Green Mountain National Forest offers numerous dispersed camping sites along forest roads throughout Vermont. FR207 and FR71 provide access to primitive campsites with established fire rings but no amenities. Most sites are drive-in with some requiring a walk, and visitors should be prepared for variable road conditions. A recent review noted, "About 12 sites off National Forest Road 71. Beautiful area and very secluded. All have fire rings but that's about it."
Road conditions can significantly impact accessibility, particularly during mud season when even high-clearance vehicles may struggle. Several locations feature riverside camping options with multiple pull-offs, while others occupy meadows with mountain views. A camper wrote, "The road into the site was scenic and beautiful. We followed the river all the way to the very end of the road up on the mountain." Pack-in, pack-out principles apply, as no trash services, drinking water, or toilets exist at most locations except Somerset Airfield, which provides basic toilet facilities. Sites near Route 100 have conflicting reports about camping permissions, with some reviews indicating no camping signs have been posted.
"The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on. There were only about 10 spots along the access road."
"We brought our school bus down the dirt road just fine and backed right in. They also have fireplaces which was nice!"
"Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests. Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles."
"Public 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"
"A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."
"Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot. After what was very quiet and a peaceful place to be."
"It has pit toilets. These sites are close together with little to no shade. Some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park."
"I arrived after the 4th of July and a neighbor said it was rowdy during the holiday with illegal fireworks set off every night over the dry forest. These pics are from a weekday morning."
"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."
"Main lot has plenty of parking, perfect for car camping. Pull through the trees has some spots for tents and smaller setups."
"Free 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."
"We stayed at one near the creek just over a little bridge. Cute little site, nice fire pit, clean, perfect rock to put a big water jug on. The sound of running water was soothing."
"One of many locations along Forest rd 71, this spot was a good place to pitch a tent for the night while exploring the area even in the rain."
"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"
"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."
"Easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center. We had this all to ourselves in our Bean teardrop. "
"The site was very flat and could accommodate several small campers. It was quiet during our overnight stay other than a car or two on Stratton-Arlington Rd. There weren't many mosquitoes either. "
"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."
"A little more than half of the sites can be driven to and others require a very short walk (50 ft?). "
ScoutIt was dark. I arrived after 7p. There were 3 rv camps already going on. All 3 had camp fires. Many fire rings for many groups. No hassles at all. It's off the beaten path but worth it. The first 4 camp sites were open. Made a fire. Ate some food. I got a good night sleep. Nothing ate me or attacked me so that's 5 star in my book.
TravelerLots of beautiful spots to pick from but be careful some are a bit muddy. We brought our school bus down the dirt road just fine and backed right in. They also have fireplaces which was nice!
GuideWent with a friend on an impromptu last minute camping trip up in the NF and hoped we could find a spot on a Friday night. Quite a few spots were taken but there were still some free ones. We stayed at one near the creek just over a little bridge. Cute little site, nice fire pit, clean, perfect rock to put a big water jug on. The sound of running water was soothing. In the morning, adorable little red squirrels with big personalities made themselves known and there were wildflowers blooming all over with hummingbirds going about their business. This is dispersed camping so there’s no rest rooms, running water, etc. The particular site we stayed at did have another site on the other side of the creek and we could hear the family during the day and see them as they walked past, so it wasn’t as isolated as some of the other sites. It was a cute spot and I’ll def be back.
TravelerThis is a good spot if you don’t mind being social. The main camping area is a large grassy opening where multiple people park and camp together, and there is a bathroom, but there isn’t much privacy between sites. If you continue farther down the forest road, there are several smaller pull-offs with much more private dispersed camping spots. I’d recommend checking those out if you’re looking for a quieter experience.
TravelerMy 2008 Prius handled the road with ease. Sites were spaced out. There was hiking at the end of the road but not too much space to wander around from the sites given the road’s high speed limit. Sites had fire pits and that was it. Very quiet and fairly accessible from society. Given the lack of free camping in the southern northeast this spot is a gem!
GuideI selected a semi shaded site about 25 feet off the road about 2 miles in. There are many sites but you may have to look as a lot are overgrown. I am glad I selected the site I did as it stayed “dry” through 48 hrs of torrential downpours. I had very few problems with the bugs: have a nice smoky fire…best repellant out there!
TravelerPrivate, large site. This was the first site in the road. We have a low clearance car and it was a bit bumpy. This site was amazing, clean and easy pull in pull out.
GuideSo peaceful and serene
GuideI had many sites to choose from. Definitely remote and private.
Vermont offers stunning landscapes and serene environments for those seeking the freedom of dispersed camping. With a variety of locations to choose from, campers can enjoy the beauty of nature while embracing the simplicity of outdoor living.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find remote camping sites in Vermont's wilderness?
For truly remote wilderness camping in Vermont, the upper meadows of Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 offer secluded sites on former farmland managed by the National Forest Service, though access requires good road conditions. North Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 provides backcountry experiences but requires high-clearance 4WD vehicles for access, especially after flooding events. Remote sites typically feature only basic fire rings with no facilities. Look for Forest Service roads marked with FR designations, which often lead to undeveloped backcountry camping areas. The Appalachian Trail/Long Trail corridor also offers wilderness camping opportunities with connector trails like Clark Brook providing access to these remote areas.
What's the difference between boondocking and dispersed camping in Vermont?
In Vermont, boondocking and dispersed camping share similarities but have distinct differences. Dispersed camping, found at sites like Route 100 Dispersed Camping, refers to camping outside of designated campgrounds on public lands (typically Green Mountain National Forest) in established primitive sites with fire rings. Meanwhile, boondocking specifically refers to RV or vehicle camping without hookups or services. Somerset Airfield represents a dispersed area where boondocking is possible, featuring pit toilets but no water or electrical hookups. Both practices require self-sufficiency and Leave No Trace ethics. Vermont boondocking opportunities are limited primarily to Forest Service roads and designated dispersed areas where vehicle access is permitted. Neither option typically provides amenities beyond occasional pit toilets.
Is free camping legal in Vermont?
Yes, free camping is legal in Vermont in designated areas within Green Mountain National Forest. Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road offers free riverside camping with both drive-in and walk-in sites. Similarly, Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites provides free dispersed sites along a brook beyond the day-use area. Be aware that not all apparent camping areas are legal - some may be on private property with no camping signs. Always verify you're on public land before setting up camp. Free sites typically have minimal amenities (just fire rings) and follow a 14-day stay limit. Remember to respect these areas by packing out all trash and following fire safety guidelines.
Where is dispersed camping allowed in Vermont?
Dispersed camping in Vermont is primarily allowed in Green Mountain National Forest, which offers numerous designated dispersed sites. Green Mountain National Forest FR207 provides multiple fire rings in meadow settings with beautiful views. Most dispersed camping follows Forest Service regulations: camp at least 200 feet from water sources, use existing fire rings, and practice Leave No Trace principles. Some areas like Austin Brook offer smaller dispersed camping zones with 4-5 sites alongside rivers. Always check current forest regulations as some areas may have seasonal restrictions, especially during mud season, and be prepared for primitive conditions with no facilities beyond fire rings.
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