Dispersed camping near Lake Elmore, Vermont offers primitive sites within Green Mountain National Forest where elevations range from 700 to 3,000 feet. The region experiences pronounced seasonal transitions with heavy snowfall in winter and black fly season typically running from mid-May through June. Camping opportunities vary from riverside locations to higher elevation meadow sites that provide panoramic views.
What to do
Hiking to waterways: Several free camping areas provide direct access to streams and small waterfalls. At Austin Brook, campers can enjoy "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."
Wildlife viewing: The Green Mountain National Forest offers excellent opportunities for wildlife observation during less crowded times. At Green Mountain National Forest FR207, one camper had a remarkable experience: "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."
Waterfall exploration: Several primitive camping areas are located near waterfalls. The Texas Falls area includes both a recreation area and camping options. One visitor to Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primitive campsites noted: "This area is wonderful, first Texas falls it 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."
What campers like
Mountain views: Dispersed camping in the Green Mountain region provides excellent vantage points. At Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11, visitors appreciate the "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."
Streamside sites: Many primitive camping options near Lake Elmore feature water access. At Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road, "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."
Secluded spots: For campers seeking solitude, several remote options exist in the region. Lincoln Dispersed Camping offers isolation from crowds: "Down off this back road in VT you can find some beautiful secluded campsites - Yards away from gorgeous running water. No trash or restrooms - Primitive for sure."
What you should know
Vehicle clearance requirements: Many forest roads require appropriate vehicles. As one camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207 warned: "This is not a place to go without at least 9 inches of ground clearance."
Pack-in, pack-out ethics: Most dispersed sites have minimal or no facilities. At Patterson Brookside, "There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area. Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in."
Seasonal closures and conditions: Several camping areas become inaccessible during certain times of year. At Lincoln Dispersed Camping, campers should know "FR 291 is a somewhat primitive road - lots of big puddles. I would want some clearance for a vehicle."
Site limitations: Finding level spots can be challenging in some areas. One camper at Austin Brook noted: "There are a handful of sites down Austin Brook road, I had trouble finding a level spot. Minimal ATT reception but overall pretty area."
Tips for camping with families
Water safety: When camping near streams with children, be aware of water conditions. At Green Mountain National Forest FR25, campers should supervise children near the water: "We were here on a Friday & Saturday nights. Friday night had the whole place to ourselves. Saturday night all spots filled. We had quiet and respectful neighbors."
Wildlife education opportunities: The diverse ecosystem provides learning experiences. At Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11, families can enjoy "The campground was very quiet at night except for an occasional owl hoot."
Navigating primitive conditions: Prepare children for the lack of facilities. When visiting Texas Falls Primitive campsites, campers noted a "Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome. Very pretty area."
Tips from RVers
Road access limitations: Most dispersed camping areas near Lake Elmore have restrictions for larger vehicles. At Green Mountain National Forest FR50, one visitor noted: "Found a site that people with a Prius wouldn't be able to get to."
Leveling challenges: Finding flat parking areas can be difficult. One RVer visiting Austin Brook observed: "I didn't get the chance to camp here, it was full when I drove through looking for a place. So I came back later in the weekend for pictures. Great location, easy access, on a nice brook. Fire ring only, no facilities and minimal parking."
Power management: With no hookups available, RVers must be self-sufficient. A cautionary tale from Green Mountain National Forest FR25: "Beautiful sites on the River but with the wet summer, we just couldn't dry out. Make sure to lock you valuables."
