Top Free Dispersed Camping near Danby, VT

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Danby, look no further. Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Danby, VT (26)

    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
    Camper-submitted photo from Road's End Dispersed Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Road's End Dispersed Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Road's End Dispersed Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Road's End Dispersed Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Road's End Dispersed Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Road's End Dispersed Camp

    2. Road's End Dispersed Camp

    1 Review
    8 Photos
    9 Saves
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • 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 George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
    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 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

    5. 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 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 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

    7. 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
    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. 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

        10. 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
      Showing results 1-10 of 26 campgrounds

      Recent Dispersed Reviews In Danby

      42 Reviews of 26 Danby Campgrounds


      • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road
        Sep. 24, 2024

        Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road

        This is a wonderful place to camp

        There are a handful of sites to camp at along the river here, each offering a slightly different experience.  The dirt road along the river is an easy drive, though it is single lane in a few locations, so be aware of oncoming traffic.  Some of the sites are drive in, some are walk in, but all are primitive. 

        There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area.  Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in.

        This area is being heavily use and some spots are being shut down from abuse, please be aware that you have a lot of impact, and that impact can be positive or negative. Choose Positive!

        This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF

      • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11
        Sep. 19, 2024

        Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11

        Beautiful view but no toilet

        Came in on a Wednesday afternoon in late September and found several available camp sites.

        There are no amenities at this campground. It is an open field on the left side of the road with two or three sites on the right side of the road that are walk in sites.

        The scenic beauty of this place is amazing. There was some color in the forest but most of it was still green. There are wide open views of 3 mountain ranges. There are many flowering plants, wild apple trees on the right side of the road. Lots of birds, butterflies, and bees (they were not agressive).

        The campground was very quiet at night except for an occasional owl hoot.

        We were fortunate to have perfect weather for our stay. This would be an awesome place to see the fall colors.

      • 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.

      • J
        Camper-submitted photo from Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites
        Aug. 19, 2024

        Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites

        Nice setting, simple fire pit only sites

        There 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.

      • H
        Camper-submitted photo from Green Mountain National Forest FR25 - Dispersed Camping
        Aug. 5, 2024

        Green Mountain National Forest FR25 - Dispersed Camping

        Pretty, scattered sites along small stream

        All the sites were full when I visited (6 to 8 sites, approximately, but i didn't go down a couple little gravel paths to check each spot as you couldn't turn around easily) , so I didn't get to camp there. There was a NFS sign along FR-25 posted asking people to clean up after themselves (litter and human waste) as there'd been complaints to the extent that they were considering closing the sites if people didn't do better. There were some fire ring sites along Vermont 100 where FR-25 intersects it, but those are marked as No Camping (though one tent had been there at least a week). That area along 100 is supposed to be a day-use picnic area. 

        The sites looked lovely though. Some people were really entrenched with string lights etc.

      • Thomas and James S.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road
        Jun. 18, 2024

        Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road

        Amazing

        Mountain road lingers along the river. There’s quite a few sites along the road. Be sure to camp at spots with established fire rings! There is no services of any sorts at this location. Mostly local traffic. Peaceful! Gorgeous rock river 💜

      • 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!

      • DThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11
        Apr. 1, 2024

        Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11

        Beautiful View Real VT setting but can be a little crowded

        It is a beautiful setting and the first nice weekend in May. There were quite a few folks there already but worth the visit. 

        It is old Vermont farm land that the team of the US National Forest must manage. They have kept the clearing clear and access is pretty good. We are so lucky to have access like this for all of us to enjoy.

      • 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 Green Mountain National Forest FR42 Dispersed Site
        Jan. 26, 2024

        Green Mountain National Forest FR42 Dispersed Site

        Busy and small sites

        Every 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.

      • 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 Green Mountain National Forest FR207
        Jun. 26, 2023

        Green Mountain National Forest FR207

        NFR 207 Meadows, with great views!

        In the first large meadow, multiple fire rings / sites. Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests. 

        Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles.
        Nearby Clark Brook Trail is a 3 mile hike connecting with the AT/LT.
        2 bars USCellular LTE.

      • 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.

      • SThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Green Mountain National Forest FR25 - Dispersed Camping
        May. 14, 2023

        Green Mountain National Forest FR25 - Dispersed Camping

        Beautiful by the river

        We were here on a Friday & Saturday nights. Friday night had the whole place to ourselves. Saturday night all spots filled. We had quiet and respectful neighbors. People have been careless with leaving discarded boards and other items…not good… but door is still beautiful. Gorgeous stream/river…love the river sounds.



      Guide to Danby

      Camping near Danby, Vermont, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and cozy campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of options to explore.

      What to do:

      • Hiking: There are great trails nearby, including those at Quechee State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "There is a 'campers only' access trail to Quechee Gorge that we took advantage of, which then gave us access to the Dewey Pond trail."
      • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Emerald Lake State Park Campground, are near lakes perfect for fishing. A camper shared, "Love emerald lake! Clear waters, calm lake. Great hikes and fishing!"
      • Exploring Local Towns: The area around Danby has charming towns like Manchester. One family noted, "We decided to explore Manchester and bought some gear at Mountain Goat."

      What campers like:

      • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at places like Woodford State Park Campground. A visitor said, "Our site was set back more than 2 car lengths from the road and is pretty well surrounded with trees so it feels very private."
      • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers are a big plus. A reviewer at Jamaica State Park Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms were immaculate and seem to be somewhat newer than the other state parks."
      • Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpful staff. One camper at Lake George RV Park said, "The staff treated us so nicely and the array of resort-level amenities are beautifully maintained."

      What you should know:

      • Limited Cell Service: If you need to stay connected, be prepared for spotty service. A camper at Monadnock State Park Campground noted, "I wish this were clearer on their website as we needed service to do some work."
      • Bugs: Depending on the season, bugs can be a nuisance. One camper at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts humorously remarked, "The bugs… holy hell, the bugs."
      • Rough Roads: Some campgrounds have bumpy access roads. A visitor at Emerald Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The road into the campground is super rough though."

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. One reviewer at Lake George Escape Campground said, "There is a FULL schedule of themed activities for the kiddos, weekly."
      • Safety: Ensure the campground has safe areas for kids to ride bikes. A parent at Jamaica State Park Campground noted, "The kids were able to safely ride bikes on the camp roads."
      • Plan for Rain: Bring gear for wet weather. A family at Emerald Lake State Park Campground found their lean-to helpful 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, "Our site was fine and large enough to accommodate our RV and tow car."
      • Dump Station Availability: Look for campgrounds with dump stations. A camper at Woodford State Park Campground appreciated the "spacious dump site if needed."
      • Wi-Fi Needs: If you rely on Wi-Fi, check availability. A visitor at Lake George RV Park pointed out, "The size of this place probably makes it difficult to provide good coverage."

      Camping near Danby, Vermont, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With beautiful parks and friendly communities, it’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy nature.

      Frequently Asked Questions

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

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Danby, VT is Downed Bridge Camp with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

        TheDyrt.com has all 26 dispersed camping locations near Danby, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.