Rustic camping near Orleans, Vermont offers primitive sites along the Connecticut River as well as inland locations within the surrounding White Mountain National Forest. Most dispersed campsites in this northeastern corner of Vermont remain accessible from late spring through fall, though road conditions frequently determine actual availability. Water access points vary significantly in difficulty, with some requiring careful navigation of steep banks.
What to do
Hiking access: Haystack Road campsites serve as excellent staging grounds for numerous White Mountain trails. According to Greg L., "The North Twin Trailhead is at the end of Haystack Rd., these trails connect to the Twin Mountain peaks and the Pemigewasset Wilderness area. Its is a great staging ground for weeks worth of adventures."
Swimming and fishing: Many riverside sites offer water recreation opportunities directly from camp. At Maine Railroad Trestle, Sarah C. notes "a really nice rocky beach with easy access for loading and unloading. It's also a nice spot to fish from." Some inland sites like Haystack Road include stream access, with one camper pointing out certain sites have "a small stream behind them, it'll make your stay a little easier. Bathing, dishes, etc."
Wildlife viewing: The Orleans area supports diverse wildlife including bears and moose. Greg L. warns campers at Haystack Road, "wildlife like bear and moose will visit you at night. it's almost a certainty, keep your food locked in a bear tight container." This necessitates proper food storage at all area campsites.
What campers like
Site separation: Many dispersed camping areas feature well-spaced sites providing privacy. At Haystack Road, Drew reports "There are 11 options, each completely separated from the others." Another camper, Kim O., confirms these sites "are far apart" and describes the camping as "quiet."
Extended stays: Unlike developed campgrounds with strict limits, many dispersed sites permit longer residency. Haystack Road permits stays up to 14 days, with one regular visitor, Kim O., even calling it "my summer home!" This allows for extended exploration of the surrounding wilderness areas.
Basic amenities: The primitive nature appeals to those seeking minimal facilities. For self-sufficient campers, the simplicity is an advantage. Kim O. describes the Haystack sites as "perfect for a dirt bag. You get a fire pit and that's it." Another camper explains these sites work well "as a backpacker this suits me fine. great place to enjoy with friends for a few days or use as a base camp for hiking."
What you should know
Reservation systems: While most sites operate on first-come, first-served principles, some have informal registration processes. Sarah C. explains that at Scott C. Devlin Memorial, "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."
Site security concerns: Leaving equipment unattended poses risks at some locations. Sean L. warns about Haystack Road: "beware of people stealing camping gear. I left out gear to claim a spot while out hiking and came back to people having stolen some of it as well as setting up in that spot."
Seasonal closures: Road access varies throughout the year with predictable closures. Jean C. notes Haystack Road "is closed in winter and will open in late spring after the road has dried out and any repairs have been made. In 2019, it opened in mid-June. Check the the White Mountain National Forest FB page or website for road status."
Tips for camping with families
Insect preparation: Multiple campsites report significant tick populations. Sarah C. cautions about Maine Railroad Trestle: "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."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies drastically between campsites and trails. Greg L. reports that at Haystack Road "There is cell reception at most of the sites. Do not rely on cell phone trail maps, there is little to no reception trail on the trails. Use a downloadable GPS map like a Gaia GPS, or a Garmin type device."
Paddling challenges: River access points require careful navigation with children. At one Connecticut River site, Sarah C. describes the takeout as having "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."
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: While most primitive sites aren't RV-friendly, some accommodate smaller rigs. At Haystack Road, spot variations exist with Drew noting, "We were in spot #1 which is nothing at all like the others. It is next to the Highway on a paved fire road. So you can hear traffic. And it is paved (which is good if it's wet and muddy elsewhere)."
Supply planning: Limited services necessitate advance provisioning. Jean C. advises "Forgot something? Fosters Corners just a few miles north has an eclectic selection of essentials as well as gas. Or take I-93 north to Littleton to a wider variety of shops."
Site limitations: Most dispersed camping areas have minimal amenities unsuitable for larger rigs. One camper describes Haystack Road as having "very primitive car camping with only a fire pit at the site" and notes sites "are heavily used and there is a bit of trash left behind."
