The Green Mountain National Forest surrounds Roxbury, Vermont at elevations between 1,600-2,000 feet. Camping options range from remote riverside sites with no facilities to developed campgrounds within 30 miles. Forest service roads in the area often require higher clearance vehicles, especially after rainfall when soft ground conditions can limit access.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: Several trails connect to the campgrounds near Roxbury. At Moosalamoo Campground, "Lots of great hiking accessible from the campground, or within a short drive. Silver Lake and Lake Dunmore are nearby. Both have beaches: Silver Lake is accessible only by foot, down a .6 mile trail from the parking area," explains Nancy M.
Kayaking and canoeing: Little River State Park Campground offers water recreation on the reservoir. "The reservoir is a fun place to explore via kayak and cannoe as well as by motorboat! We tend to hang at the site more than the beaches as the beaches are very small and full of children," notes Hannah H.
Mountain biking: Forest service roads provide access to numerous trails. "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," reports 10-year-old reviewer AJB.
What campers like
Riverside camping: At Green Mountain National Forest FR207, campers appreciate the water access. "The road into the site was scenic and beautiful. We followed the river all the way to the very end of the road up on the mountain... This site had great tree coverage to easily set up a tarp. It even had a premade firepit," explains Amanda.
Mountain views: The elevated sites provide scenic vistas. "Great mountain views, some sites right on the road, some in fields and some tucked away out of view," notes Phil J. about FR207. Another camper adds, "Views are spectacular, choose either sunrise or sunset and you should be able to get a site to fit your needs."
Dark skies: Several camping areas offer excellent night viewing. "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," reports Alan about Moosalamoo Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping is possible but challenging. One camper at FR207 reports, "My first time winter camping and had the entire area to myself. Beautiful sunsets, night skies and scenery. Extremely calm and peaceful. Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving."
Road conditions: High-clearance vehicles are often necessary. "This is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance. Views are spectacular," warns Miccal M. about FR207. Another camper advises, "Make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season and treat your skin and clothes during black fly season."
Closures and restrictions: Some areas have changing status. At Route 100 Dispersed Camping, Helen P. notes, "This site was lovely, but signs say No Camping. There were a few spots with fire rings and picnic tables and would be a great place to camp though! Not sure how strict that is."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Children enjoy the water features. "The small boat launch and beach kept us in the water. The hiking trails are really good--they're actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," shares Rita M. about Little River State Park.
Established campgrounds: For families needing facilities, Abel Mountain Campground offers amenities. "There's a heated pool, strong WiFi at your site, tons of clean river sites, immaculate rest rooms with an accessible ramp and lots of showers," notes Gail P.
Historical exploration: White River & Gulf Brook provides educational opportunities. "A great peaceful spot right next to the river," says Coie's Q. Another camper mentions that the surrounding area features old farm ruins and historical sites that children can explore while learning about Vermont's past.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For bigger rigs, choose campgrounds carefully. "We had a pull through, and nice green grass sights," reports Craig F. about Lazy Lions Campground.
Utility hookups: RV hookups vary significantly between the best places to camp near Roxbury, Vermont. "Gravel roads and relatively level gravel sites. The FHUs were in good order. Slightly low water pressure. It was perfect for our needs," explains John T.
Seasonal access: RV camping seasons are shorter than tent camping. At Abel Mountain Campground, "Sites are back-in and very level on gravel pads. We have rarely found a returnable bottles and cans container so finding that and even composting is a notch well above the competition," notes Gail P. The campground operates from May 15 to October 15.
