Dispersed camping options near Morrisville, Vermont include sites scattered along the Mad River watershed within Green Mountain National Forest. During summer months, nighttime temperatures can drop into the 40s even when daytime temperatures reach the 70s and 80s. Many campsites lack facilities but provide natural settings along river corridors with elevation changes of 500-1,500 feet between valley floors and ridge camping areas.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: Texas Falls Recreation Area offers primitive camping with hiking access to cascading waterfalls. "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," notes one Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primitive campsites visitor.
Mountain hiking: Several trails connect with the Appalachian Trail/Long Trail system within minutes of dispersed camping areas. A camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207 mentioned "Nearby Clark Brook Trail is a 3 mile hike connecting with the AT/LT."
Wildlife observation: Morning and evening hours provide optimal wildlife viewing opportunities. One camper at FR207 reported "Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving." Bring binoculars and observe from a safe distance, especially during early summer months.
What campers like
River access sites: Many free camping sites near Morrisville feature riverside locations with natural swimming holes. At Route 100 Dispersed Camping, a camper noted, "This site has 3-5 campsites right off of route 100. This is right next to Mad River with a area to walk down into a swimming hole. Great place."
Mountain vista camping: Open field sites provide panoramic views not commonly found at developed campgrounds. At Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11, a camper described "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."
Backcountry seclusion: Some sites offer true isolation despite proximity to Morrisville. "Down off this back road in VT you can find some beautiful secluded campsites - Yards away from gorgeous running water... The seclusion of this spot is what makes it," writes a visitor to Lincoln Dispersed Camping.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Road conditions limit access to many dispersed sites. A Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road camper explained: "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."
Site availability factors: Weekends from late spring through fall foliage season see highest demand. Sites fill quickly, especially after noon on Fridays. One camper noted, "We were here on a Friday & Saturday nights. Friday night had the whole place to ourselves. Saturday night all spots filled."
Water considerations: Most sites require water filtration from streams. "Brook water filtered fine and was tasty," reports one Texas Falls visitor. Plan to carry at least one gallon per person per day or bring reliable filtration systems for nearby water sources.
Management closures: Land managers occasionally close overused sites. "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," warns a Patterson Brookside camper.
Tips for camping with families
Best family-friendly sites: Look for areas with easy brook access and flat tent platforms. A visitor to Austin Brook noted, "There are a handful of sites down Austin Brook road... Overall pretty area."
Site arrival timing: Arrive mid-week when seeking free camping near Morrisville with children. A Green Mountain Camp visitor reported, "Came in on a Wednesday afternoon in late September and found several available camp sites."
Safety precautions: Store food securely even at less remote sites. "Saw no bear sign, but kept all food in car as a precaution," mentions one Lincoln Dispersed camper. Also consider noise from brooks when setting up tents with small children.
Weather considerations: Open field sites offer limited shelter during storms. "We were fortunate to have perfect weather for our stay," notes a camper at Green Mountain Camp, indicating the importance of checking forecasts when camping with families.
Tips from RVers
RV-accessible locations: Most dispersed sites near Morrisville have limited space for larger vehicles. "Pretty remote... Found a site that people with a Prius wouldn't be able to get to," notes a camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR50, suggesting higher clearance vehicles manage better.
Leveling challenges: Finding level parking at riverside locations requires planning. "I had trouble finding a level spot," reported one Austin Brook visitor, a common issue for vehicle-based camping in the area.
Turn-around space: Single-lane forest roads create navigation challenges. "Road is short dead ends with a decent amount of turn around space," notes one camper about Austin Brook sites, making advance scouting advisable before bringing larger vehicles.
Ground clearance requirements: Forest road conditions vary seasonally. A visitor to FR207 mentioned "Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles," while another noted, "This is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance."
