Dispersed camping near Danby, Vermont primarily centers around the western portion of the Green Mountain National Forest. This area sits at elevations between 1,500-2,500 feet, with forest roads that cross multiple watersheds feeding into the Mettawee River. Winter access often requires 4WD vehicles, as many forest roads receive minimal maintenance during snow and mud seasons.
What to do
Hiking to water features: Stratton Pond Shelter provides access to one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail. "The lake looks great and is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail," notes one camper who hiked in during winter conditions.
Access backcountry areas: The forest service roads around Danby connect to numerous trails. At Downed Bridge Camp, one camper shared: "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."
Wilderness immersion: The remote sites provide true isolation. Forest Road sites offer spaces "with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions," according to one winter camper, making stargazing particularly rewarding during clear nights.
What campers like
River proximity: Waterside sites rank among the most popular. At NF 83 - riverside, campers appreciate the "large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit" situated "peacefully placed along the bends of the river."
Varied site options: The George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed area features "large, well organized camping spots along the road," with one camper noting the spots "were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on."
Multi-day base camps: Many sites work well for extended stays. One camper at Statton Pond Camp reported: "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."
What you should know
Access challenges: Most primitive sites require appropriate vehicles. The entrance to Road's End Dispersed Camp is "a little rough, but doable for most vehicles," according to visitor reports.
Weather impacts: Seasonal conditions significantly affect site conditions. After rain, Forest Road 71 sites can become "very muddy," with one camper noting "I have an SUV and I didn't trust it to get through, and I didn't want to get stuck."
Limited amenities: Prepare for true primitive camping. Most sites contain only fire rings, with one camper describing a typical site as having "the only thing you will find at this primitive site is a fire ring."
Clean-up responsibilities: Pack-in, pack-out practices are essential. One regular camper noted: "2 years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us."
Tips for camping with families
Open clearing sites: For families needing space, seek out the larger sites. At Somerset Airfield, you'll find "a strip of land with several campsites and fire pits" that provides more room for kids to play safely.
Water access considerations: When camping with children, riverside sites offer natural entertainment. One camper saw "happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping" at Somerset Reservoir, making it suitable for family activities.
Timing for solitude: Arrive midweek for better site selection. A camper mentioned their surprise at finding availability "especially the just a couple of days before Fourth of July weekend," noting that sites fill quickly for holidays and weekends.
Accessibility planning: Many forest service roads become difficult to navigate with families during wet conditions. One visitor warned that "the beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks," suggesting families choose easier access points.
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Most dispersed areas accommodate smaller RVs only. Somerset Airfield provides "campsites all next to the road" with minimal separation, making it suitable for small to medium rigs.
Ground clearance requirements: RV access varies significantly by site. For some locations, campers warn "don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle."
Group camping options: For RV groups traveling together, seek out the larger cleared areas. One camper described a site as "an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering" with a "stone fire ring in the center."
