Green Mountain National Forest offers rustic camping near Dorset, Vermont along several forest roads. The area sits at elevations between 1,200-2,500 feet with mixed hardwood forests and seasonal streams. Many campsites remain accessible from late spring through fall, though summer weekends fill quickly with visitors seeking primitive camping experiences in Vermont's wilderness.
What to do
Hiking to mountain views: From Stratton Pond Shelter, campers can access multiple trail systems. "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. The lake looks great and is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail," notes Miccal M.
Fishing and paddling: Somerset Reservoir provides excellent water recreation opportunities near the camping areas. According to a visitor at Somerset Airfield, "Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and reservoir - saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping."
Stargazing: The remote locations offer minimal light pollution. A camper at NF83 Dispersed site 1 appreciated the "great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions."
What campers like
Secluded spots: Many campers value the privacy of certain sites. At Road's End Dispersed Camp, one reviewer described it as a "great private spot when nothing else is around. The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles."
Streamside camping: Several sites offer water features. Thomas and James S. described their experience at NF 83 - riverside: "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!"
Cell service availability: Service varies across the region. At Statton Pond Camp, Tim M. reported "2 bars of USCellular LTE," while at Somerset Airfield another camper noted "AT&T service at bridge prior to camp - short walk. SOS only in camp. Another camper told me Starlink works here."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many access roads require higher clearance vehicles. At 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 availability timing: Popular spots fill quickly on weekends. One camper at Branch Pond on National Forest Hwy suggested "if you get there while its still sunlight you can pick a spot by a flowing stream/river."
Pack everything you need: Most sites lack facilities. "Being a primitive site there is only a fire ring here," notes one camper about NF 83 - riverside. Another at Branch Pond confirms: "No public bathrooms, no hookups, I personally didn't have service."
Weather preparedness: Vermont's mountain weather can change rapidly. A winter camper at Somerset Airfield described extreme conditions: "We endured Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday... temperatures plummeted to 8° and a windchill of -3."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with natural features: Children enjoy water access. At NF 83 - riverside, the campsite has "a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit" along a river bend, perfect for family exploration.
Consider noise factors: Some areas experience unexpected disruptions. At George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, one camper reported: "Was not aware this was a gun range. Tried to flag down a park ranger, but he just drove on by."
Look for flat terrain: Family setups need space. At George D Aiken, David G. 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."
Tips from RVers
Somerset Airfield advantages: This area offers more open spaces. "These sites are close together with little to no shade. Some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park," notes one reviewer, adding it's good for RVs that "can't get into smaller sites."
Site selection timing: Arriving early improves options. At Statton Pond Camp, Andy M. observed: "I couldn't believe that the site was not being used at all, especially just a couple of days before Fourth of July weekend. Many other sites further south on 71 were filled."
Road condition assessment: Always check approach roads. At NF 83 - riverside, a camper cautioned: "The beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with bigger rocks. We have substantial ground clearance so no issues there but smaller ground clearances may feel a bump or two!"
