Best Free Camping in Vermont

Free Camping in Vermont

By Nathan Swartz

A gorgeous state, with implications of green and mountains right there in the name, Vermont makes it easy to see the forest for the trees despite its small stature. Combine free camping with scenic drives, a state law limiting the height of billboards, and small-town charm budding around every bend in the road, and you've got weeks of exploration ahead of you.

See a map of all free camping in Vermont.

Free Camping in Green Mountain National Forest

400,000 acres of pristine hardwood forest, the kind that glows verdant all summer long and erupts into a masterpiece of autumn artwork come September. This is where you'll find the majority of free camping in Vermont. Paved, winding roads loop the national forest, and old barns, covered bridges, and small villages alike help guide the way.

Dispersed camping at Bear's End, near Somerset Reservoir, promises plenty of camping opportunities as well as a chance to bust out the kayak and explore the water. This is boondocking, true forest camping, so don't expect a formal campsite and bring everything you need–including drinking water–and note that not all forest roads are suitable for all RVs. If you're car camping or just looking for tent sites, this is prime real estate, with hiking trails and endless beauty easily accessible from any of these spots. Nearby, Kelley Stand is another option.

Another spot loaded with nearby outdoor activities which also involves rutted dirt roads to get to is Michigan Brook Road. You'll find more places to camp in a handful of locations along the road. No reservations are required. All of these areas are first-come, first-served.

In the southwestern corner of the national forest, Mt. Moosalamoo is layered in even more opportunities to gain a little elevation and turn your free camping dreams into a reality!

Given the proximity to New York City, don't expect complete solitude. The shortness of the summer season in New England also means that state park and state forest campgrounds fill up quickly, and the more adventurous campers may be eager to use the same forest road sites you are. With a little planning, some determination, and luck, you'll no doubt find the perfect site amongst the many Green Mountain camping spots out there.

Free Camping at a Distillery in Vermont

Does sipping on a nice beverage sound better than roughing it in the wilderness? Vermont Distillers has a parking lot where you can stay the night for free after sampling their wares. While it's just a large level parking lot, the price is right.

Nearby, Wilmington is a perfect example of small-town Vermont, too.

portable computer displaying map of camping locations
mobile device showing map of camping locations
Roadpass Pro
Signup for Roadpass Pro to get premium access to all of these great road travel apps.
Unlock pro campendium features
Ad Free Experience
Cell Service Overlays & Reports
Public Land Map Overlays
Trail Maps
Filter by Elevation
Pro icon Join Roadpass Pro

Recent Vermont Free Campsite Reviews

Oct 26, 2023

"Very Quiet"

active staractive staractive staractive staractive star
First spot could hold a decent sized rig, once you head up the road smaller campers/vans only. About 6-8 miles of dirt road either direction but they are in pretty good shape. Nice quiet spot if you are in the area

Marc
3 reviews
Aug 02, 2023

"WORST ROAD I’VE EVER BEEN ON "

active starinactive starinactive starinactive starinactive star
DO NOT come here if you have a trailer. The road is so uneven, narrow, and there are so many pot holes. We ended up getting stuck and I thought our trailer was going to totally topple over. Ended up getting out but it destroyed our black and grey water spouts and god knows what else. If you have a van or are tent camping, enter at your own...
Read More

camper-842633
2 reviews
Jun 07, 2023

"Easy To Access"

active staractive staractive staractive starinactive star
There is no charge but donations accepted. The dump is located in a open area to the left as soon as you go under the overpass. There is no water so have some in your fresh tank should it be needed. I was able to back in my 35’ 5th wheel within feet of the dump hole which is clearly marked by a sign. Be aware there are sewage hauling trucks...
Read More

Jeff K
1 review
Jun 05, 2023

"OPEN again: 6/2023"

active staractive staractive staractive starinactive star
This dump station has been fixed and is open. Brand new piping into ground with concrete barriers to either side. Located outside locked gate. Easy drive up. Dump only, no water

Jess
1 review
May 10, 2023

"Beautiful!"

active staractive staractive staractive staractive star
Arrived on a Sunday afternoon and chose a spot farther up 207. Every site has an amazing view! Getting up 207 requires 4x4 though a mazda 3 made it to one of the lower sites. While I was there a Ram Power Wagon and a Ram 1500 towing a small offroad tear drop camped above us. There was no service from Verizon before I even got to the site....
Read More

RosBergundy
1 review