Dispersed camping in the Green Mountain National Forest near Grafton, Vermont offers primitive sites between 1,000-2,500 feet elevation in mixed northern hardwood forest. Winter temperatures regularly drop below 0°F while summer highs average 70-80°F. The forest service maintains minimal facilities at these free camping locations, with most sites featuring only rudimentary fire rings.
What to do
Pond exploration: Several free camping areas provide access to secluded ponds for paddling and fishing. At Branch Pond on National Forest Hwy, campers find "tons of different styles of camping spots (if you get there while its still sunlight you can pick a spot by a flowing stream/river)," according to reviewer Brendan M.
Long Trail access: Free camping near Grafton connects to Vermont's historic 272-mile footpath. The Stratton Pond Shelter sits "at the intersection of AT, LT and Stratton Mountain trail" with "2 tent platforms, 2 outhouses and at least 16 bunk spaces in the shelter," notes Miccal M.
Winter activities: The area transforms with snowfall, creating opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Somerset Airfield campers experienced "Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday," while facing challenges when "temperatures plummeted to 8° and a windchill of -3."
What campers like
Solitude and dark skies: Many dispersed sites offer isolation from light pollution and noise. NF83 Dispersed site 1 provides "a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions," though Miccal M. warns you need "more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle" to access it.
River access: Several campsites feature water access for cooling off or fishing. The NF 83 - riverside site has "a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit" that's "peacefully placed along the bends of the river," according to Thomas and James S.
Wildlife viewing: The forest provides habitat for diverse wildlife including black bears. At Statton Pond Camp, Brendan M. reports having "service the whole time, fire pits for every spot. I did see a huge blackbear."
What you should know
Variable road conditions: Access to many sites requires careful driving assessment. Thomas and James S. note that NF 83 - riverside has a "beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks" and advise that "smaller ground clearances may feel a bump or two."
Limited facilities: Bring everything you need for self-contained camping. Somerset Airfield has "no garbage service, no water, no cell service," with Kevin C. describing it as "basically a camp site where you can share a fire with the neighbors."
Seasonal challenges: Spring brings significant mud while winter requires serious preparation. Forest Road 71 sites can be "very muddy" according to Kirk C., who didn't trust his SUV "to get through" during wet periods.
Tips for camping with families
Choose established sites: For families, sites with basic amenities provide easier experiences. The George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed area offers camp spots that are "all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on," with "brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites."
Consider cell service needs: Some sites maintain connectivity while others don't. One George D Aiken camper notes "ATT cell reception" is available, making emergency communication possible.
Pack for weather changes: Even summer nights can be cool at elevation. David G. reports at George D Aiken that "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."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Not all free camping areas accommodate larger rigs. For RVs, the Downed Bridge Camp area provides options, but Caitlin K. advises "if you're lucky enough to get the last spot on the road it's epic. Note that fills quickly on a weekend."
Level parking assessment: Look for sites with sufficient flat areas for larger vehicles. At Somerset Airfield, "flat levels it's and people able to fit their campers" according to Erica M., who adds that "campers near us said there are more sites if you pass the airfield that are more spread out past the actual airfield sites."
Seasonal limitations: Spring thaw and heavy rain can make many free camping sites near Grafton inaccessible to RVs. Kevin C. found at Somerset that "only the first section of the campground was open due to flooding. As a result, there were puddles everywhere."
