Green Mountain National Forest dominates the landscape near New Haven, Vermont, with elevations ranging from 500 to over 3,000 feet. The area experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F during the day and 50-60°F at night. Campgrounds in the region typically feature both open meadow sites and heavily wooded options, with several offering direct water access.
What to do
Hiking the Clark Brook Trail: Accessible from Green Mountain National Forest FR207, this 3-mile trail connects to the Appalachian Trail/Long Trail system. "NFR 207 Meadows, with great views! In the first large meadow, multiple fire rings/sites. Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests," notes a visitor to Green Mountain National Forest FR207.
Swimming at Lake Dunmore: Branbury State Park offers a sandy beach with designated swimming areas. "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," writes a camper at Branbury State Park Campground.
Mountain biking: Moosalamoo Campground provides direct access to numerous biking trails. A visitor notes, "Moosalamoo campground has awesome bike trails with smooth trail beds and nice rolling bumps. The kind campground hosts can tell you all about the hiking and biking trails within Moosalamoo National Forest."
Historic site exploration: Crown Point offers colonial-era ruins for history enthusiasts. "The ruins of Fort Douglas and the bridge were both amazing views. Biking across the bridge was a great workout as well as a tour of the fort. So much history," shares a visitor to the area.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Many dispersed sites offer direct stream access. At Austin Brook, "There are a handful of sites down Austin Brook road. Minimal ATT reception but overall pretty area," reports a camper. Another adds, "There's a few sites here! All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings."
Private wooded campsites: Mount Philo State Park Campground offers secluded sites in a small, quiet setting. "Only 8 campsites, dispersed in the trees. $23/night. Picnic table and fire pit. Moderate cell service. Nice hikes and cool views of the area," notes a visitor. Another camper adds, "The campground had widely spaced wooded sites and was exceptionally quiet. Very well-maintained!"
Spectacular mountain views: Elevated sites provide panoramic vistas. A camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207 describes it as having "Great mountain views, some sites right on the road, some in fields and some tucked away out of view. The top end of the road has a few mud pits and may require some ground clearance from rocks."
Clean facilities: Despite their rustic nature, many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. "Bathrooms are small and clean with hot showers," notes a camper at Mount Philo. At Moosalamoo, visitors appreciate the "Surprisingly clean vault toilets. No showers."
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most established campgrounds have limited operating seasons. Rivers Bend Campground in New Haven operates "May 1 to Columbus Day," while Crown Point runs "May 19 to October 8."
Dispersed camping challenges: Forest roads can present access issues. At Lincoln Dispersed Camping, a visitor notes, "Down off this back road in VT you can find some beautiful secluded campsites - Yards away from gorgeous running water. No trash or restrooms - Primitive for sure. Prepare for bugs as well."
Variable site privacy: Shelburne Camping Area offers convenience but less seclusion. "Sites are somewhat small close together. Bathrooms spotlessly clean," reports a camper. Another notes, "The site is close to the highway which is convenient but it also means you hear the traffic all night."
Limited availability: The most popular campgrounds fill quickly in peak season. "Only 8 campsites so try to book early," advises a visitor to Mount Philo State Park. Similarly, at Branbury: "Book early for the best sites."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Branbury State Park Campground provides kid-friendly water access. "Spacious sites, hiking trails, biking trails, nice beach and grounds. Fishing, kayak, canoe, paddle boat and paddle board rentals. Theres a nature center with all kinds of information and activities. A large playground," shares one visitor.
Playground access: Several campgrounds have dedicated play areas. "This state park is so fun to camp at! It has a great playground for kids and a nice swimming pool! You can hike on the trail and Lake Champlain is right there," notes a camper at Button Bay State Park.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites offer learning experiences. Crown Point Campground provides "preservation and interpretation of the ruins of 2 fortifications from the colonial wars between the British and French, as well as the Champlain Memorial Lighthouse."
Open field activities: Campgrounds with meadow areas allow for group games. At Button Bay, "The second camping loop has a few waterfront camping cabins. The main camping area is essentially a huge field, closer to everything - the playground, pool, nature center, kayak and canoe rentals, and the trail out to the point."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Moosalamoo Campground offers well-designed RV sites. "This is an exceptionally well laid out and maintained campground. The camp sites are well spaced and staggered for maximum privacy. Hosts are pleasant and very helpful."
Access considerations: Many forest roads require higher clearance vehicles. "FR 291 is a somewhat primitive road - lots of big puddles. I would want some clearance for a vehicle. Our Toyota Highlander made it easily," reports a visitor to Lincoln Dispersed Camping.
Hookup availability: Rivers Bend Campground in New Haven offers electric and water hookups but no sewer connections. A sanitary dump station is available on-site for longer stays.
Highway proximity: Shelburne Camping Area provides easy access but comes with noise considerations. "The grounds were landscaped well, and they were changing flower beds over to mums for fall during our stay. Check out their weekly rate, that cut our cost down. I think the daily rate is in the $40s."
