Best Dispersed Camping near Greensboro Bend, VT
The region around Greensboro Bend, Vermont includes several dispersed camping opportunities within Green Mountain National Forest and along the Connecticut River Paddlers Trail. Free primitive campsites are available at locations like Austin Brook in the Green Mountain National Forest, where campers can find streamside sites with fire rings. Other dispersed camping options include Forest Roads 25 and 207, which feature basic tent and small RV sites. The Maine Railroad Trestle and Scott C. Devlin Memorial sites provide boat-in primitive camping along the Connecticut River.
Access to most dispersed sites requires navigating unpaved forest roads that can become challenging in wet conditions. Many areas demand high-clearance vehicles, particularly after spring thaw when roads may be temporarily closed. Most dispersed sites provide only basic amenities such as fire rings, with some locations offering picnic tables or primitive toilets. Water access varies by location, with river and stream-adjacent sites offering natural sources that require treatment. Camping is generally limited to 14 days, and campers must follow leave-no-trace principles, packing out all trash.
These backcountry areas attract visitors seeking quieter alternatives to established campgrounds. Austin Brook sites provide direct access to stream swimming, while the Connecticut River sites offer excellent fishing opportunities. According to reviews, "The sites are far apart" at locations like Haystack Road in nearby New Hampshire, making them ideal for those seeking solitude. Wildlife sightings are common, with one reviewer noting "wildlife like bear and moose will visit you at night" in some areas. Many sites remain relatively uncrowded except during peak summer weekends, though boat-in sites on the Connecticut River require registration through the CT River Paddlers Trail website to prevent overcrowding.