Dispersed camping near South Duxbury, Vermont offers primitive sites throughout the Green Mountain National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 feet. Most areas are accessible from May through October, with road closures common during Vermont's mud season, typically from March to early May. Forest Roads provide access to meadows, streamside spots, and mountain vistas that change dramatically with the seasons.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: The Clark Brook Trail connects with the Appalachian Trail/Long Trail about 3 miles from Green Mountain National Forest FR207. "Clark Brook Trail is a 3 mile hike connecting with the AT/LT," notes Tim M., who also mentions getting "2 bars USCellular LTE" in the area.
Swimming holes exploration: Several sites offer direct water access, particularly at Austin Brook. "There's a few sites here! All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings. Keep it clean!" advises Thomas and James S. in a recent review of Austin Brook.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings provide opportunities to spot local wildlife, including moose. One camper at FR207 reported: "Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving," during a winter camping trip, noting it was "extremely calm and peaceful."
What campers like
Elevated meadow camping: The fields along FR207 offer panoramic mountain views. "Views are spectacular, choose either sunrise or sunset and you should be able to get a site to fit your needs," says one camper about Patterson Brookside camp, where the "mountain road lingers along the river."
Streamside sites: Many campers prefer riverside spots for the ambient sounds and water access. "Gorgeous rock river," notes one review, while another mentions: "This is a beautiful little pull off the road right on the river with tables & fire rings."
Seasonal variations: The area offers distinct experiences across seasons. "Beautiful sunsets, night skies and scenery," reports a camper at Green Mountain Camp. Another notes that Town Road 11 has "wide open views of 3 mountain ranges" with "many flowering plants, wild apple trees" and "lots of birds, butterflies, and bees."
What you should know
Vehicle clearance requirements: Many forest roads require higher clearance vehicles. "This is not a place to go without at least 9 inches of ground clearance," warns a reviewer about FR207. Another adds that some spots have "dips in the ground" that may challenge standard passenger cars.
Increased ranger enforcement: Beyond the issues mentioned in existing advisories, rangers are actively monitoring camping practices. One camper at Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 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."
Seasonal closures: Winter brings complete closures to some areas. "This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF," reports a camper about Patterson Brookside. For mud season (typically March-May), a reviewer advises: "Make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely. A camper at FR207 reports getting "2 bars USCellular LTE," while others note "minimal ATT reception" or having "no cell service" in more remote locations.
Tips for camping with families
River safety planning: For groups with children, scout water access points before setting up camp. "Smaller area roughly 1-6 sites. When driving in on the right there's a culdesac type set up of sites. Pretty sure these sites all have river access," reports a camper about Texas Falls Primitive campsites.
Bug preparation: Insect activity is significant in summer months. "Super buggy in June," notes one camper. Another advises to "treat your skin and clothes during black fly season" to make the experience more comfortable for everyone.
Weather contingency plans: Vermont weather can change rapidly. One family reported: "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."
Tips from RVers
Level site scouting: Finding flat spots for RVs can be challenging in this area. "I had trouble finding a level spot," reports one camper about Austin Brook. For those with smaller RVs, Lincoln Dispersed Camping offers "beautiful secluded campsites" but requires careful site selection.
Resource planning: With no facilities available, RV campers must be completely self-contained. "There is no electricity, no cell coverage, no outhouses in this area. Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in," emphasizes a reviewer about Patterson Brookside.
Turnaround space considerations: Some sites have limited maneuvering room. One camper noted that FR207 has "some sites right on the road, some in fields and some tucked away out of view," with the road ending in "a decent amount of turn around space," though others may require backing in considerable distances.
