Green Mountain National Forest offers several dispersed camping options within driving distance of Shelburne. The FR25 and FR207 areas provide primitive sites along streams with established fire rings but no facilities. FR207 features meadow sites with mountain views, though the road requires high-clearance vehicles with at least 9 inches of ground clearance. As one camper noted, "Views are spectacular, choose either sunrise or sunset and you should be able to get a site to fit your needs."
Austin Brook (also known as Warren Falls) provides streamside camping with several pull-off sites approximately 4-5 spots total. Most sites include fire rings, and the location offers easy access to the Mad River and Warren Falls swimming hole. No drinking water or toilets are available at most locations. Visitors should practice proper waste disposal, as rangers have posted notices about potential site closures due to litter and human waste issues. According to a camper, "This is a beautiful little pull off the road right on the river with tables and fire rings."
"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.
TravelerMy partner and I went on 4th of July weekend for the first time and was greeted by a man in the parking lot who had been coming there for 40 years. The site was gorgeous with 10 different campsites to choose from. The past reviews are correct with a lifted four wheel drive vehicle being needed for this drive in if you plan on getting paddled boats/kayaks in the water. Our plan was to go in and out to explore but decided to hunker down once we took the road in to avoid driving it multiple times. There are four hike-in camps from the parking lot. All campsites are marked on AllTrails. We stayed on the East side camp, #10, which after setting up and visiting the rest of the sites, had the least views from camp of the water but was the most secluded. Many sites have a privy or a box with a hole and a lid. There were a total of four trucks/jeeps in the lot all weekend and only a few camps being used. The black flies and mosquitos were bad given the time of the year so be prepared if you come during the same time. There are some beautiful trails that connect to the parking lot that lead to other hike-in camps at other small ponds/lakes.
There are green tags on the trees marked next to the water where the camp sites are. We made the mistake of setting up our tent at a makeshift campsite someone made and found the "no camping" sign after and ended up moving. There are beaver, ducks, and loons living at the pond.
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.
RangerWe loved camping at Crane Pond. It was a little over 3 miles to hike into the waterfront sites. There is an outhouse nearby, several campsites, fire pits, and we went for a swim in the pond. Overall great experience!
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
Dispersed camping opportunities around Shelburne, Vermont center on the western slopes of the Green Mountains, with elevations ranging from 800 to 2,500 feet. The region features a humid continental climate with cold winters and mild summers. Forest Road access points typically open from May through October, with most sites closing after the first significant snowfall.
Riverside exploration: Austin Brook provides excellent access to water activities. Just south of the Warren Falls swimming hole, campers can enjoy natural pools and currents. "There's a few sites here! All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings. Keep it clean!" notes reviewer Thomas and James S.
Hiking nearby trails: Forest trails connect many dispersed sites to larger networks. At Lincoln Dispersed Camping, campers can access mountain paths. "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," shares J W.
Wildlife observation: The Green Mountain National Forest hosts diverse wildlife including moose, deer, and various bird species. Winter campers at FR207 have reported moose sightings: "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," shares Phil J.
Quiet seclusion: Many sites offer privacy away from developed areas. FR291 in Lincoln provides true isolation. "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," reports Mike B.
Natural water sources: Streams provide both scenic value and practical water access. At Patterson Brookside camp, "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."
Varied site options: Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 provides both open field camping and wooded sites. "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. The scenic beauty of this place is amazing," writes Kevin C.
Vehicle clearance requirements: Some roads require appropriate vehicles. "This is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance," cautions a reviewer about FR207. Similarly, J W. notes about FR 291: "FR 291 is a somewhat primitive road - lots of big puddles. I would want some clearance for a vehicle."
Site capacity limitations: Most dispersed areas have limited spots available. "Smaller area roughly 1-6 sites. When driving in on the right there's a culdesac type set up of sites," explains Thomas and James regarding Austin Brook.
Waste management concerns: Texas Falls Primitive campsites and other areas require proper waste handling. "They were well used with some litter. We packed out what we could find," reports J W., highlighting the community responsibility for maintaining these free camping areas near Shelburne.
Water safety planning: Sites near Warren Falls provide swimming opportunities but require supervision. "There are a handful of sites down Austin Brook road, I had trouble finding a level spot," notes Tim M.
Accessible locations: Some areas offer easier family-friendly access. The Route 100 area provides "Easy to find, quiet & scenic with the river" camping according to Senabon B., though note some sites have posted restrictions.
Weather preparation: Mountain weather changes rapidly in all seasons. "Make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season and treat your skin and clothes during black fly season," advises Joann&WellsThePup about forest roads, essential knowledge for families seeking dispersed camping around Shelburne.
Level site selection: Finding suitable RV parking requires scouting. "Great location, easy access, on a nice brook. Fire ring only, no facilities and minimal parking," notes Miccal M. about Austin Brook, suggesting advance planning for larger vehicles.
Road conditions assessment: For RV travelers exploring no-cost camping near Shelburne, road quality varies seasonally. "The top end of the road has a few mud pits and may require some ground clearance from rocks," warns Phil J. about FR207 access.
Seasonal access limits: Winter closure affects many forest roads. "This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF," mentions Miccal M. about Patterson Brookside, important for RVers planning extended stays at dispersed camping sites outside Shelburne.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Shelburne, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Shelburne, VT is Austin Brook with a 4.4-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Shelburne, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 dispersed camping locations near Shelburne, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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