Dispersed camping sites near Rochester, Vermont provide backcountry options along forest service roads, particularly Michigan Brook Road and Forest Road 207. Located at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 feet, the area features significant temperature variations between day and night, often dropping 15-20 degrees after sunset even in summer months. Fall camping requires warmer gear as overnight temperatures frequently dip below 40°F by late September.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Access cascading waterfalls near Silver Lake via the Silver Lake trail head parking lot on Route 53. "The trail to the sites connect to both Moosalamo National Recreation Area and Bradbury State Park tails and are part of a five mile loop trail. Silver Lake is just a one mile hike from the sites. The trail features a multitude of cascading falls and is incredibly tranquil," notes Michelle R. about Moosalamoo Recreation Area.
Mountain biking on forest trails: The Moosalamoo area offers dedicated bike trails with smooth surfaces. According to Jill B., "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."
Stargazing without light pollution: Many campsites provide exceptional dark sky viewing opportunities. Alan from Moosalamoo Campground shares, "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."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently mention the spacing and seclusion of sites in the area. Nancy M. describes Moosalamoo Campground as "an exceptionally well laid out and maintained campground. The camp sites are well spaced and staggered for maximum privacy."
Clean facilities despite primitive settings: Even basic campgrounds maintain good standards. Lauren S. notes about Green Mountain National Forest FR207, "Surprisingly clean vault toilets. No showers. There are dumpsters on the way out for trash and recycling. I saw bear storage lockers but I did not use them as I had my bear keg with me."
Waterfront camping options: Sites along rivers and brooks provide peaceful sound environments. One reviewer at White River & Gulf Brook mentions, "Loved camping next to the water and hearing the river as we slept." These sites require 4x4 vehicles during wet conditions due to rocky entrances that become muddy after rain.
What you should know
Off-season limitations: Many campgrounds operate only from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Miccal M. describes Chittenden Brook Campground as "just outside of Ripton and East Middlebury this small campground is great, every site has a fire ring and there are outhouses. The surrounding forest is filled with lakes, hiking and mtn biking."
Road conditions for access: Several campgrounds require travel on rough roads. About Michigan Brook Road camping, Thomas and James S. warn, "Road goes in pretty far. Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!"
Bear safety protocols: Bear activity requires proper food storage throughout the area. As Keegz M. advises from Michigan Brook Road, "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. However if you would like to continue down the service road during winter months I would highly recommend snowshoes or a snowmobile."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly sites: For families new to camping, choose established campgrounds with amenities. Jessica C. explains Gifford Woods State Park Campground as great for beginners: "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. They are bear proof and almost me proof!"
Swimming access for children: Several campgrounds provide lake access for cooling off in summer. At Branbury State Park Campground, J L. found "Spacious sites, hiking trails, biking trails, nice beach and grounds. Fishing, kayak, canoe, paddle boat and paddle board rentals. There's a nature center with all kinds of information and activities. A large playground. Volleyball and horseshoe pits."
Insect preparation: Black fly season (May-June) requires proper protection, especially for children. One camper notes, "Make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season and treat your skin and clothes during black fly season."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility limitations: Many Rochester area campgrounds have restricted access for larger rigs. A camper at Abel Mountain Campground reports, "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. We like exploring wherever we camp and Braintree is very interesting and has interesting surrounding towns."
Limited hookup options: While some sites offer electric and water, most dispersed camping lacks amenities. Corby M. notes about Abel Mountain, "Wifi was decent, cable hook-up did not provide a clear picture, and Verizon cell service was minimal. Close to Randolph for groceries and take-out."
Seasonal road closures: Winter camping requires special preparation as forest roads aren't maintained. According to winter camper Phil J., he was "happy to find some free dispersed camping off route 100 on our fall road trip. This site was great bc we had it all to ourselves, it would feel crowded and not too private if anyone else joined."
