Best Dispersed Camping near Starksboro, VT
Dispersed camping opportunities abound in the Green Mountain National Forest near Starksboro, Vermont. Several primitive sites are available along forest roads and waterways, including Austin Brook, Lincoln Dispersed Camping, and multiple sites along Forest Roads 207, 25, and 50. These free camping areas offer varying experiences from meadow settings with mountain views to riverside locations with swimming access. Most sites feature established fire rings but minimal other amenities.
Vehicle access varies significantly between locations. FR207 requires high-clearance vehicles with at least 9 inches of ground clearance for the upper meadow sites. According to reviews, "This is not a place to go without at least 9 inches of ground clearance." Lincoln Dispersed Camping on FR291 has a somewhat primitive access road with large puddles. Patterson Brookside camp features a single-lane dirt road along the river, requiring awareness of oncoming traffic. Several sites have recently become inaccessible due to flooding and road damage.
These primitive sites lack facilities. No drinking water, toilets, or trash service is available at most locations. Campers must pack out all waste and come prepared with water or filtration equipment. Cell service is nonexistent in many areas. Recent reports indicate some sites are being closed due to misuse. A Forest Service sign along FR-25 warns that continued littering and improper waste disposal may result in site closures. Winter access is limited, with Patterson Brookside camp officially closed during winter months due to snow. Fire regulations permit campfires at most sites, but visitors should always use established fire rings and practice proper fire safety.
