Hey all, A buddy and I are doing the cliche VT road trip from NJ and are cutting costs along the way. We know our way around camping and have the equipment (we know its getting cold). Unfortunately, every campsite we are finding closes season this week, and we are planning our trip Oct 21-23 because we have a week off of school. Anyone know of sites that go later? Any loopholes/tricks you guys know of? We are even considering just finding some woods off the beaten road and setting up camp. Thanks!
Planned hits: Warren store, Hunger Mountain, Hill Farmstead, Fiddlehead. Anywhere with relative proximity to them.
Recommend researching which park, then filling out this form http://www.vtstateparks.com/pdfs/offseasoncamprequest.pdf Then email/call the related parks manager listed on the form to see if it's possible for off-season camping. Haven't done off-season camping before, but it looks like the form request and an email/call might lead you in the right direction. After you've narrowed down your campground sites. Also, a VT State Parks blog post from 2011, but relevant http://vtstateparks.blogspot.com/2011/11/season-has-begun-for-off-season-camping.html
State Parks will not be open again until spring. I would look into leanto's and site on the Long Trail near entry points. The is one near the Warren/Lincoln Gap. Try The Green Mountain Club alsohttp://www.voga.org/vermont_cabins_camps_cottages.htm
Just came from Little River S.P. in Waterbury. Although the camping In the park is closing, there are a dozen waterside campsites scattered up the northern arm for anyone - not regulated. Caveat: you need a canoe to reach them! You can leave your car at the dam fishing access.
Personally, I'd just find a spot far from any houses, livestock, etc. and quietly set up camp. Pretty much the worst that will happen is that you'll be told to leave... which you were going to do soon anyway. Just keep it clean - 'leave no trace'. Going legal is a little more difficult in late October, but some commercial campgrounds will probably accommodate you. Google away.
I'm getting the feeling this might be my option. Found one place that is still open, but I'm not feeling the price, location, conditions, etc. Thanks for the advice ya'll!
I had the same predicament as you last year, and I ended up going the primitive camping route. Primitive camping is legal in VT, see http://www.vtstateparks.com/htm/primitive.htm. If you want something *really* remote, check out this location between Waterbury and Stowe: https://www.google.com/maps/place/1297 McCall Pasture Rd, Stowe, VT 05672/@44.4642254,-72.6197173,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x4cb5bd9172cbd89f:0xf32cee54c6b5c10b Pitched a tent a little ways from the road for a night. Saw a bear and a coywolf. Was quite an experience.
Just a note that we typically get at least one (minor) snow storm in October. We've already had a few nights below freezing. It will likely be cold especially at night. Bring your winter gear. And we're having a seasoned wood shortage, so be prepared to pay through the nose for firewood if you plan on having one. Gold Brook campground in Waterbury Center (close to Stowe) is open all year round. http://www.goodsamcamping.com/travel/campgroundsandrvparks/generalinfo.aspx?cgid=100010902
The long-term forecast for your time frame looks decent, with highs around 50, lows in the upper 30s and not much rain. Be prepared for much worse though. Even the 12 hour forecast is sometimes totally wrong.
Park in the Mad River Glen parking lot, hike up and find a flat place to set up your tent. Nobody will bother you.
The primitive/dispersed camping options are endless here in Vermont. The Groton Sate forest offers it, as well as the Green Mountain National Forest. "Dispersed camping is allowed in a one-mile perimeter away from campgrounds and 100 feet from any stream. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway."
Right Dean, the whole state of Vermont is camping (practically). We did this once in NY State after a Hunter Mountain Brewers fest, we found an out of the way spot nearby and set up camp. It is interesting to say the least.
Most town forests as well, which means no one is more than a couple of miles from a legitimate campsite.
Thanks for the suggestions! Especially the link of a specific place. If someone else did it, we can do it. As far as weather, we'll be ready. Thanks again!
We were just near Gold Brook Campground yesterday morning. Its right on 100 just outside of Stowe so its nicely located not far from Waterbury, Stowe, Greensboro, and Morrisville. The owner's house is right by the campground so they are open all year if you are willing to camp.... http://www.goodsamcamping.com/travel/campgroundsandrvparks/generalinfo.aspx?cgid=100010902
Just posting this so anyone who searches for a topic has more info... We got up here last night and checked out Shelburne Camping, which does late season camping (if fact, there is a special through October where you pay for the first night and get the second night free). Its like $30 a night (2 nights), which is dirt cheap. We got in late last night, and called the place and the guy just said set up camp and pay in the morning. Super chill. Even though we got rained on hard, the ground is hard and no water pooled up beneath us. Worked great as long as you have a decent tent. Now onto the beer search! Warren Store, Hill Farmstead, and Fiddlehead (and maybe a quick trip into Canada just for fun) today, and Hunger Mountain for Heady tomorrow!
