Green Mountain National Forest offers primitive dispersed camping options near Sharon, Vermont, with sites scattered across forest roads and seasonal access considerations. Most locations sit at elevations between 1,200-2,500 feet with cold nights even in summer months. The terrain features a mix of meadow sites, forest clearings, and brookside spots that frequently require navigation on single-lane dirt roads.
What to do
Explore scenic trails: Near Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11, you can access multiple hiking paths with mountain views. One camper noted, "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."
Visit swimming holes: The camping areas along Austin Brook provide natural water features. A visitor mentioned, "Just south of Warren Falls trail head and parking lot and just north of Green Mountains National Forest Road #25, is a small camping and parking area wedged between the Mad River and Vermont Route 100."
Winter camping opportunities: Some sites remain accessible in colder months for snow activities. A winter camper at FR207 shared, "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
Riverside spots: Many sites at Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road offer water access. A camper described, "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."
Field camping with views: Open meadow sites provide panoramic vistas. At Green Mountain National Forest FR207, a camper reported, "In the first large meadow, multiple fire rings/sites. Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests."
Secluded options: For those seeking privacy, several locations offer more isolated spots. About Green Mountain National Forest FR207, someone wrote, "Great mountain views, some sites right on the road, some in fields and some tucked away out of view."
What you should know
Vehicle clearance requirements: Many forest roads demand higher clearance vehicles. One camper warned about Green Mountain National Forest FR50, "Pretty remote. Lots of traffic. Found a site that people with a Prius wouldn't be able to get to."
Pack out all trash: Rangers actively monitor sites for abuse. A visitor to Patterson Brookside noted, "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."
Seasonal challenges: Weather affects site access and comfort. At FR50, someone mentioned, "Super buggy in June. No cell service. But, plenty of privacy and solitude."
Limited amenities: Most sites feature only fire rings. A visitor to On the Hill Dispersed Camp explained, "Being a primitive site, expect that it is a little rough to get into. The only thing you will find in this clearing is a fire ring."
Tips for camping with families
Water safety precautions: Sites near water require supervision. At Texas Falls Primative campsites, a camper advised, "Brook water filtered fine and was tasty. Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area offers chances to spot local animals. One camper mentioned, "Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving."
Toilet facilities: Few areas have bathroom access. A camper at Texas Falls noted, "There are posted signs on the opposite bank so we stayed on our side. Brook water filtered fine and was tasty. Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Most rustic camping near Sharon limits RV access. About Last light on Michigan Brook, a camper advised, "The very last spot on the right hand side. If you've reached the closed gate you've missed the site!"
Navigation challenges: Single-lane forest roads require careful driving. One visitor noted, "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."
Limited turnaround space: Forest roads often lack pull-offs for larger vehicles. A camper at Route 100 Dispersed Camping observed, "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."
