Dispersed camping near Barton, Vermont offers primitive sites without facilities in both Vermont and neighboring New Hampshire. The terrain features dense northern hardwood forests with elevations ranging from 700-1,200 feet. Seasonal considerations include unpredictable spring conditions with mud season typically lasting from late March through May, while fall offers ideal camping weather with temperatures between 45-65°F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed sites provide access to small brooks suitable for fishing. One camper at Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed noted their site "had a little brook" which offers a convenient water source for casual fishing.
Hiking access: The North Twin Trailhead at the end of Haystack Road connects to extensive trail networks. A reviewer of Haystack Road explains, "These trails connect to the Twin Mountain peaks and the Pemigewasset Wilderness area. It's a great staging ground for weeks worth of adventures."
Wildlife viewing: The remote nature of these sites creates excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Campers should prepare for wildlife encounters, as one Haystack Road reviewer warns, "wildlife like bear and moose will visit you at night. It's almost a certainty, keep your food locked in a bear tight container."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The dispersed camping areas feature good separation between designated sites. At Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed Pull Off, a camper reported, "each site is far apart from each other" making them ideal for solitude seekers.
Natural soundscape: The quiet environment allows for immersive nature experiences. A reviewer at Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed described the exceptional quiet: "The camp sites are all dispersed enough that we did not hear any other camping sounds at all."
Solar access: Some sites offer good sun exposure for solar charging. One Cherry Mountain camper noted, "We were able to collect sunlight onto our solar panel from the site," which is valuable information for those relying on solar power.
What you should know
Security concerns: Leaving gear unattended can be risky in popular areas. A reviewer at Haystack Road cautions, "I left out gear to claim a spot while out hiking and came back to people having stolen some of it as well as setting up in that spot."
Variable site sizes: Sites range from small tent-only spots to larger areas. A Cherry Mountain Road camper described, "There are a string of tent sites on either side of the road... A few were small and could just fit a tent and a car, where some offered more space."
Resource limitations: No amenities means bringing all supplies. One Haystack Road camper mentioned, "The first few sites on the left have a small stream behind them, it'll make your stay a little easier. Bathing, dishes, etc." This highlights the importance of site selection for water access.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection priorities: Choose sites with natural features that entertain children. At Scott C. Devlin Memorial, a reviewer noted the site is "tucked on a knoll in a pine forest" with a "nice shady spot with plenty of flat space for tents," providing natural play areas.
Safety precautions: Be aware of specific hazards at river sites. One Scott C. Devlin Memorial camper warns about "a set of wooden steps that go down into the water at a relatively steep angle" and advises to "tie your boat up while unloading as there is a fair amount of current sweeping around the bend."
Wildlife education: Use the camping experience as a teaching opportunity about local wildlife. A camper mentioned, "Beware the ticks! They weren't the worst I've seen, but they are definitely around," highlighting the importance of teaching kids about tick checks.
Tips from RVers
Road condition awareness: Forest roads can be challenging for larger vehicles. A Haystack Road reviewer notes the road "is closed in winter and will open in late spring after the road has dried out and any repairs have been made," indicating seasonal accessibility issues for RVs.
Limited size accommodation: Most dispersed sites near Barton are best suited for smaller rigs. A Cherry Mountain Road camper described sites as "Smaller car and tent sites" with some that "were small and could just fit a tent and a car," suggesting limitations for larger recreational vehicles.
Site claiming strategies: During busy periods, arriving mid-week improves chances of finding suitable spots. A camper advised, "They do get crowded during the season, so you'll have better luck showing up mid-week."
