Menu
Not Your Average Camping Experience
Most of the land in Merck Forest and Farmland Center is open to dispersed camping, without the conveniences found at cabins, shelters or other developed areas. Dispersed camping sites are for backpacking only: everything taken into a dispersed camping site must be packed out again.
What to Expect:
- No potable water: water quality is not tested in MFFC ponds, streams or springs. Treat, boil or filter all water or bring your own.
- No outhouses: dig a hole six to eight inches deep to bury waste at least 200 feet from campsites, watersources, or trails. (Digging animals can expose waste buried in shallow holes.)
- No campfires: campfires are prohibited at any location besides MFFC cabins or shelters fire rings.
- Dispersed camping permits are $5 per person per night, and may be obtained at the Visitor Center (open 9am – 4pm daily) or by calling 802.394.7836.
- There are limited dispersed camping permits available. The maximum stay is seven consecutive nights.
Rules to Follow:
- Overnight permit(s) is/are required and must be visibly displayed on tent(s).
- Camp within permitted areas only (check with Visitor Center staff for list of prohibited areas).
- Campsites must be at least 200 feet away and out-of-sight from trails & overlooks, streams & ponds, cabins & shelters, and other MFFC buildings.
- Twelve-person maximum group size
Please note: MFFC reserves the right to revoke dispersed camping privileges or charge fines for violating dispersed camping policies.
What to Expect:
- No potable water: Water quality is not tested in MFFC ponds, streams or springs. Treat, boil or filter all water or bring your own.
- No outhouses: Dig a hole 6 to 8 inches deep to bury waste at least 200 feet from campsites, watersources, or trails. Digging animals can expose waste buried in shallow holes.
- No campfires: Campfires are prohibited at any location besides MFFC cabins or shelters fire rings.
- Dispersed camping permits are $5 per person per night, and may be obtained at the Visitor Center (open 9am – 4pm daily) or by calling 802.394.7836.
- There are limited dispersed camping permits available. The maximum stay is 7 consecutive nights.
Rules to Follow:
- Overnight permit(s) is/are required and must be visibly displayed on tent(s).
- Camp within permitted areas only (check with Visitor Center staff for list of prohibited areas).
- Campsites must be at least 200 feet away and out-of-sight from trails & overlooks, streams & ponds, cabins & shelters, and other MFFC buildings.
- Twelve-person maximum group size
Please note: MFFC reserves the right to revoke dispersed camping privileges or charge fines for violating dispersed camping policies.
Leave No Trace®
The beauty of the natural vegetation around your campsite is probably why you chose it. Help MFFC keep it healthy and beautiful by adhering to the camping requirements listed above. The Seven Principles of LNT are:
1. Plan & Prepare
2. Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Leave No Trace®
The beauty of the natural vegetation around your campsite is probably why you chose it. Help MFFC keep it healthy and beautiful by adhering to the camping requirements listed above. The Seven Principles of LNT are: