The Greensboro Bend area sits at approximately 1,400 feet elevation in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, offering primitive camping options across remote forest roads and waterways. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, while fall brings crisp nights in the 30s and colorful foliage. Most dispersed camping areas close from late October through mid-May due to snow and mud season conditions.
What to do
Hiking mountain trails: Access the North Twin Trailhead at the end of Haystack Road, connecting to peaks and the Pemigewasset Wilderness. One camper notes the trails "connect to the Twin Mountain peaks and the Pemigewasset Wilderness area. Its is a great staging ground for weeks worth of adventures." Expect limited cell reception on trails.
Fishing in cold waters: Catch trout in streams near Green Mountain National Forest FR25 sites, where you'll find "gorgeous stream/river" access. The Connecticut River offers excellent smallmouth bass fishing, especially near boat-in campsites that provide direct water access.
Swimming in natural pools: Cool off at Warren Falls, a popular swimming hole near Austin Brook campsites. As one visitor describes, "Warren Falls swimming hole" provides refreshing summer relief when temperatures climb into the 80s. Most swimming spots lack lifeguards or facilities.
Paddling routes: Navigate the Connecticut River Paddlers Trail between May and October. The Scott C. Devlin Memorial site offers "a set of wooden steps that go down into the water at a relatively steep angle. Be sure you tie your boat up while unloading as there is a fair amount of current sweeping around the bend."
What campers like
Secluded campsites: Haystack Road offers sites where "the sites are far apart" and provide true solitude. One camper describes it as "my summer home!" noting "it is quiet, the sites are far apart" - perfect for those seeking minimal neighbor interaction.
Stream sounds: Many campers appreciate the natural white noise at forest campsites. At Green Mountain National Forest FR207, "You always hear the river or see waterfalls," creating a soothing backdrop for sleeping. Sites adjacent to moving water provide both ambiance and convenience for filtering drinking water.
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution around primitive camping areas near Greensboro Bend creates exceptional stargazing. One camper at Cherry Mountain Road enjoyed "a spectacular view of the Blood Super Moon from the campsite" and noted "it was so quiet I could hear the sound of crow wings flapping as they flew by."
Mountain views: Dispersed sites at higher elevations deliver panoramic scenery. FR207 features "beautiful meadow campsites overlooking the valley" where you can "choose either sunrise or sunset and you should be able to get a site to fit your needs."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many forest roads demand high-clearance vehicles. FR207 is "not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance," according to one reviewer. Spring conditions can make access impossible until late May or June.
Site selection timing: Arrive mid-week for best site availability. Tripoli Road sites fill quickly on weekends, as campers note it's "a good bet of getting one, especially on the weekdays" but "could get really loud during busy summer weekends/holidays."
Security concerns: Never leave valuable equipment unattended. One camper reported that "Our Jackery, Solar panels & toilet were stolen" from their site. Another warns "I left out gear to claim a spot while out hiking and came back to people having stolen some of it."
Bear safety: Food storage in bear-resistant containers is essential. In some areas, "wildlife like bear and moose will visit you at night. it's almost a certainty, keep your food locked in a bear tight container." Tripoli Road was temporarily closed in 2019 after "bears visited campsites and got into food."
Tips for camping with families
Choose riverside sites: Children enjoy exploring shallow water areas. Sites at Austin Brook provide "easy access to water" where kids can wade safely while adults supervise. One reviewer calls it "a beautiful little pull off the road right on the river with tables & fire rings."
Select established fire rings: Pre-existing fire pits provide safer cooking options for families. At Guyot Shelter, "Bear box located at a communal 'cooking area'" allows for group meal preparation while maintaining food safety standards.
Pack insect protection: Ticks and mosquitoes are prevalent from May through September. One camper warns to "treat your skin and clothes during black fly season" and another cautions "Beware the ticks! They weren't the worse I've seen, but they are definitely around."
Consider noise levels: Family groups may prefer more isolated sites. Cherry Mountain Road offers sites that "goes back about 70 to 80 feet back off the road" with "disbursed enough that we did not hear any other camping sounds at all."
Tips from RVers
Length limitations: Small trailers under 20 feet work best. Tripoli Road accommodates modest rigs but isn't suitable for larger RVs, being described as "a good car camp spot" where "Rustic sites with no water or electric" are the norm.
Leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks for uneven terrain. Most dispersed sites require significant adjustment, especially those "perched high on the hill" or set on sloping ground.
Limited turnaround space: Scout sites before pulling in with any trailer. Cherry Mountain Road has sites where "a few were small and could just fit a tent and a car," making maneuvering difficult for anything larger than a small teardrop trailer.
Self-contained requirements: Pack in all water and carry out all waste. No dump stations or water fill points exist at these primitive camping areas near Greensboro Bend, Vermont, so RVers must be fully self-sufficient.
