Dispersed camping near Moscow, Vermont offers primitive overnight sites throughout Green Mountain National Forest, particularly along forest roads at elevations between 1,200-2,500 feet. The area's terrain consists primarily of northern hardwood forest interspersed with mountain streams and open meadows. During spring thaw (typically mid-March through April), many access roads become completely impassable due to mud conditions.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: Visit Texas Falls Primitive campsites where you can hike short trails to cascading water features. "Texas falls is a great place to stop and explore. Then, if you venture further up into the mountains you come upon the campsites with fire pits," notes camper Miccal M.
Swimming holes: Several stream-adjacent campsites offer natural swimming opportunities during summer months. At Route 100 Dispersed Camping, you'll find "a area to walk down into a swimming hole" according to Margaret E., though this location now has mixed reports about camping restrictions.
Mountain biking: Access trail networks from numerous forest road camping areas. The nearby Lincoln Gap contains popular riding routes. FR 291 provides "a somewhat primitive road - lots of big puddles" leading to trailheads where "we walked past the gate beyond the end of the road followed a trail up 500 feet or so of elevation."
What campers like
Seclusion and quiet: Many forest road campsites offer isolation from crowds. At Lincoln Dispersed Camping, visitors appreciate that "down off this back road in VT you can find some beautiful secluded campsites - Yards away from gorgeous running water."
Water features: Nearly all dispersed camping areas feature proximity to streams or rivers. One camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207 mentioned, "We followed the river all the way to the very end of the road up on the mountain... This site had great tree coverage to easily set up a tarp."
Open field sites: High elevation meadow camping spots offer unobstructed views. The field sites at FR207 provide "beautiful scenic views of the mountains" with "many spots on open fields" as one camper noted. Another mentioned that you can "choose either sunrise or sunset and you should be able to get a site to fit your needs."
What you should know
Vehicle clearance requirements: Many access roads require appropriate vehicles. According to reviews, FR207 "is not a place to go without at least 9 inches of ground clearance." Some areas have become increasingly difficult to access, with one visitor to North Green Mountain Camp stating sites are "no longer accessible unless you have a lifted full-size jeep or 4-runner type vehicle."
Closures and restrictions: Site availability changes frequently. The North Green Mountain Camp reviewer observed "Rangers have already started to move boulders into place to block off some of the other sites" and warned "it won't be long before the Rangers close this area down due to abuse."
Weather impacts: Seasonal conditions heavily affect accessibility. One camper notes that during mud season, you should "make sure to have a backup plan" and recommends treating "your skin and clothes during black fly season."
Tips for camping with families
Stream-adjacent sites: Locations near water provide natural entertainment for children. At Patterson Brookside camp, "there are a handful of sites to camp at along the river here, each offering a slightly different experience." Another camper mentioned "mountain road lingers along the river. There's quite a few sites along the road."
Site selection timing: Arrive mid-week when possible to secure preferred locations. Weekend crowds fill popular areas quickly, with one visitor noting "Saturday night all spots filled."
Wildlife viewing: Early morning offers opportunities to spot local animals. One camper at FR207 reported "woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving" during a winter camping trip.
Tips from RVers
Limited suitable sites: Very few dispersed camping areas accommodate larger vehicles. At Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11, "it is an open field on the left side of the road" which may accommodate some smaller RVs, but most forest road sites have difficult access.
Turning space: Single-lane forest roads often lack adequate turn-around areas for larger vehicles. One camper noted that some forest roads have "single lane in a few locations, so be aware of oncoming traffic."
Water access: No dispersed sites offer hookups, requiring self-contained water systems. Campers must filter water from streams, with one noting that "brook water filtered fine and was tasty" at Texas Falls.
