Dispersed camping near Cuttingsville, Vermont extends beyond the immediate forest roads into several notable areas within Green Mountain National Forest. The surrounding landscape features elevations ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 feet with mixed northern hardwood forests transitioning to spruce-fir at higher elevations. Seasonal access varies significantly with many primitive sites becoming inaccessible during Vermont's spring mud season, typically from mid-March through late April.
What to do
Winter exploration: During winter months, Green Mountain National Forest FR207 offers unique recreational opportunities. "My first time winter camping and had the entire area to myself. Beautiful sunsets, night skies and scenery. Extremely calm and peaceful. Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving," notes Phil J., highlighting the solitude winter brings to these sites.
Hiking to backcountry shelters: The Stratton Pond Shelter connects to multiple trail systems. According to Miccal M., "The shelter is a 3.75mi hike from the nearest parking lot in winter. There are 2 tent platforms, 2 outhouses and at least 16 bunk spaces in the shelter. The lake looks great and is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail."
Waterfall viewing: Texas Falls offers natural features beyond camping. Miccal M. shares, "This area is wonderful, first Texas falls it a great place to stop and explore. Then, if you venture further up into the mountains you come upon the campsites with fire pits and if your lucky you can get one on the river."
What campers like
Elevation views: Many dispersed sites provide views from higher elevations. At Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71, Andy M. found, "This was a great site. I couldn't believe that the site was not being used at all, especially just a couple of days before Fourth of July weekend. Many other sites further south on 71 were filled and some were just TTs holding the space for the upcoming weekend."
Secluded options: Some campers seek sites away from crowds. Regarding Road's End Dispersed Camp, Miccal M. noted, "Great private spot when nothing else is around. The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles. The only thing you will find here is a fire ring."
Variable terrain: The dispersed sites offer different environmental settings. Tim M. describes FR207, "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."
What you should know
Vehicle limitations: Not all sites accommodate standard vehicles. For FR207, Miccal M. cautions, "This is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance. Views are spectacular, choose either sunrise or sunset and you should be able to get a site to fit your needs."
Seasonal challenges: Vermont's weather affects site conditions significantly. Kirk C. reports about Dispersed site along Forest RD 71, "This particular campsite is very muddy. Well, at least today it is. I have an SUV and I didn't trust it to get through, and I didn't want to get stuck."
Campsite ethics: Maintaining site cleanliness is crucial. Sandy L. explains, "I would have given 5 stars except for the unfortunate fact that 2 years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us... We camp here every summer and make sure the site is left clean and ready for the camper."
Tips for camping with families
Arrival timing: For families with children, arriving during daylight helps locate suitable sites. Caitlin K. from Downed Bridge Camp advises, "If you're looking for the ideal spot to stay a few days make sure you show in daylight so you can explore for that. But ours was a night stop on a trip so showing up in the dark and waking up in the forest was a little magical."
Water filtration planning: Families should bring water filters when camping near streams. J W. shares from Texas Falls Primitive campsites, "Brook water filtered fine and was tasty. Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome. Very pretty area."
Site selection strategy: For weekends, arrive early to secure preferred sites. Joann&WellsThePup I. suggests, "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."
Tips from RVers
High clearance RVs: Standard RVs may struggle on forest roads leading to dispersed sites. Phil J. notes, "The top end of the road has a few mud pits and may require some ground clearance from rocks," highlighting challenges on FR207 access roads.
Group gathering spots: Some sites accommodate multiple vehicles for group camping. Tim M. describes one site on Forest Road 71 as an "Easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center. We had this all to ourselves in our Bean teardrop."
Cell service availability: Limited connectivity exists at some sites. Tim M. reports, "2 bars of USCellular LTE," providing valuable information for those needing to stay connected while at Statton Pond Camp.
