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
2007NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
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 60 miles.
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 Visuals & Gallery
Visual Guide to Moosalamoo National Recreation Area
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.
Gateway Towns Near Moosalamoo National Recreation Area
Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.
⌖ 2.38 miles
Gateway Basecamp
Ripton, Vermont
Ripton, Vermont is a quiet mountain town perfect for outdoor lovers seeking hiking, backpacking, paddling, and ski touring in the Green Mountains. Its peaceful forests and wilderness offer plenty of adventure away from crowds.
Late Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for ski touring
Goshen, Vermont is a quiet town perfect for peaceful hiking, mountain biking, and snowshoeing. With access to Green Mountain National Forest and Silver Lake, it suits travelers looking for serene nature and classic Vermont outdoor adventures.
Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for snow sports
Middlebury is a picturesque Vermont town ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking in the Green Mountains to winter sports, it offers a peaceful retreat amid stunning natural beauty.
Hancock, VT is an outdoor lover's paradise with rugged trails, serene fishing spots, and a quiet retreat into Vermont’s natural landscapes. Ideal for a summer to fall escape.
Brandon, Vermont offers outdoor lovers peaceful hiking, paddling, and four-season adventure in the Green Mountains. From summit views at Brandon Gap to kayaking on Otter Creek, it’s a quiet basecamp for exploring nature and Vermont’s rural charm.
Late spring through fall for hiking and paddling; winter for skiing and snowshoeing
Whiting, Vermont is a peaceful rural town ideal for hikers, paddlers, and winter sports lovers seeking low-key outdoor experiences near Lake Champlain and quiet woodland trails.
Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for skiing and snowshoeing
A focused 45-minute tour and tasting at Mad River Distillers in Warren, VT—this guide lays out what to expect, who can participate, and the basics for planning a visit.
A 1.25-hour, non‑partisan lecture and conversation with Sagamore historian Connor Williams at the Playhouse that uses past elections to illuminate the political questions raised by 2024.
A family-friendly, guided walking tour of the 27-building Great Camp Sagamore on Raquette Lake that traces its Adirondack architecture, Vanderbilt-era history, and lakeside setting.
A half-day, coached-style event for skiers and snowboarders aged 13 and under to learn park etiquette, ride features, and compete for prizes in a friendly setting.
Two-hour volunteer shifts at Pico place you on the Events Team—working registration or as a runner in the Lil' Stash terrain park—while earning a Killington lift ticket and lunch for each shift.
A guided uphill-travel program at Pico Mountain that teaches fundamentals for beginners and advances technique and avalanche awareness for more experienced participants; this guide helps you prepare and know what to expect.
A seven-night lodge stay in Waitsfield operated by the Swiss Ski Club of New York, with seasonal member and non‑member rates and accommodations suitable for adults and children.
A four-night lodge stay in Waitsfield, Vermont, operated by the Swiss Ski Club of New York, with distinct member and non‑member rates across winter and summer seasons.
A weekly Thursday-evening 9‑hole scramble at Killington Golf Course — this guide explains the format, schedule, registration rules, and prizes for the season.
A three-night stay at the Swiss Ski Club of New York’s Vermont lodge in Waitsfield, offering year-round cozy accommodations and seasonally tiered member and non‑member rates.
A two-night stay at the Swiss Ski Club of New York’s Waitsfield lodge — this guide summarizes what to expect, seasonal rates, and where to find the club’s policies.
A six-night lodging package at the Swiss Ski Club of New York’s Vermont lodge in Waitsfield, offering year‑round cozy accommodations and clearly defined member and non‑member seasonal rates.