Dispersed camping options near Mendon, Vermont extend throughout the Green Mountain National Forest, with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 feet. Most sites require vehicles with adequate ground clearance due to rough forest roads, especially after spring thaw or heavy rainfall. Sites are typically available from late May through October, though weather conditions can affect accessibility.
What to do
Hiking access: Green Mountain National Forest FR207 provides direct access to several hiking trails. "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," notes a camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207.
Fishing opportunities: Many creek-side dispersed sites offer easy fishing access. "Great location for a small group to camp at. Can't wait to go back. The main area is a walk in and is worth it. The road into here was easy to drive," reports a visitor to Downed Bridge Camp.
Wildlife observation: Early mornings provide opportunities for moose and deer sightings. "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," shares a winter camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207.
What campers like
River access: Many campers choose sites with water features. "Love this site! The very last spot on the right hand side. If you've reached the closed gate you've missed the site! Keep it clean!" says a visitor to Last light on Michigan Brook.
Mountain views: Several meadow sites offer panoramic vistas. "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," explains a reviewer at Green Mountain National Forest FR207.
Privacy levels: Site selection varies from open meadows to secluded forest spots. "Great mountain views, some sites right on the road, some in fields and some tucked away out of view. The top end of the road has a few mud pits and may require some ground clearance from rocks," notes a camper describing the variety at Green Mountain National Forest FR207.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many access roads deteriorate after heavy rain. "This is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance. Views are spectacular, choose either sunrise or sunset and you should be able to get a site to fit your needs," advises a visitor to Green Mountain National Forest FR207.
Seasonal closures: Winter access is limited or prohibited at most sites. "This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF," reports a camper at Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road.
Site availability: Competition for sites increases significantly on weekends. "If you're lucky enough to get the last spot on the road it's epic. Note that fills quickly on a weekend. But don't worry there is primitive camping starting about a mile down fire road 10," suggests a visitor to Downed Bridge Camp.
Tips for camping with families
Brook exploration: Streams provide natural entertainment for children. "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," shares a visitor to Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites.
Wildlife spotting: Morning and evening offer peak wildlife viewing times. "Came in on a Wednesday afternoon in late September and found several available camp sites. 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," notes a visitor to Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11.
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather changes rapidly, requiring extra clothing layers. "We were fortunate to have perfect weather for our stay. This would be an awesome place to see the fall colors," adds another camper at Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Only certain sites accommodate larger vehicles. "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," explains a visitor to Patterson Brookside camp.
Road conditions: Access roads often narrow to single lanes. "Great private spot when nothing else is around. The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles. The only thing you will find here is a fire ring," shares a camper at Road's End Dispersed Camp.
Turning space: Limited turnaround areas exist for larger rigs. "Every time I've driven up Bingo to find a spot I end up leaving the area and going somewhere else. The sites are small and close to the road. Being primitive sites there are no facilities," warns a visitor about Green Mountain National Forest FR42 Dispersed Site.
