The Catamount Trail passes through both privately owned and public land so regulations regarding camping vary. Our Winter Camping Guide serves as a starting point for identifying sites and planning your trip. For additional assistance please contact the CTA office.
Private Land
Skiers need prior consent from landowners to camp on private land. If you camp without prior consent or do not follow the landowner’s instructions, you may jeopardize the status of the Catamount Trail on their property.
State Land
State campgrounds are closed in the winter, however primitive camping is allowed in designated areas. To find out where these designated areas are, contact the VT Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation in Waterbury, Vermont: 802-241-3693.
Within the designated areas, guidelines for primitive camping include:
- Camp below 2500’ elevation
- Camp at least 100 feet from any stream or body of water, 200 feet from any trail or property line, and 1000 feet from any road
- Camp for no more than three consecutive nights in the same area
- Use only dead and down trees or branches for firewood
- Follow Leave No Trace camping practices
Federal Land
Green Mountain National Forest campgrounds are closed in winter, however you may primitive camp anywhere within the GMNF as long as your campsite is 200 feet from trails, roads, and water. Follow Leave No Trace camping practices.
For more information contact: Forest Supervisor
Green Mountain National Forest
231 North Main St.
Rutland, VT 05701
Phone: 802-747-6700.
Permits & Group Use
On private land, commercially guided groups must seek permission from the landowner to use the Catamount Trail. On State land, a commercial permit is required for groups if the event: involves a fee (or donation) to participate, is organized or publicized, could conflict with other established uses, or alters the site in any way. There is a fee for permits.
To obtain a permit application, contact:
VT ANR Lands Director
VT Dept. of Forests, Parks, & Recreation
103 South Main Street, Building 10 South
Waterbury, VT 05671-0601
Phone: 802-241-3693.
On federal land (GMNF), an outfitter-guide permit is required if the event charges a fee above basic trip expenses; the leader is paid; a fee is charged for use of rental of equipment; or if any plants, animals, artifacts, or other items will be collected. To obtain an outfitter-guide permit application, contact the GMNF at the above address and phone number.
