atmosphere.

What you should know:

  • No Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds, including Coolidge State Park Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A camper noted, "No Electric or hookups," 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 camper mentioned, "Showers were hot but minimal pressure," so manage your expectations.
  • Wildlife Awareness: Campers should be cautious of wildlife. A review for Gifford Woods State Park Campground mentioned, "There has been an increase in Black Bear activity," so store food properly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Lean-To Options: Consider staying in a lean-to for added protection from the elements. A family at Emerald Lake State Park Campground found it helpful during a rainy weekend, stating, "It was very helpful to have a lean-to."
  • Snack Bar Nearby: Many campgrounds have snack bars or nearby dining options. At Quechee State Park Campground, one reviewer recommended, "I recommend eating at the snack bar! Their food is so good."
  • Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good time. A camper at Gifford Woods State Park Campground noted, "Everyone respects the quietness," which is great for families with young kids.

Tips from RVers:

  • Big Rig Friendly: Many campgrounds, like Emerald Lake State Park Campground, are big rig friendly. A reviewer mentioned, "Nice large spots available," making it easier for larger RVs to navigate.
  • Dump Stations Available: Be aware that dump stations are available at several campgrounds, including Gifford Woods State Park Campground. One camper appreciated, "There are plenty of fresh water spigots and a spacious dump site if needed."
  • Cell Service: Expect limited cell service in some areas. A visitor at Moosalamoo Campground mentioned, "Cell phone reception was pretty good, but could be slow at times," so plan accordingly.

Camping near Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dispersed camping allowed in Green Mountain National Forest?

Yes, dispersed camping is allowed throughout Green Mountain National Forest. Several areas specifically accommodate dispersed camping, such as Austin Brook, which offers 4-5 primitive sites along the Mad River with fire rings and porta-potties. Near Chittenden, free dispersed camping sites can be found along the service roads leading to established campgrounds. When dispersed camping, you must set up at least 200 feet from water sources, trails, and roads. There are no fees for dispersed camping, but you should follow Leave No Trace principles, properly store food to prevent wildlife encounters, and limit your stay to 14 days in a 30-day period. No permits are required, but camping is generally best from late spring through early fall.

Where are the best campgrounds in Green Mountain National Forest?

Green Mountain National Forest offers several exceptional campgrounds, with Moosalamoo Campground standing out for its large sites, friendly hosts, and direct access to an extensive trail network. This hidden treasure is tucked down a gravel road in the forest and provides access to cascading waterfalls and mountain views. Silver Lake Campground is another top choice, featuring private sites spaced well apart, a clean lake with a concrete dock perfect for swimming, boat rentals, and ranger-led nature tours. For those seeking amenities beyond the national forest but still in Vermont, Jamaica State Park offers private, quiet camping with both tent/RV sites and lean-tos, some situated right on the West River.

Are reservations required for camping in Green Mountain National Forest?

Reservations are recommended but not always required for camping in Green Mountain National Forest. Chittenden Brook Campground offers both reserved sites and a cabin, while also providing free dispersed camping options along the service road leading to the campground. Most developed campgrounds in the forest accept reservations through Recreation.gov, which is advisable during peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day) and weekends. Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly in the shoulder seasons. For dispersed camping areas like Michigan Brook Road Camping, no reservations are needed or accepted. Plan to arrive early in the day during summer weekends to secure a spot at non-reservable campgrounds.