Dispersed camping opportunities in Green Mountain National Forest extend from the Brownsville area into the broader central and southern Vermont regions. The forest spans approximately 400,000 acres across multiple counties with elevations ranging from 900 to over 3,800 feet. Primitive campsites typically cluster along Forest Service Roads 71, 207, and connecting routes, with seasonal accessibility varying significantly between Vermont's summer, fall, and mud seasons.
What to do
Hiking to mountain ponds: From Stratton Pond Shelter, multiple trails connect to the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail systems. "The shelter is a 3.75mi hike from the nearest parking lot in winter. The lake looks great and is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail," notes camper Miccal M.
Water activities: Somerset Reservoir offers options for paddlers near several primitive sites. At Somerset Airfield, one visitor observed "the huge Somerset Reservoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities."
Sunset viewing: Several elevated sites offer scenic evening views. A camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207 reports: "Views are spectacular, choose either sunrise or sunset and you should be able to get a site to fit your needs." These meadow sites provide unobstructed horizon views with fire rings for evening warmth.
What campers like
Remote solitude: Multiple campers value the quiet atmosphere at less-trafficked sites. At Downed Bridge Camp, one visitor shared: "If you're lucky enough to get the last spot on the road it's epic. Note that fills quickly on a weekend. But don't worry there is primitive camping starting about a mile down fire road 10."
Night sky viewing: The limited light pollution makes star gazing exceptional. "Beautiful sunsets, night skies and scenery. Extremely calm and peaceful. Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving," reports a winter camper at FR207.
Stream-side sites: Many dispersed sites feature water access. At George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, a camper noted: "Large, well organized camping spots along the road. The spot I chose had a beautifully built fire pit."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many access roads deteriorate during wet weather. One camper explains: "This is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance. Views are spectacular, choose either sunrise or sunset and you should be able to get a site to fit your needs."
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies dramatically by site and carrier. At Last Light on Michigan Brook, reception may be completely absent, while at Stratton Pond Camp a visitor reported: "2 bars of USCellular LTE."
Winter preparation: For cold-weather camping, expect challenging conditions. "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," reports a winter camper at Somerset Airfield.
Site selection timing: Most desirable spots fill quickly on weekends. "If you're lucky enough to get the last spot on the road it's epic. Note that fills quickly on a weekend," advises one Downed Bridge Camp visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Avoid mud season: Spring thaw creates difficult conditions for family camping. Multiple campers report impassable sections: "I found this camping area on dyrt app. 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."
Consider site privacy: Some areas offer more separation than others. "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," notes a visitor to Dispersed site along Forest RD 71.
Pack cleaning supplies: Site conditions vary based on previous users. One regular camper shared: "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."
Tips from RVers
Airfield options: RV campers have more space at certain locations. "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," notes a visitor.
Site size considerations: Larger rigs require careful site selection. "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 Trailers that can't get into smaller sites," advises a Somerset Airfield visitor.
Road quality alerts: Forest road conditions change seasonally. "The road into the site was scenic and beautiful. We followed the river all the way to the very end of the road up on the mountain," reports a camper, noting the need for vehicles with adequate clearance.
