Top Free Dispersed Camping near Norton, VT

Looking for the best Norton dispersed camping? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Norton, VT (5)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Norton

5 Reviews of 5 Norton Campgrounds


  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Raven
    Sep. 6, 2023

    Raven

    Super Impacted

    This site, while in a beautiful spot perched above Cupsuptic Lake, it is so impacted that in the rain it was a literal mud pit. While there was a picnic table to get up off the ground, finding a spot to pitch a tent where water wouldn't puddle would be impossible. We hiked in, but you can paddle into the site just know that the exit/entry to the water is a bit tricky and not as easy as some of the other sites available along the way. 

    There is a large fire pit, also a mess in the down pours. The picnic table is in far better shape here than the one in Eagle Cove (rotting) and Cedar Bay (non-existent). The site is quite small and wouldn't be able to accommodate more than two small tents. I wouldn't make a special trip to stay here.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Cove
    Sep. 6, 2023

    Eagle Cove

    Not good in the rain

    We stayed here during a torrential downpour and it was tough to find a spot to pitch the tent that wasn't going to put us in a puddle. The site has very little clear flat area for an established campsite and it took a little bit of strategy to find a spot where we could actually sleep and stay relatively dry given the circumstances.

    This is a waterfront site but there isn't super easy access to the lake, but the view is pretty amazing! There is a rough fire pit that had a stack of wood next to it that was clearly part of an old picnic table. The picnic table that was in the site was, well...let's call it a "living picnic table." It was not in great shape and was actively rotting. We made it work because we had already traveled through the other available sites and they were in worse shape than this one. It did the trick for an evening but I certainly wouldn't go out of my way to stay here.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Smudge Cove
    Sep. 6, 2023

    Smudge Cove

    A Favorite Spot

    This campsite is along the Forest Legacy Trail and while the trail is managed by one entity, the remote campsites are managed by another. The Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust maintains the trails in and out while Cupsuptic Campground manages the campsites.

    There is a tent platform at Smudge Cove but it is in desperate need of repair and it sounds like that's in the plans for next summer. There is a nice picnic table available as well as an established fire ring. The site is just off the water and there is a nice long dock that makes it super easy to boat into and unload. You can also backpack in and enjoy some pretty cool Maine forests along the way. There is also relatively easy access to the water by way of the rocks, beside the dock.

    These sites are secluded and offer a lovely amount of privacy and rest assured, the only sounds you will hear at night are the loons!

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Scott C. Devlin Memorial
    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
    Camper-submitted photo from Maine Railroad Trestle
    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 Norton

Camping near Norton, Vermont, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you’re into fishing, hiking, or just relaxing by the water, there’s something for everyone.

What to do

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing in the area. One visitor at Lake Francis State Park Campground said, "Perfect for fishing, hiking, and kayaking." The lake is known for its great fishing spots.
  • Hiking: Trails abound in this region. A camper at Deer Mountain Campground mentioned, "You can hike onto the final stretch of trail a 5-minute walk away." This makes it easy to explore the beautiful landscapes.
  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Many campgrounds, like Mollidgewock State Park Campground, offer boat rentals. A reviewer noted, "They rent kayaks/canoes on the property which was fun."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained facilities. One visitor at Brighton State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms are always exceptionally clean, and the lake is great for swimming."
  • Privacy: Many sites provide a sense of seclusion. A camper at Maidstone State Park mentioned, "The sites have enough space between them to give privacy, but you know you're not alone."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor at Mollidgewock State Park Campground shared, "The gentleman working the office was super kind and helpful."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Deer Mountain Campground, have minimal facilities. A camper noted, "These sites lack amenities; however, the primitive feel really helps you enjoy the beauties of New Hampshire."
  • Road Noise: Campers at Mollidgewock State Park Campground mentioned that while the campground is beautiful, "the proximity to a road -- the road noise was pretty significant."
  • Seasonal Availability: Many campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Lake Francis State Park Campground is open from May 23 to November 10.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose the Right Site: Look for sites that offer privacy and space. A camper at Brighton State Park Campground mentioned, "Camp sites are not too close together for privacy."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A visitor at Mollidgewock State Park Campground noted, "The main activities are hiking, fishing, and I saw a host of folks ATVing."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring everything you need, as some campgrounds have limited stores. A camper at Coleman State Park Campground said, "There is a small general store called Treats & Treasures not far from the site."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Kingdom Campground mentioned, "All RV sites have water, sewer, and electric."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Some campgrounds, like White Caps Campground, have no showers. A visitor noted, "Showers have a coin system in place to use them."
  • Enjoy the Views: Many campgrounds offer stunning views. A camper at White Caps Campground said, "The camp store was not big, but has a few items of need. My only fault to the campground is the showers have a coin system in place to use them."

Camping near Norton, Vermont, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you’re sure to have a memorable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Norton, VT?

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

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Norton, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.