Dispersed camping opportunities near Johnson, Vermont extend throughout Green Mountain National Forest, which spans over 400,000 acres across central and southern Vermont. The region typically experiences cold winters with heavy snowfall and mild summers, with temperatures rarely exceeding 80°F even in July and August. Many forest roads accessing dispersed camping remain unplowed from November through May, with spring mud season often extending into early June.
What to do
Waterfall viewing: Warren Falls provides nearby natural swimming holes. According to Michelle R., "Just south of Warren Falls trail head and parking lot and just north of Green Mountains National Forest Road #25, is a small camping and parking area wedged between the Mad River and Vermont Route 100." The area connects to "Warren Falls swimming hole, the Lincoln Gap Road and hiking, and the famous Warren General Store, and covered bridge."
Hiking: Texas Falls offers access to forest trails beyond the recreation area. "This area is wonderful, first 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," notes Miccal M. The surrounding area connects to Vermont's extensive trail network.
Mountain biking: Local forest roads provide access to numerous biking routes of varying difficulty. Some routes follow old logging roads while others connect to purpose-built trail systems. Bikers should carry repair kits and plenty of water as services are limited in remote areas.
Wildlife watching: Dawn and dusk offer prime wildlife viewing opportunities in meadow camping areas. Winter campers report significant wildlife activity, with Phil J. noting, "Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving." Bears are active from spring through fall, requiring proper food storage.
What campers like
Natural water features: Patterson Brookside Camp offers stream-side camping opportunities. Thomas and James S. report, "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."
Mountain views: Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 delivers panoramic vistas. Kevin C. describes, "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."
Seclusion: Many forest road sites provide genuine solitude, particularly midweek. Jeff N. notes about FR50, "Pretty remote. Lots of traffic. Found a site that people with a Prius wouldn't be able to get to. Super buggy in June. No cell service. But, plenty of privacy and solitude."
Variety of terrain: Free camping near Johnson offers both stream-side and mountain-top camping options. Thomas and James S. report about Warren Falls, "There's a few sites here! All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings. Keep it clean!"
What you should know
Site closures: North Green Mountain Camp and other areas face increasing restrictions. Miccal M. 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. Rangers have already started to move boulders into place to block off some of the other sites."
Fire regulations: Fire bans may be implemented during dry periods. Always use established fire rings where available. Thomas and James S. emphasize to "Be sure to camp at spots with established fire rings!" at Patterson Brookside Camp.
Cell service: Most dispersed sites lack reliable connectivity. Miccal M. notes about Patterson Brookside, "There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area. Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in."
Site confusion: Some areas have unclear boundaries between day-use and overnight camping. J W. reports about 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."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming holes: Several riverside camping areas offer natural swimming opportunities for children, but parents should assess water conditions carefully as currents can be strong after rain.
Wildlife education: The meadow camping areas provide excellent wildlife viewing for children. Kevin C. notes Green Mountain Camp has "Lots of birds, butterflies, and bees (they were not aggressive)."
Accessibility considerations: Lincoln Dispersed Camping requires planning for family needs. J W. reports, "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. We found 2 campsites with fire pits right off the end of FR 291. Easy stroll to a clean brook for filtering water."
Educational opportunities: Bring field guides for identifying local plants and wildlife. The diverse ecosystems around Johnson provide excellent hands-on learning experiences about forest ecology, watershed systems, and mountain environments.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Forest roads vary greatly in quality and may deteriorate after rain. Amanda notes about FR207, "make sure your car has a bit of clearance as some spots have dips in the ground."
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs and trailers only. Miccal M. recommends at least "9 inches of ground clearance" for accessing FR207 sites.
Seasonal access: Winter camping requires specialized equipment and experience. Phil J. reports having "the entire area to myself" during winter at FR207, but most roads remain unplowed.
Turnaround space: Limited turnaround areas make site selection critical for larger vehicles. Miccal M. warns that recent changes mean "this site is no longer accessible unless you have a lifted full-size jeep or 4-runner type vehicle."
