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Dispersed camping opportunities abound in the Green Mountain National Forest near Jamaica, Vermont. Several primitive sites exist along Forest Road 71, including Dispersed site along Forest RD 71 and Stratton Pond Camp. Somerset Airfield offers a more developed dispersed camping experience with pit toilets. The George D. Aiken Wilderness Dispersed area provides spacious, well-organized camping spots with beautifully built fire pits. According to recent visitors, "The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on," making this area accessible for most vehicles.
Most dispersed sites in this region are free and do not require reservations or permits. Fire rings are present at many locations, and fires are generally permitted when no fire bans are in effect. Campers should note that virtually no amenities exist at these primitive sites. No drinking water, trash service, or hookups are available. Several campers report that site conditions can vary significantly with weather; one reviewer noted, "This particular campsite is very muddy. I have an SUV and I didn't trust it to get through." Vehicle clearance requirements differ by location, with some sites requiring 8 inches or more.
The Somerset Reservoir serves as a major attraction near the Somerset Airfield sites, offering fishing, paddling, and hiking opportunities. Stratton Pond Shelter provides access to the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail for backpackers. Weather conditions can be extreme, particularly in winter months when snow, ice, and strong winds are common. Cell service is spotty throughout the region. Visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles, as multiple reviews mention having to clean up after previous campers. Always verify that you are on public land, as some areas near Somerset have "No camping" signs due to private property restrictions.
"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."
"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."
"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. "
"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."
"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."
"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. "
"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."
"No public bathrooms, no hookups, I personally didn’t have service."
"Great little dispersed camping area off Forest Road 71 in West Dover, Vermont."
"Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle. "
ScoutJust about what you would expect in a national forest. Nice dirt road without too many potholes. As far as I can tell about 10 different sites, maybe more, all spaced out enough you don’t see anyone else. No toilet or water but there is a fire ring.
LegendThe 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
RangerOnly 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.
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.
TravelerA LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well. A few miles down the road there is another campsite that is more open and also has a fire pit with a lot less bugs flying around and more open space.
ScoutThe 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.
GuideWent on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot. After what was very quiet and a peaceful place to be. Many pull offs but a lot were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck. The road itself was in great condition though.
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!
RangerEnjoyed the stunning babbling brook and resevoir- saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping. It's been quiet and peaceful and sometimes generators running all night. 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. It's great to see families camping. There are pit toilets. AT.T service at bridge prior to camp- short walk. SOS only in camp. Another camper told me Starlink works here.
Dispersed camping near Jamaica, Vermont provides access to the diverse terrain of the Green Mountain National Forest. The region receives significant precipitation year-round, with summer thunderstorms and winter snowfall making seasonal preparedness essential. Many primitive sites require vehicles with adequate clearance, with some forest roads becoming difficult to navigate after heavy rainfall.
Swimming and paddling at Somerset Reservoir: The reservoir serves as a recreation hub for visitors staying at nearby Somerset Airfield. "Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and reservoir- saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping," notes reviewer Licia S., who visited on a summer weekday.
Hiking to Stratton Pond: Access to both the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail makes Stratton Pond Shelter a popular destination. "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," explains Miccal M.
Winter recreation: Forest Road 71 offers winter camping opportunities for hardy visitors. According to Miccal M., who camped at Somerset Airfield in winter: "We endured Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday... 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."
Private camping spots: Several sites on Forest Road 71 provide privacy despite their proximity to roads. At George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, one camper 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," according to David G.
Dark skies for stargazing: The remote location of many primitive sites creates optimal night sky viewing. At NF83 Dispersed site 1, Miccal M. appreciated "a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions."
Peaceful riverside camping: Several dispersed sites offer direct water access. 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!"
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to primitive camping near Jamaica requires careful vehicle consideration. At NF 83 - riverside, "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," cautions Thomas and James S.
Site availability fluctuates seasonally: Summer weekends and holidays can fill quickly. Caitlin K. notes about Downed Bridge Camp: "If you're lucky enough to get the last spot on the road it's epic. Note that fills quickly on a weekend."
Weather preparation is essential: Winter conditions demand extra gear. Miccal M. describes winter camping at Somerset Airfield: "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."
Choose sites with easier access: Some areas offer better family-friendly options. M.A.D. P. notes about Somerset Airfield: "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."
Plan for bugs in wooded areas: Dense forest sites often have more insects. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, Natasha T. experienced "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."
Arrive early to secure spots: For weekend camping, early arrival improves site selection. Caitlin K. advises about primitive camping near Jamaica: "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."
Size limitations at most sites: Large RVs face challenges at primitive sites. Miccal M. notes about Somerset Airfield: "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."
Prepare for limited facilities: Even the more developed dispersed sites offer minimal amenities. Kevin C. shares about Somerset Airfield: "There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service."
Road closures affect accessibility: Always check current forest road status. Caitlin C. encountered challenges at NFR 273: "The entrance to the road had a sign that said 'road closed ahead'. We chanced it and was able to find a really nice open spot right before the road closure."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Jamaica, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Jamaica, VT is Somerset Airfield with a 3.9-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Jamaica, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 dispersed camping locations near Jamaica, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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