Dispersed camping near Arlington, Vermont primarily centers around the Green Mountain National Forest, which encompasses over 400,000 acres of forested terrain. Winter temperatures regularly drop below 10°F with significant snowfall accumulation, while summer conditions can be surprisingly hot with afternoon thunderstorms common. Most primitive sites sit at elevations between 1,500-2,500 feet, creating distinct microclimates throughout the camping areas.
What to do
Paddling at Somerset Reservoir: Access this 1,600-acre body of water from sites near Somerset Airfield, where "happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping" can be observed according to camper Licia S. The reservoir provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly at dawn.
Winter camping adventures: Experienced campers can test their cold-weather skills near Stratton Pond. At Stratton Pond Shelter, one visitor described their February experience as "Cold, Snow, Wind, full moon in the middle of the woods with only the people I hiked in with. It was great!" This shelter offers 16 bunk spaces and is a 3.75-mile hike from the nearest winter parking.
Stargazing: The remote areas near Arlington offer exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. At NF83 Dispersed site 1, campers appreciate "no light pollution, cell signal or distractions," making it ideal for astronomy enthusiasts. Bring red-light headlamps to preserve night vision.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, campers appreciate that "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." This spacing provides a more secluded camping experience than many other areas.
Proximity to towns: Many campers value the accessibility to nearby communities while still enjoying wilderness. One George D Aiken visitor noted, "Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites," making it convenient to resupply or enjoy local attractions.
Flat, well-established sites: Campers consistently mention the quality of camping areas. At Statton Pond Camp, a reviewer described finding "a great site... very flat and could accommodate several small campers." Many sites feature well-built fire rings and level tent pads that stay dry even after moderate rainfall.
What you should know
Weather impacts: Arlington-area camping conditions change dramatically with weather. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, one October camper noted, "Many pull offs but a lot were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck." Plan alternatives if your intended site is unusable.
Site availability challenges: Finding an open site can require persistence. A visitor reported, "Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot." Weekends from June through October often see all accessible sites filled by Friday afternoon.
Variable road conditions: Access to many sites requires appropriate vehicles. At NF 83 Riverside, a camper warned that "The access into this location is a little rough but most cars should make it, I would prefer having a little more clearance though just to be sure." Heavy rain can quickly deteriorate forest roads.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with water features: Children particularly enjoy camping locations with streams or ponds nearby. At Somerset Airfield, families appreciate that "Some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park" and "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Reservoir which is up the road."
Be prepared for insects: Dense forest areas can harbor significant insect populations. One camper at NFR 273 noted "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well." Sites in more open areas typically have fewer bugs.
Consider noise levels: Some areas experience unexpected disruptions. At Green Mountain National Forest FR71, visitors should be aware that neighboring campers might impact the experience. One Somerset visitor reported a weekend "interrupted by a domestic violence situation a few sites down" while another mentioned "generators running all night."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Specific areas accommodate RVs better than others. At Statton Pond Camp, one camper found "an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering." Look for sites described as "open" rather than those in densely wooded areas.
Clearance requirements: Many forest roads demand higher-clearance vehicles. A visitor to NF83 Dispersed site warned, "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle." Most smaller RVs can access Somerset Airfield sites without difficulty.
Limited amenities: Expect truly primitive conditions at most dispersed sites. Somerset Airfield provides some basic facilities, but a camper noted, "There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service." Arrive fully self-contained with all necessary supplies.
