Dispersed camping near Essex Junction, Vermont requires driving 45-60 miles southwest to Green Mountain National Forest where several forest roads offer primitive campsites. The terrain ranges from riverside locations at 1,200 feet to high-elevation meadow sites at 3,000+ feet that experience temperature drops of 15-20°F compared to valley areas. Winter access becomes challenging after November with most high-elevation sites inaccessible until late May.
What to do
Hiking connections: The Lincoln Dispersed Camping area provides access to multiple trail networks. As one camper reported, "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."
Stream exploration: Visit the Austin Brook area where "There's a few sites here! All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings. Keep it clean!" The brook offers small swimming holes, fishing spots, and natural water sources for filtering.
Wildlife observation: Early mornings provide the best opportunities for spotting local wildlife. In winter months, you might experience what one visitor described at Green Mountain National Forest FR207: "Extremely calm and peaceful. Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving."
What campers like
Elevated views: The meadow sites on higher forest roads offer panoramic vistas. At Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11, visitors find "wide open views of 3 mountain ranges. There are many flowering plants, wild apple trees on the right side of the road. Lots of birds, butterflies, and bees."
Water features: Many campers appreciate sites situated next to running water. 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! There is no services of any sorts at this location."
Seasonal solitude: Winter camping offers exceptional privacy. In FR207, one camper found "the entire area to myself. Beautiful sunsets, night skies and scenery." Summer weekends see much heavier use, with many sites filling by Friday afternoon.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many forest roads demand vehicles with significant ground clearance. Green Mountain National Forest FR207 requires "at least 9 inches of ground clearance" according to one visitor, who adds, "Views are spectacular, choose either sunrise or sunset and you should be able to get a site to fit your needs."
Site closures: Rangers have been blocking off overused or damaged sites. At Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primitive campsites, visitors noticed "a little confusion about where restricted day use ends and overnight dispersed sites begin. Some folks were camping in the picnic area."
Changing regulations: Some areas previously open for camping now prohibit overnight stays. At Route 100 Dispersed Camping, signs state "No Camping" though enforcement varies. One visitor noted: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Look for sites near gentle water features. At Route 100 Dispersed Camping, you'll find "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."
Wildlife learning: Bring field guides for birds and plants. Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 offers "many flowering plants, wild apple trees on the right side of the road. Lots of birds, butterflies, and bees (they were not aggressive)."
Safety preparations: Campground security varies. At Green Mountain National Forest FR25, one camper warned: "Make sure to lock you valuables. Our Jackery, Solar panels & toilet were stolen."
Tips for RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate small to medium rigs only. At Lincoln Dispersed Camping, the road condition limits access: "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 turnarounds: Several forest roads have few places to turn larger vehicles. At Patterson Brookside camp, "the dirt road along the river is an easy drive, though it is single lane in a few locations, so be aware of oncoming traffic."
Seasonal road conditions: Spring mud season (typically April to mid-May) makes many areas impassable even for 4WD vehicles. Green Mountain National Forest FR50 is "Pretty remote. Lots of traffic. Found a site that people with a Prius wouldn't be able to get to."
