Dispersed camping areas in Green Mountain National Forest near Goshen, Vermont mostly cluster along remote forest service roads at elevations between 1,800-2,500 feet. Winter campers should prepare for temperatures that can drop below 0°F, while summer brings heavy black fly activity from May through mid-June. Seasonal road closures affect several camping areas from late fall through spring snowmelt.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The meadow campsites along Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 offer excellent wildlife spotting. "There are 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," reports Kevin C.
Swimming holes exploration: Several primitive sites provide direct river access for summer cooling. At Route 100 Dispersed Camping, "This is right next to Mad River with a area to walk down into a swimming hole," according to Margaret E.
Hiking connections: The primitive sites near Clark Brook offer access to longer trails. At Green Mountain National Forest FR207, campers can access "Clark Brook Trail is a 3 mile hike connecting with the AT/LT," notes Tim M., referring to the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail systems.
What campers like
Seasonal advantages: Winter camping offers solitude unavailable during busy summer months. One winter visitor to FR207 shared, "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."
Water features: Streamside sites are highly sought after for ambient sounds and scenery. At Austin Brook, "There's a few sites here! All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings," notes Thomas and James S.
Diverse site options: FR207 provides options from secluded woods to open meadows. "Great mountain views, some sites right on the road, some in fields and some tucked away out of view," according to Phil J.
What you should know
Access limitations: Many sites require specific vehicle capabilities. FR207 sites demand "at least 9 inches of ground clearance" according to Miccal M., who adds conditions worsen during mud season.
Seasonal hazards: Insect preparation is crucial during certain periods. For primitive camping at Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primitive campsites, one camper advises to "treat your skin and clothes during black fly season."
Site closures: Rangers actively manage overused areas. The Patterson Brookside area has experienced restrictions, as "This area is being heavily use and some spots are being shut down from abuse," reports Miccal M.
Water filtration needs: Stream water requires treatment for safety. At Texas Falls, one camper noted, "Brook water filtered fine and was tasty."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: Choose established sites with natural boundaries for child safety. At Last light on Michigan Brook, "The very last spot on the right hand side. If you've reached the closed gate you've missed the site!"
Weather adaptability: Be prepared to relocate if conditions change. One FR207 camper shared: "We quickly got rained out and went back down to one of the brookside sites. This site had great tree coverage to easily set up a tarp."
Site maintenance teaching: Use dispersed camping to teach leave-no-trace principles. A Texas Falls visitor reported, "They were well used with some litter. We packed out what we could find."
Tips from RVers
Turnaround clearance: Small RVs must plan for limited turn-around areas. For Green Mountain National Forest FR25, one visitor observed sites were limited and "i didn't go down a couple little gravel paths to check each spot as you couldn't turn around easily."
Security concerns: Protect valuables at remote sites. A FR25 camper cautioned: "Make sure to lock you valuables. Our Jackery, Solar panels & toilet were stolen."
Alternative parking: When forest roads become impassable, consider roadside alternatives. At Route 100 Dispersed Camping, "Main lot has plenty of parking, perfect for car camping. Pull through the trees has some spots for tents and smaller setups."
