Best Dispersed Camping near Bennington, VT

Join the fun near Bennington. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Bennington is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Bennington camping trip.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Bennington, Vermont (19)

    1. George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Wilmington, VT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "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."

    "It was large and flat. We were off the road by 100 feet or so. It made it more private. I would highly recommend this site. We stopped on our way through to Stowe Vermont."

    2. NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    6 Reviews
    Bennington, VT
    4 miles

    "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."

    "Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot. After what was very quiet and a peaceful place to be."

    3. Somerset Airfield

    6 Reviews
    West Dover, VT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 388-4362

    "It has pit toilets. These sites are close together with little to no shade. Some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park."

    "I arrived after the 4th of July and a neighbor said it was rowdy during the holiday with illegal fireworks set off every night over the dry forest. These pics are from a weekday morning."

    4. NF 83 - riverside

    2 Reviews
    West Dover, VT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 362-2307

    "This is a nice clearing near the river where the road used to cross."

    "The left side of the drive in is swampy so be sure to not drift to that side."

    5. Green Mountain National Forest FR71

    1 Review
    West Dover, VT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "Free camping"

    6. Dispersed site along Forest RD 71

    3 Reviews
    Sunderland, VT
    15 miles

    "One of many locations along Forest rd 71, this spot was a good place to pitch a tent for the night while exploring the area even in the rain."

    "There are a few spots around you can park at. I chose a more sunny and open spot with less trees. So there's more options. It's very quiet definitely check it out."

    7. NF83 Dispersed site 1

    1 Review
    West Dover, VT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 362-2307

    "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle.  "

    8. Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71

    2 Reviews
    Sunderland, VT
    16 miles

    "Easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center. We had this all to ourselves in our Bean teardrop. "

    "The site was very flat and could accommodate several small campers.  It was quiet during our overnight stay other than a car or two on Stratton-Arlington Rd.  There weren't many mosquitoes either. "

    10. Stratton Pond Shelter

    1 Review
    Manchester Center, VT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "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.  "

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Bennington, VT

30 Reviews of 19 Bennington Campgrounds


  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    Ushers Road State Forest

    Trail head

    This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side. The terrain eventually transitions into a low-lying, swampy area, likely due to recent rainfall over the past week.

    About 500 feet down the right-hand trail, there is a smaller path branching off to the left. This leads to a previously used campsite, approximately 200 feet from the main trail. The site includes a stone fire ring, indicating prior use.

    Given that camping is permitted anywhere in the woods as long as it’s at least 150 feet off the trail, the surrounding area offers an abundance of potential camping spots.

  • M.A.D. P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2023

    Somerset Airfield

    Small open park

    The Airfield Campground is a strip of land with several campsites and fire pits. It has pit toilets. These sites are close together with little to no shade. Some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park. The real attraction is the huge Somerset Resevoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities. There are other dispersed sites down the road that are free

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Somerset Airfield

    Good stopover location

    Only the first section of the campground was open due to flooding. As a result, there were puddles everywhere.

    Campsites are listed as disbursed but there are only 7 trees to separate 9 camp sites. The campsites are all next to the road and have fire circles.

    There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service. Basically a camp site where you can share a fire with the neighbors.

  • Natasha T.
    Jun. 6, 2022

    NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    Nice wooded little campsite

    A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well. A few miles down the road there is another campsite that is more open and also has a fire pit with a lot less bugs flying around and more open space.

  • c H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2023

    George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    Cool Spot!

    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. Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites.

  • SJ W.
    Nov. 1, 2024

    NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    Beautiful but surprisingly crowded

    Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot. After what was very quiet and a peaceful place to be. Many pull offs but a lot were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck. The road itself was in great condition though.

  • licia S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Somerset Airfield

    No Wifi, Resevoir Beautiful

    Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and resevoir- saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping. It's been quiet and peaceful and sometimes generators running all night. I arrived after the 4th of July and a neighbor said it was rowdy during the holiday with illegal fireworks set off every night over the dry forest. These pics are from a weekday morning. It's great to see families camping. There are pit toilets. AT.T service at bridge prior to camp- short walk. SOS only in camp. Another camper told me Starlink works here.

  • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 18, 2024

    NF 83 - riverside

    Quiet spot on the river

    I've looked at this spot a few times and it is normally way to wet to camp at, but this time it was frozen.  This is a nice clearing near the river where the road used to cross.

    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.  

    Being a primitive site there is only a fire ring here.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2023

    Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71

    NFR 71 Wide Open Site, North End

    Easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center. We had this all to ourselves in our Bean teardrop. 

    Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT. 

    Pretty quiet during our stay, plenty of dispersed sites along 71 further south. 

    Only reason for 4 stars is the lack of any long distance views from the site itself. 

    2 bars of USCellular LTE


Guide to Bennington

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Bennington, Vermont, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll enjoy the tranquility of the Green Mountain National Forest.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Bennington, Vermont

  • Many dispersed sites, like George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, allow campfires, making it perfect for cozy evenings under the stars.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot has no drinking water or trash services, so pack out what you bring in.
  • Most sites are accessible by vehicle, but some may require a short walk, such as Somerset Airfield, which offers a mix of drive-in and walk-in access.

Somerset Reservoir for dispersed campers

  • The area around Somerset Airfield provides easy access to the Somerset Reservoir, ideal for fishing and paddling.
  • Campers can enjoy the scenic views and recreational opportunities available at the reservoir, making it a great spot for outdoor activities.
  • Be aware that the sites can be close together, so if you're looking for more privacy, consider exploring further down the road.

Dispersed campers should check out NF 83 - riverside

  • The NF 83 - riverside site features a large open grassy area along the river, perfect for setting up camp and enjoying nature.
  • Access to this site can be a bit rough, so a vehicle with good ground clearance is recommended for a smooth arrival.
  • This location is known for its peaceful atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping in Bennington?

The Bennington area offers several dispersed camping options in the surrounding Green Mountain National Forest. George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed provides spread-out camp spots along an easily accessible road with approximately 10 sites. You'll find yourself within 15 minutes of breweries, distilleries, beautiful lakes, and scenic towns. Another option is NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, which offers multiple pull-offs along a well-maintained dirt road. While some spots may be wet during certain seasons, the road itself is generally in good condition, making it accessible for most vehicles.

Is free camping available in Bennington?

Yes, free camping is available near Bennington in the Green Mountain National Forest. Green Mountain National Forest FR71 offers free camping opportunities with good hiking access to nearby attractions. Another excellent free option is Downed Bridge Camp, which features prime spots at the end of the road that fill quickly on weekends. If those are full, additional primitive camping can be found about a mile down Fire Road 10. Always verify current status before your trip, as regulations may change seasonally.

What are the regulations for wild camping in Bennington?

When wild camping near Bennington, you must follow Green Mountain National Forest regulations. At Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71, dispersed camping is permitted with proper adherence to leave-no-trace principles. Sites must be at least 200 feet from water sources and trails. Generally, stays are limited to 14 days in a 30-day period. Always use established fire rings like those found at Somerset Airfield, which has designated fire circles at each site. Pack out all trash, properly store food to avoid wildlife encounters, and be aware that some areas may be closed seasonally due to conditions like flooding. Always check for posted restrictions, as some areas marked as dispersed camping may be on private property where camping is prohibited.