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.
