Best Dispersed Camping near Bellows Falls, VT
The Green Mountain National Forest west of Bellows Falls, Vermont features numerous dispersed camping options along forest roads and near water bodies. Somerset Airfield provides basic amenities with pit toilets and designated fire rings, while more secluded options exist along Forest Road 71 and at George D. Aiken Wilderness Dispersed sites. Most locations are primitive in nature, offering fire rings but minimal facilities. The Stratton Pond Shelter, accessible via hiking trails, serves backpackers on the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail with tent platforms and a 16-person shelter structure.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many sites requiring vehicles with adequate clearance. "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," notes one camper about NF 83 Riverside. Weather impacts site conditions substantially, with many areas becoming muddy after rain or inaccessible during winter months. Cell service remains spotty throughout the region, with limited coverage at most sites. Seasonal considerations include significant snowfall in winter months, with temperatures dropping well below freezing, and bug pressure during summer months in densely wooded areas.
Campers consistently praise the privacy and natural setting of dispersed sites in the George D. Aiken Wilderness area, where "camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other" with "brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes." Water access represents a valued feature at several locations, with Somerset Reservoir providing opportunities for fishing and paddling. Site availability can be challenging during peak periods, as noted by one visitor who "had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot" even on a weeknight. Primitive conditions are standard, with most sites offering only fire rings and flat tent spaces. Visitors should be prepared for self-sufficient camping with no water, trash service, or other amenities at most locations.
