Primitive camping near Richmond, Vermont offers numerous backcountry options within the Green Mountain National Forest. Elevations vary from 600 feet along river valleys to nearly 3,000 feet on mountain access roads, creating diverse camping microclimates. During summer months, the forest region typically experiences daytime temperatures in the 70s with nighttime lows in the 50s, while riverside camping locations maintain cooler conditions even during heat waves.
What to do
Water activities: Texas Falls provides exceptional opportunities for experienced campers who enjoy swimming and exploring natural water features. As one camper notes, "Texas falls it a great place to stop and explore. Then, if you venture further up into the mountains you come upon the campsites with fire pits and if your lucky you can get one on the river."
Hiking access: From Lincoln Dispersed Camping, visitors can reach several trail networks. A reviewer shared their experience: "Day 2 we walked past the gate beyond the end of the road followed a trail up 500 feet or so of elevation in the foothills to the west of Mt Ellen. Found one more camp site. Road/path had a big blowdown, but looked like some ATVs had been up it in the last few months. Pretty walk, lots of mushrooms."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and dusk provide optimal wildlife viewing times in meadow areas. One camper at FR207 reported: "Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving." Another observed numerous butterflies, bees, and birds at the open field sites.
Stargazing: Open meadow sites offer excellent night sky viewing opportunities with minimal light pollution. The higher elevation sites provide particularly clear viewing when weather permits.
What campers like
Waterside campsites: The sound of running water enhances the camping experience at many locations. At Patterson Brookside camp, campers appreciate the riverside setting: "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! There is no services of any sorts at this location. Mostly local traffic. Peaceful! Gorgeous rock river."
Solitude and quiet: Many campers value the remote nature of these dispersed sites. At FR50, one visitor observed: "Pretty remote. Lots of traffic. Found a site that people with a Prius wouldn't be able to get to. Super buggy in June. No cell service. But, plenty of privacy and solitude."
Seasonal variety: Different seasons offer completely different experiences in the Green Mountain National Forest. A visitor to Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 described: "The scenic beauty of this place is amazing. There was some color in the forest but most of it was still green. 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."
Natural camping areas: Most sites maintain a rustic, undeveloped feel. As one camper at Texas Falls noted: "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."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many sites requires appropriate vehicles with sufficient clearance. At FR207, visitors note: "The top end of the road has a few mud pits and may require some ground clearance from rocks."
Site closures: Land management agencies are increasingly restricting access to certain areas. One camper reported: "Rangers have already started to move boulders into place to block off some of the sites."
Water filtration needed: While many sites offer stream or river access, all water requires treatment. One camper at Texas Falls shared: "Brook water filtered fine and was tasty."
Variable cell coverage: Connectivity varies significantly by location and carrier. At FR207, one visitor reported: "2 bars USCellular LTE," while others noted no service at all in nearby areas.
Leave no trace importance: Keeping these areas open depends on responsible use. A camper at Patterson Brookside emphasized: "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!"
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: For families with young children, consider brookside camping areas with easier access. The sites at Austin Brook offer more manageable terrain: "This location is easy to access and has really nice drive in sites."
Wildlife education opportunities: The meadow sites provide excellent opportunities for bird and butterfly identification. Bring field guides appropriate for the region.
Swimming hole safety: Many stream locations feature natural swimming areas, but depths and currents vary. A visitor noted: "Great location, easy access, on a nice brook." Always test water conditions before allowing children to enter.
Timing considerations: Mid-week visits typically see fewer visitors at popular sites. One camper observed: "Came in on a Wednesday afternoon in late September and found several available camp sites."
Pack extra layers: Mountain weather can change quickly, with temperature drops of 20+ degrees possible. Evening temperatures often drop into the 40s even during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most primitive camping areas near Richmond can only accommodate smaller RVs or truck campers. At Route 100 Dispersed Camping, a visitor noted: "Main lot has plenty of parking, perfect for car camping. Pull through the trees has some spots for tents and smaller setups."
Limited turning areas: Many forest roads have few places to turn larger vehicles around. Plan routes carefully and consider scouting ahead without your RV.
Leveling challenges: Finding level sites can be difficult. One camper at Austin Brook mentioned: "I had trouble finding a level spot."
Winter accessibility: Most dispersed sites close completely during winter months. As noted for Patterson Brookside: "This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF."
