Rustic camping near Northfield, Vermont allows visitors to enjoy the Green Mountain National Forest with its elevation changes between 900-4,000 feet. The region features a mix of hardwood forests, mountain meadows, and tributary streams that feed into the Mad River watershed. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with summer temperatures ranging from 50°F at night to 80°F during daytime hours.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: Visit the scenic Texas Falls recreation area where campers can access primitive sites beyond the day-use section. "This area is wonderful, first 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 and if your lucky you can get one on the river," notes a visitor to Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primitive campsites.
Stream fishing: Many brook-side camping areas provide direct access to small mountain streams. One camper at Route 100 Dispersed Camping observed, "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."
Winter camping: For those prepared for cold weather, some sites remain accessible during winter months. "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 visitor to Green Mountain National Forest FR207.
What campers like
River sounds: The sound of running water creates a peaceful backdrop at many primitive sites. At Patterson Brookside, campers appreciate the riverside location: "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. Mostly local traffic. Peaceful! Gorgeous rock river."
Field camping with views: Several dispersed sites offer meadow camping with panoramic vistas. One camper at Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 notes, "It is a beautiful setting and the first nice weekend in May. There were quite a few folks there already but worth the visit. It is old Vermont farm land that the team of the US National Forest must manage. They have kept the clearing clear and access is pretty good."
Secluded woodland spots: For those seeking isolation, forest roads lead to remote camping opportunities. A visitor to Lincoln Dispersed Camping shares, "Down off this back road in VT you can find some beautiful secluded campsites - Yards away from gorgeous running water. No trash or restrooms - Primitive for sure. Prepare for bugs as well. The seclusion of this spot is what makes it."
What you should know
Access challenges: Road conditions can change seasonally and after weather events. A recent visitor to North Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 warns, "Due to flooding and the abundance of campers abusing the roads these sites are no longer accessible unless you have a lifted full-size jeep or 4-runner type vehicle. I drive a Subaru Wilderness and have been able to access all of the sites for years, this year I cannot. I had to back down the road."
Site restrictions: Some areas have been subject to camping restrictions. At Route 100 Dispersed Camping, a reviewer clarifies, "This site was lovely, but signs say No Camping. There were a few spots with fire rings and picnic tables and would be a great place to camp though! Not sure how strict that is."
Pack water treatment: Surface water requires filtering before use. One camper at FR207 describes, "Brook water filtered fine and was tasty. Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome. Very pretty area."
Tips for camping with families
Weekday arrivals: Choose non-peak times for better site selection with children. "We were here on a Friday & Saturday nights. Friday night had the whole place to ourselves. Saturday night all spots filled," notes a camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR25.
Site selection: For families, look for flat areas near but not directly on water. A visitor to Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road recommends, "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."
Bug preparation: Black flies and mosquitoes can be problematic, especially for children. At Lincoln Dispersed Camping, one visitor warns: "Prepare for bugs as well."
Tips from RVers
Ground clearance requirements: RVs need significant clearance for many forest roads. According to a FR207 visitor, "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."
Limited turnaround space: Many primitive sites have minimal space for large vehicles to maneuver. A camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR25 noted, "All the sites were full when I visited (6 to 8 sites, approximately, but i didn't go down a couple little gravel paths to check each spot as you couldn't turn around easily)."
Wildlife encounters: Overnight parking may attract wildlife. "Saw no bear sign, but kept all food in car as a precaution," advises a Lincoln Dispersed Camping visitor.
