Primitive camping near Green Mountain National Forest offers rustic accommodations along forest roads and around elevation changes ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 feet. Campsites are typically unimproved except for established fire rings, requiring visitors to be self-sufficient with water, waste management, and supplies. Winter camping options remain available in select areas, though road access becomes limited due to seasonal closures.
What to do
Hiking from campsites: Several primitive sites provide direct access to trail systems. Green Mountain National Forest FR50 - Dispersed Camping offers "plenty of privacy and solitude" with convenient trail access, though one camper notes it can be "super buggy in June" with "no cell service."
Winter camping: Cold weather enthusiasts can experience solitude during snow season. A visitor to Green Mountain National Forest FR207 reported, "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."
Swimming holes: Natural water features provide cooling options during summer months. A camper at Route 100 Dispersed Camping described the site as "right next to Mad River with an area to walk down into a swimming hole."
What campers like
Mountain vistas: Many primitive sites feature elevation advantages with long-distance views. A camper at Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 noted: "The scenic beauty of this place is amazing. 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."
Creek and brook proximity: Water access ranks high in camper preferences. At Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road, a visitor observed: "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. Mostly local traffic. Peaceful! Gorgeous rock river."
Seclusion options: Many sites offer various degrees of privacy. A camper at On the Hill Dispersed Camp explained: "I've camped here a few times, it a nice size primitive site for a small group. Being a primitive site, expect that it is a little rough to get into. The only thing you will find in this clearing is a fire ring."
What you should know
Vehicle clearance requirements: Many forest roads present challenges for standard vehicles. A camper at Last light on Michigan Brook advised: "Love this site! The very last spot on the right hand side. If you've reached the closed gate you've missed the site! Keep it clean!"
Seasonal closures: Winter conditions limit access to numerous sites. A reviewer at Patterson Brookside noted: "This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF."
Overcrowding concerns: Popular primitive camping spots can fill quickly during peak seasons. A visitor to Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 observed: "It is a beautiful setting and the first nice weekend in May. There were quite a few folks there already but worth the visit."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection priorities: Choose established locations with minimal hazards. At Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primitive campsites, a camper reported: "Past the gate at the end of the Texas Falls recreation area we found several sites with only a fire pit along the brook. They were well used with some litter. We packed out what we could find. Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome."
Water filtration: Natural water sources require treatment. A visitor to Texas Falls noted: "Brook water filtered fine and was tasty."
Timing considerations: Avoid peak bug seasons with children. A camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207 cautioned: "Make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season and treat your skin and clothes during black fly season."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: RV access varies significantly across the forest. At Green Mountain National Forest FR207, a camper observed: "The top end of the road has a few mud pits and may require some ground clearance from rocks."
Limited amenities: No hookups exist at any dispersed camping location. A visitor to Patterson Brookside emphasized: "There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area. Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in."
Space constraints: Most sites accommodate smaller rigs only. A camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207 advised: "Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles."
