Dispersed camping options around Warren, Vermont provide primitive backcountry experiences within the Green Mountain National Forest. The area sits at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,400 feet, with steep terrain and numerous mountain streams. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F, with frequent rainfall creating muddy conditions on forest access roads.
What to do
Hike to mountain viewpoints: Mount Philo State Park offers accessible hiking with spectacular views. One camper noted, "Nice trails that lead to scenic views of Lake Champlain. Bathrooms and showers were clean. Showers were quarter operated, 50 cents for 5 minutes" (Mount Philo State Park Campground).
Fish in local streams: Michigan Brook Road camping areas provide excellent access to fishing spots. A visitor remarked, "Nice little spots to hangout all day. Lots to see, and explore" (Michigan Brook). Most streams in the area contain brook and rainbow trout.
Paddle on Waterbury Reservoir: For water-based recreation, the remote sites at Waterbury Reservoir offer excellent paddling opportunities. "These remote sites are so peaceful. Be sure to launch from cotton brook road if your site r11-27... It was about 30 minutes from the cotton brook launch to the site" (Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites).
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Campers consistently mention the appeal of sites near flowing water. At Patterson Brookside camp, a reviewer shared, "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!" (Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road).
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed camping areas offer significant space between sites. On Michigan Brook Road, one camper noted, "I found most of the spots to be on the road before the GPS marker. Few nice ones near the creek. I stayed at one on top of a hill, lots of space at mine" (Michigan Brook Road Camping).
Natural swimming holes: Several camping areas feature natural swimming spots in streams. At Route 100 Dispersed Camping, a visitor mentioned, "This site has 3-5 campsites right off of route 100. This is right next to Mad River with a area to walk down into a swimming hole."
What you should know
Winter access limitations: Many forest roads remain unplowed in winter. One camper at Michigan Brook noted, "The main road to the parking lot is plowed and sanded. However if you would like to continue down the service road during winter months I would highly recommend snowshoes or a snowmobile."
Cell service gaps: Most dispersed sites lack cell coverage. A Michigan Brook camper warned, "THIS LOCATION DOES NOT PROVIDE CELL PHONE SERVICE OR WIFI CONNECTION. However, if you walk to the end of upper Michigan Brook road you will have cell phone service."
Road conditions affect accessibility: Many forest roads require appropriate vehicles. For Green Mountain National Forest FR25, a camper observed, "small number of sites and a bit hard to find" (Green Mountain National Forest FR25). Another visitor at Michigan Brook Road noted, "Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!"
Closures and restrictions: Some areas face temporary or permanent closures. For Route 100, conflicting information exists with some reviewers noting, "Signs say No Camping" while others actively camp there.
Tips for camping with families
Platform tent sites: For families seeking more structure, Camel's Hump State Park offers defined tent platforms. A visitor noted, "Great tent site, site 1 can have 3 platform and fire pit" (Camel's Hump State Park). These platforms help keep tents dry during wet weather.
Short hikes for kids: Several camping areas offer child-friendly trails under 1 mile. At Mount Philo, a camper mentioned, "My favorite part about camping here is getting up early and hiking the short trail to the top for a spectacular sunrise."
Plan for variable weather: Vermont's mountain weather changes rapidly. Pack extra layers and rain gear, even in summer. One camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR25 noted, "Beautiful sites on the River but with the wet summer, we just couldn't dry out."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs only. At Route 100 Dispersed Camping, the entrance area offers "plenty of parking, perfect for car camping. Pull through the trees has some spots for tents and smaller setups."
Road clearance concerns: Forest roads often present challenges for larger vehicles. One camper warned about Michigan Brook Road, "Beware that in Spring the road gets muddy and quite rutted, I would not recommend driving down there with a car that is low to the ground."
Seasonal timing: For tent camping near Warren, Vermont in an RV, plan your visit between late May and early October. A visitor noted, "This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF."