3 MONTHS FREEPlan your Vermont trip with offline maps, RV Trip Planner, and the Free Camping Map.Try PRO
Try PRO free for 3 months
The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Get the app

Dispersed Camping near Burlington, VT

Search destinations
    Add dates

    Finding dispersed camping near Burlington means heading into Vermont's public lands where self-reliance is key. The areas around Burlington City Park Campground and Burlington Area State Park have spots for primitive camping without any facilities. You'll need to bring everything you need and take it all back out with you - Leave No Trace rules are strictly enforced in these woods. Most sites require setting up camp at least 200 feet from any roads or water bodies, according to local regulations. Camping stays are typically limited to 14 days to keep these places available for everyone. The access roads can get rough after rain or during spring thaw, and some sites really need a vehicle with decent clearance. Before lighting any fires, check with the ranger station in Burlington since restrictions change seasonally, especially during dry summer months. The nearest grocery stores and gas are back in Burlington, about 20-30 minutes from most dispersed sites.

    Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Burlington (17)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Austin Brook

      4.4(7)32mi from Burlington

      "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."

      Check Availability

      2. Moscow Recreation Park

      2.5(2)25mi from Burlington

      3. Lincoln Dispersed Camping

      4.5(2)28mi from Burlington

      "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."

      4. Route 100 Dispersed Camping

      3.4(8)35mi from BurlingtonTents

      "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."

      5. Green Mountain National Forest FR207

      4.9(9)39mi from Burlington

      "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"

      Check Availability

      6. Green Mountain National Forest FR25 - Dispersed Camping

      4.0(4)35mi from BurlingtonTents

      "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"

      Check Availability

      7. Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road

      5.0(2)39mi from BurlingtonTents

      "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 💜"

      8. Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites

      4.7(3)41mi from Burlington

      "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?). "

      Check Availability

      9. Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11

      4.5(2)39mi from BurlingtonRVs, Tents

      "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."

      Check Availability

      10. Chapel Pond Camping

      3.0(1)35mi from Burlington
    View all 17 campgrounds

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Presented byLifeStraw

    Review campgrounds, win gear.

    Enter to Win

    Burlington Contest

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time

    Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Burlington, VT

    32 Photos of 17 Burlington Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Dispersed Camping Reviews near Burlington, VT

    45 Reviews of 17 Burlington Campgrounds

    • RebeccaThe Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 9, 2026

      Crane Pond Dispersed Site

      4th of July

      My 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.

    • BThe Dyrt Pro User
      May. 27, 2026

      Route 100 Dispersed Camping

      Amazing camping spot right off route 100

      Right 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!

    • BThe Dyrt Pro User
      May. 27, 2026

      Moscow Recreation Park

      Can’t camp here

      Drove all the way here just to pull in and see signs that say “no overnight camping”

    • PThe Dyrt Pro User
      May. 26, 2026

      Green Mountain National Forest FR207

      Special place

      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

    • T
      May. 13, 2026

      Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites

      Multiple sites beyond the falls

      As 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.

    • Sue B.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jan. 12, 2026

      Crane Pond Dispersed Site

      Great waterfront site!

      We 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!

    • Karimah G.
      Jan. 5, 2026

      Route 100 Dispersed Camping

      Free dispersed camping

      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. 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.

    • Stuart M.
      Oct. 16, 2025

      Moscow Recreation Park

      Quiet & Safe in Stowe

      Quiet spot out of the way. Large sporting field car park suitable for big dogs. No 'no camping' signs. There was a portaloo on site.

    Guide to Burlington

    Dispersed camping options near Burlington, Vermont are primarily concentrated in the Green Mountain National Forest, located about 45-60 minutes from the city. This region features elevations ranging from 1,000-4,000 feet with a mix of hardwood and evergreen forests. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F, while spring and fall camping can experience overnight freezes with daytime highs in the 40-60°F range.

    What to do

    Waterfall exploring: The area around Warren Falls offers several natural swimming holes and cascades during summer months. "Great location, easy access, on a nice brook. Fire ring only, no facilities and minimal parking," notes Miccal M. in his review of the area.

    Hiking connections: Many dispersed sites connect to trail networks including the Appalachian Trail. At Green Mountain National Forest FR207, campers can access nearby Clark Brook Trail. According to Tim M., "Clark Brook Trail is a 3 mile hike connecting with the AT/LT. 2 bars USCellular LTE."

    Forest road exploration: The network of forest roads provides both camping access and scenic drives. "We were here on a Friday & Saturday nights. Friday night had the whole place to ourselves. Saturday night all spots filled," reports Sigrid O. about her experience camping at Green Mountain National Forest FR25.

    What campers like

    Riverside camping spots: Many free camping areas near Burlington feature streamside sites. At Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls, J.W. found "several sites with only a fire pit along the brook. They were well used with some litter. We packed out what we could find. Brook water filtered fine and was tasty."

    Field camping with views: Multiple dispersed sites offer open meadow camping with mountain panoramas. In the Patterson Brookside camp area, Thomas and James S. report: "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!"

    Solitude on weekdays: Mid-week camping typically offers more privacy and site availability. David W. shares about Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11: "It is a beautiful setting and the first nice weekend in May. There were quite a few folks there already but worth the visit."

    What you should know

    Vehicle clearance requirements: Many forest roads require higher clearance vehicles. About Lincoln Dispersed Camping, J.W. notes: "FR 291 is a somewhat primitive road - lots of big puddles. I would want some clearance for a vehicle. Our Toyota Highlander made it easily."

    Pack out everything: Improper waste disposal threatens these free camping areas. At Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls, J.W. observed: "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."

    Site closures and regulations: Some areas face potential closure due to misuse. Miccal M. warns about North Green Mountain Camp: "Due to flooding and the abundance of campers abusing the roads these sites are no longer accessible unless you have a lifted full-size jeep or 4-runner type vehicle."

    Tips for camping with families

    Swimming hole access: Several sites provide water recreation for children. Thomas and James S. describe Patterson Brookside: "Gorgeous rock river" that provides natural play areas during warmer months.

    Toilet availability: Most dispersed sites lack facilities, but some areas offer basic amenities. J.W. notes at Texas Falls: "Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome" which can be crucial for families with young children.

    Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forests around Burlington support diverse wildlife. At Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11, Kevin C. observed: "There are many flowering plants, wild apple trees on the right side of the road. Lots of birds, butterflies, and bees (they were not aggressive)."

    Tips from RVers

    Limited large rig access: Most dispersed camping areas near Burlington accommodate smaller rigs only. Phil J. notes about Green Mountain National Forest FR207: "Great mountain views, some sites right on the road, some in fields and some tucked away out of view. The top end of the road has a few mud pits and may require some ground clearance from rocks."

    Weather considerations: Seasonal conditions affect site accessibility. Randy M. advises about Green Mountain National Forest FR207: "The ground gets soft during mud season," requiring careful planning for RVs or trailers.

    Weekend crowding: Holiday and summer weekends often see full occupancy. Miccal M. observed at Austin Brook: "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."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are there any free campsites with amenities near Burlington, Vermont?

    Most dispersed camping areas near Burlington are primitive with minimal amenities, but a few offer basic facilities. Austin Brook has 4-5 sites with some picnic tables, fire rings, and porta-potties. The location is convenient, situated between the Mad River and Vermont Route 100, with stream access. Route 100 Dispersed Camping provides similar basic amenities, with several sites right off the road and some picnic tables available. While these sites offer more than typical dispersed camping, don't expect running water, electricity, or maintained facilities. Always prepare to pack out all trash and bring your own water supply.

    What are the rules and regulations for boondocking in Vermont near Burlington?

    When boondocking near Burlington in Green Mountain National Forest, you must camp at least 200 feet from water sources, trails, and forest roads. Stays are typically limited to 14 consecutive days in a 30-day period. Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 and other dispersed sites require practicing Leave No Trace principles—pack out all trash, use existing fire rings only, and properly extinguish all fires. At Green Mountain National Forest FR42 Dispersed Site, you'll find primitive sites with fire rings but no other facilities. No reservations are taken; all sites are first-come, first-served. Always check for seasonal fire restrictions and obtain required permits for any activities beyond camping.

    Where can I find free dispersed camping near Burlington, VT?

    The Green Mountain National Forest offers several free dispersed camping options within driving distance of Burlington. Green Mountain National Forest FR207 provides multiple camping sites in meadow areas with beautiful views of rolling hills. The first meadow contains several established fire rings, while upper meadows are accessible with 4WD or high clearance vehicles. Another option is Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road, which offers sites along a river with both drive-in and walk-in options. The dirt road is easily navigable but narrow in spots, so be aware of oncoming traffic. Both locations are primitive with no facilities beyond fire rings.

    What seasons can I access free camping areas around Burlington?

    Access to dispersed camping areas around Burlington varies seasonally. Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primitive campsites are accessible during spring through fall, with sites along the brook just past the day-use area. However, many forest roads become difficult or impassable during mud season (typically late March through April). North Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 has experienced access issues due to flooding and road damage, requiring high-clearance 4WD vehicles in recent seasons. Winter camping is possible in some areas but requires proper preparation for snow and cold conditions. Always check current forest conditions before planning your trip.

    Keep Exploring

    2. View all Vermont cities for camping