Forest Road 71 offers multiple free dispersed camping options in Green Mountain National Forest near Dorset, Vermont. Most sites feature established fire rings but lack other amenities—no toilets, trash service, or drinking water except at Stratton Pond Shelter and Somerset Airfield. Road conditions vary, with some routes requiring higher-clearance vehicles. One camper noted that "NFR 71 has an open circle capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering" while another cautioned about muddy conditions during wet periods.
Access points include Downed Bridge Camp, Branch Pond, and various pull-offs along Forest Road 71. Many sites accommodate both tents and small RVs. The Somerset Airfield area provides more open, less private camping with pit toilets and easy access to Somerset Reservoir for fishing and paddling. For backcountry options, Stratton Pond Shelter requires a 3.75-mile winter hike from the nearest parking lot and features tent platforms, outhouses, and shelter space. Most dispersed areas maintain the "pack it in, pack it out" principle, with several reviewers mentioning they spent time cleaning sites left messy by previous visitors.
"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. "
"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. "
"We stayed at one near the creek just over a little bridge. Cute little site, nice fire pit, clean, perfect rock to put a big water jug on. The sound of running water was soothing."
"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."
"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. "
"No public bathrooms, no hookups, I personally didn’t have service."
"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."
"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."
"Free dispersed camping site in the Green Mountain National Forest, off a dirt road. The site curves around past the driveway so you can tuck up into the trees to be more private."
"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."
"We brought our school bus down the dirt road just fine and backed right in. They also have fireplaces which was nice!"
"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."
ScoutIt was dark. I arrived after 7p. There were 3 rv camps already going on. All 3 had camp fires. Many fire rings for many groups. No hassles at all. It's off the beaten path but worth it. The first 4 camp sites were open. Made a fire. Ate some food. I got a good night sleep. Nothing ate me or attacked me so that's 5 star in my book.
TravelerLots of beautiful spots to pick from but be careful some are a bit muddy. We brought our school bus down the dirt road just fine and backed right in. They also have fireplaces which was nice!
GuideWent with a friend on an impromptu last minute camping trip up in the NF and hoped we could find a spot on a Friday night. Quite a few spots were taken but there were still some free ones. We stayed at one near the creek just over a little bridge. Cute little site, nice fire pit, clean, perfect rock to put a big water jug on. The sound of running water was soothing. In the morning, adorable little red squirrels with big personalities made themselves known and there were wildflowers blooming all over with hummingbirds going about their business. This is dispersed camping so there’s no rest rooms, running water, etc. The particular site we stayed at did have another site on the other side of the creek and we could hear the family during the day and see them as they walked past, so it wasn’t as isolated as some of the other sites. It was a cute spot and I’ll def be back.
TravelerThis is a good spot if you don’t mind being social. The main camping area is a large grassy opening where multiple people park and camp together, and there is a bathroom, but there isn’t much privacy between sites. If you continue farther down the forest road, there are several smaller pull-offs with much more private dispersed camping spots. I’d recommend checking those out if you’re looking for a quieter experience.
TravelerMy 2008 Prius handled the road with ease. Sites were spaced out. There was hiking at the end of the road but not too much space to wander around from the sites given the road’s high speed limit. Sites had fire pits and that was it. Very quiet and fairly accessible from society. Given the lack of free camping in the southern northeast this spot is a gem!
GuideI selected a semi shaded site about 25 feet off the road about 2 miles in. There are many sites but you may have to look as a lot are overgrown. I am glad I selected the site I did as it stayed “dry” through 48 hrs of torrential downpours. I had very few problems with the bugs: have a nice smoky fire…best repellant out there!
TravelerPrivate, large site. This was the first site in the road. We have a low clearance car and it was a bit bumpy. This site was amazing, clean and easy pull in pull out.
GuideSo peaceful and serene
GuideI had many sites to choose from. Definitely remote and private.
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.
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."
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."
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."
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."
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!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Dorset, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Dorset, VT is Downed Bridge Camp with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Dorset, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 29 dispersed camping locations near Dorset, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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