Green Mountain National Forest provides free dispersed camping options surrounding Bristol, Vermont, with multiple forest roads offering primitive sites. Austin Brook features streamside camping with fire rings but no facilities. Forest Road 207 offers sites in meadows with mountain views and some spots along a river, though roads may require high-clearance vehicles during mud season. Forest Road 25 provides additional river-adjacent sites with some picnic tables, while Forest Road 50 accommodates tent and walk-in camping.
Most dispersed sites in the area lack amenities, with only Texas Falls primitive sites offering toilets and showers. Visitors should come prepared with water, waste disposal plans, and appropriate vehicles. "Make sure your car has a bit of clearance as some spots have dips in the ground," noted a camper about FR207. Several review comments indicate potential site closures due to misuse, with one review warning, "Rangers have already started to move boulders into place to block off some of the other sites." The 14-day camping limit is standard on national forest land, and campers should practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve these free boondocking opportunities.
"When driving in on the right there’s a culdesac type set up of sites. Pretty sure these sites all have river access. Road is short dead ends with a decent amount of turn around space."
"Great location, easy access, on a nice brook. Fire ring only, no facilities and minimal parking."
"Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests. Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles."
"Public Lands with about 8 semi private sites, each with nice views west or easterly. It's a large meadow and with a breeze, it will keep bugs away. Lacking a breeze, it is tough but still beautiful"
"Main lot has plenty of parking, perfect for car camping. Pull through the trees has some spots for tents and smaller setups."
"Free dispersed camping right off of the road. Includes picnic tables and a fire ring. It is located in the mountains of Vermont and right next to a beautiful river."
"Down off this back road in VT you can find some beautiful secluded campsites - Yards away from gorgeous running water. No trash or restrooms - Primitive for sure. Prepare for bugs as well."
"I would want some clearance for a vehicle. Our Toyota Highlander made it easily. We found 2 campsites with fire pits right off the end of FR 291. Easy stroll to a clean brook for filtering water."
"Beautiful sites on the River but with the wet summer, we just couldn’t dry out. Make sure to lock you valuables. Our Jackery, Solar panels & toilet were stolen."
"All the sites were full when I visited (6 to 8 sites, approximately, but i didn't go down a couple little gravel paths to check each spot as you couldn't turn around easily) , so I didn't get to camp there"
"The dirt road along the river is an easy drive, though it is single lane in a few locations, so be aware of oncoming traffic. "
"There is no services of any sorts at this location. Mostly local traffic. Peaceful! Gorgeous rock river 💜"
"There seems to be a little confusion about where restricted day use ends and overnight dispersed sites begin. Some folks were camping in the picnic area."
"A little more than half of the sites can be driven to and others require a very short walk (50 ft?). "
"It is old Vermont farm land that the team of the US National Forest must manage. They have kept the clearing clear and access is pretty good."
"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."
"Pretty remote. Lots of traffic. Found a site that people with a Prius wouldn’t be able to get to. Super buggy in June. No cell service. But, plenty of privacy and solitude."
TravelerPrivate, large site. This was the first site in the road. We have a low clearance car and it was a bit bumpy. This site was amazing, clean and easy pull in pull out.
TravelerMy partner and I went on 4th of July weekend for the first time and was greeted by a man in the parking lot who had been coming there for 40 years. The site was gorgeous with 10 different campsites to choose from. The past reviews are correct with a lifted four wheel drive vehicle being needed for this drive in if you plan on getting paddled boats/kayaks in the water. Our plan was to go in and out to explore but decided to hunker down once we took the road in to avoid driving it multiple times. There are four hike-in camps from the parking lot. All campsites are marked on AllTrails. We stayed on the East side camp, #10, which after setting up and visiting the rest of the sites, had the least views from camp of the water but was the most secluded. Many sites have a privy or a box with a hole and a lid. There were a total of four trucks/jeeps in the lot all weekend and only a few camps being used. The black flies and mosquitos were bad given the time of the year so be prepared if you come during the same time. There are some beautiful trails that connect to the parking lot that lead to other hike-in camps at other small ponds/lakes.
There are green tags on the trees marked next to the water where the camp sites are. We made the mistake of setting up our tent at a makeshift campsite someone made and found the "no camping" sign after and ended up moving. There are beaver, ducks, and loons living at the pond.
GuideRight along the road (so if anything happens you can get help) also has wifi signal. It’s right along a creek that’s clean and beautiful. Crisp air and calming flowing river noises all night made it so I slept like a baby!
GuideDrove all the way here just to pull in and see signs that say “no overnight camping”
ScoutPublic Lands with about 8 semi private sites, each with nice views west or easterly. It's a large meadow and with a breeze, it will keep bugs away. Lacking a breeze, it is tough but still beautiful
ScoutAs noted by others, most of the sites have a fire ring and nothing more. A little more than half of the sites can be driven to and others require a very short walk (50 ft?). The toilets mentioned are at Texas falls area and are not a practical walk from most of the campsites.
There are no showers.
Aside from the loop trail at the falls there are also a couple of snowmobile trails that cross the area.
RangerWe loved camping at Crane Pond. It was a little over 3 miles to hike into the waterfront sites. There is an outhouse nearby, several campsites, fire pits, and we went for a swim in the pond. Overall great experience!
TravelerFree dispersed camping right off of the road. Includes picnic tables and a fire ring. It is located in the mountains of Vermont and right next to a beautiful river. The only con was the highway noise since it's pretty close to the road. But, it's free, and in the beautiful mountains of vermont so cant really complain.
ScoutEasy to find, quiet & scenic with the river
Green Mountain National Forest provides dispersed camping opportunities near Bristol, Vermont, at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 feet. Camping areas follow forest roads and trails through northern hardwood forests of maple, beech, and birch trees. Winter camping requires specialized equipment as temperatures can drop below zero from December through March.
Stream exploration and swimming: At Austin Brook, several sites offer direct water access. "There's a few sites here! All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings," notes camper Thomas and James S. The area provides multiple swimming spots during summer months.
Hiking nearby trails: Lincoln Dispersed Camping offers access to mountain trails. A visitor reported, "Day 2 we walked past the gate beyond the end of the road followed a trail up 500 feet or so of elevation in the foothills to the west of Mt Ellen." Clark Brook Trail connects with the Appalachian Trail/Long Trail network within 3 miles of many sites.
Winter camping and stargazing: Forest Road 207 provides opportunities for cold-weather camping. One visitor experienced "winter camping at its finest" 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."
Elevated viewpoints: Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 features panoramic landscapes. "The scenic beauty of this place is amazing. There are wide open views of 3 mountain ranges. There are many flowering plants, wild apple trees on the right side of the road. Lots of birds, butterflies, and bees," shares Kevin C.
Waterside camping: Patterson Brookside camp follows a mountain road along a river. "Mountain road lingers along the river. There's quite a few sites along the road... Peaceful! Gorgeous rock river," notes Thomas and James S. Sites vary from right alongside the water to slightly elevated positions.
Solitude and wildlife: Remote areas offer chances to spot local wildlife. One camper at Forest Road 207 reported "waking up to two moose nearby" after enjoying "beautiful sunsets, night skies and scenery." The primitive nature of these sites means less crowding, especially midweek.
Site closures and restrictions: Some areas face potential shutdown due to overuse. "Rangers have already started to move boulders into place to block off some of the other sites. It won't be long before the Rangers close this area down due to abuse," warns a visitor to North Green Mountain Camp.
Vehicle requirements: Many forest roads require appropriate vehicles. A camper noted about Forest Road 207: "This is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance." Another advised, "Make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season."
Limited facilities: Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primitive campsites offers more amenities than most dispersed sites. "Past the gate at the end of the Texas Falls recreation area we found several sites with only a fire pit along the brook... Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome," reports J W.
Security concerns: Keep valuables secured. One camper at FR25 reported: "Make sure to lock your valuables. Our Jackery, Solar panels & toilet were stolen."
Accessibility considerations: Choose lower elevation sites for easier access with children. One visitor noted about Austin Brook: "This location is easy to access and has really nice drive in sites." Look for spots where vehicles can park directly adjacent to camping areas.
Water safety planning: Stream and river sites require supervision. Sites along Patterson Brookside offer varying water access options, with one camper describing it as a "gorgeous rock river." Bring water shoes and establish clear boundaries for children around water areas.
Nature activities: Town Road 11 sites provide wildlife viewing opportunities. "The campground was very quiet at night except for an occasional owl hoot," reports one camper. Bring field guides to identify birds, butterflies, and flowering plants mentioned in reviews.
Clearance requirements: Forest Road 50 presents challenges for lower vehicles. A reviewer noted it's "pretty remote" and they "found a site that people with a Prius wouldn't be able to get to." Most primitive camping areas near Bristol require vehicles with higher ground clearance, especially during spring thaw.
Site selection timing: Arrive early to secure level spots. One camper at Austin Brook mentioned, "I had trouble finding a level spot." Weekday arrivals significantly improve chances of finding suitable sites for larger vehicles.
Seasonal considerations: Avoid mud season for RVs. "About 12 sites off National Forest Road 71... Make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season," advises one camper. Winter access becomes extremely limited without specialized vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Bristol, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Bristol, VT is Austin Brook with a 4.4-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Bristol, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 dispersed camping locations near Bristol, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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