Dispersed camping near Perkinsville, Vermont offers primitive sites within Green Mountain National Forest with elevations ranging from 950 to 1,800 feet. The area features several forest roads that remain open from late May through October, though mud season (March-April) makes many roads impassable. Winter camping occurs primarily at higher elevation meadow sites where snowmobile trails provide access.
What to do
Hiking the Clark Brook Trail: Access this 3-mile trail connecting to the Appalachian Trail directly from Green Mountain National Forest FR207. One visitor reported, "Nearby Clark Brook Trail is a 3 mile hike connecting with the AT/LT."
Explore seasonal swimming holes: The natural river formations at Austin Brook provide summer cooling options. A camper noted, "There's a few sites here! All pretty much have access to the streams."
Winter camping exploration: For those with proper equipment, the meadows offer excellent winter opportunities. A camper at FR207 shared, "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."
What campers like
Mountain views from meadow sites: The higher elevation campsites provide panoramic vistas across multiple mountain ranges. A visitor to Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 shared, "There are wide open views of 3 mountain ranges. There are many flowering plants, wild apple trees on the right side of the road. Lots of birds, butterflies, and bees."
Riverside camping options: Multiple sites along waterways offer the constant sound of moving water. A camper at Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road described, "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!"
Secluded forest settings: Off the main forest roads, more isolated sites provide privacy. A visitor to Lincoln Dispersed Camping noted, "Down off this back road in VT you can find some beautiful secluded campsites - Yards away from gorgeous running water."
What you should know
Vehicle clearance requirements: Many forest roads require appropriate vehicles. At Green Mountain National Forest FR50 - Dispersed Camping, a camper reported, "Found a site that people with a Prius wouldn't be able to get to."
Environmental impact concerns: Site closures are occurring due to misuse. A visitor to Patterson Brookside camp warned, "This area is being heavily use and some spots are being shut down from abuse, please be aware that you have a lot of impact."
Availability patterns: Weekdays offer more solitude than weekends. At FR50, a visitor noted, "Pretty remote. Lots of traffic. Super buggy in June. No cell service. But, plenty of privacy and solitude."
Limited facilities: Most sites lack any amenities beyond fire rings. A camper at Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primitive campsites shared, "There is not much to these sites as far as amenities, just a fire pit. But that is all I need."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with swimming access: Look for camps near shallow water areas. At Green Mountain National Forest FR25 - Dispersed Camping, a visitor mentioned, "We were here on a Friday & Saturday nights. Friday night had the whole place to ourselves. Saturday night all spots filled. We had quiet and respectful neighbors."
Arrive early on weekends: Popular locations fill quickly Friday afternoons. A camper at FR25 observed, "All the sites were full when I visited (6 to 8 sites, approximately), so I didn't get to camp there."
Security precautions: Don't leave valuables unattended. One FR25 camper warned, "Make sure to lock you valuables. Our Jackery, Solar panels & toilet were stolen."
Watch for wildlife: The area hosts diverse animal species. A camper at FR207 reported, "Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving."
Tips from RVers
Road width limitations: Most forest roads are single-lane with limited turnaround spots. A visitor to FR25 advised, "I didn't go down a couple little gravel paths to check each spot as you couldn't turn around easily."
Meadow camping for larger vehicles: Open field sites accommodate more substantial setups. At Town Road 11, a camper observed, "It is an open field on the left side of the road with two or three sites on the right side of the road that are walk in sites."
Seasonal road conditions: Be aware of closures and restrictions. A camper at Texas Falls Primitive campsites noted, "There seems to be a little confusion about where restricted day use ends and overnight dispersed sites begin."
