Green Mountain National Forest provides several dispersed camping options within 30 miles of Hinesburg, Vermont. Located in the northern reaches of the Appalachians, most sites sit between 1,200-2,500 feet elevation. The region experiences heavy spring mud season, typically from mid-March through early May, which can limit access to many forest roads and campsites.
What to do
Water exploration: Watch for swimming holes along Austin Brook with natural rock formations. A camper noted about Austin Brook: "Smaller area roughly 1-6 sites. When driving in on the right there's a culdesac type set up of sites. Pretty sure these sites all have river access."
Hiking: Access Clark Brook Trail from the upper meadows near Green Mountain National Forest FR207. A reviewer shared: "NFR 207 Meadows, with great views! Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles. Nearby Clark Brook Trail is a 3 mile hike connecting with the AT/LT."
Wildlife viewing: Early morning hours offer the best chances to spot local wildlife. One camper reported: "Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving" while winter camping at Green Mountain National Forest FR207.
Fall color viewing: Mid-September to mid-October provides peak foliage viewing. A visitor to Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 remarked: "This would be an awesome place to see the fall colors."
What campers like
Mountain views from elevated meadows: The Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road offers varied riverside sites. "There are a handful of sites to camp at along the river here, each offering a slightly different experience. The dirt road along the river is an easy drive, though it is single lane in a few locations."
Remote, quiet camping experiences: Free camping near Hinesburg at Lincoln Dispersed Camping provides solitude. A camper reported: "We found 2 campsites with fire pits right off the end of FR 291. Easy stroll to a clean brook for filtering water. Very quiet, though we could hear the occasional dog barking from houses in the Downingville area."
Stream access for water and ambiance: Many campers value the sound of water. At Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites, visitors note: "There seems to be a little confusion about where restricted day use ends and overnight dispersed sites begin... Past the gate at the end of the Texas Falls recreation area we found several sites with only a fire pit along the brook... Brook water filtered fine and was tasty."
Established fire rings: Most free camping spots around Hinesburg feature basic fire rings. One camper observed at Texas Falls: "There is not much to these sites as far as amenities, just a fire pit. But that is all I need."
What you should know
Vehicle clearance requirements: Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles. A reviewer of Lincoln Dispersed Camping stated: "FR 291 is a somewhat primitive road - lots of big puddles. I would want some clearance for a vehicle. Our Toyota Highlander made it easily."
No facilities or services: Prepare to be self-sufficient. A camper at Patterson Brookside noted: "There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area. Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in."
Seasonal accessibility: Winter and mud season limit access to many areas. One camper reported: "This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF" regarding Patterson Brookside camp.
Campsite confusion: Some areas have unclear boundaries between day-use and overnight camping. At Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls: "There seems to be a little confusion about where restricted day use ends and overnight dispersed sites begin. Some folks were camping in the picnic area."
Cell service limitations: Most dispersed sites have minimal or no coverage. A FR207 visitor noted: "2 bars USCellular LTE" - one of the few areas with any service.
Tips for camping with families
Choose streamside sites: Children enjoy natural water features. At Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11, families appreciate the natural setting: "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."
Plan for insects: Depending on season, bug protection is essential. At Lincoln Dispersed Camping, a camper advised: "Prepare for bugs as well. The seclusion of this spot is what makes it."
Watch for weather changes: Mountain elevations can experience rapid temperature shifts. A reviewer noted at Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11: "We were fortunate to have perfect weather for our stay."
Consider proximity to amenities: With no facilities at dispersed sites, the Lincoln General Store provides a nearby supply point. A camper shared: "Lincoln General Store is 3.5 miles away via Downingville. Some modest resupply options there."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for vehicle size: Most dispersed camping areas near Hinesburg have limited space for larger vehicles. At Green Mountain National Forest FR50, a camper noted: "Found a site that people with a Prius wouldn't be able to get to."
Road conditions vary seasonally: Spring mud and winter snow impact accessibility. A FR207 reviewer advised: "Make sure your car has a bit of clearance as some sports have dips in the ground."
Limited turnaround space: Some forest roads have few areas to turn larger vehicles. A camper observed: "I didn't go down a couple little gravel paths to check each spot as you couldn't turn around easily."
Consider noise from proximity to roads: Some sites balance accessibility with road noise. At Green Mountain National Forest FR50, a camper mentioned: "Pretty remote. Lots of traffic. Super buggy in June. No cell service. But, plenty of privacy and solitude."
