Best Dispersed Camping near Lincoln, VT

Multiple dispersed camping options exist within Green Mountain National Forest near Lincoln, Vermont. Forest Roads 207, 25, and 291 provide access to primitive campsites without facilities. Several camping areas border brooks and streams, including sites along Austin Brook and areas along FR 207 that feature mountain views from open meadows. These free, backcountry sites typically have established fire rings but minimal other amenities, following the dispersed camping regulations of the U.S. Forest Service.

Access roads throughout the area require careful navigation, particularly during mud season when even all-wheel drive vehicles may struggle. Most sites need moderate to high clearance, with some routes like FR 291 described as "somewhat primitive" with "lots of big puddles." Several camping areas along Route 100 have been posted with "No Camping" signs despite having fire rings and picnic tables, indicating changing regulations. Forest service signs in some areas warn that improper waste disposal and littering could lead to site closures if visitors don't practice better stewardship.

Campsites near water provide opportunities for filtering drinking water and cooling off during summer months. Many locations offer seclusion and natural soundscapes, though weekend ATV traffic occurs in some areas. The primitive nature of these sites appeals to self-sufficient campers seeking quieter alternatives to established campgrounds. "Crystal clear waters with never ending mesmerizing relaxation" characterizes the riverside sites, while others note the "beautiful sunsets, night skies and scenery." One visitor to FR 207 mentioned "spectacular views" from field sites where campers can choose locations based on preferences for either sunrise or sunset vistas.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Lincoln, Vermont (18)

    1. Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    8 Reviews
    Granville, VT
    10 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."

    2. Austin Brook

    6 Reviews
    Warren, VT
    7 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."

    3. Green Mountain National Forest FR25 - Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Warren, VT
    8 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
    8 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
    3 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
    10 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
    10 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
    12 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
    10 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."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lincoln, VT

37 Reviews of 18 Lincoln 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 Lincoln

Dispersed camping opportunities in Green Mountain National Forest near Lincoln, Vermont provide primitive wilderness experiences at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 feet. The region receives approximately 43 inches of annual precipitation with summer temperatures averaging 65-75°F during peak camping season. Most sites require moderate clearance vehicles and are accessible from late May through October, with mud season (April-May) creating challenging conditions even for AWD vehicles.

What to do

Creek exploration and swimming holes: Along FR 25, several campsites provide direct access to streams for cooling off. A visitor notes that "all spots filled" on summer weekends, but the "gorgeous stream/river" makes it worthwhile with "love the river sounds" providing natural ambiance at Green Mountain National Forest FR25.

Wildlife watching opportunities: Winter camping can provide unique wildlife encounters in the Lincoln area. One camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207 reported "woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving" during a winter camping trip that offered "extremely calm and peaceful" conditions.

Hiking access: Multiple dispersed sites connect to trail networks. Texas Falls primitive sites offer more than just camping, as "Texas falls is a great place to stop and explore" before heading "further up into the mountains" to reach the riverside campsites with simple fire pits, according to one visitor.

What campers like

Elevated viewpoints: The field sites on FR207 provide panoramic vistas. One camper describes sites where you can "choose either sunrise or sunset and you should be able to get a site to fit your needs" with "spectacular views" from higher elevation locations at Town Highway 11.

Secluded locations: The remote nature of many sites offers privacy away from developed areas. FR 291 sites are praised for being "yards away from gorgeous running water" with "the seclusion of this spot is what makes it" according to visitors at Lincoln Dispersed Camping.

Meadow camping: Open field sites provide a different experience than forested locations. At West Hill Road, campers enjoy "a handful of sites to camp at along the river, each offering a slightly different experience" with both drive-in and walk-in options at Patterson Brookside camp.

What you should know

Road conditions matter: Vehicle clearance requirements vary significantly between sites. FR 207 "is not a place to go without at least 9 inches of ground clearance" according to one visitor, while FR 291 is described as a "somewhat primitive road - lots of big puddles" requiring "some clearance for a vehicle."

Seasonal considerations: Each season brings different challenges. During mud season, many access roads become nearly impassable. One camper warns to "make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season and treat your skin and clothes during black fly season" at higher elevations.

Increasing restrictions: Some previously available sites are being closed due to misuse. A recent visitor to North Green Mountain Camp noted "Rangers have already started to move boulders into place to block off some of the other sites" and predicted "it won't be long before the Rangers close this area down due to abuse" at North Green Mountain Camp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lincoln, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lincoln, VT is Green Mountain National Forest FR207 with a 4.9-star rating from 8 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 18 dispersed camping locations near Lincoln, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.