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Dispersed camping accessible via Vermont Forest Road 291.
Scout
This location is easy to access and has really nice drive in sites. Will definitely be a regular on our ventures
Scout
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
Traveler
small number of sites and a bit hard to find
Scout
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. We found 2 campsites with fire pits right off the end of FR 291. Easy stroll to a clean brook for filtering water. Very quiet, though we could hear the occasional dog barking from houses in the Downingville area. There are probably more sites, but really liked the first one we found. Great trees for hammocks.
Day 2 we walked past the gate beyond the end of the road followed a trail up 500 feet or so of elevation in the foothills to the west of Mt Ellen. Found one more camp site. Road/path had a big blowdown, but looked like some ATVs had been up it in the last few months. Pretty walk, lots of mushrooms.
Saw no bear sign, but kept all food in car as a precaution.
Lincoln General Store is 3.5 miles away via Downingville. Some modest resupply options there.
ScoutThis site was lovely, but signs say No Camping. There were a few spots with fire rings and picnic tables and would be a great place to camp though! Not sure how strict that is. There was someone camping for a least a week given their tent was there the whole week I was in the area. So I guess it's not that strict. Signs indicate this offshoot road where these sites are is also FR-25, then FR-25 picks up again as a spur off of VT 100 a little farther south down 100 where there were permitted (but full) camping sites.
ScoutAll 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. 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. There were some fire ring sites along Vermont 100 where FR-25 intersects it, but those are marked as No Camping (though one tent had been there at least a week). That area along 100 is supposed to be a day-use picnic area.
The sites looked lovely though. Some people were really entrenched with string lights etc.
GuideThere’s a few sites here! All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings. Keep it clean!
GuideSmaller 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.
ScoutI 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.
Scout
There are 11 options, each completely separated from the others. We were in spot #1 which is nothing at all like the others. It is next to the Highway on a paved fire road. So you can hear traffic. And it is paved (which is good if it’s wet and muddy elsewhere). The other spots looked amazing.
Legend
This is another beautiful site along the CT River Paddler's Trail. It is well maintained and tucked on a knoll in a pine forest. There is a picnic table, fire ring and composting toilet box seat. The takeout is easy to miss if you aren't looking as it sits right in the bend of the river. There is a set of wooden steps that go down into the water at a relatively steep angle. Be sure you tie your boat up while unloading as there is a fair amount of current sweeping around the bend. Use caution moving up and down the steps.
There is a flat area at the top of the steps where you can tie up your boat for the evening. Follow the path along an electric fence (be careful if you have dogs with you) up into the campsite. There you will find a nice shady spot with plenty of flat space for tents. Beware the ticks! They weren't the worse I've seen, but they are definitely around.
Aside from the tricky loading and unloading on the water, this site is pretty dang perfect!
Legend
While reservations are not required, there is a registration page on the CT River Paddler's Trail Website that they ask folx to complete just so spots don't get overcrowded.
There are several sites available here and a really nice rocky beach with easy access fo loading and unloading. It's also a nice spot to fish from. There is a site perched high on the hill where there is a picnic table and fire ring. There is also a spot lower down that is nice and flat and probably better spots for tents. We did have an ATV almost run over us at 1:00 a.m. that scared the dickens out of us. They were clearly unaware and intoxicated, it was a scary moment. But aside from that, it's a wonderful site. If you walk through the campsite, there is a massive cornfield, just beware that the ticks in the field are insane! They weren't bad in the campsite but in the grass, they were epic. There's nice shade available as well.
GuideWe were here on a Friday & Saturday nights. Friday night had the whole place to ourselves. Saturday night all spots filled. We had quiet and respectful neighbors. People have been careless with leaving discarded boards and other items…not good… but door is still beautiful. Gorgeous stream/river…love the river sounds.
GuideThis is a beautiful little pull off the road right on the river with tables & fire rings. For correct coordinates look at Fire Road 25. This area is right next to FireRoad 25 rd. We did not camp here we camped on FR25.
TravelerQuiet area not far from the main road and a bunch of trailheads, but beware of people stealing camping gear. I left out gear to claim a spot while out hiking and came back to people having stolen some of it as well as setting up in that spot. Cut my trip short because of that experience
ScoutPosted NO CAMPING as of 2021
ScoutBeautiful 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.
LegendI 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.
TravelerThis 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.
ScoutThese are my go to sites when I am in the Franconia Notch area. They have a fire pit, plenty of woods around, and are free. The North Twin Trailhead is at the end of Haystack Rd., these trails connect to the Twin Mountain peaks and the Pemigewasset Wilderness area. Its is a great staging ground for weeks worth of adventures, and you're allowed to stay for two weeks. They do get crowded during the season, so you'll have better luck showing up mid-week. Leave your tent set up, or your site could be taken when you get back. There is cell reception at most of the sites. Do not rely on cell phone trail maps, there is little to no reception trail on the trails. Use a downloadable GPS map like a Gaia GPS, or a Garmin type device. Also, wildlife like bear and moose will visit you at night. it's almost a certainty, keep your food locked in a bear tight container. *** The first few sites on the left have a small stream behind them, it'll make your stay a little easier. Bathing, dishes, etc.***
LegendIf you can't snag a site along Gale River Rd or you are looking to hike the Twin Mountains, then continue a little farther north on US 3 near Twin Mountain (a little north of the Beaver Brook Picnic Area) and try your luck on Haystack Rd. This road is closed in winter and will open in late spring after the road has dried out and any repairs have been made. In 2019, it opened in mid-June. Check the the White Mountain National Forest FB page or website (FB is usually more up-to-date) for road status, including closures in the autumn.
When open, you can drive in to one of 11 numbered, wooded sites and camp up to 14 nights for free. You may have up to 3 vehicles and 15 people on a site. The only amenity is a fire pit, but the road ends at the Little River, offering fishing and swimming options. The parking lot at the end of Haystack Rd serves as the Twin Mountain trail head. You may see moose or bears in the area.
Franconia Notch State Park is just south of here, with its hikes, recreation trail, echo lake, and the Flume. Head east on 302 and you'll find yourself in Crawford Notch State Park with waterfalls and hikes.
Forgot something? Fosters Corners just a few miles north has an eclectic selection of essentials as well as gas. Or take I-93 north to Littleton to a wider variety of shops.
GuideJust 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.
Travelerthese sites are in a frat location for hiking the northern white mountains. very primitive car camping with only a fire pit at the site. as a backpacker this suits me fine. great place to enjoy with friends for a few daya or use as a base camp for hiking. it’s close to fosters if you need supplies and a restroom. these sites are heavily used and there is a bit of trash left behind.
TravelerThis road is perfect for a dirt bag. You get a fire pit and that's it. Right near a great swimming hole and the twin mountains. It is quiet, the sites are far apart.
GuideDown 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. The seclusion of this spot is what makes it. On the weekends some people ride ATVs around here, otherwise it is a sanctuary
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Craftsbury Common, Vermont, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the outdoors. This area offers a variety of locations that cater to different camping styles, from riverside retreats to secluded forest hideaways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Craftsbury Common, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Craftsbury Common, VT is Austin Brook with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Craftsbury Common, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
