Dispersed camping near Bolton Valley, Vermont provides backcountry experiences at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 feet, with sites typically accessible from May through October depending on snowfall and mud conditions. The region receives approximately 100 inches of annual snowfall, making seasonal road closures common. Forest roads leading to primitive sites often require high-clearance vehicles and become impassable during spring thaw.
What to do
Hiking proximity: Many dispersed camping areas serve as gateways to major trail systems. The Guyot Shelter area connects to mountain trails. "Amazing views from some of the platforms, easy access to water, friendly park managers. Used this as our midway point for a 2-day pemi loop before our friends wedding," notes Harry.
Water activities: Rivers and streams near campsites provide natural recreation. At Town Hall Road Dispersed, "We followed directions exactly as listed below. It does take about 10 minutes to reach the campsites but it's so worth it. We passed up a couple on the left as you first drive in as they were too steep. We found our spot which had some river access and it was gorgeous," shares Alex S.
Seasonal exploration: Winter camping opportunities exist for properly equipped adventurers. One visitor to a nearby forest road reported: "My first time winter camping and had the entire area to myself. Beautiful sunsets, night skies and scenery. Extremely calm and peaceful. Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving."
What campers like
River access: Stream-side campsites rank highly among dispersed camping enthusiasts. At Austin Brook, "There's a few sites here! All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings. Keep it clean!" according to Thomas and James S.
Secluded spots: Primitive campsites offer solitude not found at developed campgrounds. The Haystack Road area features "secluded, yet centrally located" sites. One reviewer notes these are "my go to sites when I am in the Franconia Notch area. They have a fire pit, plenty of woods around, and are free."
Mountain views: Several primitive camping areas feature expansive vistas. A camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207 reported: "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."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Most primitive sites require appropriate vehicles. A visitor to FR207 noted: "This is not a place to go without at least 9 inches of ground clearance. Views are spectacular, choose either sunrise or sunset and you should be able to get a site to fit your needs."
Wildlife precautions: Bears frequent these camping areas. At Tripoli Road, one camper reported the "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."
Site availability: Most primitive sites operate on first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. A visitor to Town Hall Road advised: "It's also first come first serve, so be sure to get up early on Friday for a weekend campout."
Site maintenance: Standards vary between locations. One camper observed: "People have been careless with leaving discarded boards and other items…not good… but door is still beautiful. Gorgeous stream/river…love the river sounds."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose locations with natural features for children to explore. A camper at Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site noted: "This is an awesome spot for camping. They have a couple different spots where you can park and walk up to your site or they have sites you can pull right up next to them. Some of the camping spots have fire pits but not all. Theres a nice pond with great views and good fishing."
Space considerations: Family groups need adequate room. "We were able to collect sunlight onto our solar panel from the site. The camp site are all disbursed enough that we did not hear any other camping sounds at all," reports one camper at Cherry Mountain Road.
Weekend planning: Weekdays typically offer more site options for families. A camper advised: "Great spot for the weekdays, hardly anyone around and got a great site right by the river (mid-sept.). We left on a Friday morning and a lot more people were coming in."
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Forest roads vary significantly in accessibility. A visitor to Town Hall Road reported: "The road was not as bad as I anticipated. There was room for my Jeep Grand Cherokee towing a squaredrop camper to pass the very few oncoming vehicles we encountered. There is a good mix of tent and small/medium camper sites."
Site size limitations: Most primitive sites accommodate smaller rigs only. "Awesome boondocking in New Hampshire, what a treat in the east coast! Just beautiful scenery, with trees, rivers, creeks, hiking trails with a pond. Town Hall Rd is a long road with many designated dispersed sites, all far apart from each other and all varying in levelness and size. We got lucky and snagged a perfect spot 2 miles in from the entrance sign - completely level and big enough for our 26ft class c."
Utilities planning: Primitive camping requires complete self-sufficiency. One RVer noted: "No amenities here, just a rock fire pit to designate that it's a spot. Please pack out your trash. Zero cell service in this whole area, but some messages popped through while we were hiking."
