Dispersed camping near Thetford Center, Vermont offers primitive sites within the Green Mountain National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 feet. The climate features distinct seasons with snow possible from November through April, making late spring through early fall the primary camping season. Most roads accessing these sites remain unpaved with variable conditions depending on recent weather and maintenance.
What to do
Hiking to mountain views: The Clark Brook Trail near Green Mountain National Forest FR207 connects with the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail. "Nearby Clark Brook Trail is a 3 mile hike connecting with the AT/LT," notes one camper who appreciated having cell service with "2 bars USCellular LTE" in the area.
Swimming in natural pools: At Austin Brook, visitors enjoy water activities in the Mad River. The area includes "a nice pond with great views and good fishing," according to one camper. Others appreciate the natural swimming holes with "great access to the streams" at these riverside camping spots.
Mountain biking: Forest service roads throughout the region provide moderate to challenging terrain for mountain bikers. The roads around Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 offer both technical trails and scenic riding. Campers report "wide open views of 3 mountain ranges" and note the opportunity to see "lots of birds, butterflies, and bees" while exploring.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Dispersed camping near Thetford Center offers opportunities to spot native Vermont wildlife. At FR207, campers report dawn and dusk wildlife activity. "Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving," notes a winter visitor, while others mention seeing various bird species in the meadow areas.
Elevated camping spots: The higher elevation sites at Green Mountain National Forest FR207 provide exceptional views. "Beautiful meadow campsites overlooking the valley. Firepits and tent platforms are in place although most of the sites are drive-in," writes one visitor. Another mentions that "upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles" offer the best vantage points.
Privacy options: Campers can find solitude at the more remote sites. At Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road, "There are a handful of sites to camp at along the river here, each offering a slightly different experience." Some are "drive in, some are walk in, but all are primitive," allowing visitors to choose their preferred balance of accessibility and isolation.
What you should know
Vehicle limitations: Many sites require appropriate vehicles. At Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site, "The road in is pretty rough and is not recommended for sedans or lower riding cars." Another camper confirms this advice: "I wouldn't recommend trying to take a normal sedan or something down there."
Proper site selection: Use established sites only. "Be sure to camp at spots with established fire rings!" advises a visitor to Patterson Brookside. Similarly, at Texas Falls, there "seems to be a little confusion about where restricted day use ends and overnight dispersed sites begin."
Pack out requirements: All sites operate on strict pack-in, pack-out principles. "This area is being heavily used and some spots are being shut down from abuse," reports one visitor to Patterson Brookside. At Texas Falls Primitive campsites, campers found sites "well used with some litter. We packed out what we could find."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming access: Sites near water features provide natural recreation for children. "The road along the river is an easy drive" at Patterson Brookside, making water access straightforward for families with younger children. The sites offer "gorgeous rock river" settings ideal for supervised water play.
Wildlife education: The meadow settings at Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "There are many flowering plants, wild apple trees," notes a visitor who also spotted "lots of birds, butterflies, and bees" that were "not aggressive," making the area suitable for nature education.
Toilet considerations: Most sites lack facilities. Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 offers "beautiful view but no toilet," requiring families to bring portable solutions. At Texas Falls, there is a "relatively short walk to waterless toilets," which can be convenient for families.
Tips from RVers
Site sizing: RV accommodations vary significantly between locations. At Elbow Pond Road, one camper found "a very small spot, just barely enough room for our SUV and small teardrop to get off the road," noting a limited "20 foot by 12 foot space to camp in."
Winter closures: Seasonal access affects planning for larger vehicles. Patterson Brookside "is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF," while at Tripoli Road, "the section before Russell Pond often opens before the rest of it, which is graded, not paved."
Turn-around space: Forest roads often limit maneuvering room. At Route 100 Dispersed Camping, "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."
