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Best Dispersed Camping near Burlington, VT

35 Reviews

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.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Burlington, Vermont (15)

    1. Austin Brook

    6 Reviews
    Warren, VT
    32 miles
    Website

    "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."

    2. Lincoln Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Lincoln, VT
    28 miles

    "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."

    3. Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    8 Reviews
    Granville, VT
    39 miles
    Website

    "Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests. 

    Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles."

    "About 12 sites off National Forest Road 71. Beautiful area and very secluded. All have fire rings but that’s about it."

    4. Green Mountain National Forest FR25 - Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Warren, VT
    35 miles
    Website

    "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"

    5. Route 100 Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Warren, VT
    35 miles

    "Main lot has plenty of parking, perfect for car camping. Pull through the trees has some spots for tents and smaller setups."

    "This is right next to Mad River with a area to walk down into a swimming hole. Great place."

    6. Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road

    2 Reviews
    Granville, VT
    39 miles

    "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 💜"

    7. Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11

    2 Reviews
    Granville, VT
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 362-2307

    "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."

    8. Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites

    2 Reviews
    Hancock, VT
    41 miles
    Website

    "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."

    9. Green Mountain National Forest FR50 - Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Granville, VT
    39 miles
    Website

    "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."

    10. North Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11

    1 Review
    Granville, VT
    38 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Burlington, VT

23 Photos of 15 Burlington Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Burlington, VT

35 Reviews of 15 Burlington Campgrounds

  • Miccal M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road

    This is a wonderful place to camp

    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, so be aware of oncoming traffic.  Some of the sites are drive in, some are walk in, but all are primitive. 

    There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area.  Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in.

    This area is being heavily use 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!

    This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2023

    Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    NFR 207 Meadows, with great views!

    In the first large meadow, multiple fire rings / sites. Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests. 

    Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles.
    Nearby Clark Brook Trail is a 3 mile hike connecting with the AT/LT.
    2 bars USCellular LTE.

  • Thomas and James S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Austin Brook

    Nice sites

    Smaller area roughly 1-6 sites. 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2024

    Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites

    Nice setting, simple fire pit only sites

    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. Past the gate at the end of the Texas Falls recreation area we 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. There are posted signs on the opposite bank so we stayed on our side. Brook water filtered fine and was tasty. Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome. Very pretty area.

  • Michelle R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Austin Brook

    Green Mountain National Forest Warren Falls

    Just south of Warren Falls trail head and parking lot and just north of Green Mountains National Forest Road #25, is a small (4-5 sites, 3 picnic tables) camping and parking area wedged between the Mad River and Vermont Route 100. Grassy and Rocky sites, 4 fire rings, 3 porta-potties, and stream side (river) camping close to trails, Warren Falls swimming hole, the Lincoln Gap Road and hiking, and the "famous" Warren General Store, and covered bridge. There aren't any reservation or use instructions or signs posted.

  • Chris D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 10, 2024

    Route 100 Dispersed Camping

    Great little spot right off RT-100

    I was looking for the Austin Brook campsite north of this one, but someone on here gave directions to this site, which turns out has its own page on here. Right off the road, a small handful of camp sites, some picnic tables, presumably some fire rings although with snow coverage I didn’t see any. Main lot has plenty of parking, perfect for car camping. Pull through the trees has some spots for tents and smaller setups. Entrance and exit are a little steep and tricky in the winter, lot wasn’t plowed so AWD/4x4 and good ground clearance are recommended.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2024

    Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11

    Beautiful View Real VT setting but can be a little crowded

    It is a beautiful setting and the first nice weekend in May. There were quite a few folks there already but worth the visit. 

    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. We are so lucky to have access like this for all of us to enjoy.

  • Joann&WellsThePup I.
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    NF-71

    About 12 sites off National Forest Road 71. Beautiful area and very secluded. All have fire rings but that’s about it. Make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season and treat your skin and clothes during black fly season

  • Miccal M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2021

    Austin Brook

    Great Primative Location

    I didn't get the chance to camp here, it was full when I drove through looking for a place. So I came back later in the weekend for pictures. Great location, easy access, on a nice brook. Fire ring only, no facilities and minimal parking.

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.

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