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.
What to Do
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.
What Campers Like
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."
What You Should Know
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."
Tips for Camping with Families
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.
Tips from RVers
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."
