Top Free Dispersed Camping near Dorset, VT

Looking for the best Dorset dispersed camping? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find peaceful dispersed camping near Dorset. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your Vermont camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Dorset, VT (23)

    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 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

    2. 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 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 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 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

    6. 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 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

    7. Road's End Dispersed Camp

    1 Review
    8 Photos
    9 Saves
    • 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 23 campgrounds

      Recent Dispersed Reviews In Dorset

      25 Reviews of 23 Dorset Campgrounds


      • 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.

      • 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!

      • 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 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.

      • M.A.D. P.
        Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
        Jan. 1, 2023

        Somerset Airfield

        Small open park

        The Airfield Campground is a strip of land with several campsites and fire pits. 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. The real attraction is the huge Somerset Resevoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities. There are other dispersed sites down the road that are free

      • T K.
        Camper-submitted photo from Crane Mountain Pond Campsite
        Apr. 28, 2022

        Crane Mountain Pond Campsite

        Gorgeous sunset views

        After a short hike up steep crane mountain we watched the beautiful sun set. One of the nicest places I’ve camped at.

      • S
        Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed site along Forest RD 71
        Feb. 28, 2022

        Dispersed site along Forest RD 71

        Love camping here!

        I would have given 5 stars except for the unfortunate fact that 2 years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us.... We camp here every summer and make sure the site is left clean and ready for the camper...

      • Kirk C.
        Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed site along Forest RD 71
        Aug. 4, 2021

        Dispersed site along Forest RD 71

        Muddy

        I found this camping area on dyrt app. I didn't have too much luck with a different app.... So I decided to try this out. 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. There are a few spots around you can park at. I chose a more sunny and open spot with less trees. So there's more options. It's very quiet definitely check it out.

      • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites
        Jun. 11, 2021

        Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites

        Some great Primitive sites here

        This area is wonderful, first Texas falls it a great place to stop and explore.  Then, if you venture further up into the mountains you come upon the campsites with fire pits and if your lucky you can get one on the river.

        There is not much to these sites as far as amenities, just a fire pit.  But that is all I need.

      • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed site along Forest RD 71
        Jan. 29, 2021

        Dispersed site along Forest RD 71

        Nice Primitive spot in the Green Mountains

        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.



      Guide to Dorset

      Camping near Dorset, Vermont, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

      What to do

      • Hiking and biking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. One camper mentioned, "The park is small, clean and friendly. The sites are semi-secluded and through hikers on the AT/LT can find rest and shelter at this park," referring to the trails available at Gifford Woods State Park Campground.
      • Fishing: Enjoy some quiet time by the water. A visitor at Emerald Lake State Park Campground said, "Great hikes and fishing! And close to the adorable town of Manchester!"
      • Swimming: Take a dip in the lake. One review highlighted, "The lake and beach is lovely, clean, and the water is warm and clear," about Emerald Lake State Park Campground.

      What campers like

      • Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the roomy spots. A review noted, "The sites are spacious, shady, and had good separation between the neighboring sites," at Woodford State Park Campground.
      • Clean facilities: Many visitors mention the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One camper said, "The bathrooms are BEAUTIFUL! The nicest I've seen yet," at Woodford State Park Campground.
      • Friendly staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor shared, "The staff treated us so nicely and the array of resort-level amenities are beautifully maintained," at Lake George RV Park.

      What you should know

      • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A camper at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts mentioned, "Showers cost money at $0.25 per 4 minutes, no wifi at all and poor cell reception."
      • Road noise: If you're sensitive to noise, be aware that some campgrounds are near busy roads. One camper noted, "Friday and Saturday night there was a ton of street noise from Rt9," at Hearthstone Point Campground.
      • Seasonal crowds: Expect busier times during peak season. A visitor at Moreau Lake State Park Campground said, "The park was not very crowded when we were there, but we can imagine it could get very busy and noisy in the busy summer season."

      Tips for camping with families

      • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for children. One review mentioned, "There is a FULL schedule of themed activities for the kiddos, weekly," at Lake George Escape Campground.
      • Safety: Ensure the campground has safe areas for kids to play. A camper noted, "The kids were able to safely ride bikes on the camp roads," at Jamaica State Park Campground.
      • Plan for meals: Some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. A visitor advised, "Make sure you stock up before you get there, stuff is expensive at the corner stores," about Jamaica State Park Campground.

      Tips from RVers

      • Check site sizes: Make sure the campground can accommodate your RV. A review mentioned, "Some campsites were pretty small and would not fit large RVs," at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts.
      • Be mindful of road access: Some campgrounds have tricky roads for larger rigs. A camper noted, "The road to our campsite was paved and in good shape but there were a few tight spots because of the trees," at Moreau Lake State Park Campground.
      • Amenities for RVs: Look for campgrounds with full hookups. A visitor shared, "We stayed on a premium site which is larger than their standard," at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts.

      Camping near Dorset, Vermont, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

      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 George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed with a 4.9-star rating from 7 reviews.

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

        TheDyrt.com has all 23 dispersed camping locations near Dorset, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.