Located in southwestern and central Vermont, Green Mountain National Forest provides opportunities for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, hunting, and fishing. Guests to the park can keep an eye out for moose, which are one of the prime attractions. Because of the gorgeous foliage, autumn is the most popular time of year to visit the park. Guests can take foliage tours by car during this time. In addition to its abundant natural beauty, the park is also home to over 2,000 archaeological and historic sites.
Camping in Green Mountain National Forest
There is no better way to truly enjoy the beauty of a New England autumn than to camp under the canopy of the trees. Fortunately, you can sleep in comfort and travel in style when you rent from RVshare.
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Greenwood Lodge and Campsite
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.
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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.
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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.
Activities in Green Mountain National Forest
Visitors to Green Mountain National Forest will be able to identify a wide variety of flora and fauna. These include deciduous trees, such as the maples, oaks, and birches that turn this forest into a wonderland of color during the fall. Fortunate visitors will spot moose. They might also see black bears, white-tailed deer, beaver, fox, and coyotes as well as the Indiana bat after dusk.
As geocaching is forbidden along the Appalachian Trail, sites within Green Mountain National Forest are limited.
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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.
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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.
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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 to Green Mountain National Forest
Address: 231 North Main St., Rutland, VT 05701
Fee: Entry fee $0
Green Mountain National Forest provides a range of activities for nature lovers as well as being close to other types of interesting attractions. If you are fortunate, you might see a moose or a bald eagle. Fall foliage season is definitely the best time to see this beautiful park, and an RV is a great way to experience all that the area has to offer.
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.
