Best Dispersed Camping near Richmond, VT
The Green Mountain National Forest surrounding Richmond, Vermont features primarily dispersed camping options along forest roads and waterways. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access primitive sites like Austin Brook along the Mad River, Patterson Brookside camp with its riverside locations, and several meadow campsites on Forest Road 207 offering panoramic mountain views. Most sites are primitive with basic fire rings but minimal other amenities, catering primarily to tent campers and smaller vehicles rather than large RVs.
Road conditions and seasonal closures significantly impact camping accessibility in this region. Many forest roads require high-clearance vehicles, with several campers noting specific clearance requirements. As one visitor observed, "This is not a place to go without at least 9 inches of ground clearance." Winter closures are common, with most dispersed sites inaccessible due to snow. Spring brings mud season challenges, while summer introduces black fly concerns. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most sites, and campers must be prepared for self-sufficient stays with no drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities.
Mountain views and water access represent the primary attractions at most camping areas. The meadow sites on FR207 receive consistently high ratings for their scenic vistas, with one camper noting they were "able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests." Brookside camping along rivers and streams offers a different experience, with sites that provide direct water access for filtering and swimming. Land managers have begun restricting access to some overused areas, with rangers placing boulders to block certain sites due to environmental impacts. As one recent visitor 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."
