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."
"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."
"Main lot has plenty of parking, perfect for car camping. Pull through the trees has some spots for tents and smaller setups."
"Free dispersed camping right off of the road. Includes picnic tables and a fire ring. It is located in the mountains of Vermont and right next to a beautiful river."
"Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests. Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles."
"Public Lands with about 8 semi private sites, each with nice views west or easterly. It's a large meadow and with a breeze, it will keep bugs away. Lacking a breeze, it is tough but still beautiful"
"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"
"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."
"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 💜"
"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."
"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."
"A little more than half of the sites can be driven to and others require a very short walk (50 ft?). "
"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."
GuideRight along the road (so if anything happens you can get help) also has wifi signal. It’s right along a creek that’s clean and beautiful. Crisp air and calming flowing river noises all night made it so I slept like a baby!
GuideDrove all the way here just to pull in and see signs that say “no overnight camping”
ScoutPublic Lands with about 8 semi private sites, each with nice views west or easterly. It's a large meadow and with a breeze, it will keep bugs away. Lacking a breeze, it is tough but still beautiful
ScoutAs noted by others, most of the sites have a fire ring and nothing more. A little more than half of the sites can be driven to and others require a very short walk (50 ft?). The toilets mentioned are at Texas falls area and are not a practical walk from most of the campsites.
There are no showers.
Aside from the loop trail at the falls there are also a couple of snowmobile trails that cross the area.
TravelerFree dispersed camping right off of the road. Includes picnic tables and a fire ring. It is located in the mountains of Vermont and right next to a beautiful river. The only con was the highway noise since it's pretty close to the road. But, it's free, and in the beautiful mountains of vermont so cant really complain.
ScoutEasy to find, quiet & scenic with the river
ScoutQuiet spot out of the way. Large sporting field car park suitable for big dogs. No 'no camping' signs. There was a portaloo on site.
GuideThere are a handful of sites down Austin Brook road, I had trouble finding a level spot. Minimal ATT reception but overall pretty area
ScoutThis location is easy to access and has really nice drive in sites. Will definitely be a regular on our ventures
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.
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
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 Moscow Recreation Park with a 2.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Lake Elmore, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Lake Elmore, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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