Primitive camping near Eden Mills, Vermont offers access to the Green Mountain National Forest with several dispersed camping options. The area sits in the northern reaches of the forest at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 feet, characterized by mixed hardwood forests and small streams. Seasonal conditions create variable road access, with many sites becoming difficult to reach during spring mud season and winter months.
What to do
Stream activities: Several campsites along Austin Brook provide direct water access for fishing and cooling off. "There's a few sites here! All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings. Keep it clean!" notes camper Thomas and James S.
Swimming holes: The Route 100 Dispersed Camping area includes access to swimming spots. A camper describes, "This 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."
Hiking trails: Multiple trailheads connect to larger trail networks within 3-5 miles of most dispersed camping areas. During warmer months, trails range from easy riverside paths to more challenging climbs into surrounding mountains. A short drive north to Moscow Recreation Park provides additional recreational options where one visitor noted it's a "Quiet spot out of the way. Large sporting field car park suitable for big dogs."
What campers like
Secluded locations: Many primitive sites offer privacy from neighboring campers and road noise. A camper at Lincoln Dispersed Camping explains, "Down off this back road in VT you can find some beautiful secluded campsites - Yards away from gorgeous running water... The seclusion of this spot is what makes it."
Flowing water soundscape: Most sites feature proximity to streams or rivers, providing natural white noise. One visitor to FR25 commented, "Gorgeous stream/river…love the river sounds."
No reservation requirements: Sites operate on first-come, first-served basis, allowing flexible planning. However, according to one camper at Austin Brook, "I didn't get the chance to camp here, it was full when I drove through looking for a place... Great location, easy access, on a nice brook. Fire ring only, no facilities and minimal parking."
What you should know
Security concerns: Unattended valuables may be at risk at some sites. One FR25 camper warned, "Make sure to lock your valuables."
Winter accessibility: Snow and ice conditions require appropriate vehicles from November through April. One Route 100 visitor 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."
Water filtration: No potable water exists at any of these sites, requiring campers to filter stream water or bring their own supply. A visitor at Green Mountain National Forest FR25 mentioned, "Easy stroll to a clean brook for filtering water."
Campsite limitations: Most areas contain only 4-6 individual sites, creating competition during peak periods. A recent visitor observed, "We were here on a Friday & Saturday nights. Friday night had the whole place to ourselves. Saturday night all spots filled."
Tips for camping with families
Picnic areas: Several sites include picnic tables, making meal preparation easier with children. One Route 100 visitor clarified, "There were a few spots with fire rings and picnic tables and would be a great place to camp though!"
Swimming access: Gentle river access points at most sites allow safe wading for supervised children. A camper shared, "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."
Bug preparation: Insects can be prevalent, particularly during May-August. Visitors should bring appropriate repellent and netting. A visitor to Scott C. Devlin Memorial campsite warned, "Beware the ticks! They weren't the worse I've seen, but they are definitely around."
Tips from RVers
Vehicle clearance requirements: Most forest roads require vehicles with higher clearance. A recent Lincoln Dispersed Camping visitor cautioned, "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."
Limited turnaround space: Larger vehicles may struggle with tight turnaround areas at the end of forest roads. One camper observed, "I didn't go down a couple little gravel paths to check each spot as you couldn't turn around easily."
Leveling challenges: Finding level spots for larger vehicles requires advance planning. One Austin Brook camper noted, "I had trouble finding a level spot. Minimal ATT reception but overall pretty area."
