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Free dispersed camping near Chester, Vermont offers primitive sites concentrated along Forest Roads 71 and 83 within Green Mountain National Forest, with no fees and a 14-day stay limit. These dispersed campsites are typically situated in small clearings with established fire rings and minimal amenities. Popular locations include Downed Bridge Camp, Road's End Dispersed Camp, and several sites along Forest Road 71 in the Somerset area, all offering rustic backcountry experiences.
Many access roads require careful navigation, particularly Forest Road 83 which demands high-clearance vehicles with at least 8 inches of ground clearance. Most dispersed sites feature only basic fire rings with no drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities. The Stratton Pond Shelter, accessible via a 3.75-mile hike, provides an exception with primitive toilet facilities and tent platforms. Fire regulations vary by location, with some sites prohibiting fires entirely. Camping at these locations is generally limited to 14 days.
The primitive sites around Somerset offer proximity to Somerset Reservoir, creating opportunities for fishing, paddling, and hiking. Sites along Forest Road 71 provide good access to trails connecting to Stratton Pond and Branch Pond. Winter camping is possible but challenging, as evidenced at Somerset Airfield where campers reported enduring "snow and mid-20s Friday night with 8 inches of fresh snow to wake up Saturday." Cell service is spotty throughout the area, with one reviewer noting "AT&T service at bridge prior to camp - short walk. SOS only in camp." The remote nature of these sites means minimal light pollution and few distractions, making them ideal for stargazing and wilderness immersion.
"But don't worry there is primitive camping starting about a mile down fire road 10... You don't even have to go to fire road 30."
"Great location for a small group to camp at. Can't wait to go back. The main area is a walk in and is worth it. The road into here was easy to drive. "
"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."
"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. "
"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. "
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"No public bathrooms, no hookups, I personally didn’t have service."
"Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle. "
ScoutJust about what you would expect in a national forest. Nice dirt road without too many potholes. As far as I can tell about 10 different sites, maybe more, all spaced out enough you don’t see anyone else. No toilet or water but there is a fire ring.
ScoutThere seems to be a little confusion about where restricted day use ends and overnight dispersed sites begin. Some folks were camping in the picnic area. Past the gate at the end of the Texas Falls recreation area we found several sites with only a fire pit along the brook. They were well used with some litter. We packed out what we could find. There are posted signs on the opposite bank so we stayed on our side. Brook water filtered fine and was tasty. Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome. Very pretty area.
LegendThe 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
RangerOnly 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.
TravelerA 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.
ScoutThe 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.
GuideWent 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.
LegendEvery time I've driven up Bingo to find a spot I end up leaving the area and going somewhere else. The sites are small and close to the road. Being primitive sites there are no facilities. You will find fire rings at each site though.
RangerEnjoyed 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.
Dispersed camping near Chester, Vermont provides several options for primitive overnight stays in the Green Mountain National Forest. The forest elevation ranges between 900-2,200 feet with seasonal temperatures that can vary dramatically, often dropping below freezing at night even in summer months. Primitive campsites around the Somerset area require careful planning as temperatures can drop significantly, with winter camping areas experiencing snowfall accumulations of 8+ inches overnight.
Paddling opportunities: Somerset Reservoir near Somerset Airfield offers excellent water recreation. A camper noted that they "enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and reservoir—saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping."
Hiking access: The Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71 provides trail connections to multiple destinations. One visitor mentioned, "Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT."
Winter camping: For cold-weather adventurers, some sites remain accessible year-round. Somerset Airfield accommodates winter campers, though preparation is essential. A camper reported their experience: "We endured Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up Saturday, and our main Roadhouse down from the weight of the snow."
Night sky viewing: The remote NF83 Dispersed site 1 offers exceptional stargazing conditions. A camper appreciated that it was "a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions."
Spacious group sites: Several locations provide ample room for multiple tents or vehicles. At George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, a camper found that "Large, well organized camping spots along the road. The spot I chose had a beautifully built fire pit."
Riverside locations: Many primitive sites offer water access. At NF 83-riverside, one camper described it as "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!"
Vehicle clearance requirements: Several forest roads demand high-clearance vehicles. For NF83 Dispersed site 1, a camper warned: "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle."
Site maintenance issues: Some locations suffer from poor maintenance by previous visitors. At George D Aiken Wilderness, one camper reported: "Site was littered with places previous campers had left human excrement. While not in the site directly, it was all around it."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies greatly between sites. At Downed Bridge Camp, visitors must plan for limited communication: "AT&T service at bridge prior to camp—short walk. SOS only in camp."
Timing arrivals: Arriving during daylight hours helps families find suitable spots. A visitor to Downed Bridge Camp advised: "If you're looking for the ideal spot to stay a few days make sure you show in daylight so you can explore for that."
Weekend planning: Popular sites fill quickly on weekends, requiring advance planning. One camper at Downed Bridge noted: "If you're lucky enough to get the last spot on the road it's epic. Note that fills quickly on a weekend."
Alternative options: Having backup locations prevents disappointment. A visitor suggested: "But don't worry there is primitive camping starting about a mile down fire road 10... You don't even have to go to fire road 30."
Site selection: For larger vehicles, certain areas provide better accommodation. Somerset Airfield offers "Flat levels it's and people able to fit their campers."
Access road challenges: Verify road conditions before attempting RV access. At NF 83-riverside, a visitor cautioned: "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!"
Seasonal considerations: Weather changes affect road conditions dramatically. During wet periods, one camper at Branch Pond observed: "Tons of different styles of camping spots (if you get there while its still sunlight you can pick a spot by a flowing stream/river)."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Chester, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Chester, VT is Downed Bridge Camp with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 21 dispersed camping locations near Chester, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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