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The Green Mountain National Forest surrounding Londonderry, Vermont provides several free dispersed camping opportunities, with sites scattered along forest roads and near waterways. Popular areas include the Downed Bridge Camp, Stratton Pond area, and sites along Forest Road 71. These primitive camping locations typically feature only basic fire rings with no developed facilities. The George D. Aiken Wilderness Dispersed area and Somerset Airfield also permit free camping in designated zones.
Access to many dispersed sites requires navigating unpaved forest roads that can become challenging after rain or snow. Several locations, including NF 83 riverside and NF83 Dispersed site 1, need vehicles with higher clearance. Road conditions vary seasonally, with some areas becoming impassable during winter months or spring thaw. Most sites have fire rings, though campers should always check current fire restrictions. No drinking water, toilets, or trash service is available at most locations, requiring visitors to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. "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," noted one camper about the NF 83 riverside site.
The dispersed camping experience near Londonderry offers varying levels of privacy and natural settings. Some sites like Road's End Dispersed Camp provide secluded spots away from other campers, while areas such as Somerset Airfield feature multiple sites in closer proximity. The region provides good access to hiking trails, including connections to the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail. Proximity to water features is common, with several sites situated near streams or ponds. Visitors appreciate the quiet, natural surroundings and dark night skies. "Great private spot when nothing else is around. The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles," reported one camper about Road's End Dispersed Camp. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most sites, allowing for a true disconnection from everyday life.
"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. "
"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. "
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"No public bathrooms, no hookups, I personally didn’t have service."
"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."
"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."
"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.
ScoutThere 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.
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.
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.
LegendEvery 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.
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 opportunities in Green Mountain National Forest near Londonderry, Vermont typically remain accessible from late spring through fall, with most forest roads closed during winter months. Many campsites sit at elevations between 1,200-2,500 feet, creating temperature variations that can drop 10-15 degrees below nearby towns. Several camping areas provide strategic access points to the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail system without requiring permits.
Fishing access points: Somerset Reservoir near Somerset Airfield offers excellent fishing opportunities. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Reservoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," notes one visitor who gave the location 5 stars.
Winter camping experiences: For adventurous winter campers, Somerset Airfield transforms during snowy months. "We endured Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday... Then the fun began as the wind blew the storms out and temperatures plummeted to 8° and a windchill of -3," reported one winter camper who still managed to enjoy their stay.
Star gazing opportunities: NF83 Dispersed site 1 provides exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. "What a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions," explains one camper, highlighting the remote appeal for astronomy enthusiasts.
Privacy levels between sites: The George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed area features well-spaced camping spots. "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," notes one camper who appreciated the separation between sites.
Arrival timing flexibility: Camping at Downed Bridge Camp works even for late arrivals. "Showing up in the dark and waking up in the forest was a little magical," one camper reported, though they advised: "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."
Flat terrain for multiple setups: Some sites accommodate larger groups with level ground. At Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71, a camper noted: "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."
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites offer only basic amenities. At Somerset Airfield, "There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service," explains one visitor.
Site conditions vary seasonally: Many sites experience significant mud during wet periods. At Dispersed site along Forest RD 71, a camper warned: "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."
Previous camper impacts: Site cleanliness depends on previous visitors. At Somerset Airfield, a camper observed: "Lots of trash left in fire pits and all along river." Another visitor at George D Aiken noted: "Site was littered with places previous campers had left human excrement. While not in the site directly, it was all around it."
Best sites for children: Stratton Pond Shelter provides family-friendly water access. "The lake looks great and is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail," notes a winter visitor who hiked in from the parking area.
Weekday vs. weekend crowds: For quieter family camping, avoid holiday weekends. One Somerset Airfield visitor recounted: "Weekend was interrupted by a domestic violence situation a few sites down that resulted in fights and someone shooting off a handgun. Took state police over 50 minutes to respond and multiple families left."
Connectivity limitations: Prepare for limited or no cell service. At NF 83 riverside, visitors enjoy "no light pollution, cell signal or distractions," while at George D Aiken, campers report "ATT cell reception" is available.
Vehicle clearance requirements: Several sites have challenging access roads. For NF83 Dispersed site 1, a camper warns: "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle."
Level sites for larger rigs: Some locations offer flat areas for RVs. At NF 83 - riverside, campers find "a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit," though the access has challenges: "The beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks."
Best access routes: Many forest roads require careful navigation. At George D Aiken, campers report "the road was easy to drive on," making it accessible for most vehicles, while another noted: "Some sites were really wet but we found a nice dry place."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Londonderry, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Londonderry, VT is Downed Bridge Camp with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Londonderry, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 22 dispersed camping locations near Londonderry, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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