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 free dispersed campsites including 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."
"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."
"Down off this back road in VT you can find some beautiful secluded campsites - Yards away from gorgeous running water. No trash or restrooms - Primitive for sure. Prepare for bugs as well."
"I would want some clearance for a vehicle. Our Toyota Highlander made it easily. We found 2 campsites with fire pits right off the end of FR 291. Easy stroll to a clean brook for filtering water."
"Main lot has plenty of parking, perfect for car camping. Pull through the trees has some spots for tents and smaller setups."
"Free dispersed camping right off of the road. Includes picnic tables and a fire ring. It is located in the mountains of Vermont and right next to a beautiful river."
"Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests. Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles."
"Public Lands with about 8 semi private sites, each with nice views west or easterly. It's a large meadow and with a breeze, it will keep bugs away. Lacking a breeze, it is tough but still beautiful"
"Beautiful sites on the River but with the wet summer, we just couldn’t dry out. Make sure to lock you valuables. Our Jackery, Solar panels & toilet were stolen."
"All the sites were full when I visited (6 to 8 sites, approximately, but i didn't go down a couple little gravel paths to check each spot as you couldn't turn around easily) , so I didn't get to camp there"
"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 💜"
"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."
"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."
"A little more than half of the sites can be driven to and others require a very short walk (50 ft?). "
"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."
TravelerPrivate, large site. This was the first site in the road. We have a low clearance car and it was a bit bumpy. This site was amazing, clean and easy pull in pull out.
GuideRight along the road (so if anything happens you can get help) also has wifi signal. It’s right along a creek that’s clean and beautiful. Crisp air and calming flowing river noises all night made it so I slept like a baby!
GuideDrove all the way here just to pull in and see signs that say “no overnight camping”
ScoutPublic Lands with about 8 semi private sites, each with nice views west or easterly. It's a large meadow and with a breeze, it will keep bugs away. Lacking a breeze, it is tough but still beautiful
ScoutAs noted by others, most of the sites have a fire ring and nothing more. A little more than half of the sites can be driven to and others require a very short walk (50 ft?). The toilets mentioned are at Texas falls area and are not a practical walk from most of the campsites.
There are no showers.
Aside from the loop trail at the falls there are also a couple of snowmobile trails that cross the area.
TravelerFree dispersed camping right off of the road. Includes picnic tables and a fire ring. It is located in the mountains of Vermont and right next to a beautiful river. The only con was the highway noise since it's pretty close to the road. But, it's free, and in the beautiful mountains of vermont so cant really complain.
ScoutEasy to find, quiet & scenic with the river
ScoutQuiet spot out of the way. Large sporting field car park suitable for big dogs. No 'no camping' signs. There was a portaloo on site.
GuideThere are a handful of sites down Austin Brook road, I had trouble finding a level spot. Minimal ATT reception but overall pretty area
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.
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.
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."
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!"
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.
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Richmond, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Richmond, VT is Moscow Recreation Park with a 2.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Richmond, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 dispersed camping locations near Richmond, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
