Dispersed camping near Washington, New Hampshire offers multiple free sites across the Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont. Primitive campers can access these rustic sites via several forest roads, with varying terrain and seasonal accessibility. Winter conditions often require specialized gear while summer brings crowds to popular areas like Somerset Reservoir where swimming, kayaking and fishing attract families despite limited facilities.
What to do
Paddling and fishing: Somerset Reservoir provides excellent water recreation opportunities near Somerset Airfield. "Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and reservoir- saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping," reports one visitor who stayed during a summer weekday.
Backcountry hiking: Access the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail from Stratton Pond Shelter, a 3.75-mile hike from the nearest parking area. "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."
Winter camping: For adventurous outdoor enthusiasts, winter camping offers solitude and unique experiences. The area around Somerset Airfield transforms with snowfall, though accessing sites requires preparation. A winter camper notes the shelter is "one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail" making it worth the cold-weather trek.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: The Road's End Dispersed Camp offers quiet isolation. As one camper describes it, this is a "great private spot when nothing else is around. The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles."
Waterfront sites: Multiple riverside camping areas provide peaceful settings. At NF 83 - riverside, one camper describes "a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit" that sits "peacefully placed along the bends of the river."
Group-friendly clearings: Some areas accommodate larger gatherings. One site along Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71 features "easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering" with a "stone fire ring in the center."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many access roads require vehicles with adequate clearance. The entrance to NF 83 is "quite rough with some bigger rocks" and "the left side of the drive in is swampy so be sure to not drift to that side."
Seasonal flooding: Some sites become unusable during wet seasons. One camper noted the riverside site on NF 83 is "normally way too wet to camp at, but this time it was frozen," indicating winter might be the only suitable time for certain locations.
Limited amenities: Most Dispersed site along Forest RD 71 locations offer minimal facilities. "The only thing you will find at this primitive site is a fire ring," explains one visitor, while another mentions having to "spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us."
Cellular connectivity: Cell service varies throughout the rustic camping areas near Washington. At Somerset Airfield, one camper reports "AT&T service at bridge prior to camp- short walk. SOS only in camp," while others note spotty service on most forest roads.
Tips for camping with families
Site cleanliness concerns: Pack cleaning supplies when visiting popular areas. A regular camper at Forest RD 71 mentions, "2 years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us."
Crowd management: Weekdays offer quieter experiences for family camping. One visitor at Somerset Airfield described their weekend being "interrupted by a domestic violence situation a few sites down that resulted in fights and someone shooting off a handgun."
Water access points: Seek out spots with safe water features for recreation. Somerset Airfield provides "great location near Somerset Reservoir" where families can enjoy water activities, though campsites themselves vary in appeal, with some describing it as their "least favorite of all the primitive sites in the area."
Tips from RVers
Suitable parking areas: The Hogback Mtn Trailhead offers overnight parking for larger vehicles. One RVer notes it's a "great place to stop for the night. Not a lot of ambiance, but plenty of room for any number of rigs."
Site selection timing: Arrive during daylight hours to find ideal spots. A camper at Downed Bridge Camp advises, "If you're looking for the ideal spot to stay a few days make sure you show in daylight so you can explore for that."
Airfield advantages: Somerset Airfield works well for RVs that can't navigate tighter forest roads. One camper explains it "is probably good for people who camp with RVs or Trailor's that can't get into smaller sites."
