Best Dispersed Camping near Reading, VT
Green Mountain National Forest provides several dispersed camping opportunities near Reading, Vermont, primarily along forest roads and near waterways. Primitive sites include Downed Bridge Camp, Road's End Dispersed Camp, On the Hill Dispersed Camp, and dispersed sites along various forest roads (FR207, FR42, FR71). These locations offer free camping with minimal to no facilities, allowing campers to experience Vermont's natural landscape in a more secluded setting.
Access to many sites requires navigating unpaved forest roads that may become challenging during wet weather or winter conditions. Some areas need high-clearance vehicles, particularly after flooding has damaged roads. Most sites feature only basic fire rings with no amenities such as toilets, running water, or trash service. Campers must pack out all waste and come prepared with necessary supplies. Fire regulations vary by location and season, with some sites permitting campfires while others prohibit them entirely.
The primitive camping experience in this region includes scenic mountain views, riverside locations, and forest settings. One camper described FR207 as having "great views over the surrounding rolling hills and crests" with "multiple fire rings/sites" in large meadows. Another noted that "the scenic beauty of this place is amazing" with "wide open views of 3 mountain ranges." Several reviews mention the importance of responsible use, as rangers have begun restricting access to some areas due to overuse and abuse. Visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles, as one reviewer warned: "This area is being heavily used and some spots are being shut down from abuse, please be aware that you have a lot of impact."
