Dispersed camping around Fayston, Vermont offers rustic sites in Vermont's national forest and state parks within a region averaging 45 inches of precipitation annually. The camping areas sit among dense northern hardwood forests at elevations between 1,000-3,000 feet, creating varied terrain for tent placement. Winter access becomes limited as many forest roads close seasonally when snow accumulation begins in late October.
What to do
Sunrise hikes on Mt. Philo: Located about an hour from Fayston, Mount Philo State Park Campground offers excellent summit access. "I only got to stay two nights here but it was very nice... the best part is every night its only a ten minute hike to the summit from where the sites are and you get to watch the sunset over Vermont and lake champlain as the sun falls behind the adirondack mountains," notes Thomas B.
Swimming holes: Find cool water during summer months along forest roads. The Michigan Brook Road Camping area features creekside sites where you can swim. "Nice little spots to hangout all day. Lots to see, and explore," reports one camper, while another noted "Few nice ones near the creek. I stayed at one on top of a hill. Lots of space at mine."
Paddle remote areas: Access boat-in only sites at Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites for solitude. "Be sure to launch from cotton brook road if your site r11-27. We made the mistake of parking at Little River rd the first time and the paddle to r14 from there was way too long. It was about 30 minutes from the cotton brook launch," advises Julia S.
What campers like
Natural isolation: The Patterson Brookside camp offers riverside sites with varying privacy levels. "There are a handful of sites to camp at along the river here, each offering a slightly different experience. The dirt road along the river is an easy drive, though it is single lane in a few locations," reports Miccal M., who adds "There is no electricity, no cell coverage, no outhouses in this area."
Dark night skies: Underhill State Park provides excellent stargazing opportunities. "What can I say about this lovely state park campground? Totally private spots, pit toilets and a night sky to die for! The rangers are extremely helpful and very friendly," writes Molly G.
Small, quiet campgrounds: Mount Philo State Park maintains a peaceful atmosphere with limited sites. "Only 8 campsites, dispersed in the trees. $23/night. Picnic table and fire pit. Moderate cell service," says Kaelin P. Another camper noted, "The campground had widely spaced wooded sites and was exceptionally quiet. Very well-maintained!"
What you should know
Closures and changing regulations: Some dispersed camping areas have recently been closed due to overuse. A reviewer at Route 100 Dispersed Camping noted: "This 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!" Another camper confirmed: "Posted NO CAMPING as of 2021."
Pack-in requirements: Most tent camping near Fayston requires carrying gear from parking areas. At Indian Brook Reservoir, a camper explained: "It was a 15 minute hike to the site, so pack light. If you have a kayak, you can transport your stuff over."
Site maintenance concerns: Keep areas clean to prevent further restrictions. "This area is being heavily use and some spots are being shut down from abuse, please be aware that you have a lot of impact, and that impact can be positive or negative. Choose Positive!" urges Miccal M.
Tips for camping with families
Reserved sites for predictability: When camping with children, established campgrounds provide more reliable accommodations. "We visited and camped here 3 years ago with children. We love how private the camp sites were. There are less than 20 sites total, and all sites are near walk-in paths to excellent views."
Wheelbarrow access: Underhill State Park makes gear transport easier for families. "This is the best of car camping - you get the feel of really being out in the woods, with your car a short distance away. They provide wheelbarrows for easy moving of your stuff," reports Ali T.
Nearby swimming options: Find family-friendly water access within driving distance. One Mount Philo camper recommended: "Recommend nearby Charlotte town beach for swimming ($10 for non-residents)."
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Most dispersed camping near Fayston accommodates smaller RVs only. At Green Mountain National Forest FR25, a camper noted: "All 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)."
Ground clearance requirements: Forest roads often require higher clearance vehicles. A Michigan Brook camper advised: "Road goes in pretty far. Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!"
Weather preparedness: Vermont's climate affects site conditions significantly. "Beautiful sites on the River but with the wet summer, we just couldn't dry out. Make sure to lock you valuables," warns a camper who experienced theft at their site.
