Dispersed camping near Norwich, Vermont offers opportunities throughout the Green Mountain National Forest, with sites nestled at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 feet. The region experiences dramatic seasonal variations, with mud season typically lasting from mid-March through early May when many forest roads become impassable. Most dispersed camping locations require visitors to be entirely self-sufficient, bringing all necessary supplies and removing all waste.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road provides excellent access to hiking trails. "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!" shares Thomas and James S.
Winter camping: Green Mountain National Forest FR207 offers winter camping for those prepared for cold weather conditions. "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," notes Phil J.
Fishing spots: Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site provides fishing opportunities. "This is an awesome spot for camping. They have a couple different spots where you can park and walk up to your site or they have sites you can pull right up next to them. Some of the camping spots have fire pits but not all. Theres a nice pond with great views and good fishing," reports Dom L.
Water activities: The rivers and brooks near many sites offer natural swimming areas. "Wow this site was so beautiful! The road into the site was scenic and beautiful. We followed the river all the way to the very end of the road up on the mountain," shares Amanda about Green Mountain National Forest FR207.
What campers like
Mountain views: Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 offers panoramic vistas. "The scenic beauty of this place is amazing. There was some color in the forest but most of it was still green. There are wide open views of 3 mountain ranges. There are many flowering plants, wild apple trees on the right side of the road," explains Kevin C.
Riverside camping: Austin Brook sites are popular for their water access. "This is a beautiful little pull off the road right on the river with tables & fire rings," notes Sigrid O.
Secluded sites: Tripoli Road offers remote camping options. "Came through in the 24th hr... Awesome adult spot, pretty much free reign, no quiet time, and, watch out for bears... #kudos," shares Kris Z.
Wildlife viewing: Several sites offer chances to see local wildlife. "Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving," mentions Phil J. about Green Mountain National Forest FR207, while others report seeing bears, deer, and various bird species throughout the area.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles. "This is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance. Views are spectacular, choose either sunrise or sunset and you should be able to get a site to fit your needs," advises Miccal M. about Green Mountain National Forest FR207.
Bear safety: Bears are active in the area, especially around Tripoli Road. "Following the July 4, 2019 holiday, the camping area was closed after bears visited campsites and got into food that was left in the open and not secured in vehicles or bear canisters," warns Jean C.
Site availability: Most sites operate on first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. "We were here on a Friday & Saturday nights. Friday night had the whole place to ourselves. Saturday night all spots filled," reports Sigrid O. about Green Mountain National Forest FR25.
Seasonal closures: Forest roads often close during winter months. "Tripoli Road is a seasonal road, opening in late May most years and closing in autumn. Check the White Mountain National Forest Facebook page for up to date road closures/status," notes Jean C.
Tips for camping with families
Best family-friendly sites: Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites offer waterfall views and short walking distance to facilities. "There seems to be a little confusion about where restricted day use ends and overnight dispersed sites begin. Some folks were camping in the picnic area. Past the gate at the end of the Texas Falls recreation area we found several sites with only a fire pit along the brook. Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome," notes J W.
Pack extra water: No dispersed sites have drinking water. "Brook water filtered fine and was tasty," reports J W. about Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primitive campsites, but bringing your own water supply is recommended.
Weather preparation: Temperatures can drop significantly at night, even in summer. "We came back down to one of the brookside sites. This site had great tree coverage to easily set up a tarp," shares Amanda about seeking shelter during unexpected rain at Green Mountain National Forest FR207.
Child-friendly activities: Look for sites with gentle water access. "We followed the river all the way to the very end of the road up on the mountain," mentions Amanda about Green Mountain National Forest FR207, describing accessible water features.
Tips from RVers
RV-accessible sites: Limited options exist for larger vehicles. "This is an awesome spot for camping. They have a couple different spots where you can park and walk up to your site or they have sites you can pull right up next to them," notes Dom L. about Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site.
Turnaround space: Be aware of limited maneuvering room on forest roads. "Had to back my trailer about a quarter mile, so they could get out. Camped in a very small spot, just barely enough room for our SUV and small teardrop to get off the road," warns Kevin C. about Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site.
Leveling challenges: Most sites are not developed for RVs. "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," advises Miccal M. about Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road.
Site selection timing: Arrive early to secure suitable spots. "It's first come first serve, so be sure to get up early on Friday for a weekend campout," recommends Kat B. about Tripoli Road.
