Dispersed camping opportunities exist throughout Green Mountain National Forest near Manchester, Vermont, particularly along Forest Road 71. These primitive sites have minimal amenities with established fire rings and flat terrain for tents or small campers. Elevation in this area ranges from 1,200 to 2,500 feet, with dispersed sites typically accessible from late May through mid-October, depending on road conditions and weather.
What to do
Waterfront activities: At Emerald Lake State Park Campground, the clear lake offers ideal swimming and kayaking. "Swimmers can swim out the a small island in the middle of the lake and check out the rope swing," notes Tara S., adding "the turquoise water is a dream to cool off in."
River exploration: Camping On The Battenkill provides direct river access for water recreation. "We were at site 17, and it was a massive site. Lots of room would be great for a large family or group. The beach on the river is beautiful and clean! Easy swimming for all," shares Christina M.
Hiking trails: Jamaica State Park Campground connects to several trails for day hikes. "We hiked the west river trail (which leads right out of the campground) to Hamilton falls which is a gravel closed road that follows the west river upstream 2 miles to Hamilton falls trail which then leads up hill for another mile to the falls," explains Chris D., who cautions about safety near the falls.
Mountain pond adventures: Grout Pond Campground offers paddleboarding and kayaking on a secluded mountain lake. "Most wonderful place! Has an awesome spot to go paddle boarding or kayaking! In fact you can load up your water vessel and go across the lake to your campsite," writes Cortne.
What campers like
River sites: Campers consistently praise riverside sites at Winhall Brook Camping Area. "Most sites are on or just off the river. Huge volleyball and sports meadow. Nice pavilion," reports Melissa L., who adds "where the two rivers intersect is a nice sport to put your feet in the water. Kids enjoy tubing the small rapids."
Lean-to shelters: Woodford State Park Campground provides sturdy lean-to options that protect against Vermont's variable weather. "This campground offers great hiking and a casual feel to it. Good for passer byes or staying the weekend to go fishing. Lean-tos are the best part! Keeping it simple," writes Angelica H.
Swimming areas: The natural swimming spots at Emerald Lake receive high marks for cleanliness. "There's a small, sandy beach at one end of the lake, with a bath house and changing rooms nearby," describes Tara S., who recommends exploring "the trail around the lake - quiet with good swimming all around."
Access to amenities: Many campers appreciate the balance between outdoor immersion and nearby services. "The pace of life is slow there. The restrooms are immaculate and the sites are grassy," notes Gail P. about Winhall Brook, adding that visitors can "walk into town for the paper or fresh baked goods."
What you should know
Seasonal access: Forest roads to dispersed camping sites often become impassable during spring mud season. "The path is VERY muddy. I cannot imagine traversing it in the rain without full on boots," warns Molly G. about access to Grout Pond Campground.
Pay showers: Most Vermont state parks charge for showers. "Pay showers so save your quarters," advises Gary C. about Emerald Lake State Park, while Cynthia K. reminds campers to "bring quarters for the shower."
Site selection: Campsite privacy varies significantly across campgrounds. "Sites are on top of each other but some are more spacious and away from the others," reports Ming R. about Emerald Lake, suggesting "Larchmont is our favorite camp site. It is much larger than most sites, a short walk to the showers and a bit tucked away for privacy."
Facilities: Campgrounds range from full-service to primitive. "They have laundry and a fenced in dog area that was much appreciated! Almost everyone camping had a dog or 2," notes Katy Z. about Camping on the Battenkill, while dispersed sites on Forest Road 71 have no facilities whatsoever.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Camping On The Battenkill offers family-friendly river beach areas. "My family and I have been camping here for 40 years. 4 of my 5 children learned to ride their bikes on the circle that surrounds the playground," shares David M., who calls it "the best family campground."
Playground options: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "Perfect for families! there are tons of different types of campsites with either tent spots, lean tus, and a few (hard to get) cabins," writes Sambath T. about Woodford State Park, noting it has "bathrooms are plentiful and clean, hot showers for a small price."
Wildlife viewing: Keep eyes open for native Vermont wildlife around campsites. "We saw deer & turkeys driving the surrounding woods after short hikes," reports alicianlv at Grout Pond, while campers at Woodford State Park mention hearing "coyotes at night and loons in the morning."
Designated swimming: Jamaica State Park Campground has monitored water access points. "Nice little weekend getaway. Clean bathrooms, roomy tent sites, nice staff. Fun playground and nature area for kids. Very family friendly place with beautiful hikes to Hamilton falls," says Fransheska A.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Dorset RV Park accommodates larger rigs but has some tight spots. "The roads and campsites are gravel and a little tight to get around because of all the trees but we were able to manage in our 45' motorhome," notes Nancy W., who advises "our site was level but some definitely were not."
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited in the area. "There are some sites with hookups but since we like to be near the river, we opted for other areas," explains Gail P. about Winhall Brook, mentioning "few sites have hookups so bring your solar and pick a sunny site."
Campground layout: RV sections sometimes feel different from tent camping areas. "I get the feeling the other end of the campground with the RVs is not as nice and can be loud, but you can avoid it by staying on the tent side," advises Michele S. about Camping on the Battenkill.
Timing considerations: Booking well in advance is essential for RV sites. "The place books up early in the year for weekend visits so we went on weekdays," shares Gail P., while others note that sites with hookups fill first.
