Best Dispersed Camping near Quechee, VT

Dispersed camping near Quechee, Vermont centers primarily in Green Mountain National Forest, where several free primitive sites are available along forest roads and near waterways. The area includes multiple dispersed camping zones such as Green Mountain National Forest FR207, Texas Falls Primitive campsites, and sites along Town Road 11. These locations typically feature only basic fire rings with no developed facilities, allowing for authentic backcountry experiences on public land. Most sites are first-come, first-served with no reservation system.

Access to many dispersed sites requires careful navigation on unpaved forest roads that may become challenging during wet conditions. Several campers note that high-clearance vehicles are necessary for certain areas, particularly after flooding events. As one visitor explained, "Due to flooding and the abundance of campers abusing the roads these sites are no longer accessible unless you have a lifted full-size jeep or 4-runner type vehicle." Forest Road 207 presents particular challenges with "mud pits that may require some ground clearance from rocks." No drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities exist at these locations, requiring visitors to pack out all waste and bring necessary supplies.

The dispersed camping areas around Quechee provide varied settings from riverside locations to open meadows with mountain views. Sites along brooks and streams are particularly sought after, with one camper noting that "There are a handful of sites to camp at along the river here, each offering a slightly different experience." The FR207 area receives positive reviews for its scenic qualities, described as having "great mountain views, some sites right on the road, some in fields and some tucked away out of view." Visitors should be aware that rangers have begun restricting access to some overused areas, with reports that "Rangers have already started to move boulders into place to block off some of the other sites" due to environmental impact concerns. Cell service is limited but available in some locations, with USCellular LTE reported at certain sites.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Quechee, Vermont (21)

    1. Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    8 Reviews
    Granville, VT
    33 miles
    Website

    "Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests.  Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles."

    "About 12 sites off National Forest Road 71. Beautiful area and very secluded. All have fire rings but that’s about it."

    2. On the Hill Dispersed Camp

    1 Review
    Pittsfield, VT
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    4. Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites

    2 Reviews
    Hancock, VT
    32 miles
    Website

    "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."

    5. Austin Brook

    7 Reviews
    Warren, VT
    39 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "Great location, easy access, on a nice brook. Fire ring only, no facilities and minimal parking."

    6. Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road

    2 Reviews
    Granville, VT
    33 miles

    "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. "

    "There is no services of any sorts at this location. Mostly local traffic. Peaceful! Gorgeous rock river 💜"

    7. Downed Bridge Camp

    2 Reviews
    Danby, VT
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "But don't worry there is primitive camping starting about a mile down fire road 10... You don't even have to go to fire road 30."

    "Great location for a small group to camp at.  Can't wait to go back.  The main area is a walk in and is worth it.  The road into here was easy to drive. "

    8. Road's End Dispersed Camp

    1 Review
    Belmont, VT
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "great private spot when nothing else is around.  The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles.  The only thing you will find here is a fire ring."

    9. Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11

    2 Reviews
    Granville, VT
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 362-2307

    "It is old Vermont farm land that the team of the US National Forest must manage. They have kept the clearing clear and access is pretty good."

    "There are no amenities at this campground. 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."

    10. Tripoli Road

    11 Reviews
    North Woodstock, NH
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 528-8721

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Easy access to trailhead for Tecumseh Mountain. Rustic sites with no water or electric."

    "No electricity, no showers. Portta potties every so often. Always close enough to walk to. Love the sites on the water. Have been going here for over 10 years. My kids now love it too"

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Quechee, VT

54 Reviews of 21 Quechee 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

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2019

    Tripoli Road

    Dispersed camping, be bear aware!

    Tripoli Road is a seasonal road, opening in late May most years and closing in autumn. Check the White Mountain National Forest Facebook page for up to date road closures/status. The section before Russell Pond often opens before the rest of it, which is graded, not paved. The road runs between the Waterville Valley area and I-93 exit 31. This is roadside camping, no frills, first come, first served. You must stay at a site with a fire ring, but sites are not numbered. Road signs demarcate no camping zones; some areas look like they could be campsites, but will also be marked with no camping signs. 

    You must register at the ranger station on the western end of the road, shortly past the entrance to the Russell Pond campground. Rates are a flat rate set per car and per weekends or weekday period. In other words, you pay one rate for 1-5 weekdays ($20 in 2019) and another fee for a weekend($25-30 - holidays). It’s self service most of the time, with the ranger available Friday and Saturday evenings. 

    The sites vary from sites near and level with the road to ones set above or well below the road. Some are near a river, most are wooded. Some are isolated, others are close together. There are no reservations, so you'll be choosing your own when you arrive. Downhill sites closest to the Russell Pond area seem to be most popular. Most of these were occupied on a late June weekend, while those farther down the road remained empty.

    There are port-a-potties near the western entrance, but otherwise you’re on your own with cat holes or portable toilet solutions. Nearest showers are at Russell Pond. Please keep it clean and protect the area. I’ve passed through several times while hiking My Osceola and have observed that these sites are often filled with groups or families with multiple tents. On a late June weekend there are numerous empty sites, so they seem to be more available than the dispersed sites along Gale River Rd and Haystack Rd (farther north in Twin Mountain). Excessive drinking and noise can be an issue. 

    You need to be aware that bears are in the area. Following the July 4, 2019 holiday, the camping area was closed after bears visited campsites and got into food that was left in the open and not secured in vehicles or bear canisters. The camping area re-opened July 19, but check the White Mountain National Forest FB page before heading up there. If the issue recurs, I wouldn't be surprised if they close it again.

    Hiking in the region include the Osceolas (moderate hike with beautiful views, exceedingly popular and crowded on autumn weekends - get there early!), Tripyramid, and Tecumseh. Shorter treks include Welch-Dickey (great open ledges) and Snow's Mountain (along a river with falls). Nearby Russell Pond offers ranger programs, fishing, and you can put a kayak or canoe in. The Pemigewassett offers tubing and kayaking put ins. Outfitters one exit south can provide you with transportation and rentals. Exit 32 for Lincoln, Woodstock, and the Kanc is less than 5 miles north.

    Cell service is decent at nearby Russell Pond (Verizon seemed to offer better service than AT&T).

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2024

    Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11

    Beautiful View Real VT setting but can be a little crowded

    It is a beautiful setting and the first nice weekend in May. There were quite a few folks there already but worth the visit. 

    It is old Vermont farm land that the team of the US National Forest must manage. They have kept the clearing clear and access is pretty good. We are so lucky to have access like this for all of us to enjoy.

  • Joann&WellsThePup I.
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    NF-71

    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 the mud season and treat your skin and clothes during black fly season


Guide to Quechee

Dispersed camping near Quechee, Vermont offers primitive outdoor experiences primarily in the northern and central sections of Green Mountain National Forest. This region sits at elevations ranging from 700 to 2,500 feet with a humid continental climate that brings heavy snowfall in winter and mild summers. Most primitive camping locations remain open seasonally from May through October, with winter closures affecting many forest roads.

What to do

Swimming holes exploration: Multiple dispersed camping areas provide access to natural swimming spots, especially after hiking. At Austin Brook, campers note: "There's a few sites here! All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings. Keep it clean!"

Off-road adventures: The forest road system offers trail connections for both hiking and off-road exploring. "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," one camper reports about Green Mountain National Forest FR207.

Seasonal berry picking: Summer visits allow for wild berry gathering near many camping areas. At On the Hill Dispersed Camp, one visitor mentions: "I've camped here a few times, it a nice size primitive site for a small group. Being a primitive site, expect that it is a little rough to get into."

Night sky observation: Several forest clearings offer unobstructed views for stargazing. A winter camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207 shared: "My first time winter camping and had the entire area to myself. Beautiful sunsets, night skies and scenery. Extremely calm and peaceful."

What campers like

Mountain viewpoints: Multiple sites offer valley panoramas from elevated positions. At Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11, visitors appreciate that "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... There are wide open views of 3 mountain ranges."

Brookside locations: Many campers seek riverside spots for their natural soundscape. At Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road, one review states: "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!"

Wildlife encounters: Several secluded sites provide opportunities for wildlife viewing. A camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207 shared: "Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving," highlighting the area's natural inhabitants.

Winter solitude: Off-season camping offers complete privacy for those properly equipped. A winter visitor noted Green Mountain National Forest FR207 provided "Beautiful sunsets, night skies and scenery. Extremely calm and peaceful."

What you should know

Site closures and restrictions: Ranger monitoring has led to some access limitations. At Patterson Brookside camp, "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."

Vehicle requirements vary by location: Different forest roads demand different vehicle capabilities. At Downed Bridge Camp, one camper advised: "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."

Cell coverage limitations: Network availability differs significantly across sites. At Green Mountain National Forest FR207, one review specified: "2 bars USCellular LTE" at certain locations, but many areas have no service.

Limited winter access: Seasonal road closures affect camping opportunities. A Patterson Brookside visitor noted: "This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF."

Tips for camping with families

Choose sites with established facilities: For easier family camping, select locations with minimal amenities. At Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites, campers appreciate that "Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome. Very pretty area."

Bring filtering equipment: Brook water requires treatment before consumption. One camper at Texas Falls noted: "Brook water filtered fine and was tasty," but proper filtration equipment is essential.

Plan for weather variability: Vermont's climate can change rapidly, requiring preparation. A visitor at Green Mountain National Forest FR207 recommended: "Make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season and treat your skin and clothes during black fly season."

Pack out all waste: Environmental protection requires strict adherence to leave-no-trace principles. A Texas Falls camper observed they found sites "well used with some litter. We packed out what we could find."

Tips from RVers

Road condition awareness: Forest service roads vary dramatically in quality. At Road's End Dispersed Camp, visitors note: "The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles."

Limited turning radius: Many forest roads lack turnaround areas for larger vehicles. A visitor to FR207 advised: "This is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance. Views are spectacular, choose either sunrise or sunset and you should be able to get a site to fit your needs."

Site assessment timing: Arriving during daylight hours is crucial for selecting appropriate RV spots. One camper at Downed Bridge Camp suggested: "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."

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any canoe rentals available near Quechee dispersed camping areas?

While the dispersed camping areas themselves don't offer canoe rentals, you'll find rental options near Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road, which has sites along a river that's ideal for paddling. The Quechee area has several outfitters in nearby towns that provide canoe and kayak rentals for the Connecticut River, Ottauquechee River, and local lakes. Most rental services operate seasonally from late spring through early fall. Consider reserving equipment in advance during peak summer months, as availability can be limited, especially on weekends.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Quechee?

Dispersed camping in Quechee follows Green Mountain National Forest regulations. At Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primitive campsites, camping is only permitted in designated areas beyond the day-use section. Typically, dispersed camping allows a maximum 14-day stay within a 30-day period. Campers must practice Leave No Trace principles—pack out all trash, use existing fire rings only, and camp at least 200 feet from water sources. Some roads like Tripoli Road are seasonal, opening late May and closing in autumn, so check current status. During mud season, many access roads may be impassable, and campfires may be restricted during dry conditions.

Where can I find dispersed camping sites in Quechee?

Quechee offers several dispersed camping opportunities. Austin Brook features 4-5 sites with fire rings along the Mad River, with some sites offering river access. For a more secluded experience, Green Mountain National Forest FR207 has approximately 12 primitive sites with fire rings. Many dispersed sites in the area are positioned along rivers or streams, providing a peaceful natural setting. Keep in mind that site availability operates on a first-come, first-served basis, especially during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended particularly on weekends.