Dispersed camping near Starksboro, Vermont provides primitive backcountry sites within the Green Mountain National Forest at elevations between 1,200-2,500 feet. The area receives approximately 43 inches of annual precipitation, creating lush forests and flowing waterways throughout the camping zones. Most sites remain snow-covered and inaccessible from November through April due to seasonal road closures.
What to do
Swimming access: Several sites offer direct river and brook access for cooling off during summer months. At Warren Falls, campers appreciate the proximity to water. "Great location, easy access, on a nice brook," notes reviewer Miccal M. Sites at Patterson Brookside camp feature "gorgeous rock river" settings according to Thomas and James S.
Hiking connections: The Clark Brook Trail connects with the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail, offering a 3-mile route from FR207 meadow sites. Tim M. reports, "Clark Brook Trail is a 3 mile hike connecting with the AT/LT." Winter visitors can find solitude on these trails, as Phil J. experienced: "My first time winter camping and had the entire area to myself. Beautiful sunsets, night skies and scenery."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide opportunities for wildlife sightings at higher elevation sites. "Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving," reports Phil J. about winter camping at FR207. The meadow sites also attract numerous bird species and butterflies, with Kevin C. noting "Lots of birds, butterflies, and bees" at Town Road 11.
What campers like
Mountain views: The elevated meadow camping areas offer panoramic vistas across multiple ranges. At Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11, Kevin C. describes "wide open views of 3 mountain ranges" and notes it "would be an awesome place to see the fall colors." David W. adds it's a "beautiful setting" with "old Vermont farm land."
Waterside camping: Many campers prefer sites alongside brooks and rivers for natural white noise and cooling effects. At Texas Falls Primitive campsites, J W. reports "several sites with only a fire pit along the brook" and notes "brook water filtered fine and was tasty." Thomas and James S. describe Patterson Brookside as having "quite a few sites along the road" with a "peaceful, gorgeous rock river."
Seclusion options: Sites vary from roadside pull-offs to tucked-away spots requiring more effort to access. Mike B. describes Lincoln Dispersed Camping: "Down off this back road in VT you can find some beautiful secluded campsites - Yards away from gorgeous running water... The seclusion of this spot is what makes it."
What you should know
Ground clearance requirements: Many access roads require vehicles with adequate clearance, especially after rain. For FR207, Miccal M. warns, "This is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance." For Lincoln Dispersed Camping, J W. notes "FR 291 is a somewhat primitive road - lots of big puddles. I would want some clearance for a vehicle."
Site closures: Rangers have begun restricting access to some areas due to misuse and road damage. Miccal M. observed at North Green Mountain Camp that "Rangers have already started to move boulders into place to block off some of the other sites" and predicts "It won't be long before the Rangers close this area down due to abuse."
Water purification: No potable water exists at these sites, requiring filtration or carrying water. J W. reports at Texas Falls that "brook water filtered fine and was tasty." Sites like FR207 require campers to "bring your own trash bag and water" according to Amanda.
Winter accessibility: Most roads remain unplowed with variable conditions. Chris D. found the Route 100 area "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." Miccal M. notes Patterson Brookside camp is "closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming holes: Seek riverside sites with gentle water access points for supervised play. Margaret E. recommends Route 100 sites: "This is right next to Mad River with an area to walk down into a swimming hole." Sites at Texas Falls offer similar water features for exploration.
Hammock options: Several sites feature suitable tree spacing for hammock setups. J W. noted at Lincoln Dispersed Camping: "Great trees for hammocks" and described finding their site with "Easy stroll to a clean brook for filtering water."
Foraging opportunities: Late summer and fall camping provides wild edible opportunities. Kevin C. discovered "wild apple trees" at Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11, while J W. found "lots of mushrooms" during their hikes from Lincoln Dispersed Camping.
Road awareness: Teach children about single-lane road safety in camping areas. Miccal M. cautions at Patterson Brookside: "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."
Tips from RVers
Site selection priorities: Choose lower elevation sites with established pull-offs for easier RV access. Jeff N. found at FR50 a "site that people with a Prius wouldn't be able to get to," indicating challenging terrain for larger vehicles.
Turnaround space: Check for adequate vehicle turning radius before committing to narrow roads. Helen P. notes about FR-25 sites: "I didn't go down a couple little gravel paths to check each spot as you couldn't turn around easily."
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies dramatically by location and carrier. At FR207 meadow sites, Tim M. reports "2 bars USCellular LTE," while Jeff N. found "no cell service" at FR50, and J W. described Lincoln Dispersed Camping as "very quiet."
