Greendale Campground

For Vermont residents seeking a genuine escape into the heart of nature, where tranquility reigns and the sounds of the everyday fade away, Greendale Campground in Weston, VT, offers an unparalleled experience. Nestled within the beautiful Green Mountain National Forest, this small, remote campground is a true hidden gem for those who cherish peace and natural beauty. As one satisfied camper aptly put it, "It's a great place to get away from the world. Beautiful trails. And you can pull your vehicle up all the way to the camp site." This sentiment perfectly captures the essence of Greendale: a quiet, accessible sanctuary where you can truly disconnect and recharge.

Greendale Campground provides an authentic, rustic camping experience, ideal for both tent campers and those with small campers or trailers. Imagine waking up to the soothing murmur of Greendale Brook, spending your days exploring picturesque trails, and enjoying evenings under a canopy of stars by a crackling campfire. Reviewers consistently highlight the quietness and seclusion, with one noting, "We picked a nice site next to a babbling brook. While we only tent camped we plan to return with our new to us pop up this year." This speaks to the serene atmosphere and the comfortable, welcoming feel of the campground.

It's important for Vermont locals to note a key detail about Greendale: while it's a dream destination during its open season, "this campground is not accessible in the winter. The road to the campground is a snowmobile only trail during the winter months." This simply means planning your visit between mid-May and October to fully experience its charm. For those who appreciate simplicity, direct access to their campsite, and a deep connection with Vermont's natural landscape, Greendale Campground is an ideal and easily accessible choice for your next outdoor adventure.

Greendale Campground is remotely yet accessibly located at 698 Greendale Rd, Weston, VT 05161, USA, within the sprawling Green Mountain National Forest. For Vermont residents, this address places it in a picturesque part of the state, offering a convenient drive for many looking to escape into the wilderness without venturing too far from home. The drive itself sets the tone for your outdoor adventure, leading you into a quieter, more natural setting.

A significant advantage of Greendale Campground, as highlighted by a reviewer, is the ability to "pull your vehicle up all the way to the camp site." This car-camping friendly feature makes setting up camp remarkably easy, especially for families or those with more gear. While the campground offers a profound sense of getting "away from the world," it remains accessible by vehicle during its operational season from mid-May through October.

It's crucial for prospective visitors to be aware of the seasonal accessibility. As one review noted, "Please be aware this campground is not accessible in the winter. The road to the campground is a snowmobile only trail during the winter months." This means vehicular access is strictly limited to the warmer months. During winter, the nearest plowed parking is approximately one mile away, requiring access via skis or snowshoes. However, for the majority of the spring, summer, and fall, Greendale Campground offers an excellent balance of secluded natural beauty and convenient vehicular access for Vermont locals seeking a peaceful outdoor retreat.

Greendale Campground, being a small, remote campground within the Green Mountain National Forest, offers essential services focused on providing a rustic yet comfortable outdoor experience. It's designed for those who appreciate simplicity and self-sufficiency while enjoying nature. Here's a breakdown of the services typically available:

• Campsites: There are 11 campsites available, set in a wooded environment. These sites can accommodate both tents and small campers or trailers.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for preparing and enjoying outdoor meals.
• Fire Rings with Grills: Every site includes a fire ring that comes with a grill, perfect for campfires, cooking over an open flame, and enjoying the quintessential camping experience.
• Parking Spur: Each site has a designated parking spur, allowing campers to pull their vehicle "all the way to the camp site," as noted in a review, making unloading and loading gear much easier.
• Vault Toilet: A vault toilet is available at the campground for visitors' convenience. It's a barrier-free facility.
• No Drinking Water: It is very important to note that Greendale Campground does NOT have drinking water available. Campers must bring their own water for drinking, cooking, and washing.
• No Showers or Hook-ups: There are no showers, electrical hook-ups, wastewater hook-ups, or portable water hook-ups at the campsites. This reinforces the rustic nature of the campground.
• First-Come, First-Served: All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are not typically taken. This emphasizes a more spontaneous camping approach.
• Self-Service Fee Station: A camping fee of $10.00 per site, per night, is payable at a self-service fee station during the open season (mid-May through October).

Greendale Campground is ideal for campers who are prepared for a more primitive camping experience and are self-sufficient in terms of water and amenities.

Greendale Campground, though simple in its amenities, boasts several compelling features and highlights that make it a cherished spot for those who appreciate genuine outdoor immersion:

• Secluded and Quiet Atmosphere: The most frequently praised highlight is its profound quietness and sense of seclusion. Reviewers consistently mention it as a "great place to get away from the world" and a spot where you can "just enjoy some quiet," often finding they have the place to themselves.
• Beautiful Natural Setting: Nestled along Greendale Brook and surrounded by a mixed forest of northern hardwoods and conifer trees, the campground offers a picturesque and serene backdrop for camping. The "soothing sounds of the nearby brook" are often noted as a relaxing feature.
• Direct Vehicle Access to Sites: The ability to "pull your vehicle up all the way to the camp site" is a major convenience, simplifying the process of unloading and loading gear, especially for car campers or those with small trailers.
• Access to Greendale Loop Trail: The campground offers easy access to the 4.0-mile Greendale Loop, a scenic hiking trail that winds through the forest and borders charming streams, perfect for nature walks and exploration.
• Rustic and Authentic Camping Experience: For those seeking a more traditional and less developed camping environment, Greendale provides just that. It's a place where the focus is on connecting with nature rather than extensive amenities.
• Affordable Rates: The camping fee of $10.00 per site, per night (during the open season) makes it a very budget-friendly option for an overnight escape.
• Pet-Friendly: Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash at all times, allowing Vermonters to bring their furry companions on their outdoor adventures.

These features combine to offer a truly restorative and authentic camping experience for those who value peace, nature, and simplicity.

As Greendale Campground is managed by the USDA Forest Service as part of the Green Mountain National Forest, its "promotions" typically align with government-managed recreation site policies rather than commercial discounts. Pricing is set at a flat rate, and there aren't traditional sales or seasonal offers like a private campground might provide. However, for Vermont locals, understanding the structure of its fees and accessibility can be seen as a form of value and "offer":

• Low Daily Fee: The camping fee of $10.00 per site, per night, during the operational season (mid-May through October) is a very affordable rate for a tranquil, wooded campsite, offering excellent value for budget-conscious campers.
• Fee-Free in Winter (but not accessible by vehicle): While the campground is not maintained for winter use and vehicle access is prohibited, the site itself is technically "fee-free" during the winter months. This might appeal to experienced winter campers who are prepared for a 1-mile walk via skis or snowshoes to access the unmaintained sites. However, this is more of an accessibility note than a promotional offer for typical camping.
• First-Come, First-Served Accessibility: All 11 sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This means there's no complex reservation system or advance booking required (or possible), offering flexibility for spontaneous trips, especially during quieter periods.
• Scan and Pay System: Payment is conveniently handled via a self-service fee station. Campers can use the Recreation.gov mobile app's "Scan and Pay" system, making payment easy and contactless.

It's important for locals to understand that Greendale Campground offers consistent, low-cost access to a beautiful natural setting rather than fluctuating promotions. Its value lies in its simplicity and affordability for those seeking a genuine outdoor experience.

Greendale Campground is managed by the USDA Forest Service as part of the Green Mountain National Forest. Therefore, direct phone numbers specific to the campground itself are not typically available, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a self-service fee station. However, for general information about the Green Mountain National Forest and its recreation sites, Vermont residents can use the following contact details:

• Address: 698 Greendale Rd, Weston, VT 05161, USA (for GPS navigation to the campground entrance during the open season).
• Primary Information Office (Manchester Ranger District): 2538 Depot Street, Manchester Center, VT 05255. Phone: 1-802-362-2307.
• Supervisor's Office (Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests): 4387 U.S. Route 4 East, Mendon, Vermont 05701. Phone: 1-802-747-6700.
• Website: Information about Greendale Campground is typically found on the official USDA Forest Service website for the Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests (fs.usda.gov/gmfl). Searching for "Greendale Campground Green Mountain National Forest" will lead to relevant pages.
• Reservations: As Greendale is a first-come, first-served campground, reservations are not taken by phone or online for this specific site. Payment is made on-site via the self-service fee station.

For up-to-date conditions, alerts, or questions about policies, contacting the Manchester Ranger District or checking the official Forest Service website is the best approach.

For Vermont locals, Greendale Campground in Weston is an exceptionally suitable destination, particularly for those who prioritize a truly authentic, quiet, and unpretentious outdoor experience. Its primary appeal lies in its profound sense of seclusion and tranquility, offering a genuine "get away from the world" atmosphere that many Vermonters seek to escape the daily grind. The direct vehicle access to campsites is a significant convenience, making it easy to set up your base camp and begin enjoying the natural surroundings immediately.

Situated within the majestic Green Mountain National Forest, Greendale provides an immersive natural setting, complete with the soothing sounds of Greendale Brook and access to beautiful hiking trails like the Greendale Loop. This allows locals to connect deeply with Vermont's iconic landscapes and enjoy activities like nature walks and quiet contemplation, all within a reasonable driving distance from most parts of the state. The affordability of the campsites further enhances its suitability, making a peaceful outdoor escape accessible to a wider range of budgets.

While Greendale Campground offers limited amenities, requiring campers to be self-sufficient with water and other provisions, this simplicity is precisely what appeals to many. It fosters a more rustic and genuine camping experience, allowing visitors to truly appreciate the basics of outdoor living. For any Vermont resident looking for a quiet, car-camping friendly spot to unplug, explore serene trails, and enjoy the pristine beauty of the Green Mountains without the crowds or distractions of more developed campgrounds, Greendale Campground is an ideal and highly recommended choice for a refreshing local escape.

Greendale Campground

698 Greendale Rd, Weston, VT 05161, USA