Best Dispersed Camping near Bellows Falls, VT
Dispersed camping options near Bellows Falls, Vermont include several primitive sites within Green Mountain National Forest. Somerset Airfield provides basic amenities with pit toilets and established fire rings, though sites are closely spaced with limited privacy. George D. Aiken Wilderness Dispersed camping features approximately 10 well-spaced sites along accessible forest roads. Forest Road 71 and NFR 273 offer multiple free camping locations with varying degrees of seclusion and terrain conditions.
Most dispersed sites in this region are primitive with no drinking water, electricity, or waste facilities. Campers must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all trash. Fire rings are present at most locations, but visitors should always check current fire restrictions before their trip. According to recent reviews, some sites along Forest Road 71 may become muddy after rainfall, potentially limiting access for vehicles without adequate clearance. Several campers noted that NFR 273 has "at least a dozen spots, some very spacious," though road conditions can vary seasonally.
Vehicle access varies significantly between sites. Somerset Airfield is accessible via maintained dirt roads suitable for most vehicles including RVs. NF 83 Riverside requires higher clearance vehicles, with one visitor reporting you'll need "more than 8 inches of clearance" to access certain sites. Stratton Pond Shelter requires a 3.75-mile hike from the nearest parking area and offers tent platforms and bunk spaces. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most locations. Visitors should be aware that some areas marked as camping spots on maps may actually be on private property, as one camper encountered "no camping signs all along road" at a purported site near Somerset.
Weather conditions can change rapidly in Vermont's mountains, particularly during winter months when sites may be inaccessible or require specialized equipment and preparation.
