Dispersed camping near Sutton, Vermont offers secluded sites along waterways and through surrounding national forest land. The region's seasonal temperature variations mean summer camping peaks from June through September when daytime temperatures average 70-80°F, while spring and fall bring cooler conditions. Winter camping requires cold weather gear with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing.
What to do
Hiking the Twin Mountains: Access excellent trails from Haystack Road dispersed area, which connects to Twin Mountain peaks and Pemigewasset Wilderness. "The North Twin Trailhead is at the end of Haystack Rd., these trails connect to the Twin Mountain peaks and the Pemigewasset Wilderness area. Its is a great staging ground for weeks worth of adventures," notes Greg L.
Swimming and fishing: Many primitive camping areas feature water access for recreation. Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site provides "a nice pond with great views and good fishing," according to Dom L., while Tripoli Road sites are known for riverside locations. "Hiked down a trail and found the most relaxing spot right by the river," writes Danielle B.
Mountain sunrise views: Early risers camping in backcountry sites can experience stunning dawn vistas. At Guyot Shelter, Asher K. recommends "a sunrise peak if you have the energy to get up early!" This shelter site sits at 4,360 feet elevation, providing panoramic morning views.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many free dispersed camping areas offer good separation between campsites. At Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed, Aimee L. mentions, "each site is far apart from each other," with some featuring small brooks. Kevin C. notes the quiet atmosphere: "It was so quiet I could hear the sound of crow wings flapping as they flew by."
River access: Several primitive camping options feature streamside locations. At Tripoli Road, Ali B. reports, "got a great site right by the river," noting weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Joseph A. adds, "Find a nice riverside camp site. 3 miles of seclusion if you want."
Natural features: Campers appreciate unique natural elements at different sites. At Scott C. Devlin Memorial, the site is "tucked on a knoll in a pine forest" with "a flat area at the top of the steps where you can tie up your boat for the evening." Moscow Recreation Park offers "a large sporting field car park suitable for big dogs," according to Stuart M.
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: Wildlife encounters are common in primitive camping areas. Greg L. warns at Haystack Road that "wildlife like bear and moose will visit you at night. it's almost a certainty, keep your food locked in a bear tight container." Jean C. notes that Tripoli Road has temporarily closed after "bears visited campsites and got into food that was left in the open and not secured in vehicles or bear canisters."
Road conditions: Many dispersed sites require navigating unpaved roads. At Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site, Dom L. cautions "The road in is pretty rough and is not recommended for sedans or lower riding cars." For Hogan Road Pulloff, Dominique F. specifies "About 1km (.6 miles) of gravel road, easy enough for a big road bike, but don't go any further as it gets rough."
Seasonal availability: Forest roads often close seasonally. Jean C. explains that "Tripoli Road is a seasonal road, opening in late May most years and closing in autumn. Check the White Mountain National Forest Facebook page for up to date road closures/status."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for children: When camping with kids, look for specific site features. At Elbow Pond Recreation Area, Dom L. points out "They have a couple different spots where you can park and walk up to your site or they have sites you can pull right up next to them," making access easier with children.
Water access benefits: Sites near water provide natural entertainment. Ali B. recommends visiting during weekdays when "hardly anyone around" for quieter family time. Justin P. mentions some sites "offered more space" while "some offered a bit of privacy into the woods."
Campsite security: When camping with families, be mindful of site selection and security. Sean L. cautions about leaving gear unattended: "I left out gear to claim a spot while out hiking and came back to people having stolen some of it as well as setting up in that spot."
Tips for RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs only. At Hogan Road Pulloff, Dominique F. notes space for only "3-5 tents," indicating limited vehicle room. Kevin C. found at Elbow Pond "a very small spot, just barely enough room for our SUV and small teardrop to get off the road."
Road accessibility concerns: RVers must research road conditions before attempting access. Justin P. describes Cherry Mountain Road sites as "Smaller car and tent sites" with "a string of tent sites on either side of the road." For larger rigs, Moscow Recreation Park might be suitable as Stuart M. describes it as "Large sporting field car park."
Leveling challenges: Finding level spots can be difficult on forest roads. Aimee L. specifically chose Cherry Mountain "site #5 because it was flat, sunny, grassy" – indicating other sites might present leveling challenges.
