Dispersed camping near Hyde Park, Vermont offers wilderness sites throughout the Green Mountain National Forest with varying accessibility levels. Most locations sit at elevations between 1,200-2,500 feet, creating significant temperature variations between sites. Summer evening temperatures can drop to the mid-40s even when daytime highs reach the 80s, making proper layering essential for overnight comfort.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: The Texas Falls area features multiple dispersed sites along a scenic brook. "Texas falls is a great place to stop and explore. Then, if you venture further up into the mountains you come upon the campsites with fire pits and if your lucky you can get one on the river," notes reviewer Miccal M. at Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primitive campsites.
Hiking access: From Lincoln Dispersed Camping area, multiple trails connect to larger networks. One camper reports: "Day 2 we walked past the gate beyond the end of the road followed a trail up 500 feet or so of elevation in the foothills to the west of Mt Ellen. Found one more camp site." The reviewer adds that it was a "Pretty walk, lots of mushrooms" with "no bear sign" observed during their stay at Lincoln Dispersed Camping.
Swimming holes: Several riverside camping areas provide natural swimming opportunities. At Warren Falls, one camper describes: "Great location, easy access, on a nice brook. Fire ring only, no facilities and minimal parking." The site offers proximity to the popular Warren Falls swimming area and trails.
What campers like
Mountain vistas: The elevated meadow sites on FR207 provide panoramic views. According to one camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207: "Views are spectacular, choose either sunrise or sunset and you should be able to get a site to fit your needs." Another mentions: "Wow this site was so beautiful! There were many spots on open fields with beautiful scenic views of the mountains."
Riverside solitude: Many campers appreciate the sound of flowing water at night. At Patterson Brookside camp, one reviewer writes: "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."
Wildlife encounters: The area hosts diverse wildlife year-round. One winter camper at FR207 reports: "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."
What you should know
Access challenges: Road conditions vary significantly and change seasonally. At North Green Mountain Camp, a recent visitor warns: "Due to flooding and the abundance of campers abusing the roads these sites are no longer accessible unless you have a lifted full-size jeep or 4-runner type vehicle. I drive a Subaru Wilderness and have been able to access all of the sites for years, this year I cannot."
Closure concerns: Several dispersed areas face potential shutdown due to misuse. A ranger note at FR25 indicates complaints about litter and human waste have prompted warnings about possible site closures. Multiple reviewers mention seeing these postings.
Seasonal limitations: Many roads become impassable during mud season or winter. One FR207 camper advises: "Make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season and treat your skin and clothes during black fly season."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Warren Falls provides accessible water recreation for children. A reviewer notes: "This location is easy to access and has really nice drive in sites. Will definitely be a regular on our ventures." Families should supervise children closely as water levels and flow rates can change quickly.
Safety precautions: No cell service exists at most sites, requiring advance preparation. At Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11, a camper mentions: "The campground was very quiet at night except for an occasional owl hoot" and "There are many flowering plants, wild apple trees on the right side of the road. Lots of birds, butterflies, and bees (they were not aggressive)."
Temperature preparation: Evening temperature drops require proper clothing and bedding. Reviewers consistently mention significant temperature fluctuations, especially at higher elevation sites, with overnight lows frequently dropping 30-40 degrees below daytime highs.
Tips from RVers
Ground clearance requirements: Specific clearance measurements help determine site accessibility. For FR207, one camper advises: "This is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance." Others mention needing high-clearance 4WD vehicles for certain areas after recent weather events.
Turnaround limitations: Some roads have restricted turning space for larger vehicles. A reviewer at FR25 notes: "I didn't go down a couple little gravel paths to check each spot as you couldn't turn around easily." RVers should scout sites before attempting access with larger rigs.
Campsite dimensions: Most dispersed sites accommodate small to medium setups only. Based on multiple reviews, standard RVs longer than 20 feet may struggle to find suitable parking at most Green Mountain National Forest dispersed sites near Hyde Park.
