VT NFR-58 4G3, Peru, VT

Introduction / Overview

For local Vermonters seeking an unadulterated, drive-up wilderness experience that bypasses the crowds of traditional campgrounds, the designated primitive campsite known as VT NFR-58 4G3 offers a perfect retreat. Located along Forest Road 58 (NF-58) within the vast and beautiful Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF) near Peru, this site epitomizes dispersed, or 'roadside,' camping. It provides a simple, yet stunning, basecamp for exploring the mountainous terrain of Southern Vermont.

Unlike highly developed recreation areas, VT NFR-58 4G3 is a designated primitive site—meaning it is intentionally kept basic to preserve the natural setting and offer a semi-wilderness feel. Visitors frequently highlight two main draws: the "great lookout" providing awesome views, and the site's exceptional suitability for a nighttime activity truly unique to this area: "stargazing." This campsite is a clear choice for locals who possess strong Leave No Trace ethics and prefer self-sufficient camping under a pristine, unpolluted Vermont night sky.

The location on a Forest Road ensures reasonable accessibility, but the experience itself is rugged and removed from typical amenities. It serves as an excellent jumping-off point for one of the most picturesque areas of the GMNF, including the popular hike to Griffith Lake.

Location and Accessibility

VT NFR-58 4G3 is strategically situated on Forest Road 58 in the Green Mountain National Forest, making it a key access point for the region's hiking trails. The general address provides a navigational starting point, but the nature of a dispersed site means it is an identified spot along the road rather than a traditional parcel.

Geographic Location: The campsite is located on NF-58, which is accessible from the town of Peru, VT 05152, USA. It is situated in the Manchester Ranger District of the GMNF.
Road Access: Access is via a gravel or dirt forest road, NF-58, which requires careful driving. While typically suitable for most vehicles, drivers should be prepared for typical forest road conditions.
Trail Proximity: The site is in close proximity to the trailhead for Griffith Lake. The walk-in style to the nearby lake trail is a significant convenience for hikers planning an early start to their trek.
Regional Connection: The area is centrally located for locals traveling from the major towns of Southern Vermont, including Manchester and Londonderry, offering a relatively short drive to a remote, high-quality camping spot.

This accessibility, combined with the true wilderness ambiance of the Green Mountain National Forest, makes VT NFR-58 4G3 a valuable local resource for those who prefer to drive close to their basecamp without sacrificing the sense of seclusion.

Services Offered

As a designated primitive campsite within the Green Mountain National Forest, VT NFR-58 4G3 offers minimal infrastructure. The core principle of camping in this area is self-sufficiency, aligning with the ethos of wilderness preservation.

Designated Site: The campsite is a clearly marked and established pull-off or clearing, providing a durable surface for setting up a tent or parking a small camper/van. This designation ensures camping is concentrated in one area to minimize impact on the surrounding forest.
Fire Ring/Pit: Typically, these designated forest road sites include a pre-existing stone fire ring or fire pit to encourage responsible, confined fires, adhering to the GMNF's fire safety guidelines (using only dead and down wood).
No Utilities: Importantly, there are absolutely no developed amenities on site. This means there is no potable water supply, no flush toilets, no vault toilets, no electricity, and no refuse collection. Campers must carry in all water and be prepared to pack out all trash and practice proper human waste disposal (burying or packing out).
Free Use/No Fee: Camping in these designated dispersed areas within the GMNF is generally free of charge, with no permit or reservation required for individuals or small groups. This is subject to change based on US Forest Service regulations.
Stay Limit: Use is restricted to a maximum of 14 days in any 30-day period to ensure the site is available to the public and to minimize resource impact.

Features / Highlights

The appeal of VT NFR-58 4G3 lies in its natural surroundings and the opportunities it provides for specific outdoor activities.

Exceptional Stargazing: A key highlight repeatedly mentioned by visitors is the clear, dark sky, making it an "awesome view" and a "great place to camp under the stars." Its remote location, away from major light pollution, provides an ideal setting for astronomy enthusiasts.
Immediate Trail Access: The campsite’s proximity to a "trailhead to a lake"—specifically the popular Griffith Lake—is a major benefit, allowing campers to easily embark on one of the GMNF's most scenic day or overnight hikes.
Scenic Lookout: The site is praised for its "very nice lookout," offering campers picturesque views of the surrounding Green Mountains, which is a rare feature for a simple roadside dispersed site.
True Primitive Experience: This location is a highlight for those who dislike the confinement of crowded campgrounds and seek a more secluded, self-reliant camping experience where the focus is solely on the natural environment.
Wildlife Viewing: Being situated deep within the Green Mountain National Forest provides a high probability of observing native Vermont wildlife, including various bird species and forest creatures.

Contact Information

Given the primitive and unstaffed nature of the site, direct on-site contact is unavailable. All inquiries and necessary planning should be routed through the managing governmental agency.

Address (General Area): NF-58, Peru, VT 05152, USA

Phone: For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding fire restrictions, road conditions, and current regulations for the area, contact the local administrative office.

USDA Forest Service - Green Mountain National Forest, Manchester Ranger District: (802) 362-2307

Note: Before visiting, local users are strongly encouraged to contact the Ranger District to confirm NF-58 road status (as forest roads can close seasonally or due to weather) and to check for any current fire bans.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

VT NFR-58 4G3 is uniquely suited for Vermonters because it embodies the state's deep-seated value of accessible, yet responsible, outdoor recreation. For locals, this dispersed site offers a valuable alternative to the expense and reservation challenges of state parks, providing a free, quick-access portal to the true wilderness of the GMNF.

Its suitability lies in its promotion of self-reliance and the vital practice of Leave No Trace principles—skills that are foundational to being a responsible outdoor enthusiast in Vermont. The site is a treasured escape, allowing residents to take advantage of world-class hiking to Griffith Lake and witness the stunning astronomical views that only the deep Green Mountains can offer. For a weekend of quiet reflection, scenic beauty, and authentic, primitive camping just a short drive from Southern Vermont communities, VT NFR-58 4G3 remains a premier, essential local destination.