Dispersed camping opportunities near Chittenden, Vermont offer visitors direct access to the Green Mountain National Forest's pristine wilderness. Located within the central Vermont highlands where elevations range between 1,000-3,000 feet, this area experiences cool summer nights even when days reach the 70s and 80s. Road conditions vary significantly by season, with spring mud and summer washouts creating challenging access points that often require high-clearance vehicles.
What to do
Hiking near camps: Several campsites provide direct trail access from your tent. At the Last light on Michigan Brook, campers can easily reach the surrounding trails. "Love this site! The very last spot on the right hand side. If you've reached the closed gate you've missed the site," notes Thomas and James S.
Creek exploration: The area features multiple brook-side camping options where water activities become the focus. Austin Brook offers "Grassy and Rocky sites, 4 fire rings" with "stream side (river) camping close to trails, Warren Falls swimming hole," according to reviewer Michelle R.
Seasonal wildlife viewing: Fall and winter seasons provide unique wildlife opportunities. At FR207, one camper reported, "Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving," demonstrating the area's rich wildlife possibilities during quieter seasons.
What campers like
Field camping with views: Open meadow sites offer panoramic mountain vistas. At Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11, one visitor noted, "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... There are wide open views of 3 mountain ranges."
Brook-adjacent sites: Many campers prioritize water access. Patterson Brookside camp offers "a handful of sites to camp at along the river here, each offering a slightly different experience," where "Mountain road lingers along the river" creating a peaceful setting.
Off-grid experience: The lack of facilities appeals to those seeking true wilderness. At FR50, campers appreciate the remote setting: "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."
What you should know
Season impacts: The camping season has specific challenges throughout the year. At On the Hill Dispersed Camp, visitors note "expect that it is a little rough to get into. The only thing you will find in this clearing is a fire ring," highlighting access difficulties.
Site selection limitations: Rangers have increasingly restricted camping in certain areas. At Patterson Brookside camp, one visitor warns "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."
Vehicle requirements: Many sites require substantial clearance. On FR207, a camper advises "This is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance" while another mentions "Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles."
Tips for camping with families
Water safety planning: When camping with children near brooks, safety preparation is essential. At Texas Falls Primitive campsites, one visitor noted "Brook water filtered fine and was tasty. Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome," showing accessibility to basic necessities.
Wildlife education opportunities: The area provides natural learning experiences. At Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11, campers report "Lots of birds, butterflies, and bees (they were not aggressive)" and "wild apple trees on the right side of the road," creating natural exploration opportunities.
Weather preparedness: Temperature fluctuations require appropriate gear. A camper at FR207 shared, "We quickly got rained out and went back down to one of the brookside sites. This site had great tree coverage to easily set up a tarp," demonstrating the need for flexible planning.
Tips from RVers
Turnout limitations: Several locations have minimal space for larger vehicles. Austin Brook offers limited space but "a decent amount of turn around space" at the end of the road, though the area generally favors smaller setups.
Site levelness concerns: Finding flat areas for RVs can be challenging. One camper at FR25 noted "I had trouble finding a level spot," highlighting a common issue for free camping near Chittenden, Vermont.
Season-specific access: Weather conditions significantly impact RV accessibility. During mud season, many roads become impassable for larger vehicles, with one visitor at NF-71 advising to "Make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season," illustrating the importance of alternative arrangements.
