The Green Mountain National Forest offers numerous dispersed camping options across from North Walpole in Vermont, with elevations ranging from 1,100 to 2,300 feet across most sites. Forest access roads typically open from May through October, though seasonal closures occur after significant snowfall. During spring thaw, many routes become extremely muddy and impassable regardless of vehicle type.
What to do
Fishing access: Somerset Reservoir near Somerset Airfield provides excellent fishing opportunities. "Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and reservoir- saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping," reports licia S., who visited on weekdays when the area was less crowded.
Hiking trails: The Stratton Pond area connects multiple trail systems. "The shelter is a 3.75mi hike from the nearest parking lot in winter. There are 2 tent platforms, 2 outhouses and at least 16 bunk spaces in the shelter," notes Miccal M. about Stratton Pond Shelter, adding "The lake looks great and is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail."
Winter recreation: For cold-weather adventurers, Somerset Airfield becomes a snowmobile route. Miccal M. describes winter camping there: "We endured Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday, and our main Roadhouse down from the weight of the snow. The stakes didn't hold in the frozen ground. So, we tied them to the trees and our cars."
What campers like
Secluded riverside spots: The riverside sites along FR 83 offer peaceful waterfront camping. Thomas and James S. describe NF 83 - riverside as "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!" They warn: "The beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks."
Wildlife viewing: Bear sightings are common across the region. Brendan M. reports from Stratton Pond Camp: "Easy to get to, had service the whole time, fire pits for every spot. I did see a huge blackbear. I didn't see any bathrooms."
Variety of site sizes: Sites range from small individual spots to large group areas. Tim M. notes about Stratton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71: "Easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center. Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to Downed Bridge Camp is relatively straightforward. Miccal M. notes: "The road into here was easy to drive. The only thing you will find at this primitive site is a fire ring." However, other forest roads require more clearance.
Seasonal considerations: Early summer weekends can be extremely busy. One camper observed at Somerset Airfield: "Weekend was interrupted by a domestic violence situation a few sites downbeat resulted in fights and someone shooting off a handgun. Took state police over 50 minutes to respond and multiple families left."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies greatly across sites. At Somerset Airfield, one camper reported "SOS only in camp. Another camper told me Starlink works here." At Stratton Pond Camp, Tim M. found "2 bars of USCellular LTE."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection timing: Arrive early for best spots, particularly before holiday weekends. Caitlin K. advises about Road's End Dispersed Camp: "If you're lucky enough to get the last spot on the road it's epic. Note that fills quickly on a weekend."
Pack extra supplies: With no services nearby, bring more food, water and equipment than expected. At George D. Aiken sites, David G. reports: "It had rained a lot prior to our arrival, and several sites were damp. We found a perfect site off the road on the right side. It was large and flat."
Trash management: Pack out all waste as sites have no garbage service. Sandy L. mentions having to clean up after previous campers: "2 years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us."
Tips from RVers
Ground clearance requirements: For larger rigs, Somerset Airfield offers the most accessible option. M.A.D. P. describes George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed as having "Different size sites, att cell reception. Mostly clean short drive to pond and stores."
Pad leveling: Many sites require significant leveling blocks. For Branch Pond areas, Brendan M. notes: "Tons of different styles of camping spots (if you get there while its still sunlight you can pick a spot by a flowing stream/river). No public bathrooms, no hookups."
Winter accessibility: Forest roads are not plowed, making winter access difficult for all but specialized vehicles. One RVer at Hogback Mtn Trailhead describes it as a "Large open lot at top of paved highway pass. Great place to stop for the night. Not a lot of ambiance, but plenty of room for any number of rigs."
