Green Mountain National Forest surrounds Randolph, Vermont, offering camping spots at elevations between 1,100 and 2,500 feet. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures dropping below 0°F, while summer nighttime temperatures often fall into the 40s even after warm days. During fall foliage season from mid-September through October, campgrounds fill quickly as visitors seek prime viewing locations.
What to do
Hiking the Clark Brook Trail: Access this 3-mile trail connecting to the Appalachian Trail/Long Trail from Green Mountain National Forest FR207. "Nearby Clark Brook Trail is a 3 mile hike connecting with the AT/LT," notes a camper who appreciated the trail's accessibility from the camping area.
Swimming at Silver Lake: This lake is accessible only by foot via a 0.6-mile trail from the parking area near Moosalamoo Campground. "Silver Lake is just a one mile hike from the sites. The trail to the site features a multitude of cascading falls and is incredibly tranquil," shares a visitor who enjoyed the natural water features.
Mountain biking: The Moosalamoo area offers dedicated bike trails with smooth beds and rolling terrain. According to one young visitor, "Moosalamoo campground has awesome bike trails with smooth trail beds and nice rolling bumps."
Stargazing from meadow sites: The high elevation dispersed sites provide exceptional night sky viewing opportunities away from light pollution. A winter camper at FR207 reported, "Beautiful sunsets, night skies and scenery. Extremely calm and peaceful."
What campers like
Riverfront camping: Multiple sites positioned along brooks offer the soothing sounds of water. At White River & Gulf Brook, one camper mentioned, "We were happy to find some free dispersed camping off route 100 on our fall road trip... Loved camping next to the water and hearing the river as we slept."
Privacy between sites: The established campgrounds in the area typically provide good separation between campsites. At Moosalamoo Campground, "This is an exceptionally well laid out and maintained campground. The camp sites are well spaced and staggered for maximum privacy," according to a visitor.
Winter camping options: While many established campgrounds close after mid-October, some dispersed areas remain accessible year-round, snow conditions permitting. A winter camper at FR207 reported, "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."
Accessibility to small towns: Campers appreciate being close enough to visit local communities. A visitor staying at Abel Mountain Campground mentioned it's "Close to Randolph for groceries and take-out," making resupply convenient during longer stays.
What you should know
Vehicle clearance requirements: Many forest roads leading to dispersed camping require higher clearance vehicles. At FR207, a camper advises: "This is not a place to go without at least 9 inches of ground clearance. Views are spectacular, choose either sunrise or sunset and you should be able to get a site to fit your needs."
Seasonal challenges: Spring thaw creates difficult conditions on forest roads. Near White River, a reviewer cautions, "About 12 sites off National Forest Road 71. Beautiful area and very secluded. All have fire rings but that's about it. Make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season and treat your skin and clothes during black fly season."
Cell service variability: Coverage is inconsistent throughout the region, especially in valleys. At FR207 meadows, one camper reported "2 bars USCellular LTE," but service varies significantly by carrier and specific location.
Bear safety measures: Some campgrounds provide bear-proof storage. At Gifford Woods State Park Campground, a camper noted seeing bear storage lockers available for food storage, though they "did not use them as I had my bear keg with me."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with play areas: Some established campgrounds have dedicated space for children. At Moosalamoo, a visitor noted, "There is a grassy area in the center of the campground—great for kids, gatherings, etc."
Ranger-led activities: Certain state parks offer educational programs. One parent at Quechee State Park Campground shared, "Rangers also run fun programs for children- my children churned butter and made popcorn over the campfire one night, and made tie dyed T-shirts the next (for no fee)."
Consider camping during weekdays: For quieter experiences, mid-week visits mean fewer campers. One visitor observed, "We arrived on a Tuesday with no reservations. We had our pick of sites and no issues staying for 2 days. There were several sites reserved starting Thursday and Friday so the weekend looked to be busier."
Dog-friendly options: Many campgrounds in the area welcome pets. A visitor to Lake Champagne Resort mentioned, "Very nice, clean campsite. Staff are very friendly and helpful. Campsites are spread out, great dog walking areas, and very spacious dog parks, one for big dogs and one for little ones."
Tips from RVers
Check for RVIA certificate requirements: Some private campgrounds have specific RV standards. At Lake Champagne Resort Vermont, Inc., a camper noted, "This campground requires RVs to have an RVIA certificate; that excludes different homemade campers and school-bus conversions."
Seasonal pricing fluctuations: Rates may vary significantly throughout the year. A Lake Champagne Resort visitor advised, "Take note, on this site The Dyrt, the price is advertised as 45 dollars a night. Last year when we came that is the price we got. I booked in November of last year for May of this year and was charged 75 dollars a night."
Limited hookup options in national forest: Most dispersed and primitive camping areas have no amenities for RVs. For those needing facilities, Abel Mountain Campground offers full hookups while maintaining a natural setting.
Dump station availability: Some state parks offer dump stations even without electric hookups. A camper at Quechee State Park mentioned, "There are no hookups but they do have a dump station if you are in an RV."
