Green Mountain National Forest FR207 offers multiple dispersed camping sites where pets are welcome. Located near Hancock, Vermont, this free camping area features established fire rings and accommodates tent and RV camping along forest roads. Dogs must be leashed and under control at all times. Several users have reported enjoying camping with their pets alongside brooks and in open fields with mountain views. Some sites require vehicles with at least 9 inches of ground clearance, particularly during mud season.
White River & Gulf Brook provides peaceful riverside campsites for pet owners seeking a quiet experience. This dispersed camping area features multiple sites with rock fire rings along the water, accessible via a well-maintained gravel road. Sites vary from drive-in to walk-in options, though some may require 4x4 vehicles during wet conditions. The sound of the river creates a soothing environment for both campers and their pets. Established campgrounds like Abel Mountain Campground offer more amenities for pet owners, including full hookups, heated pool, strong WiFi, and access to dog-friendly hiking trails across a foot bridge. Green Mountain National Forest also features Texas Falls primitive campsites where pets are allowed, with simple fire pit sites along brooks that provide filtered water access.
$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."
"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."
"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."
$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."
"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."
$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."
"A little more than half of the sites can be driven to and others require a very short walk (50 ft?). "
"Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome. Very pretty area."
"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."
$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.
ScoutWe are pleasantly surprised! The adage "you get what you pay for" just isn't true here. This campground is my new favorite. The owners, Liz and Ben, are super friendly, easy-going, and welcoming. The campground is clean and quiet, with sites that are spacious and private. The wifi is pretty darn good. There's a cozy lounge room to hang out in with games, books, crayons, and puzzles; a dog park with toys included; and fabulous hiking trails with lots to see, including a pond, waterfalls, and streams.
We'll definitely be returning!
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.
ScoutWe travelled as a group with family (4 sites). When we booked all our sites were right next to each other. When we arrived not a single one of us were even on the same road. The biggest issue with this, is that there were plenty of sites available next to each other. My parents paid for 50 amp electric and the site next to them was using it instead of the 30amp they were meant to have. Also, while the campground is pet friendly, a warning about free roaming chickens would have been nice. I would not have brought my (prey driven) dogs if I had known there were free roaming chickens.
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!
Dispersed camping opportunities surround Hancock, Vermont, a small mountain town located in the heart of the Green Mountain National Forest at 1,289 feet elevation. The region experiences significant seasonal variation with mud season typically occurring in April and May when forest roads become challenging to navigate. Winter camping requires additional preparation as temperatures frequently drop below freezing from November through March.
Brook fishing opportunities: Michigan Brook Road Camping in Green Mountain National Forest offers easy access to small stream fishing. As one camper notes, "Nice little spots to hangout all day. Lots to see, and explore." The road continues past several dispersed sites, though "Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!"
Hike the Appalachian Trail: Gifford Woods State Park Campground provides direct access to the Appalachian Trail which crosses through the park. "The AT runs directly through this park... I'll always remember his kindness," reports one through-hiker who received assistance from park staff. Another visitor mentions, "For a shorter or less-intensive hike, walk about 2.5 miles to the Deer Leap Overlook for some incredible views of the mountain ranges nearby."
Mountain biking trails: Moosalamoo Campground features dedicated mountain biking trails with smooth surfaces. One young visitor shares, "Moosalamoo campground has awesome bike trails with 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."
Secluded campsites: Chittenden Brook Campground offers well-spaced sites that provide privacy. "There's quite a bit of space between each site so you can't really see your neighbors which is excellent," notes one visitor. Another camper adds, "The campsites are well spaced, probably 50 yards apart with lots of trees between, very private."
Mountain views: Austin Brook (incorrectly labeled as Warren Falls) provides scenic river camping. A visitor clarifies, "This is a beautiful little pull off the road right on the river with tables & fire rings." The area features "really nice drive in sites" according to another camper, who adds they "will definitely be a regular on our ventures."
Quiet camping experience: Pet-friendly sites at Lake Champagne Resort provide peaceful surroundings for dogs and their owners. "Campground is very clean, friendly, peaceful and lots of room," notes one camper. Another highlights the "great dog walking areas, and very spacious dog parks, one for big dos and one for little ones."
Access challenges: Some forest roads require high-clearance vehicles. At Michigan Brook Road, one winter camper warns, "I attempted to bring my car and was stuck overnight but was able to dig myself out the next morning." Most campgrounds have limited cell service, with the same camper noting, "THIS LOCATION DOES NOT PROVIDE CELL PHONE SERVICE OR WIFI CONNECTION."
Seasonal considerations: Mud season affects road conditions significantly. At Silver Lake Campground, a hike-in only campground, visitors should prepare for the access challenges: "The hike is short but it's also a hike down to the lake and back up with all your gear so be prepared!"
Bear awareness: Several campgrounds require proper food storage. At Moosalamoo, one visitor observed, "I saw bear storage lockers but I did not use them as I had my bear keg with me." Pack out all trash and food waste to minimize wildlife encounters.
Swimming spots: Silver Lake offers family-friendly swimming areas. "The 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," shares one visitor. Another adds, "When the kids get tired from swimming they're a nice beach area and playground."
Organized activities: Gifford Woods offers programs for children. "For activities, you can hike on trails across the foot bridge and fish in many places along the river," says one camper. The campground layout also accommodates families well: "There's a grassy area in the center of the campground—great for kids, gatherings, etc."
Easy access sites: Pet-friendly camping near Hancock includes options with minimal hiking. At Chittenden Brook, "Each site has a fire pit, tent platform, and picnic table. The sites were well cared for. There were two dumpsters, one for recycling and one for trash, at the end of the loop."
Site selection: Abel Mountain Campground offers dedicated RV sites with full hookups. One RVer notes, "Sites are large enough so that you feel you have your own site and stretch out some. Good electric etc, some sites with sewer. WE camp on a site on the river, some sites you can hear the river rushing over the rocks."
Amenities available: Most dispersed camping lacks facilities for larger RVs. For those needing full services, Lake Champagne Resort provides alternatives: "Although many of the sites here are set up to accommodate large RVs and other trailers, there are also more secluded sites up the hill with trees." Another visitor confirms it's "very nice, clean campsite. Staff are very friendly and helpful."
Ground clearance requirements: Forest roads often present challenges. At Green Mountain National Forest FR207, "This is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance. Views are spectacular, choose either sunrise or sunset and you should be able to get a site to fit your needs."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Hancock, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Hancock, VT is Moosalamoo Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Hancock, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 146 dog-friendly camping locations near Hancock, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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