Camping near Lincoln, VT

Camping sites near Lincoln, Vermont vary from basic dispersed areas to more developed campgrounds in the Green Mountain National Forest. At elevations ranging from 1,300 to 2,400 feet, these sites experience cooler temperatures than surrounding valleys. Most campgrounds prohibit the use of generators, maintaining the natural soundscape that campers seek when visiting the area.

What to do

Mountain biking trails: Moosalamoo Campground serves as an excellent base for mountain biking enthusiasts. According to one visitor, the area has "awesome bike trails with smooth trail beds and nice rolling bumps," and the "campground host can tell you all about the hiking and biking trails within Moosalamoo National Forest."

Swimming in natural pools: Warren Falls offers excellent swimming options with several natural pools. Near the Austin Brook dispersed camping area, visitors appreciate that it's "a beautiful little pull off the road right on the river with tables & fire rings."

Hike to waterfalls: Multiple hiking options lead to scenic waterfalls. The Moosalamoo Campground area provides access to trails leading to the "Falls of Lana (or something like that), which is really just a cascade, but nice nonetheless," according to one camper who hiked the 3-mile one-way trail.

Wildlife observation: Early mornings present opportunities for wildlife viewing. One camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207 reported waking up to "two moose nearby the morning I was leaving," highlighting the wilderness experience available in these remote camping areas.

What campers like

Secluded, spacious sites: Campers consistently praise the privacy between sites. At Moosalamoo Campground, "The camp sites are well spaced and staggered for maximum privacy. Hosts are pleasant and very helpful." Another review notes the campground is "exceptionally well laid out and maintained."

Natural soundscape: The sound of flowing water enhances the camping experience at multiple sites. At White River & Gulf Brook, campers "loved camping next to the water and hearing the river as we slept," while another mentioned "the sites and sounds were soothing."

Dark skies for stargazing: The remote nature of many sites provides excellent night sky viewing opportunities. A camper at Moosalamoo noted that "At night, you can go out to the bicycle pump track and lay a blanket on the grassy hill against the track and look at stars in COMPLETE darkness."

Clean facilities: Despite the primitive nature of many sites, maintained facilities receive positive feedback. The water at Moosalamoo comes from "well water pumps and the cleanest most order free toilet vaults we have ever seen," according to one reviewer.

What you should know

Road conditions vary seasonally: Forest roads can become challenging after rain or during spring thaw. One camper noted FR207 "is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance," while another reported their experience at White River & Gulf Brook: "The site we found is visible from the road but is best accessible with a 4x4 as it has a rocky entrance and can be muddy during heavy rains or spring thaw."

Site availability fluctuates: Weekends see significantly higher usage than weekdays. At Route 100 Dispersed Camping, a reviewer noted there were "3-5 campsites right off of route 100," but another mentioned inconsistent enforcement as "there was someone camping for at least a week given their tent was there the whole week I was in the area."

Fire regulations can change: Some dispersed areas have permanent fire restrictions, while others vary seasonally. Some sites provide basic fire rings, with campers reporting that in locations like Austin Brook, visitors will find "fire rings only, no facilities and minimal parking."

Bear safety practices required: While bear encounters are infrequent, proper precautions remain necessary. At Moosalamoo Campground, a camper observed "I saw bear storage lockers but I did not use them as I had my bear keg with me," indicating both provided and personal options for food storage.

Tips for camping with families

Beach access: Branbury State Park Campground offers excellent swimming facilities for children. A visitor noted the "day use section has a wonderful beach with a swimming area and boat launch. Large trees provide shade on a grassy lawn, and grills are available."

Playground options: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. One family reported Branbury has "a large playground" and "volleyball and horseshoe pits," making it ideal for active children.

Educational opportunities: Nature centers provide learning experiences for young campers. A visitor to Branbury mentioned "There's a nature center with all kinds of information and activities," offering educational value beyond typical recreation.

Site selection for privacy: Families should choose sites strategically for both space and seclusion. At Mount Philo State Park, a camper advised "Sites 1, 6 and 8 are the best if you're only camping with those at your site as they're the most secluded and private. Sites 2 and 3 are more open, to both each other, and to those en route to the bathrooms."

Tips from RVers

Campground accessibility: Some forest roads are unsuitable for larger vehicles. At Little River State Park Campground, RVers noted that while the campground is "big-rig friendly," access to the lake from many sites can be challenging as "most sites [are] up on hill looking over lake, not easily assessable from camp site."

Dump station availability: Plan waste management accordingly. Little River State Park provides a sanitary dump station, but most dispersed sites have no facilities whatsoever.

Weather preparedness: Seasonal conditions can impact RV camping significantly. A camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207 warned about "mud pits" that "may require some ground clearance from rocks," suggesting larger vehicles should be especially cautious during spring thaw or after heavy rains.