Best Dispersed Camping near Worcester, VT

Several dispersed camping areas exist in Green Mountain National Forest near Worcester, Vermont, primarily along forest roads and riverside locations. Sites like Austin Brook, Green Mountain National Forest FR207, FR25, and FR50 provide free primitive camping opportunities. Most locations have established fire rings but lack other amenities. These public land sites are concentrated west of Worcester, with several options along rivers and in open meadows.

Access to many dispersed sites requires navigating unpaved forest roads that can become challenging during wet conditions. Several reviews note that high-clearance vehicles are recommended, particularly for sites like North Green Mountain Camp where recent conditions have made access difficult for standard vehicles. Flooding has impacted road quality, with one visitor noting, "Due to flooding and the abundance of campers abusing the roads these sites are no longer accessible unless you have a lifted full-size jeep or 4-runner type vehicle." Most sites permit campfires, though restrictions may apply seasonally. Campers must pack out all waste as there are generally no toilet facilities or trash collection.

The dispersed camping areas provide varying experiences from riverside locations to open meadows with mountain views. Sites along FR207 are particularly noted for their scenic qualities, with one visitor describing "multiple fire rings/sites" in "the first large meadow, able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests." Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 offers "wide open views of 3 mountain ranges" with "many flowering plants, wild apple trees" and abundant wildlife. Land management concerns are evident in several areas, with rangers reportedly placing boulders to block certain overused sites. Visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles, as reviews mention some sites "are being shut down from abuse" due to improper use.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Worcester, Vermont (18)

    2. Austin Brook

    7 Reviews
    Warren, VT
    24 miles
    Website

    "When driving in on the right there’s a culdesac type set up of sites. Pretty sure these sites all have river access. Road is short dead ends with a decent amount of turn around space."

    "Great location, easy access, on a nice brook. Fire ring only, no facilities and minimal parking."

    3. Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    8 Reviews
    Granville, VT
    30 miles
    Website

    "Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests.  Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles."

    "About 12 sites off National Forest Road 71. Beautiful area and very secluded. All have fire rings but that’s about it."

    4. Green Mountain National Forest FR25 - Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Warren, VT
    26 miles
    Website

    "Beautiful sites on the River but with the wet summer, we just couldn’t dry out. Make sure to lock you valuables. Our Jackery, Solar panels & toilet were stolen."

    "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"

    5. Route 100 Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Warren, VT
    26 miles

    "Main lot has plenty of parking, perfect for car camping. Pull through the trees has some spots for tents and smaller setups."

    "This is right next to Mad River with a area to walk down into a swimming hole. Great place."

    6. Lincoln Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Lincoln, VT
    26 miles

    "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."

    "I would want some clearance for a vehicle. Our Toyota Highlander made it easily. We found 2 campsites with fire pits right off the end of FR 291. Easy stroll to a clean brook for filtering water."

    7. Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road

    2 Reviews
    Granville, VT
    30 miles

    "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 💜"

    8. Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11

    2 Reviews
    Granville, VT
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 362-2307

    "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."

    "There are no amenities at this campground. It is an open field on the left side of the road with two or three sites on the right side of the road that are walk in sites."

    9. Green Mountain National Forest FR50 - Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Granville, VT
    31 miles
    Website

    "Pretty remote. Lots of traffic. Found a site that people with a Prius wouldn’t be able to get to. Super buggy in June. No cell service. But, plenty of privacy and solitude."

    10. Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites

    2 Reviews
    Hancock, VT
    34 miles
    Website

    "There seems to be a little confusion about where restricted day use ends and overnight dispersed sites begin. Some folks were camping in the picnic area."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 18 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Worcester, VT

45 Reviews of 18 Worcester Campgrounds


  • Miccal  M.
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road

    This is a wonderful place to camp

    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.  Some of the sites are drive in, some are walk in, but all are primitive. 

    There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area.  Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in.

    This area is being heavily use 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!

    This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2023

    Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    NFR 207 Meadows, with great views!

    In the first large meadow, multiple fire rings / sites. Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests. 

    Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles.
    Nearby Clark Brook Trail is a 3 mile hike connecting with the AT/LT.
    2 bars USCellular LTE.

  • G
    Apr. 14, 2020

    Haystack Road

    Secluded, yet centrally located.

    These are my go to sites when I am in the Franconia Notch area. They have a fire pit, plenty of woods around, and are free. The North Twin Trailhead is at the end of Haystack Rd., these trails connect to the Twin Mountain peaks and the Pemigewasset Wilderness area. Its is a great staging ground for weeks worth of adventures, and you're allowed to stay for two weeks. They do get crowded during the season, so you'll have better luck showing up mid-week. Leave your tent set up, or your site could be taken when you get back. There is cell reception at most of the sites. Do not rely on cell phone trail maps, there is little to no reception trail on the trails. Use a downloadable GPS map like a Gaia GPS, or a Garmin type device. Also, wildlife like bear and moose will visit you at night. it's almost a certainty, keep your food locked in a bear tight container. *** The first few sites on the left have a small stream behind them, it'll make your stay a little easier. Bathing, dishes, etc.***

  • Thomas and James S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Austin Brook

    Nice sites

    Smaller area roughly 1-6 sites. When driving in on the right there’s a culdesac type set up of sites. Pretty sure these sites all have river access. Road is short dead ends with a decent amount of turn around space.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2024

    Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites

    Nice setting, simple fire pit only sites

    There seems to be a little confusion about where restricted day use ends and overnight dispersed sites begin. Some folks were camping in the picnic area. 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. There are posted signs on the opposite bank so we stayed on our side. Brook water filtered fine and was tasty. Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome. Very pretty area.

  • Michelle R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Austin Brook

    Green Mountain National Forest Warren Falls

    Just south of Warren Falls trail head and parking lot and just north of Green Mountains National Forest Road #25, is a small (4-5 sites, 3 picnic tables) camping and parking area wedged between the Mad River and Vermont Route 100. Grassy and Rocky sites, 4 fire rings, 3 porta-potties, and stream side (river) camping close to trails, Warren Falls swimming hole, the Lincoln Gap Road and hiking, and the "famous" Warren General Store, and covered bridge. There aren't any reservation or use instructions or signs posted.

  • Chris D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 10, 2024

    Route 100 Dispersed Camping

    Great little spot right off RT-100

    I was looking for the Austin Brook campsite north of this one, but someone on here gave directions to this site, which turns out has its own page on here. Right off the road, a small handful of camp sites, some picnic tables, presumably some fire rings although with snow coverage I didn’t see any. Main lot has plenty of parking, perfect for car camping. Pull through the trees has some spots for tents and smaller setups. 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.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2024

    Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11

    Beautiful View Real VT setting but can be a little crowded

    It is a beautiful setting and the first nice weekend in May. There were quite a few folks there already but worth the visit. 

    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.

  • Joann&WellsThePup I.
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    NF-71

    About 12 sites off National Forest Road 71. Beautiful area and very secluded. All have fire rings but that’s about it. Make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season and treat your skin and clothes during black fly season


Guide to Worcester

Dispersed camping near Worcester, Vermont offers primitive sites situated within the Green Mountain National Forest. Located in Washington County at an elevation of 890 feet, Worcester experiences cool mountain weather with summer highs rarely exceeding 80°F. Free camping spots in this region typically feature only fire rings with no water or toilet facilities available, requiring campers to pack all supplies and practice proper waste disposal.

What to do

Hiking nearby trails: Access the Clark Brook Trail connecting to the Appalachian Trail/Long Trail from Green Mountain National Forest FR207. "Clark Brook Trail is a 3 mile hike connecting with the AT/LT," notes Tim M., who visited in summer 2023.

Swimming in natural pools: Find refreshing swimming spots along the Mad River near Route 100 Dispersed Camping. Margaret E. points out, "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."

Wildlife viewing: Winter campers might spot moose at higher elevations. Phil J. reported from FR207, "Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving," during a December visit.

What campers like

Riverside camping: Campers consistently mention the peaceful sounds of flowing water at Austin Brook. Thomas and James S. noted in June 2024, "Smaller area roughly 1-6 sites. When driving in on the right there's a culdesac type set up of sites. Pretty sure these sites all have river access."

Mountain vistas: The elevated meadow sites offer panoramic views of surrounding valleys. At Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11, Kevin C. observed, "The scenic beauty of this place is amazing. There are wide open views of 3 mountain ranges. There are many flowering plants, wild apple trees on the right side of the road."

Seclusion: Many sites provide genuine solitude despite their proximity to towns. Mike B. described Lincoln Dispersed Camping as "Down off this back road in VT you can find some beautiful secluded campsites - Yards away from gorgeous running water... The seclusion of this spot is what makes it."

What you should know

Vehicle clearance concerns: Many forest roads require higher-clearance vehicles. At FR207, Amanda advised, "Make sure your car has a bit of clearance as some sports have dips in the ground," while Miccal M. warned more specifically, "This is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance."

No facilities: Most dispersed sites lack basic amenities. Bring all supplies, including water and waste disposal bags. Chris D. noted about Route 100, "some picnic tables, presumably some fire rings although with snow coverage I didn't see any."

Security issues: Lock up valuables when away from camp. Melissa M. cautioned visitors to FR25, "Make sure to lock you valuables. Our Jackery, Solar panels & toilet were stolen."

Seasonal challenges: Mud season (spring) and black fly season (late spring/early summer) can be problematic. "Make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season and treat your skin and clothes during black fly season," advises Joann&WellsThePup I. about FR207.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Worcester, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Worcester, VT is Moscow Recreation Park with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Worcester, VT?

TheDyrt.com has all 18 dispersed camping locations near Worcester, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.