Dispersed camping options near Woodstock, Vermont provide rustic outdoor experiences throughout Green Mountain National Forest. Sites range from elevation levels of 600-2,000 feet, with most primitive areas concentrated along forest roads that run alongside brooks or open fields. Terrain varies from dense forest to elevated meadows, with summer temperatures averaging 65-80°F during peak camping season from May through October.
What to do
Water exploration: Several sites near Austin Brook offer direct stream access where campers can cool off. According to one visitor, "There's a few sites here! All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings. Keep it clean!"
Hiking connections: Downed Bridge Camp provides easy access to nearby trails. A camper notes: "If you're lucky enough to get the last spot on the road it's epic. Note that fills quickly on a weekend. But don't worry there is primitive camping starting about a mile down fire road 10."
Wildlife watching: Winter camping offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities at Green Mountain National Forest FR207. One visitor reported: "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."
Seasonal color viewing: The open meadows provide excellent fall foliage viewing. A camper at Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 shared: "This would be an awesome place to see the fall colors."
What campers like
Riverside campsites: Last light on Michigan Brook offers peaceful waterside camping. "Love this site! The very last spot on the right hand side. If you've reached the closed gate you've missed the site! Keep it clean!" one camper advises.
Mountain views: The elevated meadow sites provide panoramic vistas. At Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11, "There are wide open views of 3 mountain ranges. There are many flowering plants, wild apple trees on the right side of the road. Lots of birds, butterflies, and bees."
Privacy options: Some areas offer secluded spots away from others. At Road's End Dispersed Camp, one visitor noted it's a "great private spot when nothing else is around. The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles."
Established fire rings: Most primitive sites include basic fire rings for safe cooking. As one camper at On the Hill Dispersed Camp observed: "I've camped here a few times, it a nice size primitive site for a small group. Being a primitive site, expect that it is a little rough to get into. The only thing you will find in this clearing is a fire ring."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many sites require higher clearance vehicles. A camper at Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites shared: "Past the gate at the end of the Texas Falls recreation area we found several sites with only a fire pit along the brook. They were well used with some litter. We packed out what we could find."
Site availability: Popular sites fill quickly during peak times. One visitor advised: "This area is being heavily used and some spots are being shut down from abuse, please be aware that you have a lot of impact, and that impact can be positive or negative. Choose Positive!"
Water filtration: Stream water requires proper filtration. A camper noted: "Brook water filtered fine and was tasty. Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome."
Winter access: Several areas close seasonally. One reviewer mentioned: "This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF."
Tips for camping with families
Safety considerations: Choose sites with adequate space for children. 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. 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."
Noise levels: Some areas remain notably quiet, ideal for families seeking peaceful experiences. One camper observed: "The campground was very quiet at night except for an occasional owl hoot."
Location planning: Sites vary in accessibility and amenities. "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! There is no services of any sorts at this location."
Educational opportunities: Wildlife and plant diversity offers learning experiences. A visitor noted: "It is old Vermont farm land that the team of the US National Forest must manage. They have kept the clearing clear and access is pretty good. We are so lucky to have access like this for all of us to enjoy."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Smaller RVs work best at most dispersed sites. At Austin Brook, "This is a beautiful little pull off the road right on the river with tables & fire rings. For correct coordinates look at Fire Road 25. This area is right next to FireRoad 25 rd."
Terrain challenges: RVers should scout sites before attempting access. One camper warned: "This is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance. Views are spectacular, choose either sunrise or sunset and you should be able to get a site to fit your needs."
Turnaround space: Some areas offer limited maneuvering room. A visitor noted: "Road is short dead ends with a decent amount of turn around space."
