Green Mountain National Forest provides primitive camping opportunities near Mendon, Vermont with sites ranging from 800 to 2,700 feet in elevation. Winter temperatures frequently drop below 0°F, while summer highs average 75-85°F. Dispersed camping areas require vehicles to navigate unpaved roads that often become impassable during spring thaw periods from late March through early May.
What to do
River activities: Michigan Brook offers accessible swimming spots where visitors can cool off during summer months. "Drive in about a mile after the parking lot!! Can use car to get in! There's 3 camping spots. 1 before the bridge and 2 after the bridge! The one before the bridge that's right next to the river is the best one!!" reports camper TRUCKER C.
Hiking access: Tent sites at Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter connect directly to the Appalachian Trail, providing immediate trail access. Justin P. notes, "The shelter was a fairly basic 8ish person shelter, but this stop stood out because of a brand new privvy, large tenting areas, and a swimming hole and consistent water just a bit further down the trail."
Winter recreation: Winter camping requires specialized equipment in most areas. According to Keegz M., "It is winter and there is a lot of snow. The main road to the parking lot is plowed and sanded. However if you would like to continue down the service road during winter months I would highly recommend snowshoes or a snowmobile."
What campers like
Stream-side camping: Campers consistently rate riverside sites highest at Patterson Brookside camp where the sound of flowing water enhances the experience. "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," advises Thomas and James S.
Weekend availability patterns: Green Mountain National Forest FR25 follows predictable patterns with full occupancy during peak periods. Sigrid O. observed, "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."
Primitive camping experience: Many tent campers near Mendon value the genuine off-grid experience. "This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF," notes Miccal M. about Patterson Brookside, adding, "There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area. Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in."
What you should know
Road conditions: Forest roads near Mendon deteriorate significantly after rain or during thaw periods. At Michigan Brook Road Camping, Thomas and James S. cautions, "Road goes in pretty far. Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!"
Communication limitations: Cell service is virtually nonexistent at most tent sites. Keegz M. emphasizes this point: "PLEASE NOTE: THIS LOCATION DOES NOT PROVIDE CELL PHONE SERVICE OR WIFI CONNECTION. However, if you walk to the end of upper Michigan Brook road you will have cell phone service and a gas station along with a United States Post Office as well as a general store."
Site closures: Forest Service periodically closes camping areas due to overuse or environmental concerns. Helen P. reports, "There was a NFS sign along FR-25 posted asking people to clean up after themselves (litter and human waste) as there'd been complaints to the extent that they were considering closing the sites if people didn't do better."
Tips for camping with families
Water source planning: Families need to bring sufficient water as most sites lack potable sources. At Stony Brook, Justin P. shares, "There was no water on the shelter, but there was plenty of water at Stony Brook / Mink Brook a bit further northbound," which requires filtering or treatment.
Security considerations: Leave valuables at home when tent camping near Mendon. One camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR25 cautions, "Make sure to lock you valuables. Our Jackery, Solar panels & toilet were stolen."
Easier access sites: Bingo provides more accessible camping for families with young children. Rose notes, "Couple of spots along the forest access road. Beautiful stream close by," making this a good option for those who want shorter walks from parking areas.
Tips from RVers
High-clearance vehicles only: Most dispersed camping areas near Mendon require vehicles with good ground clearance. Maggie F. advises about Michigan Brook, "Beware that in Spring the road gets muddy and quite rutted, I would not recommend driving down there with a car that is low to the ground."
Site selection strategy: RVers should scout sites before committing to a spot. "The area is big enough to bring an RV if you can get it down the dirt road. It is frequently camped in so fire rings exist," notes one Michigan Brook visitor, emphasizing that turning around can be difficult on narrow forest roads.
Seasonal accessibility: RV access becomes impossible during multiple periods throughout the year. Matthew B. points out that seasonal road closures happen regularly, stating simply, "Road has been closed," which highlights the importance of checking current Forest Service notices before planning tent camping trips near Mendon, Vermont.
