Dispersed camping near Glover, Vermont offers primitive backcountry experiences primarily accessible through forested roads in the Northeast Kingdom. The terrain ranges from 900 to 2,500 feet in elevation with summer temperatures averaging 65-75°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Seasonal road closures affect access to many sites from November through May, requiring campers to verify current conditions before travel.
What to do
Paddling access sites: Connecticut River Paddlers Trail includes the Maine Railroad Trestle site, where paddlers find "a really nice rocky beach with easy access for loading and unloading. It's also a nice spot to fish from," according to Sarah C. The site sits above a massive cornfield but requires tick awareness.
Hiking proximity: Several dispersed sites provide strategic access to trail networks. At Guyot Shelter, "the North Twin Trailhead is at the end of Haystack Rd., these trails connect to the Twin Mountain peaks and the Pemigewasset Wilderness area," notes Greg L. This makes it "a great staging ground for weeks worth of adventures."
Swimming opportunities: Local swimming holes near dispersed sites provide cooling relief during summer months. Haystack Road campsites have "a small stream behind them" making your stay easier with options for "bathing, dishes, etc." according to reviews. The Little River at the road's end offers additional swimming options.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed camping areas feature well-separated sites. At Cherry Mountain Road, Kevin C. notes "Sites are all dispersed enough that we did not hear any other camping sounds at all. It was so quiet I could hear the sound of crow wings flapping as they flew by."
Multiple night stays: Free dispersed sites permit longer visits with proper preparation. At Haystack Road campsites, "you're allowed to stay for two weeks," providing extended backcountry access. Kim O. describes it as "my summer home" and notes it's "perfect for a dirt bag. You get a fire pit and that's it."
Astronomical viewing: Clear mountain skies provide excellent stargazing at many sites. One camper at Cherry Mountain Road "enjoyed a spectacular view of the Blood Super Moon from the campsite" noting the area was "open to the sky near the road yet protected from the wind."
What you should know
Limited amenities: The majority of dispersed sites provide minimal facilities. Haystack Road is described as having "very primitive car camping with only a fire pit at the site," with Kim O. noting "these sites are heavily used and there is a bit of trash left behind."
Security concerns: Unattended gear may be at risk in some locations. At Scott C. Devlin Memorial site, campers should "be sure you tie your boat up while unloading as there is a fair amount of current sweeping around the bend."
Wildlife encounters: Bears and moose frequent many camping areas. Greg L. warns "wildlife like bear and moose will visit you at night. It's almost a certainty, keep your food locked in a bear tight container."
Tick prevalence: Multiple campers report tick issues at various sites. At the Scott C. Devlin Memorial site, "beware the ticks! They weren't the worst I've seen, but they are definitely around," notes one camper. Another mentions ticks being "insane" in field areas though "they weren't bad in the campsite."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection criteria: Some sites better accommodate family needs than others. On Cherry Mountain Road, Aimee L. recommends "site #5 because it was flat, sunny, grassy and had a little brook," providing good conditions for family camping setups.
Arrival timing: Midweek arrival improves site selection chances. According to Greg L., sites "do get crowded during the season, so you'll have better luck showing up mid-week."
Water source proximity: Sites near streams simplify family camping logistics. At CherryMountain Rd Dispersed Pull Off, several sites feature small brooks providing water for filtering or washing dishes, though all water requires treatment before consumption.
Trail accessibility: Sites near gentle terrain offer better options for families with young children. Justin P. notes that Cherry Mountain provides "great location with access to the Cherry Mountain trail, and back down to Ammonoosuc Falls back down near Rt. 302," offering hiking options of varying difficulty.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller vehicles only. At Cherry Mountain Road, Justin P. notes some sites "were small and could just fit a tent and a car, where some offered more space," making them unsuitable for larger RVs.
Road conditions: Unpaved access roads present challenges for some RV types. Kevin C. describes Cherry Mountain Road as "a decent unpaved road and our campsite was only about 3 miles from the highway," making it more accessible than deeper forest sites.
Site reservation alternatives: Leaving equipment to hold sites carries risks. Sean L. cautions: "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."
