Dispersed camping near South Burlington, Vermont offers free primitive campsites across multiple forest road corridors, with no fees and no developed facilities. Most sites are located along forest roads and near water features, particularly in the Lincoln and Warren areas. Austin Brook, Lincoln Dispersed Camping, and multiple sites along Forest Roads 25, 50, and 207 offer primitive camping with varying levels of accessibility. These areas typically feature only basic fire rings with no developed facilities or services.
Access to many dispersed sites requires careful navigation of unpaved forest roads. Several locations, including North Green Mountain Camp and sites along FR207, demand high-clearance vehicles, with some reviewers noting that "sites are no longer accessible unless you have a lifted full-size jeep or 4-runner type vehicle." Forest Road 291 contains "lots of big puddles" requiring "some clearance for a vehicle." Most areas prohibit camping in designated day-use areas, and rangers have begun restricting access to some overused sites. Camping duration is typically limited to 14 days, though specific restrictions vary by location.
The dispersed sites around the Green Mountain region provide varied conditions from meadow settings with mountain views to streamside locations. Patterson Brookside camp features "a handful of sites along the river, each offering a slightly different experience," while Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 offers "wide open views of 3 mountain ranges" with "many flowering plants, wild apple trees." Campers should be prepared for primitive conditions as "there is no electricity, no cell coverage, no outhouses in this area." Several reviewers emphasize the importance of responsible use, noting that "some spots are being shut down from abuse" and urging visitors to "pack out everything you bring in."
"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 💜"
"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?). "
"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."
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
Green Mountain National Forest offers numerous dispersed camping opportunities within an hour's drive of South Burlington, Vermont. The terrain consists primarily of forested mountains with elevations ranging from 600 to 4,000 feet. Most dispersed sites remain open May through October, with seasonal closures during winter and mud season when forest roads become impassable due to snow or excessive moisture.
Explore swimming holes: Warren Falls features accessible swimming spots near several primitive campsites. "There's a few sites here! All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings. Keep it clean!" notes a Thomas and James S. review of Austin Brook.
Hike connecting trails: From Green Mountain National Forest FR207 campsites, access nearby hiking options. "Nearby Clark Brook Trail is a 3 mile hike connecting with the AT/LT," according to Tim M., making this area ideal for backpackers looking to link with longer routes.
Waterfall viewing: The Texas Falls area combines camping with waterfall observation. "Texas falls is a great place to stop and explore. Then, if you venture further up into the mountains you come upon the campsites with fire pits," explains a Miccal M. review of this scenic location.
Meadow views: Open field camping provides panoramic mountain vistas. At Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11, Kevin C. reports: "The scenic beauty of this place is amazing... There are wide open views of 3 mountain ranges. There are many flowering plants, wild apple trees on the right side of the road."
Riverside sites: Many campers appreciate the sound of flowing water. At Patterson Brookside camp, Thomas and James S. describe how "Mountain road lingers along the river. There's quite a few sites along the road... Gorgeous rock river."
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting supports diverse wildlife. "The campground was very quiet at night except for an occasional owl hoot," notes a reviewer at Green Mountain Camp. Another camper reported: "Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving" at FR207 dispersed camping area.
Vehicle requirements: Many forest roads require specific vehicle capabilities. For North Green Mountain Camp, Miccal M. warns that "these sites are no longer accessible unless you have a lifted full-size jeep or 4-runner type vehicle. I drive a Subaru Wilderness and have been able to access all of the sites for years, this year I cannot."
Leave no trace importance: Rangers are actively restricting overused areas. "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," cautions a reviewer at Patterson Brookside camp.
Day use versus camping areas: Be aware of designated usage restrictions. Route 100 Dispersed Camping has confused visitors as Helen P. notes: "This site was lovely, but signs say No Camping. There were a few spots with fire rings and picnic tables and would be a great place to camp though!"
Quieter weekday visits: Avoid crowds by timing your stay. David W. from Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 mentions: "It is a beautiful setting and the first nice weekend in May. There were quite a few folks there already but worth the visit."
Stream-accessible sites: Select locations with water features for added entertainment. At Lincoln Dispersed Camping, J W. notes: "Easy stroll to a clean brook for filtering water. Very quiet, though we could hear the occasional dog barking from houses in the Downingville area."
Backup location plans: Popular sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. "I didn't get the chance to camp here, it was full when I drove through looking for a place," reports Miccal M. about Austin Brook, suggesting the need for alternative options.
Access restrictions: Many dispersed sites have challenging terrain for RVs. About FR25 Dispersed Camping, Helen P. notes: "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)."
Limited facilities: RVers should prepare for self-contained camping. "There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area. Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in," warns Miccal M. about camping in the Patterson Brookside area.
Road conditions: Forest roads can deteriorate seasonally. J W. observed at Lincoln Dispersed Camping: "FR 291 is a somewhat primitive road - lots of big puddles. I would want some clearance for a vehicle. Our Toyota Highlander made it easily."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near South Burlington, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near South Burlington, VT is Austin Brook with a 4.4-star rating from 7 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 19 dispersed camping locations near South Burlington, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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