Shelters

Every cabin has a wood stove to keep you warm, and during winter, firewood is provided. Sleeping platforms, rocking chairs, chairs, or benches are also available, as is an outdoor outhouse nearby. Many cabins offer charming outdoor porches, perfect for enjoying Vermont’s natural beauty, and an outdoor fire pit.

Our cabins are authentically rustic—think cozy, practical, and full of character. They provide essential comforts - a woodstove, sleeping platforms, and, more often than not, encounters with nature, from nocturnal porcupines to the occasional moose wandering by.

Vermont’s wildlife is all part of the experience. From field mice tidying up stray snacks you leave behind, porcupines making midnight visits (please don’t pee near the cabins as porcupines like the salt in urine), to black bears, deer, barred owls, and more.

Reserve your cabin online here.

Need to change your plans? We understand!

For cabin/shelter cancellations: If you let us know 31+ days before your arrival, we'll happily refund 50% of your registration fees. For cancellations within 30 days of your stay, we don't offer refunds.

For dispersed-camping reservations: Unfortunately, we can't offer refunds for dispersed bookings.

Part of the adventure of staying with us is embracing Vermont's natural elements—wind, rain, mud, ice, and varying snow conditions are all part of the authentic outdoor experience we offer. While we can't provide refunds for weather conditions, we encourage visitors to prepare for a true rustic camping experience!

To cancel your reservation, please call 802-394-7836, extension 0, and leave a detailed message. Our team processes reservation changes Thursday through Sunday, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Generally you'll need: PACK

For winter preparation, read THIS

We are located in a remote backcountry area. If an emergency arises, you likely will have an extended wait until help arrives.

Please make sure you have planned well for your time on this landscape. Bring appropriate clothing, charged phones (though cell service is spotty at best), and enough food and water for your stay. Let others know of your plans and where you will be, and when you plan to return.

Each cabin description lists this information.

There is a water spigot on the parking lot side of the Visitor Center. There is a water spigot on at the Sap House to the left of the front door. Open that spigot slowly as the water comes out fast!

Yes. here is the map. Additional copies may be obtained at the Visitor Center.

We care for our cabins each month, but nature and the rhythm of visitors mean unexpected surprises can happen between our checks. Most guests are wonderfully considerate and leave the cabin ready for the next adventurer. If yours needs some attention when you arrive, we appreciate your understanding—it's rare, but it means the previous guests didn't quite follow our leave-no-trace ethos.

If you notice anything that needs fixing during your stay, please let the folks at the Visitor Center know. Heading out after we've closed? Drop us a note at info@merckforest.org with the details, and we'll take care of it right away.

Your help keeps these special places welcoming for everyone who seeks a quiet moment in our woods.