Green Mountain National Forest offers numerous primitive tent camping opportunities in the Bristol, Vermont region. Located in the western foothills of the Green Mountains, this area features elevations ranging from 600 to 4,000 feet with a mix of hardwood and coniferous forests. Most dispersed camping sites in this region are accessible from May through October, though some locations close earlier due to seasonal conditions.
What to do
Swimming in natural settings: Visitors to Route 100 Dispersed Camping can enjoy water activities right at their campsite. As one camper notes, "This site has 3-5 campsites right off of route 100. This is right next to Mad River with a area to walk down into a swimming hole. Great place."
Hiking with summit views: For those seeking elevation, Underhill State Park Campground provides access to multiple trails with just a short walk from camp. A visitor mentioned, "About a .3 mile hike to the main trail to climb the mountain. The camp sites are nice but a little close together."
Early morning wildlife viewing: Dawn hikes from established campsites often provide the best opportunities for spotting local wildlife. One camper at Underhill State Park described their experience: "We stayed at campsite 6 and loved waking up to the sound of the stream down the embankment."
Stargazing opportunities: The limited light pollution in this region makes it ideal for night sky observation. A visitor commented about Underhill State Park: "Totally beautiful, private spots, pit toilets and a night sky to die for!"
What campers like
River proximity: Many campers appreciate sites situated along moving water. At Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road, a visitor noted, "Mountain road lingers along the river. There's quite a few sites along the road. Be sure to camp at spots with established fire rings!"
Accessible wilderness feeling: Some sites offer a remote experience without requiring significant hiking. A camper at Patterson Brookside reported, "There are a handful of sites to camp at along the river here, each offering a slightly different experience. The dirt road along the river is an easy drive, though it is single lane in a few locations."
Spacious, well-maintained sites: At Mount Philo State Park Campground, campers often comment on site quality. One reviewer stated, "Great little campground at a beautiful state park. The campground had widely spaced wooded sites and was exceptionally quiet. Very well-maintained!"
Site privacy considerations: When selecting the best tent camping near Bristol, Vermont, site layout matters. A Mount Philo visitor advised, "Sites 1, 6 and 8 and the best if you're only camping with those at your site as they're the most secluded and private. Sites 2 and 3 are more open, to both each other, and to those en route to the bathrooms."
What you should know
Water filtration needs: Most primitive sites require visitors to filter water from natural sources. At Michigan Brook Road Camping, a camper warned, "Road goes in pretty far. Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!"
Seasonal accessibility: Winter camping requires additional preparation. One Michigan Brook visitor shared, "It is winter and there is a lot of snow. The main road to the parking lot is plowed and sanded. However if you would like to continue down the service road during winter months I would highly recommend snowshoes or a snowmobile."
Communication limitations: Cell service varies widely throughout the region. A Michigan Brook camper noted, "THIS LOCATION DOES NOT PROVIDE CELL PHONE SERVICE OR WIFI CONNECTION. However, if you walk to the end of upper Michigan Brook road you will have cell phone service and a gas station along with a United States Post Office as well as a general store."
Campsite closures: Some dispersed sites face temporary or permanent closures. A recent visitor to Route 100 observed, "This is a picnic area that people insist on camping there and because of this kind of stuff is why we keep loosing free camping sites."
Tips for camping with families
Wheelbarrow availability: Some sites offer equipment to help transport gear. At Underhill State Park, a camper mentioned, "This is the best of car camping - you get the feel of really being out in the woods, with your car a short distance away. They provide wheelbarrows for easy moving of your stuff."
Swimming options for kids: When temperatures rise, water access becomes essential. A Mount Philo visitor suggested, "Recommend nearby Charlotte town beach for swimming ($10 for non-residents)."
Wildlife awareness: Prepare children for potential wildlife encounters. At Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites, one camper described, "The bathroom is a composting toilet that you'll share with fishing spiders the size of your hand, slam the lid before use!"
Access considerations: For families with young children, site access varies significantly. A Waterbury Reservoir visitor advised, "Be sure to launch from cotton brook road if your site r11-27. We made the mistake of parking at little River rd the first time and the paddle to r14 from there was way too long."
Tips from RVers
Road condition awareness: Many forest roads have limitations. At Green Mountain National Forest FR25, a visitor noted, "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)."
Security considerations: Some remote areas may have security concerns. One camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR25 warned, "Make sure to lock you valuables. Our Jackery, Solar panels & toilet were stolen."
Weather-related challenges: Extended wet periods can impact camping comfort. A Green Mountain FR25 visitor shared, "Beautiful sites on the River but with the wet summer, we just couldn't dry out."
Site capacity awareness: Many dispersed camping areas have limited capacity. A recent visitor observed, "We were here on a Friday & Saturday nights. Friday night had the whole place to ourselves. Saturday night all spots filled."
