Dispersed Camping
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 backpackers only: everything taken into a dispersed camping site must be packed out again.
What to Expect
At Merck Forest, dispersed camping offers a true wilderness experience that connects you directly with the natural world. Unlike our cabins and shelters, dispersed camping provides no amenities — just you and the forest in its most authentic form.
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, water sources, or trails. (Digging animals can expose waste buried in shallow holes.)
No Campfires
Campfires are prohibited at any location besides the fire rings at cabins or shelters. Please use a camp stove for cooking.
Acquiring a Permit & FAQ
Permits for dispersed camping must be obtained before setting up camp:
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Cost: $5 per person per night
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Where to get permits: Visitor Center (9am - 4pm daily)
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Maximum stay: Seven consecutive nights
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Refund policy: No refunds for dispersed camping reservations
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Display requirement: Permits must be visibly displayed on tent(s)
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Location restrictions: 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
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Group size: Maximum of twelve persons
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The FarmThis is a short 5-minute walk that is nice for families with small children. At the farm you can visit our animals and see our Sap House, have a picnic (picnic tables located across from the sap house), and take in the great views. You can always continue along Old Town Road or Stone Lot Road if you decide you want a longer hike. Rated: Easy hike/walk
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Stone LotThis hike is just under 2 miles. It is a good hike for families. This is a moderate out-and-back hike with great view of Dorset Peak just beyond the farm. Take Old Town Road to Stone Lot Road near the farm buildings. Be sure to visit the American Chestnut Tree project. Rated: Moderate hike
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Birch PondThis hike is 3 miles (approx. 2 hours). This is a mild-to-moderate hike with the toughest section being the up-hill on Old Town Road. Rated: Mild/Moderate Hike
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Silviculture TrailThis hike is a little over 4 miles. The Silviculture Trail is a 2.3-mile self-guided educational trail. It provides a look at forest management. Deer and other wildlife are often spotted here. Take Old Town Road to Silviculture Trail back to Old Town Road. Rated: Moderate hike
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The GallopThis hike is 3 miles or 4 miles depending on the route (approx. 2-3 hours). Take Old Town Road and turn left onto Gallop Road. After a steady climb, you can go right to Lodge Road and follow it to Old Town Road back to the VC. To visit the scenic overlook, stay on Gallop Road until the intersection with Barton Road. The end of the trail is a steep descent to Lodge road. Follow Lodge Road back to Old Town Road. Rated: Moderate/difficult hike
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McCormick TrailThis trail can be made into a 4-mile loop (approx. 1.5 hours). Take Old Town Road to McCormick Trail to Antone Road back to Old Town Road. Rated: Moderate/Difficult hike
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Mount AntoneThis hike is 5 miles (approx. 4 hours). Take Old Town Road to Antone Road (you can take the “Ski Trail” or stay on Antone Road). There are great views from the top looking back at our farm. Rated: Moderate/Difficult hike
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LookoutThis hike is a 6 mile loop (approx. 4+ hours). A work out! You will travel through a beautiful secluded section of the forest. Take Old Town Road to Antone Road to Lookout Road. Rating: Difficult (due to length)
Leave No Trace: Caring for our Forest Home
At Merck Forest, we embrace the seven Leave No Trace principles that help protect our natural spaces for generations to come. These simple guidelines—from planning ahead to disposing of waste properly to respecting wildlife—ensure that your footsteps today preserve the wonder of these woods for tomorrow's explorers.
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The FarmThis is a short 5-minute walk that is nice for families with small children. At the farm you can visit our animals and see our Sap House, have a picnic (picnic tables located across from the sap house), and take in the great views. You can always continue along Old Town Road or Stone Lot Road if you decide you want a longer hike. Rated: Easy hike/walk
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Stone LotThis hike is just under 2 miles. It is a good hike for families. This is a moderate out-and-back hike with great view of Dorset Peak just beyond the farm. Take Old Town Road to Stone Lot Road near the farm buildings. Be sure to visit the American Chestnut Tree project. Rated: Moderate hike
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Birch PondThis hike is 3 miles (approx. 2 hours). This is a mild-to-moderate hike with the toughest section being the up-hill on Old Town Road. Rated: Mild/Moderate Hike
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Silviculture TrailThis hike is a little over 4 miles. The Silviculture Trail is a 2.3-mile self-guided educational trail. It provides a look at forest management. Deer and other wildlife are often spotted here. Take Old Town Road to Silviculture Trail back to Old Town Road. Rated: Moderate hike
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The GallopThis hike is 3 miles or 4 miles depending on the route (approx. 2-3 hours). Take Old Town Road and turn left onto Gallop Road. After a steady climb, you can go right to Lodge Road and follow it to Old Town Road back to the VC. To visit the scenic overlook, stay on Gallop Road until the intersection with Barton Road. The end of the trail is a steep descent to Lodge road. Follow Lodge Road back to Old Town Road. Rated: Moderate/difficult hike
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McCormick TrailThis trail can be made into a 4-mile loop (approx. 1.5 hours). Take Old Town Road to McCormick Trail to Antone Road back to Old Town Road. Rated: Moderate/Difficult hike
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Mount AntoneThis hike is 5 miles (approx. 4 hours). Take Old Town Road to Antone Road (you can take the “Ski Trail” or stay on Antone Road). There are great views from the top looking back at our farm. Rated: Moderate/Difficult hike
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LookoutThis hike is a 6 mile loop (approx. 4+ hours). A work out! You will travel through a beautiful secluded section of the forest. Take Old Town Road to Antone Road to Lookout Road. Rating: Difficult (due to length)
Other Camping Options
Beyond our cabins, Merck Forest offers alternative ways to experience an overnight stay in our working landscape. These options provide different levels of rustic immersion for adventurous visitors.
"The solitude and natural surroundings were just what I had been seeking...I saw very few people pass by. I used back country skis to travel the 2 miles from the visitor center.... The trails were well marked and packed by other users and the on site snow mobile crew. It was challenging to ski with a full pack on as I am not in great shape, but I am glad I did and it felt good to be challenged. I look forward to going back again before the snow melts. Also, the staff were super friendly and helpful. This place is a gem!"