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.
What to do
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."
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
