Best Dispersed Camping near Poultney, VT

Dispersed camping near Poultney, Vermont primarily centers around Green Mountain National Forest, with several free primitive sites located along forest roads and near water features. The Downed Bridge Camp, Road's End Dispersed Camp, and Green Mountain National Forest FR42 and FR207 sites provide basic backcountry camping options without amenities. These primitive areas typically maintain distance requirements from established trails and waterways, with most sites featuring only simple fire rings as the sole improvement.

Forest access roads range from well-maintained dirt roads to challenging routes requiring high-clearance vehicles. Several sites, including the FR207 area, become inaccessible during winter and mud seasons, with snow closures common from late fall through spring. Most dispersed sites lack drinking water, toilets, and trash service, requiring campers to pack out all waste. Fire regulations vary seasonally, with some locations like FR207 prohibiting fires entirely, while others permit them in established rings. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, with most areas offering limited to no connectivity.

The camping experience varies significantly by location, with meadow sites on FR207 providing panoramic views of surrounding hills, while riverside locations offer water access and natural soundscapes. Campers seeking more remote experiences can find secluded spots along forest roads, though recent reviews indicate increasing popularity has led to crowding at more accessible sites. User reports highlight the need for preparation and appropriate vehicles. "About 12 sites off National Forest Road 71. Beautiful area and very secluded. All have fire rings but that's about it. Make sure to have a backup plan during mud season," noted one visitor. Another camper observed that "Sites are small and close to the road" along FR42, suggesting alternative locations for those seeking more privacy.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Poultney, Vermont (37)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Poultney, VT

72 Reviews of 37 Poultney Campgrounds


  • Miccal  M.
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road

    This is a wonderful place to camp

    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.  Some of the sites are drive in, some are walk in, but all are primitive. 

    There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area.  Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in.

    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, and that impact can be positive or negative. Choose Positive!

    This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2023

    Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    NFR 207 Meadows, with great views!

    In the first large meadow, multiple fire rings / sites. Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests. 

    Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles.
    Nearby Clark Brook Trail is a 3 mile hike connecting with the AT/LT.
    2 bars USCellular LTE.

  • Josie W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2024

    Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off

    Private Campsite

    Decent site right off of the “main” road. “Main” because it was quiet. Easy to access via a short dirt road, but also easy to miss. We only saw sites 3 and 6 marked and took #6. There was a fire ring and access to the river down a semi-steep bank. Beautiful to listen to at night. Site was big enough to pull our mid-size SUV down and unfold rooftop-tent, but we did have to back out in the morning; not enough room to turn around. Felt private despite the road.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    Ushers Road State Forest

    Trail head

    This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side. The terrain eventually transitions into a low-lying, swampy area, likely due to recent rainfall over the past week.

    About 500 feet down the right-hand trail, there is a smaller path branching off to the left. This leads to a previously used campsite, approximately 200 feet from the main trail. The site includes a stone fire ring, indicating prior use.

    Given that camping is permitted anywhere in the woods as long as it’s at least 150 feet off the trail, the surrounding area offers an abundance of potential camping spots.

  • Taylor A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2023

    Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off

    Adirondack Camping Trip

    Highly Reccomend! The directions in the app are accurate -but do keep in mind that the campsite is down a dirt road which is well hidden from the main road if you aren’t paying close attention. There is no service at all.

    This site is campsite 6 and very private (I believe there must be others located close by). The site has it’s own private road. A car is not reccomended. Possible to turn around but you definitley need a smaller suv. There is a firepit at the site and plenty of space for multiple tents, ground may look flat but when sleeping-definitely is not. Plenty of trees for hammocks etc. You can hear cars from the site but the cars can’t see you-loved this! The sound of the cars from the main highway is something I got used to quick. The site is mostly shaded-the sun shines through a bit but not much.

    There is a river down the hill from the campsite which helps keep it fairly cool at night. The bugs were terrible.

  • Thomas and James S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Austin Brook

    Nice sites

    Smaller area roughly 1-6 sites. When driving in on the right there’s a culdesac type set up of sites. Pretty sure these sites all have river access. Road is short dead ends with a decent amount of turn around space.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2024

    Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites

    Nice setting, simple fire pit only sites

    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. They were well used with some litter. We packed out what we could find. There are posted signs on the opposite bank so we stayed on our side. Brook water filtered fine and was tasty. Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome. Very pretty area.

  • Michelle R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Austin Brook

    Green Mountain National Forest Warren Falls

    Just south of Warren Falls trail head and parking lot and just north of Green Mountains National Forest Road #25, is a small (4-5 sites, 3 picnic tables) camping and parking area wedged between the Mad River and Vermont Route 100. Grassy and Rocky sites, 4 fire rings, 3 porta-potties, and stream side (river) camping close to trails, Warren Falls swimming hole, the Lincoln Gap Road and hiking, and the "famous" Warren General Store, and covered bridge. There aren't any reservation or use instructions or signs posted.

  • Chris D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 10, 2024

    Route 100 Dispersed Camping

    Great little spot right off RT-100

    I was looking for the Austin Brook campsite north of this one, but someone on here gave directions to this site, which turns out has its own page on here. Right off the road, a small handful of camp sites, some picnic tables, presumably some fire rings although with snow coverage I didn’t see any. Main lot has plenty of parking, perfect for car camping. Pull through the trees has some spots for tents and smaller setups. Entrance and exit are a little steep and tricky in the winter, lot wasn’t plowed so AWD/4x4 and good ground clearance are recommended.


Guide to Poultney

Dispersed camping areas in the Green Mountain National Forest provide free camping options near Poultney, Vermont with varied terrain ranging from dense woodlands to high-elevation meadows. Most sites sit between 1,500-2,500 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 75°F during day and dropping to 55°F at night. Access roads typically open mid-May through October, closing during winter months and spring mud season when ground conditions deteriorate.

What to do

Hike to elevated views: The Statton Pond Camp area connects to multiple trail systems including the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail. According to one visitor: "Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT" making it a strategic base for day hiking.

Fish alpine lakes: Crane Pond Dispersed Site offers fishing from natural stone outcroppings. "There is a stone cliff near it that goes down about 12(?) feet and is great for fishing or jumping off of. There is also a stone area right by the water if you want to fish or just sunbathe," notes Nicole T.

Wildlife observation: Winter camping provides opportunities for animal sightings in less crowded conditions. One camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207 reported: "My first time winter camping and had the entire area to myself. Beautiful sunsets, night skies and scenery. Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving."

What campers like

Elevated meadow sites: Several dispersed areas feature high-elevation camping with panoramic views. A camper at FR207 explained: "In the first large meadow, multiple fire rings/sites. Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests."

Waterside locations: Camping near streams provides natural soundscapes. "It was quiet with several spots. You always hear the river or see waterfalls. The ground gets soft during mud season," notes a visitor to FR207.

Large group accommodations: Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71 offers sizeable sites for gatherings. One reviewer described: "Easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center."

What you should know

Vehicle clearance requirements: Many forest roads demand high-clearance vehicles. "This is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance," warns one FR207 camper. Another visitor to Last light on Michigan Brook advises: "If you've reached the closed gate you've missed the site!"

Wildlife encounters: Bears are active throughout the region. One camper at Statton Pond Camp reported: "Easy to get to, had service the whole time, fire pits for every spot. I did see a huge blackbear. I didn't see any bathrooms."

Variable site privacy: Proximity to roads affects solitude. A camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR42 Dispersed Site observed: "The sites are small and close to the road. Being primitive sites there are no facilities."

Tips for camping with families

Walk-in site advantages: Some locations offer better experiences slightly away from parking. At Downed Bridge Camp, one visitor noted: "The main area is a walk in and is worth it. The road into here was easy to drive. The only thing you will find at this primitive site is a fire ring."

Seasonal insect preparation: Black flies can be problematic during certain months. A camper at Statton Pond Camp advised: "Beautiful area and very secluded. All have fire rings but that's about it. Make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season and treat your skin and clothes during black fly season."

Backup planning: Site availability varies widely by season and day of week. "If you're lucky enough to get the last spot on the road it's epic. Note that fills quickly on a weekend. But don't worry there is primitive camping starting about a mile down fire road 10," suggests a Downed Bridge Camp visitor.

Tips from RVers

Site selection timing: Arriving during daylight hours helps locate appropriate sites. "If you're looking for the ideal spot to stay a few days make sure you show in daylight so you can explore for that," advises a visitor to Downed Bridge Camp.

Weather contingency plans: Rain can dramatically change site conditions. One FR207 camper explained: "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. From there we decided on a site at the top of the mountain at the end of the long road. We quickly got rained out and went back down to one of the brookside sites."

Alternative arrangements: Narrow roads and limited turnouts can present challenges for larger vehicles. "Great mountain views, some sites right on the road, some in fields and some tucked away out of view. The top end of the road has a few mud pits and may require some ground clearance from rocks," notes a FR207 visitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Poultney, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Poultney, VT is Downed Bridge Camp with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 37 dispersed camping locations near Poultney, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.