Dispersed camping near Peacham, Vermont offers free and primitive overnight options within the White Mountain and Green Mountain National Forests. The terrain features a mix of wooded forest roads and mountain trails, with elevations ranging from 800 to 4,000 feet. Weather conditions can shift dramatically, particularly in spring when mud season affects road quality and access to many dispersed sites.
What to do
Hiking to mountain summits: The Guyot Shelter area provides access to several notable peaks. "We got to the site, claimed our platform and hiked over to West Bond to catch a beautiful sunset," notes one visitor at Guyot Shelter. This backcountry shelter serves as an excellent base for ambitious hikers tackling multiple summits.
Swimming in natural pools: During summer months, many dispersed sites offer water access. At Austin Brook, campers appreciate the proximity to swimming holes: "Great location, easy access, on a nice brook," reports one reviewer who found the location ideal for cooling off after hiking.
Stargazing from mountain meadows: Open field sites provide excellent night sky viewing. A camper at Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed shares: "We enjoyed a spectacular view of the Blood Super Moon from the campsite. Overall the site was open to the sky near the road yet protected from the wind."
What campers like
Solitude and separation: Many dispersed sites offer significant privacy. At Cherry Mountain Road, one camper observed, "The camp sites are all disbursed enough that we did not hear any other camping sounds at all. It was so quiet I could hear the sound of crow wings flapping as they flew by."
Mountain viewpoints: The elevated position of many sites provides panoramic vistas. A visitor to Green Mountain National Forest FR207 describes: "In the first large meadow, multiple fire rings/sites. Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests."
Water features: Riverside camping options are popular for their practical and recreational benefits. One camper at Elbow Pond notes: "Theres a nice pond with great views and good fishing. Some of the sites are close together but there are some that are a good distance apart."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many dispersed camping roads require appropriate vehicles. At Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site, a camper warns: "The road in is pretty rough and is not recommended for sedans or lower riding cars." Another adds: "I wouldn't recommend trying to take a normal sedan or something down there."
Seasonal closures: Most forest roads close during winter and mud seasons. FR207 campsites have specific seasonal challenges: "Make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season and treat your skin and clothes during black fly season."
Wildlife precautions: Bears frequent many of these camping areas. A Guyot Shelter visitor notes practical amenities: "Bear box located at a communal 'cooking area' and cold spring water located at the site." Secure food storage is essential at all dispersed sites.
Campsite availability patterns: Weekends fill quickly during summer and fall. "It's first come first serve, so be sure to get up early on Friday for a weekend campout," advises a Tripoli Road camper.
Tips for camping with families
Accessibility considerations: Choose sites based on your vehicle and children's hiking abilities. A visitor to Green Mountain FR207 advises: "Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles," indicating that families should plan accordingly for reaching more remote sites.
Water source proximity: Sites near streams provide both recreation and practical benefits. At Route 100 Dispersed Camping, "This is right next to Mad River with a area to walk down into a swimming hole." These water features can entertain children while providing water for cooking and cleaning.
Space assessment: Consider site size when bringing multiple family members. A Cherry Mountain camper notes: "Site #9 goes back about 70 to 80 feet back off the road... Just past the boulders is a large fire circle with room for 6 to 8 campers to sit around the fire."
Tips from RVers
Road width and turning radius: Forest roads vary in accessibility. At Austin Brook, one RV camper mentions: "Road is short, dead ends with a decent amount of turn around space," indicating where larger vehicles can navigate.
Levelness varies significantly: Finding flat parking can be challenging. A reviewer at Elbow Pond describes their experience: "Camped in a very small spot, just barely enough room for our SUV and small teardrop to get off the road. There was only a 20 foot by 12 foot space to camp in."
Seasonal road conditions: Road maintenance affects RV access considerably. For FR207, a camper notes: "The top end of the road has a few mud pits and may require some ground clearance from rocks," suggesting larger rigs should avoid certain sections during mud season.
