Dispersed camping in the Green Mountain National Forest around Chittenden, Vermont offers primitive sites along forest roads and mountain streams. The area sits at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 feet, with marked temperature variations between day and night. Summer daytime temperatures typically reach 70-85°F while dropping to 50-60°F overnight, creating ideal tent camping conditions during peak season from May through October.
What to do
Explore swimming holes: Michigan Brook Road offers multiple stream access points where campers can cool off. As one camper noted about Route 100 Dispersed Camping: "This is right next to Mad River with a area to walk down into a swimming hole. Great place."
Backpacking connections: From backcountry sites, hikers can access the Appalachian Trail. A visitor to Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter shared: "This stop stood out because of a brand new privvy, large tenting areas, and a swimming hole and consistent water just a bit further down the trail."
Winter camping options: Some roads remain accessible with proper equipment during winter months. One winter camper at Michigan Brook Road noted: "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."
What campers like
Riverside camping: Many dispersed sites feature direct water access with ambient sounds. At Patterson Brookside camp, "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!"
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the spacing between primitive areas. A visitor noted about Michigan Brook Road: "I found most of the spots to be on the road before the GPS marker. Few nice ones near the creek. I stayed at one on top of a hill, lots of space at mine."
Variety of access options: Sites range from roadside pull-offs to hike-in backcountry locations. At Winturri Backcountry Shelter: "The shelter is on the larger side and could fit maybe 6-8 folks. There were lots of tent camping spots as you worked up the hill perpendicular to the shelter."
What you should know
Road conditions vary seasonally: Spring thaw creates challenging access. As one camper observed about Michigan Brook: "Road goes in pretty far. Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!"
Site closures occur: Management may restrict areas due to overuse or seasonal factors. A recent visitor to Green Mountain National Forest FR25 reported: "There was a NFS sign along FR-25 posted asking people to clean up after themselves (litter and human waste) as there'd been complaints to the extent that they were considering closing the sites if people didn't do better."
Limited amenities: The best tent camping near Chittenden, Vermont requires self-sufficiency. As a Patterson Brookside camper warned: "There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area. Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in."
Tips for camping with families
Designated day-use areas: Several sites offer both overnight and picnic options. A visitor to Green Mountain National Forest FR25 observed: "All the sites were full when I visited (6 to 8 sites, approximately)... There were some fire ring sites along Vermont 100 where FR-25 intersects it, but those are marked as No Camping. That area along 100 is supposed to be a day-use picnic area."
Shelter options for inclement weather: During unexpected weather, shelters provide backup options. At Little Rock Pond Group Camp & Shelters: "There's a big 3-wall cabin with room for at least 12, several tent platforms, and there's even a composting privy (#2 only)!! The pond is surprisingly warm for its altitude."
Supply stops: Know nearby provisions locations before arriving. A Michigan Brook camper advised: "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 which also serves as a restaurant. There you can find just about anything."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Small RVs can access some dispersed camping areas with careful planning. At Michigan Brook Road Camping, "This area is big enough to bring an RV if you can get it down the dirt road. It is frequently camped in so fire rings exist."
Security considerations: Unattended campsites may be vulnerable. One camper at FR25 reported: "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."
Seasonal accessibility: Winter access requires special preparation. A winter visitor to Route 100 noted: "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."
