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Moosalamoo National Recreation Area wilderness guide
National Recreation Area · VT
Camping Guide

Moosalamoo National Recreation Area

Moosalamoo National Recreation Area is an awe-inspiring canvas painted with the vibrant greens of dense forests, sparkling blue lakes, and rugged mountain terrain that begs to be explored. Located ...

National Recreation Area16,0004+ Trails

Designation

National Recreation Area

Total Wilderness Area

16,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Moosalamoo National Recreation Area

Moosalamoo National Recreation Area offers a diverse landscape perfect for outdoor adventures, featuring forests, lakes, and trails.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Moosalamoo National Recreation Area, located in the heart of Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest, spans over 16,000 acres. This area is characterized by its lush hardwood and softwood forests, clear lakes, and expansive trail networks. It provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including black bears, moose, and numerous bird species. The area's history is rich with cultural significance, including remnants of old farmsteads and mills from the early settlement period. Visitors can engage in an array of recreational opportunities such as hiking, mountain biking, and camping. Notable landmarks include Lake Dunmore, popular for water activities, and the Rattlesnake Cliffs, which offer spectacular views. First established as a recreation destination in 2007, Moosalamoo continues to draw outdoor enthusiasts with its scenic beauty and tranquility.

Field Guide · National Recreation Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Moosalamoo National Recreation Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Discover the Falls of Lana★ 7.8⌖ 3 miHiking
Falls of Lana

Discover the Falls of Lana

Explore the Falls of Lana in Salisbury, Vermont. This moderate hike leads to a scenic waterfall within the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area. Enjoy picnicking and swimming nearby. Best visited in spring and fall for a peaceful outing.

Tranquil Wonder: Texas Falls★ 7.8⌖ 6 miHiking
Texas Falls

Tranquil Wonder: Texas Falls

Visit Texas Falls near Hancock, Vermont for a moderate hiking experience with scenic waterfall views. Discover diverse flora and fauna along short trails, ideal for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Best visited in spring and fall for a peaceful retreat.

The Natural Beauty of Abbey Pond Trailhead★ 7.5⌖ 7 miHiking
Abbey Pond Trailhead

The Natural Beauty of Abbey Pond Trailhead

Explore this moderate trail near Middlebury, Vermont. The Abbey Pond Trail is 2.5 miles to the pond and known for its peaceful setting and lush forest scenery. Ideal for hiking, wildlife watching, and capturing nature photography. Best visited in spring and fall.

Scenic Escape at Bristol Cliffs Wilderness★ 7.8⌖ 12 miHiking
Bristol Cliffs Wilderness

Scenic Escape at Bristol Cliffs Wilderness

Explore the beautiful Bristol Cliffs Wilderness in Vermont. Ideal for hiking and wildlife observation with striking rock formations and lush forests. Best in spring and fall, this scenic area offers solitude and stunning vistas for photographers. Not accessible.

Tranquil Waters of Eagle Park★ 4.5⌖ 13 miFishing
Eagle Park

Tranquil Waters of Eagle Park

Explore the tranquil waters of Eagle Park in Bristol, VT. Enjoy fishing, birdwatching, and easy strolls with stunning fall foliage. Perfect for a peaceful family day out, with quiet paths along the river.

Mount Abraham: Vermont's Alpine Escape★ 8.2⌖ 13 miHiking
Mount Abraham

Mount Abraham: Vermont's Alpine Escape

Experience the beauty of Mount Abraham in Lincoln, VT. At 4,006 feet, enjoy a moderate hike that offers sweeping vistas and the chance to spot rare birds. Perfect for adventure seekers.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The scenic overlook at Rattlesnake Cliffs✦ The unique ecosystem of Goshen Dam and its wildlife✦ The historic remains of old farmsteads and mills✦ The peaceful trails of Silver Lake, perfect for solitude
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Moosalamoo National Recreation Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Activity Field GuideMoosalamoo National Recreation Area

Camping in Moosalamoo National Recreation Area

Embrace the Wilderness: Camping Adventures in Moosalamoo National Recreation Area, VT

Moosalamoo National Recreation Area is an awe-inspiring canvas painted with the vibrant greens of dense forests, sparkling blue lakes, and rugged mountain terrain that begs to be explored. Located in the heart of the Green Mountain National Forest, this enchanting destination offers a perfect escape for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Whether you're pitching a tent by a tranquil lake or hiking along the scenic trails that weave through the forest, a camping experience here promises a blend of exhilarating adventure and serene wilderness.

As you arrive at the campground, the scent of pine and the gentle rustling of leaves welcome you, embracing your senses. The campsites themselves are thoughtfully positioned to give you the best views, each one a front-row seat to nature's stunning display. Choose from several sites that accommodate both tents and RVs, providing versatile options for every camping style. Most sites come equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, inviting cozy evenings spent under a starlit sky, where campfire stories blend with the crackling of wood and the chorus of night sounds.

If adventure is calling your name, you’re in for a treat. Moosalamoo boasts an extensive network of trails that weave through the breathtaking landscape, ranging from leisurely walks to more challenging hikes. The 11-mile Moosalamoo Trail is a highlight, guiding you through lush forests and up to breathtaking vistas that overlook the serene Lake Dunmore—a perfect spot to pause, breathe deeply, and soak in the beauty of your surroundings. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear: the terrain can shift from well-worn paths to rocky outcrops, so a sturdy pair of hiking boots will keep you steady and supported.

Water activities are another gem of this area. Lake Dunmore, with its crystal-clear waters, invites you to paddle on its surface. Kayaking or canoeing can illuminate a new side of this stunning area, allowing you to explore hidden coves and appreciate the tranquility of the surroundings. If you plan to take to the water, consider bringing your own kayak or renting one nearby. As the sun glints off the lake in the morning light, the world feels quiet and vibrant, the perfect time to reconnect with nature.

Wildlife here is abundant, offering a thrilling glimpse of the natural world. Keep your eyes peeled for deer grazing cautiously at twilight and vibrant songbirds flitting from branch to branch. An excellent time to spot wildlife is during the early hours of the morning or just before dusk, so plan hikes and explorations accordingly. Armed with binoculars, you might even catch a glimpse of elusive species in their natural habitat—an experience that solidifies your bond with this stunning wilderness.

Camping in Moosalamoo means being prepared for a diverse weather palette. In summer, days can be sunny and warm, while nights may cool unexpectedly. Layers are essential, as are rain gear and ample hydration supplies. Pack a reusable water bottle and fill it at the nearby water stations to stay refreshed throughout your adventures. And don't forget the essentials for your campfire: firewood can often be purchased from local vendors, ensuring evenings filled with warmth and the glow of flames.

As your days here draw to a close, unwind by the campfire, recounting the adventures that brought you closer to the beauty of the Green Mountains. Nighttime in Moosalamoo is steeped in the sounds of nature, where the whispers of the wind and the distant calls of nocturnal creatures create a symphony of the wild. Each moment becomes a memory, a reminder of the unparalleled connection between you and the earth.

Moosalamoo National Recreation Area isn’t just a destination; it’s an invitation to explore, connect, and breathe deeply. As you set up camp and venture out into this magnificent wilderness, you’re not only witnessing nature—you're participating in its dynamic dance, forging your own adventure story amidst the beauty of Vermont's wild heart.

Other Available Activity Guides in Moosalamoo National Recreation Area:
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Moosalamoo National Recreation Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fees; some activities require permits.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Moosalamoo National Recreation Area

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Branbury State Park

Located on Lake Dunmore's eastern shore, offers full amenities and access to the lake.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Moosalamoo National Recreation Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Ripton
⌖ 2.38 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Ripton, Vermont

A peaceful mountain town offering classic Green Mountain outdoor experiences with a mix of hiking, skiing, paddling, and backpacking in a quiet, nature-rich setting.

Late Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for ski touringExplore Town
Goshen
⌖ 6.32 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Goshen, Vermont

A quiet, rural Vermont town offering peaceful access to forests, gentle hills, and classic New England outdoor experiences suited for all seasons.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for snow sportsExplore Town
Middlebury
⌖ 8.88 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Middlebury, Vermont

Middlebury offers a charming New England setting with easy access to a range of outdoor adventures in the Champlain Valley and Green Mountains.

Hancock
⌖ 9.08 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hancock, Vermont

A quiet and scenic gateway to Vermont’s Green Mountains, perfect for those seeking peaceful nature exploration and outdoor pursuits.

Summer and FallExplore Town
Brandon
⌖ 10.32 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Brandon, Vermont

A scenic Vermont town offering a mix of quiet rural charm and access to diverse four-season outdoor adventures in the Green Mountains region.

Late spring through fall for hiking and paddling; winter for skiing and snowshoeingExplore Town
Whiting
⌖ 10.42 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Whiting, Vermont

A quiet rural Vermont town offering peaceful outdoor escapes with access to rolling hills, forests, and nearby waterways for year-round adventure.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for skiing and snowshoeingExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Moosalamoo National Recreation Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Mastering Uphill Skiing: Killington's Path to the Peak Program at Pico MountainMendon, Vermont · 21.21 mi away
Trails & Outdoor Adventures· Killington

Mastering Uphill Skiing: Killington's Path to the Peak Program at Pico Mountain

Discover Killington Resort's Path to the Peak Uphill Program at Pico Mountain, a tailored experience for ski and snowboard uphill travelers seeking expert instruction and breathtaking winter vistas. Learn skills from beginner basics to avalanche safety on guided tours that ascend Vermont’s rugged alpine terrain.

4 hours

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Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.