Nestled in the heart of Vermont, the Green Mountain National Forest spans over 400,000 acres, making it the largest public land area in the state. The Green Mountain and nearby Finger Lakes National Forest in New York share administrative resources to optimize efficiency. While the Finger Lakes is much smaller, covering just 16,000 acres, its proximity to Green Mountain allows for streamlined management of these two treasured landscapes. You can rent an RV from RVShare to experience RV camping at Green Mountain National Forest.
RV camping is an excellent option for those seeking an outdoor escape. One popular destination is Greendale Campground, offering 11 serene campsites set in a wooded area. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, a fire ring with a grill, and a parking spur, ensuring a comfortable and immersive camping experience.
Where to Camp
Camping in Green Mountain National Forest
Green Mountain National Forest offers a variety of camping options, from developed campgrounds to dispersed sites, catering to a wide range of preferences. Dispersed camping in the Green Mountain National Forest is allowed unless there is a specific closure order. Two of the campgrounds in the forest are RV-friendly, providing the perfect opportunity to explore Vermont’s natural beauty while enjoying modern conveniences.
Moreover, top campgrounds and RV parks are located near the forest. You can also find dumping stations in Vermont for access to waste disposal.
RV-friendly Campgrounds in Green Mountain National Forest
Located 8 miles east of Bennington, with an entrance on Greenwood Drive, the Greenwood Lodge and Campsite has 40 wooded sites that are spaced apart to provide privacy. There are many amenities on-site such as three ponds, a rec-room, a volleyball court, an area for playing horseshoes, and a basketball court. You’ll find clean, heated bathrooms and free hot showers here as well as picnic tables and fire rings. Each site has water and electric hookups as well as a dump station. You can also buy ice and firewood or rent an electric heater. Your pets are welcome as long as they are supervised at all times. The campground is open from mid-May until late October.
Moosalamoo Campground
Located under a canopy of hardwood trees, the Moosalamoo Campground has 18 RV sites. A large grassy field in the center provides a play area for children. There are six vault toilets available as well as potable water on-site via a hand pump. Daily rates are $10. This charming campsite is located on Forest Road 24 near Ripton. The site is open from Memorial Day until Columbus Day.
Lake Dunmore Kampersville
Lake Dunmore Kampersville has 200 RV sites, with 119 allowing full hookup, while 81 only have electric and water. The rates for an RV site with water, sewer, and electric are $58.50 per night while rates for those with just electric and water are $50.50 per night. The campsite has many amenities including hot showers, a laundry, free Wi-Fi, a full general store and deli that offers lunch and dinner, and a recreation area that includes a pool and playground. There are boat docks, a beach, and even a baseball field. The campground is located close to many local restaurants and area attractions. It is open year-round.
This one-way trail leads to Sunset Ledge Trail Head and gives great views of Lincoln Mountain, Mount Abraham, and Lincoln Gap. It is part of the larger Long Trail network and has an over 1,600-foot elevation gain.
Length: 3.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
North Bourne Pond Loop
This popular autumn trail takes you up to scenic vantage points at almost 2,000 feet of elevation and then back down. You will see South Bourne Pond, Prospect Rock, and the Lye Brooks Falls Trailhead.
Length: 14.4 miles
Intensity: Difficult
Ice Bed Trail
This easy out-and-back trail offers stunning views of the White Rock Cliffs as well as the unique geological features of the ice beds. The trail is very well maintained and, because of its shorter length, mild elevation, and wonderful views, is recommended for children.
Length: 1.0 miles
Intensity: Easy
Stratton Mountain Loop via Long Trail
A dramatic climb offers up excellent views with this challenging trail. From vantage points along the hike, you will see Prospect Rock, North Bourne Pond, South Bourne Pond, and Stratton Fire Tower.
Length: 20.2 miles
Intensity: Difficult
Mount Abraham via Long Trail
A great, easy hike that provides a fairly direct route up Mount Abraham, which includes a 1,539-foot elevation gain. The trail will allow you to see from the summit of Mount Abraham as well as overlook the Lincoln Gap.
Length: 2.4 miles
Intensity: Easy
Sugar Hill Reservoir Loop via Brooks Road
This is an easy trail to get to if you stay at the Moosalamoo Campground as it runs right behind it. It forms a 7.5-mile loop with gentle elevation gains of about 500 feet and passes by the Sugar Hill Reservoir.
Length: 7.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Things to Do
Activities in Green Mountain National Forest
Discover different things to do in Green Mountain National Forest while camping there.
Green Mountain National Forest is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts, with tranquil locations like Chittenden Reservoir, Grout Pond Recreation Area, and Beebe Pond offering excellent opportunities to cast a line. The forest's waters are home to various fish species, including Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Yellow Perch, and Sunfish. Anglers should note that a Vermont fishing license is required to fish on the Green Mountain side of the forest.
Horseback riding in Green Mountain National Forest is a memorable way to explore the area's scenic beauty. With nearly 100 miles of equestrian trails, riders can traverse diverse terrains, from wooded paths to open meadows. The nearby Finger Lakes National Forest also offers an additional 20 miles of equestrian trails and features the Backbone Horse Camp, which is specifically managed for horse use. Popular trails in the Green Mountain area include the Backbone Trailhead, Burnt Hill Trail, Interloken Trail, and No-Tan-Takto Trail.
For those seeking unique outdoor activities, Green Mountain National Forest permits casual recreational gold panning and rock collecting. Gold panning, done by hand for personal, non-commercial use, does not require special permission and is a fun way to connect with the area's natural resources. Rock and mineral enthusiasts can also collect specimens by hand for personal use, though certain areas, such as the Devils Den Area in the Manchester Ranger District, are restricted for environmental preservation.
Green Mountain National Forest is a hub for winter sports, with partnerships between the forest and three alpine ski areas drawing an average of 700,000 ski visits annually. These resorts offer thrilling ski runs and winter recreation, but their appeal extends beyond the snow. In the warmer months, visitors can enjoy scenic gondola rides, ziplines, rope courses, mountain biking, and disc golf.
Bird Watching
Bird watchers are advised to find a secluded spot near the many clearings in the park as these are the best places to find them. Many species flock to these well-protected mountains. Campers might see native wild turkeys as well as ruffed grouse. Other commonly seen species include the black-throated blue warbler, the wood thrush, the common tern, and scarlet tanager. Fortunate observers might spot the national bird, the bald eagle, as well as the peregrine falcon or chimney swift.
Fishing
Several areas within the park’s boundaries provide opportunities for fishing. These include the Chittenden Reservoir, the Colton Pond, the Dufresne Dam area, the Mettawee River, and the Red Mill Pond while fly-fishermen can try for trout on any of the remote streams that run through the region. Be aware that anyone 15 years or older will be required to possess a Vermont Fishing license in order to fish.
Stargazing
Stargazing is wonderful at elevation in Green Mountain National Forest as the area does not suffer from significant light pollution. This area is one of the best locations for viewing the Northern Lights in the United States because of its northern location.
How to Get There
How to get to Green Mountain National Forest
Address: 231 North Main St., Rutland, VT 05701
Fee: Entry fee $0
By Car
Green Mountain National Forest is easily accessible by road. The Manchester Ranger District spans southern Vermont, stretching from the Massachusetts border to State Route 103 in Clarendon, Vermont. For those heading to the Middlebury/Rochester Ranger Districts, these are located in central Vermont, providing convenient access from various regions.
By Air
For travelers flying in, several nearby airports provide convenient access to the forest. The driving times from these airports to the forest vary based on your destination:
Albany International Airport (ALB), New York: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to the southern parts of the forest.
Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport (RUT), Vermont: About 30 to 45 minutes to the Manchester Ranger District.
Burlington International Airport (BTV), Vermont: Roughly 1.5 to 2 hours to the Middlebury/Rochester Ranger Districts.
Bradley International Airport (BDL), Connecticut: Around 2.5 to 3 hours drive to the forest's southern sections.
Seasonal Restrictions
Access to certain areas of Green Mountain National Forest may be affected by seasonal restrictions. For example, some roads and trails may close during the winter months due to snow or icy conditions, while others might have limited access during spring thaw to prevent damage. Visitors are encouraged to check the latest conditions and closures on the forest’s official website before planning their trip.
Fees in the Green Mountain National Forest
Most areas within the Green Mountain National Forest are open to the public free of charge; however, some activities and locations do require fees. Day-use fees are charged at select sites to support facility maintenance, while camping fees apply at most developed campgrounds, with additional reservation fees for amenities like campsites and pavilions at Hapgood Pond. Unlike some national forests, Green Mountain does not require trail use permits for hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, or similar activities. For frequent visitors, a Season Pass offers unlimited access to designated fee sites, making it a cost-effective option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Mountain National Forest
What is the best time to visit Green Mountain National Forest?
The best time to visit the Green Mountain National Forest is in autumn. In fall, the trees are ablaze with color as the seasons change. The weather is still usually warm enough for hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities as well.
What type of wildlife lives in Green Mountain National Forest?
Wildlife in the Green Mountain National Forest includes moose, black bears, deer, beavers, foxes, and coyotes. The Indiana bat also lives in the forest, along with a variety of birds, fish, and reptiles.
Does Green Mountain National Forest offer free camping sites?
Yes, the Green Mountain National Forest offers free camping sites. Dispersed camping is allowed in the forest. In some areas, there are free campsites with a fire ring, a pull-off from the road, and sometimes a site reinforced with gravel. Those sites do not have any water, and all campers must bring everything with them and pack it out when they're done.
Is there a fee to get into Green Mountain National Forest?
No, there is no fee to get into Green Mountain National Forest. There may, however, be fees for certain day-use areas. There may also be permits required for other recreational activities.
Is there a limit to how long you can camp in Green Mountain National Forest?
Yes, there is a limit to how long you can camp in Green Mountain National Forest. There is a camping limit of 14 days in the forest in any 30-day period.
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