Best Dispersed Camping near Northfield, VT
Green Mountain National Forest offers several dispersed camping options near Northfield, Vermont. Austin Brook provides riverside primitive sites with established fire rings and direct water access. FR207 features meadow campsites with panoramic mountain views, while FR25 offers streamside locations popular with tent campers. Patterson Brookside Camp presents multiple riverside sites along a single-lane dirt road. These free, primitive camping areas typically have no facilities or amenities beyond basic fire rings.
Vehicle access varies significantly between sites. According to reviews, FR207's upper meadows require high-clearance 4WD vehicles with at least 9 inches of ground clearance. Several campers noted that North Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 has become increasingly difficult to access due to flooding damage, with rangers placing boulders to restrict access to some areas. Most sites lack cell service, drinking water, and sanitation facilities. Campers must pack out all trash and come prepared with water filtration systems if planning to use stream sources.
Fire regulations permit campfires at most sites, but only within established fire rings. The Forest Service has posted warnings at some locations about proper waste disposal and site cleanliness. Recent reviews indicate increased ranger monitoring due to site abuse and improper camping practices. Most areas close during winter months due to snow conditions, particularly Patterson Brookside which is officially closed by the Green Mountain National Forest in winter. Spring visits should account for mud season, while summer brings black fly activity. These areas experience high weekend usage, especially during peak foliage season, so weekday arrivals are recommended for securing preferred sites.
