Top Free Dispersed Camping near Bennington, VT

Searching for a dispersed camping spot near Bennington? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Bennington, VT (16)

    Camper-submitted photo from George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
    Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
    Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
    Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
    Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
    Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield

    2. Somerset Airfield

    5 Reviews
    59 Photos
    82 Saves

    Forest Road 71: This forest road stretches from the old Somerset airfield to the Kelley Stand Road. Campsites can be found in various spots along the way and along some of the forest roads leading off of Forest Road 71.

    There are many general forest areas available on the Green Mountain National Forest for rustic or dispersed camping. These areas provide a place to camp and enjoy nature’s solitude at no charge. Visitors can camp anywhere on the forest unless the area is posted closed to camping. Camp in existing sites or stay the strongly recommended 200 feet from roads, streams, trails, and bodies of water to disperse impact. Do not cut any vegetation. There is a camping limit of 14 days in any 30-day period on the Forest. Please leave the campsites clean by using Leave No Trace Principles, such as carry out what you carry in.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed site along Forest RD 71
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed site along Forest RD 71
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed site along Forest RD 71
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed site along Forest RD 71
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed site along Forest RD 71
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed site along Forest RD 71
    Camper-submitted photo from NF 83 - riverside
    Camper-submitted photo from NF 83 - riverside
    Camper-submitted photo from NF 83 - riverside
    Camper-submitted photo from NF 83 - riverside
    Camper-submitted photo from NF 83 - riverside
    Camper-submitted photo from NF 83 - riverside

    4. NF 83 - riverside

    2 Reviews
    18 Photos
    53 Saves

    Backcountry camping is allowed in most locations on the forest unless there is a specific closure order in place for a particular area.

    The following camping practices are recommended:

    Locate campsites at least 200’ from trails or waterbodies including ponds, rivers, and streams When able, utilize sites already managed for overnight use including designated tent platforms and established shelters Do not camp in alpine or sub-alpine areas where trees are 8’ or less. Help protect these fragile ecosystems!

    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • No image available

      5. Green Mountain National Forest FR71

      1 Review
      68 Saves

      Forest Road 71: This forest road stretches from the old Somerset airfield to the Kelley Stand Road. Campsites can be found in various spots along the way and along some of the forest roads leading off of Forest Road 71. There are many general forest areas available on the Green Mountain National Forest for rustic or dispersed camping. These areas provide a place to camp and enjoy nature’s solitude at no charge. Visitors can camp anywhere on the forest unless the area is posted closed to camping. Camp in existing sites or stay the strongly recommended 200 feet from roads, streams, trails, and bodies of water to disperse impact. Do not cut any vegetation. There is a camping limit of 14 days in any 30-day period on the Forest. Please leave the campsites clean by using Leave No Trace Principles, such as carry out what you carry in.

      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Dispersed
      • No image available

        6. NF83 Dispersed site 1

        1 Review
        8 Saves

        Backcountry camping is allowed in most locations on the forest unless there is a specific closure order in place for a particular area.

        The following camping practices are recommended:

        Locate campsites at least 200’ from trails or waterbodies including ponds, rivers, and streams When able, utilize sites already managed for overnight use including designated tent platforms and established shelters Do not camp in alpine or sub-alpine areas where trees are 8’ or less. Help protect these fragile ecosystems!

        • Fires
        • RVs
        • Tents
        • Standard (Tent/RV)
        • Dispersed
        Camper-submitted photo from Stratton Pond Shelter
        Camper-submitted photo from Stratton Pond Shelter
        Camper-submitted photo from Stratton Pond Shelter
        Camper-submitted photo from Stratton Pond Shelter
        Camper-submitted photo from Stratton Pond Shelter
        Camper-submitted photo from Stratton Pond Shelter
        Camper-submitted photo from Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71
        Camper-submitted photo from Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71
        Camper-submitted photo from Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71
        • No image available

          9. Somerset Vt Dispersed on the Deerfield River

          1 Review
          8 Saves

          Backcountry Camping (Dispersed Camping)

          Backcountry camping is allowed in most locations on the forest unless there is a specific closure order in place for a particular area.

          The following camping practices are recommended:

          Locate campsites at least 200’ from trails or waterbodies including ponds, rivers, and streams
          When able, utilize sites already managed for overnight use including designated tent platforms and established shelters
          Do not camp in alpine or sub-alpine areas where trees are 8’ or less.  Help protect these fragile ecosystems!

          ​Please follow the principles of leave no trace:

          Plan Ahead and Prepare
          Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
          Dispose of Waste Properly
          Leave What You Find
          Minimize Campfire Impacts 
          Respect Wildlife
          Be Considerate of Other Visitors
          • Pets
          • RVs
          • Tents
          Camper-submitted photo from Downed Bridge Camp
          Camper-submitted photo from Downed Bridge Camp
          Camper-submitted photo from Downed Bridge Camp
          Camper-submitted photo from Downed Bridge Camp
          Camper-submitted photo from Downed Bridge Camp
        Showing results 1-10 of 16 campgrounds

        Recent Dispersed Reviews In Bennington

        20 Reviews of 16 Bennington Campgrounds


        • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
          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.

        • Thomas and James S.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from NF 83 - riverside
          Jun. 12, 2024

          NF 83 - riverside

          Enchanting

          Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit! The left side of the drive in is swampy so be sure to not drift to that side. The beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks we have substantial ground clearance so no issues there but smaller ground clearances may feel a bump or two! Live by the motto leave nicer than you found it so we all can continue to enjoy the beauty!

        • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
          Mar. 29, 2024

          Somerset Airfield

          Winter camping wonder

          Well, that was an experience! Met some friends Friday night at the Somerset Airfield for a weekend of camping. We endured Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday, and our main Roadhouse down from the weight of the snow. The stakes didn't hold in the frozen ground. So, we tied them to the trees and our cars. Saturday, we got at least 8" more along with sleet, freezing rain, and rain. Saturday evening, we had 3" more by 11pm.

           Then the fun began as the wind blew the storms out and temperatures plummeted to 8⁰ and a windchill of-3 for this morning. Everything crusted was over with a good inch of ice. I have never endured such winds camping, I was sure camp was going to be blown apart. Even with a winter fly tight to the snow my hammock was rocking all night. Our tarps held mostly, we only lost one or two anchor points. Gear that wasn't staked, tied or put in our cars moved blown around inside our foxholes of snow.

          In the morning when packing up and breaking the ice glazed on everything.

          we stayed in the first few sites, there are walk in sites behind these that have easy river access.  in the winter be ready for snowmobiles, in the summer trucks.

          As I've stated in my other review for this location, there are outhouses here and firerings.  It is an easy dirtroad drive to get to this location, that is why they tend to be used so much by RVers.

        • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Road's End Dispersed Camp
          Mar. 1, 2024

          Road's End Dispersed Camp

          End of the road hide-away

          great private spot when nothing else is around.  The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles.  The only thing you will find here is a fire ring.

        • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
          Mar. 1, 2024

          Somerset Airfield

          Least favorite of all the primitive sites in the area

          I've camped here a couple of times and it is ok.  This really is just a grass strip next to FR71 with a bunch of sites and a pit house.  It is probably good for people who camp with RVs or Trailor's that can't get into smaller sites, but if you can I would go some where else.

        • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from NF 83 - riverside
          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.

        • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from NF83 Dispersed site 1
          Jan. 18, 2024

          NF83 Dispersed site 1

          Nice remote location

          This primitive spot is a little more than a clearing with a fire pit.  But what a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions.  Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle.  

          I was here in winter, but I would expect in summer a lot of undergrowth in the woods, if your hammock camping bring a manchette to clear a spot.

        • m
          Camper-submitted photo from George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
          Oct. 8, 2023

          George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

          Beautiful, Quiet and restful!

          It was getting dark when we arrived and it had been raining all day. We just needed a night and it was great. Some sites were really wet but we found a nice dry place.

        • DThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
          Sep. 27, 2023

          George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

          Nice Night

          It had rained a lot prior to our arrival, and several sites were damp. We found a perfect site off the road on the right side. 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.

        • Erica M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
          Aug. 2, 2023

          Somerset Airfield

          Nice spot but to busy

          Westford there last weekend. Got up on a Friday with plenty of spots. 10 spaces between the bathrooms/vault toilets with only 3 other 4 in working order. Great location near Somerset Reservoir. Weekend was interrupted by a domestic violence situation a few sites downbeat resulted in fights and someone shooting off a handgun. Took state police over 50 minutes to respond and multiple families left...... Can't pick the other people using the space I guess, but lots of trash left in fire pitsand all along river. Water behind the sites more like a marsh. Flat levels it's and people able to fit their campers. Campers near us said there are more sites if you pass the airfield that are more spread out past the actual airfield sites.

        • T
          Camper-submitted photo from Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71
          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

        • c H.
          Camper-submitted photo from George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
          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.

        • M.A.D. P.
          Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
          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

        • S
          Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed site along Forest RD 71
          Feb. 28, 2022

          Dispersed site along Forest RD 71

          Love camping here!

          I would have given 5 stars except for the unfortunate fact that 2 years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us.... We camp here every summer and make sure the site is left clean and ready for the camper...

        • Kirk C.
          Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed site along Forest RD 71
          Aug. 4, 2021

          Dispersed site along Forest RD 71

          Muddy

          I found this camping area on dyrt app. I didn't have too much luck with a different app.... So I decided to try this out. This particular campsite is very muddy. Well, at least today it is. I have an SUV and I didn't trust it to get through, and I didn't want to get stuck. 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.

        • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed site along Forest RD 71
          Jan. 29, 2021

          Dispersed site along Forest RD 71

          Nice Primitive spot in the Green Mountains

          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.



        Guide to Bennington

        Camping near Bennington, Vermont, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

        What to do:

        • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the nearby hiking options, with one reviewer mentioning, "The campsite is big and away from another site. You can easily access hiking trails" at Monadnock State Park Campground.
        • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip in local lakes. One camper at Emerald Lake State Park Campground said, "The lake and beach is lovely, clean, and the water is warm and clear."
        • Fishing: Cast a line in the nearby rivers and lakes. A visitor to Camping On The Battenkill noted, "Great hikes and fishing!"

        What campers like:

        • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy and private sites. One reviewer at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts mentioned, "For a private campground, the sites are large and well spaced out."
        • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A camper at Woodford State Park Campground remarked, "The bathrooms are BEAUTIFUL! The nicest I've seen yet."
        • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the welcoming atmosphere. A visitor at Mt. Greylock Campsite Park said, "Pat and Gordon are incredibly welcoming hosts."

        What you should know:

        • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty reception. A camper at Monadnock State Park Campground noted, "I wish this were clearer on their website as we needed service to do some work."
        • Seasonal Availability: Many campgrounds operate only during specific months. For example, Emerald Lake State Park Campground is open from Memorial Day to Columbus Day weekend.
        • Bug Spray is Essential: Bugs can be a nuisance, especially in warmer months. A camper at Lake George Escape Campground mentioned, "There were quite a few bugs. Mostly mosquitoes that were quite pesky."

        Tips for camping with families:

        • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. One reviewer at Lake George RV Park said, "The dog park area is huge and allows for lots of play."
        • Safety First: Ensure kids can ride bikes safely. A parent at Lake George Escape Campground expressed concern about traffic, saying, "I was a little nervous for the kids riding bikes because of all the traffic."
        • Plan for Rain: Bring gear for wet weather. A family at Emerald Lake State Park Campground appreciated having a lean-to during a rainy weekend.

        Tips from RVers:

        • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts mentioned, "Some campsites were pretty small and would not fit large RVs."
        • Dump Station Availability: Look for campgrounds with dump stations. A visitor at Lake George RV Park appreciated the convenience, saying, "Each site had its own trash can and they collected garbage daily."
        • Wi-Fi Access: Be aware that Wi-Fi may be limited. A camper at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts noted, "No wifi at all and poor cell reception."

        Camping near Bennington, Vermont, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With beautiful sites and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy nature.

        Frequently Asked Questions

        • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Bennington, VT?

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Bennington, VT is George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed with a 4.9-star rating from 7 reviews.

        • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Bennington, VT?

          TheDyrt.com has all 16 dispersed camping locations near Bennington, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.