Best Dispersed Camping near Newport, VT

The northeastern corner of Vermont near Newport offers unique boat-in camping opportunities along the Connecticut River Paddlers Trail. Sites like Maine Railroad Trestle and Scott C. Devlin Memorial provide free, dispersed camping accessible primarily by water, creating a distinctive outdoor experience for paddlers and tent campers. These riverside locations feature basic amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables at some sites, and composting toilets, while maintaining a primitive, natural setting within the region's pine forests and along the river's edge.

Water access presents both opportunities and challenges for campers visiting these sites. The Scott C. Devlin Memorial campsite features wooden steps at a relatively steep angle leading from the river, requiring careful navigation when loading and unloading gear. As one camper notes, "Be sure you tie your boat up while unloading as there is a fair amount of current sweeping around the bend." Though reservations aren't required, paddlers are encouraged to register through the Connecticut River Paddlers Trail website to prevent overcrowding. Visitors should prepare for self-sufficient camping as these sites lack drinking water, trash collection, and other developed amenities.

Campers consistently praise the natural setting and tranquility of these riverside locations. The Maine Railroad Trestle site offers "a really nice rocky beach with easy access for loading and unloading" and good fishing opportunities according to visitor reviews. Both locations provide flat tent sites with shade from surrounding trees. Wildlife considerations include ticks, which can be prevalent especially in grassy areas and fields adjacent to campsites. Occasional disruptions from ATVs have been reported at some locations. The sites balance accessibility with seclusion, offering paddlers peaceful overnight stops along the Connecticut River with basic comfort amenities like toilets while maintaining their natural character and scenic riverside positioning.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Newport, Vermont (3)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Newport, VT

6 Photos of 3 Newport Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Newport, VT

2 Reviews of 3 Newport Campgrounds


  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2023

    Scott C. Devlin Memorial

    Secluded and Quiet

    This is another beautiful site along the CT River Paddler's Trail. It is well maintained and tucked on a knoll in a pine forest. There is a picnic table, fire ring and composting toilet box seat. The takeout is easy to miss if you aren't looking as it sits right in the bend of the river. There is a set of wooden steps that go down into the water at a relatively steep angle. Be sure you tie your boat up while unloading as there is a fair amount of current sweeping around the bend. Use caution moving up and down the steps.

    There is a flat area at the top of the steps where you can tie up your boat for the evening. Follow the path along an electric fence (be careful if you have dogs with you) up into the campsite. There you will find a nice shady spot with plenty of flat space for tents. Beware the ticks! They weren't the worse I've seen, but they are definitely around.

    Aside from the tricky loading and unloading on the water, this site is pretty dang perfect!

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2023

    Maine Railroad Trestle

    Nice site along the CT River Paddlers Trail

    While reservations are not required, there is a registration page on the CT River Paddler's Trail Website that they ask folx to complete just so spots don't get overcrowded. 

    There are several sites available here and a really nice rocky beach with easy access fo loading and unloading. It's also a nice spot to fish from. There is a site perched high on the hill where there is a picnic table and fire ring. There is also a spot lower down that is nice and flat and probably better spots for tents. We did have an ATV almost run over us at 1:00 a.m. that scared the dickens out of us. They were clearly unaware and intoxicated, it was a scary moment. But aside from that, it's a wonderful site. If you walk through the campsite, there is a massive cornfield, just beware that the ticks in the field are insane! They weren't bad in the campsite but in the grass, they were epic. There's nice shade available as well.


Guide to Newport

Dispersed camping near Newport, Vermont offers several free boat-in sites along the Connecticut River that create unique overnight options for paddlers. Located in the Northeast Kingdom region where Vermont, New Hampshire, and Quebec converge, these campsites experience average summer temperatures between 75-80°F during the day and 55-60°F at night. Winter conditions can be severe with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing and significant snowfall accumulation.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: The Connecticut River provides excellent fishing access at sites like Maine Railroad Trestle, where campers can cast directly from "a really nice rocky beach" according to visitor Sarah C. The river contains smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike depending on the season.

Hiking nearby trails: Many paddlers take day trips from their riverside campsites to explore nearby conservation lands. The area features a mix of pine forests and agricultural fields, though campers should note tick prevention is essential. Sarah C. warns that while ticks "weren't bad in the campsite" at Maine Railroad Trestle, "in the grass, they were epic."

Paddling day trips: The Connecticut River Paddlers Trail connects multiple free camping sites, allowing paddlers to create multi-day itineraries. This waterway provides both calm stretches and areas with "fair amount of current sweeping around the bend," requiring some navigation skills, particularly at sites like Scott C. Devlin Memorial.

What campers like

Natural isolation: The Scott C. Devlin Memorial site is "well maintained and tucked on a knoll in a pine forest," providing a secluded camping experience. Visitors appreciate the combination of convenient river access with private woodland camping that feels removed from civilization.

Well-maintained facilities: Despite being free camping near Newport, Vermont, these sites feature basic but functional amenities. The Scott C. Devlin Memorial site includes "a picnic table, fire ring and composting toilet box seat," providing essential comforts while maintaining a primitive camping experience.

Easy water access: Many paddlers appreciate the varied landing options. Maine Railroad Trestle offers what one camper describes as "a really nice rocky beach with easy access for loading and unloading," making it particularly suitable for groups with multiple watercraft or heavier gear.

What you should know

Registration recommended: While reservations aren't required at these free campsites, visitors should complete the optional registration through the Connecticut River Paddlers Trail website. This helps prevent overcrowding and supports site maintenance.

Limited facilities: These dispersed camping areas provide basic amenities only. Bring all necessary supplies including drinking water, food, and waste disposal bags. Most sites have composting toilets but no running water or trash collection.

Seasonal considerations: Spring brings higher water levels and potentially swifter currents, while summer offers more stable conditions. Fall provides spectacular foliage viewing opportunities, but temperatures can drop significantly at night, requiring appropriate sleeping gear.

Tips for camping with families

Safety precautions: When camping with children at boat-in sites like Scott C. Devlin Memorial, exercise caution with the landing areas. One camper notes there is "a set of wooden steps that go down into the water at a relatively steep angle" and advises to "use caution moving up and down the steps."

Wildlife awareness: Teach children about tick prevention and checking. Pack appropriate insect repellent and conduct regular tick checks, especially after walking through grassy areas. As one visitor noted, ticks "weren't the worse I've seen, but they are definitely around."

Pack entertainment: Without developed facilities, bring games and activities suitable for a primitive camping environment. The beach areas provide natural play spaces, while the forests offer exploration opportunities with proper supervision.

Tips from RVers

Alternative options required: The boat-in dispersed camping sites near Newport, Vermont cannot accommodate RVs or vehicle camping. RV campers should consider nearby developed campgrounds or designated dispersed camping areas with vehicle access.

Day use possibilities: RV campers staying at developed campgrounds can still enjoy the Connecticut River by launching day trips from public access points. This allows access to the same natural areas while returning to full hookup accommodations in the evening.

Weather considerations: The Northeast Kingdom region experiences significant seasonal variation. Summer offers pleasant temperatures while spring and fall can bring unexpected cold fronts. Winter camping is not recommended without appropriate cold-weather gear and experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Newport, VT is Maine Railroad Trestle with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Newport, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.