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Best Dispersed Camping near Lake Elmore, VT

35 Reviews

Primitive dispersed camping sites dot the Green Mountain National Forest near Lake Elmore, Vermont, with several free camping zones accessible via forest roads. The most notable areas include Austin Brook, which features streamside camping with established fire rings, and several forest roads (FR25, FR50, FR207) that provide backcountry camping access. These sites are predominantly located in the southern region from Lake Elmore, scattered along river corridors and mountain meadows. Camping in these areas requires no reservations and generally follows U.S. Forest Service regulations for undeveloped sites.

Access roads throughout the Green Mountain National Forest primitive sites vary significantly in condition and difficulty. Many forest roads require vehicles with higher clearance, particularly FR207, where visitor reviews note "this is not a place to go without at least 9 inches of ground clearance." Several sites become inaccessible during spring mud season or after heavy rainfall. Most dispersed areas provide no amenities—no drinking water, trash service, or toilet facilities. Campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, though most sites permit campfires in established rings when conditions allow.

The primitive camping experience in this region combines mountain views, river access, and relative seclusion. Many sites offer opportunities for wildlife viewing, with one visitor reporting "woke up to two moose nearby." Camping areas along Austin Brook and FR25 provide streamside sites where campers can enjoy the sounds of running water. The higher meadow sites on FR207 deliver panoramic mountain views described as "spectacular" in visitor reviews. Seasonal considerations affect the camping experience significantly, with reviews noting "beautiful fields and views" in summer but potential access challenges during mud season. "The road into the site was scenic and beautiful. We followed the river all the way to the very end of the road up on the mountain."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Lake Elmore, Vermont (12)

    1. Austin Brook

    6 Reviews
    Warren, VT
    35 miles
    Website

    "When driving in on the right there’s a culdesac type set up of sites. Pretty sure these sites all have river access. Road is short dead ends with a decent amount of turn around space."

    "Great location, easy access, on a nice brook. Fire ring only, no facilities and minimal parking."

    2. Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    8 Reviews
    Granville, VT
    41 miles
    Website

    "Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests. 

    Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles."

    "About 12 sites off National Forest Road 71. Beautiful area and very secluded. All have fire rings but that’s about it."

    3. Green Mountain National Forest FR25 - Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Warren, VT
    37 miles
    Website

    "Beautiful sites on the River but with the wet summer, we just couldn’t dry out. Make sure to lock you valuables. Our Jackery, Solar panels & toilet were stolen."

    "All the sites were full when I visited (6 to 8 sites, approximately, but i didn't go down a couple little gravel paths to check each spot as you couldn't turn around easily) , so I didn't get to camp there"

    4. Route 100 Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Warren, VT
    37 miles

    "Main lot has plenty of parking, perfect for car camping. Pull through the trees has some spots for tents and smaller setups."

    "This is right next to Mad River with a area to walk down into a swimming hole. Great place."

    5. Lincoln Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Lincoln, VT
    35 miles

    "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. Prepare for bugs as well."

    "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."

    6. Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road

    2 Reviews
    Granville, VT
    42 miles

    "The dirt road along the river is an easy drive, though it is single lane in a few locations, so be aware of oncoming traffic. "

    "There is no services of any sorts at this location. Mostly local traffic. Peaceful! Gorgeous rock river 💜"

    7. Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11

    2 Reviews
    Granville, VT
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 362-2307

    "It is old Vermont farm land that the team of the US National Forest must manage. They have kept the clearing clear and access is pretty good."

    "There are no amenities at this campground. It is an open field on the left side of the road with two or three sites on the right side of the road that are walk in sites."

    8. Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites

    2 Reviews
    Hancock, VT
    45 miles
    Website

    "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."

    9. Green Mountain National Forest FR50 - Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Granville, VT
    42 miles
    Website

    "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."

    10. Maine Railroad Trestle

    1 Review
    Groveton, VT
    48 miles
    Website

    "While reservations are not required, there is a registration page on the CT River Paddler's Trail Website that they ask folx to complete just so spots don't get overcrowded. "

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Lake Elmore, VT

29 Photos of 12 Lake Elmore Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lake Elmore, VT

35 Reviews of 12 Lake Elmore Campgrounds

  • Miccal M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road

    This is a wonderful place to camp

    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, so be aware of oncoming traffic.  Some of the sites are drive in, some are walk in, but all are primitive. 

    There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area.  Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in.

    This area is being heavily use and some spots are being shut down from abuse, please be aware that you have a lot of impact, and that impact can be positive or negative. Choose Positive!

    This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2023

    Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    NFR 207 Meadows, with great views!

    In the first large meadow, multiple fire rings / sites. Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests. 

    Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles.
    Nearby Clark Brook Trail is a 3 mile hike connecting with the AT/LT.
    2 bars USCellular LTE.

  • Thomas and James S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Austin Brook

    Nice sites

    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. Road is short dead ends with a decent amount of turn around space.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2024

    Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites

    Nice setting, simple fire pit only sites

    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. Past the gate at the end of the Texas Falls recreation area we found several sites with only a fire pit along the brook. They were well used with some litter. We packed out what we could find. There are posted signs on the opposite bank so we stayed on our side. Brook water filtered fine and was tasty. Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome. Very pretty area.

  • Michelle R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Austin Brook

    Green Mountain National Forest Warren Falls

    Just south of Warren Falls trail head and parking lot and just north of Green Mountains National Forest Road #25, is a small (4-5 sites, 3 picnic tables) camping and parking area wedged between the Mad River and Vermont Route 100. Grassy and Rocky sites, 4 fire rings, 3 porta-potties, and stream side (river) camping close to trails, Warren Falls swimming hole, the Lincoln Gap Road and hiking, and the "famous" Warren General Store, and covered bridge. There aren't any reservation or use instructions or signs posted.

  • Chris D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 10, 2024

    Route 100 Dispersed Camping

    Great little spot right off RT-100

    I was looking for the Austin Brook campsite north of this one, but someone on here gave directions to this site, which turns out has its own page on here. Right off the road, a small handful of camp sites, some picnic tables, presumably some fire rings although with snow coverage I didn’t see any. Main lot has plenty of parking, perfect for car camping. Pull through the trees has some spots for tents and smaller setups. Entrance and exit are a little steep and tricky in the winter, lot wasn’t plowed so AWD/4x4 and good ground clearance are recommended.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2024

    Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11

    Beautiful View Real VT setting but can be a little crowded

    It is a beautiful setting and the first nice weekend in May. There were quite a few folks there already but worth the visit. 

    It is old Vermont farm land that the team of the US National Forest must manage. They have kept the clearing clear and access is pretty good. We are so lucky to have access like this for all of us to enjoy.

  • Joann&WellsThePup I.
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    NF-71

    About 12 sites off National Forest Road 71. Beautiful area and very secluded. All have fire rings but that’s about it. Make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season and treat your skin and clothes during black fly season

  • Miccal M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2021

    Austin Brook

    Great Primative Location

    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.

Guide to Lake Elmore

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Lake Elmore, Vermont, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities. This area offers unique spots for camping that cater to different preferences, from riverside retreats to secluded forest sites.

Scenic River Access for Campers

  • The Austin Brook area features several sites with direct access to beautiful streams, perfect for those who enjoy the sound of flowing water while camping.
  • Campers at Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road can take advantage of the picturesque river views and established fire rings, making it an ideal spot for evening gatherings.
  • For a more secluded experience, Lincoln Dispersed Camping offers quiet sites near a clean brook, allowing for peaceful nights under the stars.

Adventure Awaits: Hiking and Exploration

  • The Green Mountain National Forest FR207 area is known for its scenic meadows and nearby hiking trails, including the Clark Brook Trail, which connects to the Appalachian Trail.
  • Campers at Green Mountain National Forest FR50 can enjoy remote locations with plenty of privacy, ideal for those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature.
  • The Route 100 Dispersed Camping site provides easy access to various hiking paths, making it a great base for exploring the surrounding wilderness.

Wildlife Watching and Nature Photography

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lake Elmore, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lake Elmore, VT is Austin Brook with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Lake Elmore, VT?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 dispersed camping locations near Lake Elmore, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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