Dispersed camping spots near Arlington, Vermont include several free options within the Green Mountain National Forest. The Somerset Airfield area provides multiple primitive sites along Forest Road 71, ranging in elevation from 2,100 to 2,400 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing from November through April, while summer evenings remain cool with temperatures often falling into the 50s even during July and August.
What to do
Paddle the reservoir: Somerset Reservoir offers excellent paddling opportunities just a short drive from the dispersed camping areas. "The reservoir is beautiful, plenty of space to spread out for paddling and swimming," notes a visitor to Somerset Airfield.
Hike around the lake: At Woodford State Park Campground, visitors enjoy the accessible trail circling the water. "There is a beautiful clean swimmable lake with a walking trail around it," mentions one camper. The reservoir loop is approximately 2.5 miles and suitable for most fitness levels.
Visit waterfalls: Multiple cascades are accessible from camping areas near Arlington. A camper at Jamaica State Park Campground shares, "We hiked the west river trail (which leads right out of the campground) to Hamilton falls which is a gravel closed road that follows the west river upstream 2 miles to Hamilton falls trail."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of certain campgrounds. "The sites are nice and private. The views on some of the sites to the lake are beautiful," notes a visitor to Woodford State Park Campground.
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathrooms and sites receive consistent mention. At Emerald Lake State Park Campground, a camper observed, "Restrooms are about average for state parks. They were definitely cleaned daily. Don't forget to bring quarters for the shower."
Waterfront access: Direct water access ranks high among camper preferences. One reviewer at Camping On The Battenkill shared, "I stayed right on the river in site 14 with a small popup. The river is beautiful and the site was huge. We did some fishing and swimming."
What you should know
Winter road closures: Forest roads leading to dispersed sites close seasonally. A visitor to Grout Pond Campground advises, "I visited Grout Pond Recreation area on 11/6/22 and found that it was closed to campers. The sites around the pond are being enlarged."
Reservation requirements: Many established campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "Book your site early to get a lean-to or a site near the river," recommends a Jamaica State Park visitor.
Muddy conditions: Spring and after heavy rains, access roads can become challenging. A camper at a dispersed site along Forest Road 71 noted, "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."
Distance from amenities: Most dispersed camping areas lack facilities. A Grout Pond visitor explains, "Although BEAUTIFUL, the first campsites are a bit of a haul. Getting to the campground alone was crazy- dirt roads and very deep potholes that you can just barely avoid."
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with playgrounds: Some locations offer kid-friendly facilities. "There are tons of different types of campsites with either tent spots, lean tos, and a few (hard to get) cabins. Bathrooms are plentiful and clean, hot showers for a small price," explains a family staying at Woodford State Park.
Look for swim-friendly water bodies: Safe swimming areas matter for families with children. At Emerald Lake State Park, a visitor notes, "There's a small, sandy beach at one end of the lake, with a bath house and changing rooms nearby. Swimmers can swim out the a small island in the middle of the lake."
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds are naturally louder than others. "If you're looking for a quiet spot maybe don't look here. If you have kids and don't mind them making friends and roaming the campground then this is great!" shares a camper at Woodford State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Large rigs face limitations at some campgrounds. A visitor to Dorset RV Park cautions, "Larger rigs might want to avoid loop 6-14, especially for sites 8-12. Tree placement and a pretty sharp 110+ degree turn makes it challenging to maneuver."
Hookup placement: At Camping on the Battenkill, RVers note the convenient arrangement of utilities. "The sites are in pretty wooded areas and quite big, ground is sandy and all have electric/water, picnic table and fire ring," explains one RVer.
Weather preparedness: The elevation means temperature swings even in summer. A Somerset Airfield visitor shares, "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."
