Dispersed camping opportunities in Green Mountain National Forest near Brandon, Vermont range from 1,500 to 2,800 feet in elevation. The forest spans over 400,000 acres with camping allowed in most areas except designated recreation sites. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from November through March, with summer temperatures averaging 65-75°F during peak camping season.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Access several trails directly from primitive campsites near Brandon. At Austin Brook, campers can reach "gorgeous stream/river areas with river sounds" while staying at streamside sites. As one visitor notes, "There's a few sites here! All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings. Keep it clean!"
Fishing in forest streams: Find fishing spots along Michigan Brook where primitive sites offer access to water. A camper at Last light on Michigan Brook advises, "Love this site! The very last spot on the right hand side. If you've reached the closed gate you've missed the site! Keep it clean!"
Winter camping: Experience solitude during colder months at the higher elevation sites. A winter camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207 reported, "My first time winter camping and had the entire area to myself. Beautiful sunsets, night skies and scenery. Extremely calm and peaceful. Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving."
What campers like
Riverside camping: Sites along streams and brooks provide natural water sources and ambient sounds. At Green Mountain National Forest FR25, campers appreciate the "Beautiful by the river" setting, though one visitor cautions, "People have been careless with leaving discarded boards and other items…not good… but door is still beautiful. Gorgeous stream/river…love the river sounds."
Wildlife viewing: The National Forest provides opportunities to spot native wildlife. One FR207 camper encountered "two moose nearby the morning I was leaving," while others report seeing various bird species across the dispersed sites.
Privacy between sites: Many areas offer good separation between camping spots. At On the Hill Dispersed Camp, one visitor describes it as "a nice size primitive site for a small group. Being a primitive site, expect that it is a little rough to get into. The only thing you will find in this clearing is a fire ring."
What you should know
Vehicle clearance requirements: Many primitive sites require appropriate vehicles. FR207 specifically needs "at least 9 inches of ground clearance" according to visitor reports.
Seasonal closures: Several areas close during winter months due to snow accumulation. A camper at Patterson Brookside camp notes "This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF."
Limited amenities: Most sites have fire rings but little else. A visitor to Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 states: "There are no amenities at this campground. It is an open field on the left side of the road with two or three sites on the right side of the road that are walk in sites."
Site maintenance concerns: Some areas face overuse issues. One camper warns about Patterson Brookside: "This area is being heavily used and some spots are being shut down from abuse, please be aware that you have a lot of impact, and that impact can be positive or negative. Choose Positive!"
Tips for camping with families
Waterfall access: Sites near Texas Falls provide natural water features for exploration. A visitor to Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primitive campsites recommends, "This area is wonderful, first Texas falls is a great place to stop and explore. Then, if you venture further up into the mountains you come upon the campsites with fire pits and if your lucky you can get one on the river."
Wildlife observation: Higher meadow sites offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. A Town Road 11 camper observed "many flowering plants, wild apple trees on the right side of the road. Lots of birds, butterflies, and bees (they were not aggressive)."
Water filtering: Family groups should bring water filters for stream sources. One Texas Falls camper reports, "Brook water filtered fine and was tasty. Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome."
Tips from RVers
Turning radius limitations: RV access is restricted at many sites due to narrow roads. A visitor to FR25 noted the challenge: "I didn't go down a couple little gravel paths to check each spot as you couldn't turn around easily."
Limited level sites: Finding level ground for larger vehicles can be difficult. Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 has "an open field on the left side of the road" that can accommodate some RVs, though most sites are better suited for tents or small trailers.
Road conditions: Prepare for primitive road conditions throughout the area. At FR50, a camper reports it's "Pretty remote. Lots of traffic. Found a site that people with a Prius wouldn't be able to get to."
