Primitive camping near St. Johnsbury, Vermont includes backcountry options within the 90,000-acre Green Mountain National Forest. Elevations range from approximately 500 to 4,300 feet across dispersed sites, with summer temperatures typically reaching 70-85°F during the day and dropping to 45-55°F at night. Road conditions vary significantly with many sites accessible only during dry months from late May through October.
What to do
Hiking to remote tent sites: Guyot Shelter offers hiking access to several 4,000-foot peaks. "We got to the site, claimed our platform and hiked over to West Bond to catch a beautiful sunset," notes one visitor. The shelter sits at 4,360 feet elevation and requires strenuous hiking to reach.
Fishing for trout: Maine Railroad Trestle provides access to the Connecticut River. "There is a nice rocky beach with easy access for loading and unloading. It's also a nice spot to fish from," according to a camper. The site is accessible only by boat and serves as a waypoint on the CT River Paddlers Trail.
Swimming in natural pools: Several dispersed sites offer swimming opportunities. Near Warren Falls, "sites have access to the streams" and are positioned along small brooks and rivers. The area features natural swimming holes within walking distance of roadside camping areas.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed sites provide seclusion without nearby neighbors. "The camp sites are all disbursed enough that we did not hear any other camping sounds at all. It was so quiet I could hear the sound of crow wings flapping as they flew by," one camper reports. Sites are positioned approximately 70-80 feet off the main road.
River access: Town Hall Road Dispersed offers multiple river-adjacent camping spots. "Down toward the river there was plenty of open space so we pitched there and built a fire pit. It was one of our favorite camp spots yet! Very peaceful, beautiful and quiet. There are trout in the river," writes a camper. Sites are located approximately 2 miles from the forest entrance.
Cost-free options: Most primitive camping areas around St. Johnsbury are free of charge, though some have time limitations. "They have a fire pit, plenty of woods around, and are free... you're allowed to stay for two weeks," notes a camper about sites near Franconia Notch.
What you should know
Road accessibility challenges: Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site requires high-clearance vehicles. "The road in is pretty rough and is not recommended for sedans or lower riding cars," warns one camper. Another reported having to back their trailer "about a quarter mile" to let another vehicle pass on the narrow road.
Cell service limitations: Communication is unreliable throughout dispersed camping areas. Some reviewers note "zero cell service in this whole area, but some messages popped through while we were hiking." Signal may be available at higher elevations, but campers should plan to be offline.
Limited site availability: Many primitive sites fill quickly during peak season. "We got lucky and snagged a perfect spot 2 miles in from the entrance sign," reports a camper, who mentioned visiting during off-peak season in early October. Weekday arrivals offer better chances for securing desirable spots.
Limited amenities: Most sites offer only fire rings. One camper noted, "There is only a fire pit, but the road ends at the Little River, offering fishing and swimming options." Some larger sites include picnic tables, but these are rare at truly primitive locations.
Tips for camping with families
Select sites with nearby activities: Scott C. Devlin Memorial offers a good setup for families. "There is a picnic table, fire ring and composting toilet box seat," reports a visitor. The site sits "on a knoll in a pine forest" providing flat space for multiple tents.
Check for seasonal hazards: Ticks are prevalent throughout the region, especially in grassy areas. One camper warned, "Beware the ticks! They weren't the worst I've seen, but they are definitely around," while another reported, "the ticks in the field are insane! They weren't bad in the campsite but in the grass, they were epic."
Plan for temperature fluctuations: Mountain weather changes rapidly with elevation. At higher campsites, temperatures can drop below 50°F even in summer months. Lower-elevation sites near rivers tend to retain more heat but may experience morning fog.
Bring activities for rainy days: One camper noted primitive sites work well even in wet conditions: "It was a great place for rainy camping. We went during a pouring rain storm and our site remained relatively dry. We even enjoyed a small fire the next day."
Tips from RVers
Choose level sites for smaller rigs: Not all primitive sites accommodate RVs. "We found our spot which had some river access and it was gorgeous. It had an above and below spot which hosted our two tents," explains one camper, highlighting the terrain challenges at many sites.
Avoid larger recreational vehicles: Most dispersed camping areas have size limitations. "I wouldn't recommend a giant 5th wheel or class A to come here looking for a spot. The road is dirt, but it's hard packed and smooth, with a few dips and holes here and there. A little narrow but it's manageable," advises a camper with a 26-foot class C.
Consider water access challenges: Water sources are limited at primitive sites. Campers report filling containers at nearby streams and rivers, but this requires filtering or treatment. One camper mentioned finding "a small stream behind them" which made their stay "a little easier" for "bathing, dishes, etc."
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