Primitive camping near Salisbury, Vermont offers numerous dispersed sites within the Green Mountain National Forest, typically situated along forest roads at elevations between 1,500-2,300 feet. The area experiences temperature fluctuations of 30-40°F between day and night during summer months. Winter camping remains possible at select sites, though many forest roads close seasonally from November through April.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: The Clark Brook Trail connects with FR207 meadow campsites and joins the Appalachian Trail/Long Trail after a 3-mile hike. "Nearby Clark Brook Trail is a 3 mile hike connecting with the AT/LT," notes a Green Mountain National Forest FR207 camper.
Swimming in natural pools: Warren Falls offers natural swimming holes adjacent to primitive camping areas. "Right next to Mad River with a area to walk down into a swimming hole," reports a visitor to Route 100 Dispersed Camping.
Wildlife observation: Multiple campsites provide opportunities for moose sightings and bird watching, particularly at higher elevations. A winter camper at FR207 reported: "Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving."
Fall foliage viewing: The open meadow sites offer panoramic views of autumn colors. "This would be an awesome place to see the fall colors," notes a September visitor to Town Road 11 camping areas.
What campers like
Riverside camping: Many sites feature proximity to moving water for both ambiance and practical use. At Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road, "Mountain road lingers along the river. There's quite a few sites along the road."
Night sky visibility: The remote nature and minimal light pollution create excellent stargazing conditions. FR207 campers particularly note the quality of night skies, with one stating: "Beautiful sunsets, night skies and scenery. Extremely calm and peaceful."
Seasonal variety: Each season offers different experiences in the same locations. "Winter camping at its finest...had the entire area to myself," reports a winter camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207.
Variable privacy options: Sites range from open meadows to secluded forest spots. "Great mountain views, some sites right on the road, some in fields and some tucked away out of view," notes a FR207 visitor.
What you should know
Site preservation concerns: Rangers are increasingly managing overuse at popular spots. "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," warns a recent visitor to Patterson Brookside.
Water filtration needs: Stream and river water requires treatment before consumption. A camper at Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites notes: "Brook water filtered fine and was tasty."
Vehicle requirements: Many access roads demand appropriate vehicles. "This is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance," advises an FR207 camper.
Seasonal road conditions: Spring mud season affects accessibility significantly. "Make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season," suggests a visitor to the NF-71 area.
Seasonal pest awareness: "Treat your skin and clothes during black fly season," recommends a visitor to the NF-71 area within the national forest.
Tips for camping with families
Finding easy access sites: Some areas offer simpler entry points suitable for children. Austin Brook provides "a few sites here! All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings."
Meadow camping benefits: Open sites allow better supervision of children while offering play space. "Beautiful meadow campsites overlooking the valley. Firepits and tent platforms are in place although most of the sites are drive-in," notes a visitor to West Hill Road sites.
Weather preparedness: Temperature variations require appropriate clothing and shelter. "We quickly got rained out and went back down to one of the brookside sites. This site had great tree coverage to easily set up a tarp," shares an FR207 camper.
Site selection timing: Arriving midweek significantly improves site availability. One Austin Brook visitor noted: "We were here on a Friday & Saturday nights. Friday night had the whole place to ourselves. Saturday night all spots filled."
Tips from RVers
Clearance considerations: Forest roads often present challenges for larger vehicles. At On the Hill Dispersed Camp, "expect that it is a little rough to get into. The only thing you will find in this clearing is a fire ring."
Turn-around space: Some dead-end roads have limited maneuvering room for larger vehicles. "Road is short dead ends with a decent amount of turn around space," notes a visitor to Austin Brook.
Winter accessibility: Snow-covered access roads may require specialized equipment. "Entrance and exit are a little steep and tricky in the winter, lot wasn't plowed so AWD/4x4 and good ground clearance are recommended," advises a winter visitor to Route 100 sites.
Site size variations: Smaller RVs fit at more locations than larger ones. "Small number of sites and a bit hard to find," notes a camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR25.
