Yes, you can legally camp on public land in Vermont, but there are specific rules and restrictions you must follow depending on the type of public land and your camping style.
Primitive Camping on Vermont State Land
Where Allowed: Primitive camping (also known as dispersed or wild camping) is permitted in designated state forests and wildlife management areas. Examples include Camel’s Hump State Forest, Groton State Forest, and several others listed in Vermont’s official regulations.
Group Size: Small groups (up to 10 people) do not need a permit for primitive camping on these lands. Larger groups require a permit.
Site Restrictions: You must camp below 2,500 feet in elevation unless otherwise designated, and avoid areas specifically closed to camping (such as lands owned by the Department of Corrections, Military Department, or other state agencies not listed as open for primitive camping).
Distance Requirements: Campsites should be at least 100 feet from water sources, 200 feet from trails or property lines, and 1,000 feet from traveled roads in many state forests.
Leave No Trace: Always follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment.
Camping in Green Mountain National Forest
Dispersed Camping: Dispersed camping is allowed throughout most of the Green Mountain National Forest. You must camp at least 200 feet away from trails, roads, and water sources.
Alpine Zones: Camping is not allowed in alpine zones or above tree line unless otherwise designated.
Shelters: There are also many trail shelters along the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail that are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Prohibited Areas
Certain Public Lands: Camping is not allowed on lands owned by the Buildings Division, Department of Corrections, Military Department, Agency of Transportation, Division of Historic Preservation, Department of Libraries, or Vermont Industrial Development Authority, unless specifically permitted.
Private Land: You must have landowner permission to camp on private property.
Summary Table
| Land Type | Primitive Camping Allowed? | Key Restrictions/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State Forests, WMAs | Yes (designated areas) | Below 2,500 ft; distance from water/trails/roads; no permit for small groups |
| Green Mountain National Forest | Yes | 200 ft from trails/roads/water; no alpine zone camping |
| Certain State-Owned Lands | No | See above for prohibited agencies |
| Private Land | Only with permission | Always ask landowner |
Key Takeaways
You can camp on public land in Vermont, but only in designated areas and with strict adherence to elevation, distance, and environmental rules.
No permit is needed for small groups in most state forests and wildlife management areas.
Always practice Leave No Trace and respect all posted restrictions.
For the most up-to-date information, consult the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources or the official Green Mountain National Forest website before your trip.
Sources:
- https://regulations.justia.com/states/vermont/agency-12/sub-agency-020/chapter-007/section-12-020-007/
- https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/vermont/12-007-Code-Vt-R-12-020-007-X
- https://www.greenmountainclub.org/primitive-camping-on-the-long-trail/
- https://www.hipcamp.com/en-CA/question/is-it-legal-to-camp-anywhere-in-k9qos2p5