Merck Forest and Farm Center: Camping

Our mission is to teach and demonstrate the benefits of innovative, sustainable management of forest and farmland.

CABINS

Cabins are fully enclosed and each is equipped with a wood-burning stove, wooden bunks, and a nearby outhouse. The distances following each description are measured from the Visitor Center parking area. We recommend that visitors bring their own water - water found on site will need to be treated or boiled and pumps are frozen in winter.

Please see Camping Guidelines for more information.

The base prices for cabins are below:

April 1 through October 31 November 1 through March 31

Spruce                      $45/night                        $60/night
Ridge                         $45/night                        $60/night
Ned's Place             $60/night                        $75/night
Nenorod                   $60/night                        $75/night
Dunc's Place          $75/night                        $90/night
Barn Cabin (1)         $45/night                        $60/night
Barn Cabins (2)      $65/night                        $80/night

Weekends: 2-night minimum

Members receive a 20% discount for weekend cabin rentals (Friday and Saturday night).

We offer reduced cabin rates during the week! Non-members receive 20% off and members receive 30% off cabin rentals Sunday through Thursday. Take advantage of this opportunity and stay with us during the week! Reduced rates are not in effect for shelters and/or tent sites.

			Spruce Cabin Located at the edge of a spruce stand and has a panoramic view across an upland meadow. Bunks for 6 people.

			Ridge Cabin Located on a remote wooded ridge. Great winter view! Bunks for 6 people.

			Ned's Place Located at the edge of a field with outstanding views of Bear Mt. and Mt. Equinox. Bunks and loft for 10 people.

			Nenorod Cabin Merck's newest cabin is located on a remote rocky ridge with views to distant mountains through the trees. Bunks and loft for 6-8 people.

			Dunc's Place Located in a secluded valley on Old Town Road. A nearby stream adds to the tranquility and peacefulness. Bunks and loft for up to 15 people.

			Barn Cabins Nestled in a stand of Douglas fir, beside a hay meadow, overlooking the farm. Bunks for 11.

	SHELTERS AND TENTS The lean-to style shelters have three walls and a roof. Campers sleep on the wooden floor. Each shelter and tent site has a nearby outhouse and a fire ring. Shelter capacity is 5 people. Tenting is available at designated sites only. Shelters: $25/night; Tent Sites: $25/night Members receive a 20% discount on shelters and tent sites.

			Stone Lot Located in a secluded wooded valley near a stream. One shelter; two tent sites. Maximum capacity: 11 people.

			The Glen (group camping area) Located in an open meadow near Birch Pond. Stream and spring water available. Please see Camping Guidelines concerning drinking water. Three shelters; three tent sites. Maximum capacity: 24 people.

			Beebe Pond Located in a scenic meadow with mountain views. Two shelters; four tent sites. Maximum capacity: 22 people.

	Camping Guidelines Do you have Reservations? Reservations are required for camping at Merck Forest & Farmland Center. Your reservation can be made up to one year in advance. Please call us at 802-394-7836 to make a reservation or use the on-line reservation system. Payment is due when making the reservation via Visa or Mastercard. Once you make a reservation, you will receive an email confirmation. It’s a Group Thing If you are camping with a large group, you will be placed at The Glen (three shelters and three tent sites) or Beebe Pond (2 shelters and four tent sites). Group rates are $25/night for up to 7 people, $50/night for 8-14 people, and $75/night for 15-24 people. Cancellation Policy Payments are non-refundable unless notice of cancellation or date change is received at least 10 days prior to scheduled camping dates. Please let us know as soon as possible if your plans change so we can make the site available to other campers! We cannot refund camping fees due to inclement weather. Checking In All campsites are remotely located throughout our property - up to 3 miles from the Visitor Center. Be sure to allow plenty of time to hike in and set up before dark. Driving to campsites is not permitted; campers must park in the parking lot by the Visitor Center. Campers are asked to check-in at the Visitor Center during business hours (9am - 4pm). If you cannot arrive during business hours, please register at the kiosk and check-in at the Visitor Center the following day. Campers can check into their campsites at noon on the day they arrive, and must check out by noon on their departure date. Cooking Cabin woodstoves are not suitable for cooking food. Please plan to bring a camp stove. If you are using a stove that uses white gas it must be used outdoors only! White gas stoves pose a serious risk of fire and air quality issues. Propane stoves are suitable for indoor use. Firewood is supplied for heating purposes only, not for cooking. The firewood provided is not to be used for outdoor campfires. Please gather fallen branches and limbs for outdoor use. We reserve the right to charge campers for careless use of firewood. Water We recommend that all water from our property be treated by boiling, filtering or adding iodine tablets before it is consumed. Some of the shelters have nearby streams or springs where you can get water, but they are not dependable sources. Water is available at the pumps located behind the barn at the farm and near the Lodge (staff residence). If Merck Forest staff has to clean or repair a cabin after occupants leave and before the next occupants arrive a fee ($30 minimum) will be determined for the cleaning/repair and will be charged to the credit card of the person who made the reservation. Remember! You cannot drive to your camp site. All your supplies need to be carried in, so pack as lightly as possible. Pack it in; pack it out- please take your trash with you. Underage drinking is not permitted on Merck Forest property. The drinking age is 21 and any campers or visitors who violate this law will be asked to leave immediately. Firearms are not permitted at camp sites or cabins. We will contact the State Police and request their assistance in enforcing these policies. Packing List waterproof hiking boots long pants/long-sleeve shirt sweatshirt/jacket hat rain gear extra socks gaitors extra change of clothes sleeping bag/sleeping pad water (2 liters/hour when hiking) food/beverages camp stove/cookware/utensils first aid kit map and compass water proof matches flashlight/headlamp extra batteries sunscreen insect repellent toilet paper folding bow saw/hatchet trash bags (carry in, carry out) water purifier (tablets/filter)

info@merckforest.org 802 394-7836 - Fax: 802 394-2519 3270 Route 315, Rupert, VT 05768