The Green Mountain National Forest surrounds Warren, Vermont, with several dispersed camping areas along forest roads and creek corridors. Austin Brook offers primitive riverside campsites with established fire rings but no facilities, while FR207 features scenic field campsites with mountain views on higher ground. Camping options range from basic tent sites to established campgrounds like Little River State Park, which accommodates RVs and offers cabin rentals. Most dispersed camping in the area is found along Forest Roads 25 and 207, with several sites positioned along the Mad River.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many forest roads requiring higher clearance vehicles, particularly during mud season. "This is not a place to go without at least 9 inches of ground clearance," noted one visitor about FR207. Dispersed sites typically have fire rings but lack water, restrooms, or trash service. The camping season generally runs from late May through October, though some sites remain accessible for winter camping when weather permits. Most established campgrounds open around Memorial Day and close by Columbus Day weekend. Cell coverage is limited in more remote forest road locations, though some users report basic service at higher elevations along FR207.
Many campers prioritize waterfront locations, with riverside sites along Austin Brook and the Mad River consistently receiving positive reviews for their natural setting and ambient water sounds. Visitors note the peaceful atmosphere of these streamside camping areas, though they can fill quickly on summer weekends. The dispersed sites on forest meadows atop FR207 offer impressive panoramic views but experience more exposure to weather. A recent review highlighted how "beautiful sites on the River" make for memorable camping despite occasional moisture issues. Users frequently mention the importance of proper preparation when visiting these areas, as increasing visitation has led to concerns about trash and improper waste disposal, with Forest Service signage warning that continued misuse could result in site closures.
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Round 1 of 5
"If you're considering a spot in Vermont to camp, come here! Also, make sure your car has a bit of clearance as some sports have dips in the ground."
"Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests. Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles."
"All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings. Keep it clean!"
"This area is right next to FireRoad 25 rd. We did not camp here we camped on FR25."
"It is located in the mountains of Vermont and right next to a beautiful river. The only con was the highway noise since it's pretty close to the road."
"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."
$15 / night
"there are no amenities other than cascading waterfalls, mountain views, incredible swimming hole, a nearby lake, a picnic table and a fire ring. the easiest access to sites one and two is the Silver Lake"
"Access to campground is on a gravel road but my van did okay. It is small and primitive and there is a camp host who is very nice."
$19 - $28 / night
"Little River State Park is located just outside of Waterbury Vermont so it’s an ideal location for jumping off on other adventures!"
"We came here to hike the Dalley Loop Trail (which is a great trail full of history), but we wish we had camped here instead of the private campground 45 minutes away where we did stay."
"All the sites were full when I visited (6 to 8 sites, approximately, but i didn't go down a couple little gravel paths to check each spot as you couldn't turn around easily) , so I didn't get to camp there"
"A great peaceful spot right next to the river."
"Loved camping next to the water and hearing the river as we slept. There are fire rings. No bugs."
"Down off this back road in VT you can find some beautiful secluded campsites - Yards away from gorgeous running water. No trash or restrooms - Primitive for sure. Prepare for bugs as well."
"Day 2 we walked past the gate beyond the end of the road followed a trail up 500 feet or so of elevation in the foothills to the west of Mt Ellen. Found one more camp site."
"The site was so scenic with a little waterfall and stream nearby. The camp staff was so nice. They kept the the bathrooms and areas so clean."
"Love to lake access, secluded camping, the hiking and remote area. Planning on revisiting next summer, even in august the nights get to a good sleeping temperature a vast majority of the time."
"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. "
"There is no services of any sorts at this location. Mostly local traffic. Peaceful! Gorgeous rock river 💜"
GuideRight along the road (so if anything happens you can get help) also has wifi signal. It’s right along a creek that’s clean and beautiful. Crisp air and calming flowing river noises all night made it so I slept like a baby!
GuideDrove all the way here just to pull in and see signs that say “no overnight camping”
ScoutPublic Lands with about 8 semi private sites, each with nice views west or easterly. It's a large meadow and with a breeze, it will keep bugs away. Lacking a breeze, it is tough but still beautiful
TravelerMy favorite campsite we stayed at on my 2 week trip (despite the bugs lol). Great swimming hole and very well kept. Very beautiful and loved my stay.
ScoutPam met us outside as she said ‘dodging rain drops’ to stack wood. She was warm and friendly. You can tell she runs a tight ship immediately telling us when quite hours were, and letting us know the dogs needed to be on leash and under our control. We brought our 2 labs with us. Only 2 vehicles per site is allowed. You do need tokens to use the shower. 2 tokens was more than enough for me to shower and not feel rushed. The bathrooms are AMAZING! I am looking forward to coming back!
ScoutAs noted by others, most of the sites have a fire ring and nothing more. A little more than half of the sites can be driven to and others require a very short walk (50 ft?). The toilets mentioned are at Texas falls area and are not a practical walk from most of the campsites.
There are no showers.
Aside from the loop trail at the falls there are also a couple of snowmobile trails that cross the area.
RangerStayed here for a week. Josh and Dori were super nice and helpful. Level grass field with water and 30amp hookup. Fire pit port o potty, creek across the street. Very pretty setting. Dark sky area. Cell att and Verizon we decent enough to work plus they had WiFi if needed.
RangerWe loved camping at Crane Pond. It was a little over 3 miles to hike into the waterfront sites. There is an outhouse nearby, several campsites, fire pits, and we went for a swim in the pond. Overall great experience!
TravelerFree dispersed camping right off of the road. Includes picnic tables and a fire ring. It is located in the mountains of Vermont and right next to a beautiful river. The only con was the highway noise since it's pretty close to the road. But, it's free, and in the beautiful mountains of vermont so cant really complain.
Dispersed camping sites near Warren, Vermont spread throughout the Green Mountain National Forest at elevations ranging from 800 to 2,000 feet. The region experiences temperature fluctuations of 30-40°F between day and night even in summer months. Most forest roads in this area remain unplowed during winter, making access difficult from November through April except for winter camping enthusiasts.
Hike nearby trails: Clark Brook Trail connects with the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail from FR 207. "Clark Brook Trail is a 3 mile hike connecting with the AT/LT," notes a visitor to Green Mountain National Forest FR207.
Swimming holes exploration: Warren and surrounding areas feature numerous creek and river access points for cooling off. "Warren Falls swimming hole" is accessible from the Austin Brook camping area as one reviewer mentioned, with sites "just north of Green Mountains National Forest Road #25."
Winter camping: For those properly equipped, some dispersed areas remain accessible during winter months. "My first time winter camping and had the entire area to myself. Beautiful sunsets, night skies and scenery. Extremely calm and peaceful. Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving," reports a winter visitor at FR 207.
Riverside sites: Many campers prioritize camping alongside moving water. At Patterson Brookside camp, "Mountain road lingers along the river. There's quite a few sites along the road. Be sure to camp at spots with established fire rings! Peaceful! Gorgeous rock river."
Elevated viewpoints: Higher elevation sites offer panoramic vistas but require vehicles with appropriate clearance. "Views are spectacular, choose either sunrise or sunset and you should be able to get a site to fit your needs," notes a visitor about FR 207 field sites.
Privacy between sites: Forest Road dispersed camping often provides natural buffers. "There are a handful of sites to camp at along the river here, each offering a slightly different experience," explains a camper at Patterson Brookside, while White River & Gulf Brook offers "a great peaceful spot right next to the river."
Vehicle clearance requirements: Many forest roads require appropriate vehicles. "This is not a place to go without at least 9 inches of ground clearance," warns one FR 207 visitor, while another notes the "road into the site was scenic and beautiful" but contains "dips in the ground" requiring "a bit of clearance."
Primitive facilities only: Most dispersed sites lack basic amenities. "There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area. Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in," advises a visitor to Patterson Brookside camp.
Seasonal road conditions: Access varies significantly throughout the year. At Lincoln Dispersed Camping, FR 291 is described as "a somewhat primitive road - lots of big puddles. I would want some clearance for a vehicle. Our Toyota Highlander made it easily."
Increasing regulations: Due to misuse, some areas face potential closure. "This area is being heavily used and some spots are being shut down from abuse," notes a Patterson Brookside camper, while another explains many sites now require visitors to "camp at spots with established fire rings."
Established campgrounds option: Families often prefer sites with more amenities. Little River State Park Campground offers "a great one week stay here on the reservoir. Staff was friendly and helpful. Bathrooms in 'B' were just redone," and another family noted "the small playground was great, and the small boat launch and beach kept us in the water."
Water-based activities: Swimming, paddling, and water play provide entertainment. "We visited here with our 5 kiddos for 2 nights late July 2016... the small playground was great, and the small boat launch and beach kept us in the water," explains a Little River visitor.
Sites with natural features: Look for locations that offer natural play spaces. Austin Brook camping area provides "a nice brook" where "all sites pretty much have access to the streams" according to recent visitors.
Limited RV options: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller vehicles only. "We were happy to find some free dispersed camping off route 100 on our fall road trip. This site was great... Easy to get into for an xterra but if you have an RV I don't think there is room for you," explains a camper at White River & Gulf Brook.
Nearby established alternatives: RVers should consider established campgrounds. Branbury State Park Campground offers more suitable RV camping where "the camp sites near the beach are in a large grassy field" and features "a dump station and a bathroom facility with paid showers."
High-clearance requirement: Forest roads often present challenges for larger vehicles. At FR 207, a visitor advised that "the top end of the road has a few mud pits and may require some ground clearance from rocks."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping spots near Warren Falls in Vermont?
Just south of Warren Falls, Austin Brook offers a small camping area with 4-5 sites between the Mad River and Route 100. This dispersed camping spot includes grassy and rocky sites, fire rings, and porta-potties with stream access. For a more established experience, Silver Lake Campground is a highly-rated option in the area with fairly private sites that aren't too close together, plus access to a clean lake with a concrete dock. Other options near Warren include dispersed camping along Green Mountain National Forest FR25 and Route 100, which offer more primitive experiences for those seeking solitude in the beautiful Mad River Valley.
When is the best season for camping in Warren, Vermont?
Summer (June through August) is the prime camping season in Warren, Vermont, with warm days perfect for enjoying Warren Falls and other swimming holes. Moosalamoo Campground is an excellent summer option with access to cascading waterfalls, mountain views, and incredible swimming. Early fall (September to mid-October) brings spectacular foliage to the area, making Gifford Woods State Park Campground particularly appealing with its proximity to scenic Route 100. Late spring (mid-May to June) offers fewer crowds and awakening forests, though be prepared for muddy conditions and potentially cool nights. Winter camping is possible for experienced campers, but most established campgrounds close for the season.
What amenities are available at Warren VT campgrounds?
Amenities vary widely across Warren area campgrounds. Mountain View Campground offers a well-stocked camp store, two pools, and car-accessible tent sites right on the water—ideal for families seeking comfort. Meanwhile, Little River State Park Campground provides clean restrooms with hot showers, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. For those seeking a more rustic experience, dispersed camping areas along Route 100 and in Green Mountain National Forest typically offer minimal amenities—perhaps just fire rings and sometimes picnic tables. Some private campgrounds in the region feature electrical hookups for RVs, laundry facilities, and organized activities, while most public campgrounds provide at least basic amenities like potable water and vault toilets.
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