Several dispersed camping areas exist in the Green Mountain National Forest near Ludlow, Vermont. Free primitive sites include Downed Bridge Camp, Road's End Dispersed Camp, and Stratton Pond Shelter. Additional dispersed camping options are available along Forest Roads 71 and 83, with sites like NF 83 - riverside offering streamside camping. The George D. Aiken Wilderness area and Somerset Airfield also permit backcountry camping without facilities or reservations.
Forest service roads accessing these sites vary in condition, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles. Many reviews note that Forest Road 71 has multiple primitive sites but can be challenging during mud season. Most dispersed areas feature only basic fire rings with no amenities such as water, toilets, or trash service. A camper noted, "Being primitive sites there are no facilities. You will find fire rings at each site though." Visitors must pack out all waste and come prepared with water and supplies. Some areas close seasonally due to snow, particularly in winter months.
These backcountry sites provide varying experiences from riverside camping to open meadows with mountain views. Somerset Airfield offers an open area with pit toilets and stream access behind some sites. According to one review, "The Airfield Campground is a strip of land with several campsites and fire pits. Some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park." Many locations fill quickly on weekends, especially during summer and fall foliage season. Several campers report increasing site closures due to overuse, with one noting, "Rangers have already started to move boulders into place to block off some of the other sites." Cell service is spotty throughout the region, with most areas having limited or no coverage.
"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. "
"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."
"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. "
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"We have a low clearance car and it was a bit bumpy. This site was amazing, clean and easy pull in pull out."
"No public bathrooms, no hookups, I personally didn’t have service."
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.
Dispersed camping near Ludlow, Vermont occurs primarily in the Green Mountain National Forest where primitive sites sit at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 feet. National Forest roads become challenging during spring thaw, typically from late March through early May when frost heaves and mud create difficult driving conditions. These unimproved sites function under a 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period.
Fishing access points: Somerset Reservoir, located near Somerset Airfield, provides extensive fishing opportunities. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Reservoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," notes reviewer M.A.D. P.
Winter camping experiences: For cold-weather enthusiasts, Forest Road 71 areas remain accessible through winter. One camper at Somerset Airfield described their winter stay: "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 8° and a windchill of -3."
Stream-side relaxation: Multiple sites feature water access, providing natural amenities. At NF 83 - riverside, campers enjoy "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!" according to Thomas and James S.
Secluded end-of-road sites: Remote locations offer privacy away from busier areas. At Road's End Dispersed Camp, one camper noted it's a "great private spot when nothing else is around. The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles."
Morning surprise views: Arriving after dark can yield unexpected scenery. At Downed Bridge Camp, one camper shared: "But ours was a night stop on a trip so showing up in the dark and waking up in the forest was a little magical."
Woodland stream sounds: Riverside sites provide natural white noise for sleeping. Thomas and James S. describe one location as "Enchanting" where campsites are "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river."
Site closures increasing: Rangers have been closing some overused sites. At dispersed sites along Forest Road 71, one camper observed: "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."
Road conditions vary significantly: Access roads range from easy to challenging. At NF 83 - riverside, a reviewer cautions: "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!"
Limited communication: Cell service depends on carrier and location. At Somerset Airfield, a camper reported: "AT&T service at bridge prior to camp- short walk. SOS only in camp. Another camper told me Starlink works here."
Pack rain gear year-round: Vermont weather changes rapidly. One camper at Statton Pond Camp noted their site "was a good place to pitch a tent for the night while exploring the area even in the rain."
Plan for no facilities: Most dispersed sites have fire rings only. A reviewer at On the Hill Dispersed Camp clarifies: "Being a primitive site, expect that it is a little rough to get into. The only thing you will find in this clearing is a fire ring."
Early arrival recommended: Popular sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Downed Bridge Camp advised: "If you're lucky enough to get the last spot on the road it's epic. Note that fills quickly on a weekend."
Limited level spots available: Many Forest Service roads have uneven terrain. At Stratton Pond Shelter, accessibility requires planning as it's "a 3.75mi hike from the nearest parking lot in winter."
Airfield provides open space: Somerset Airfield offers the most level terrain. A camper describes it as "a strip of land with several campsites and fire pits. These sites are close together with little to no shade."
Avoid mud season: Spring conditions make many roads impassable for larger vehicles. One camper found a site "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is dispersed camping allowed near Ludlow, California?
Near Ludlow, California, dispersed camping is permitted in multiple BLM-managed areas surrounding the town. Sites along unpaved roads branching off Interstate 40 offer accessible dispersed camping options. The Green Mountain National Forest FR207 area provides multiple camping spots in meadows with scenic views of surrounding hills. When dispersed camping near Ludlow, always practice Leave No Trace principles, camp in previously used sites where possible, and maintain at least 200 feet distance from water sources. Be aware that some areas have seasonal restrictions or closures.
Are there any BLM dispersed camping spots in Ludlow, CA?
Yes, there are BLM dispersed camping opportunities around Ludlow, CA. The Mojave Desert surrounding Ludlow offers numerous BLM-managed dispersed camping sites accessible via dirt roads off Interstate 40. Areas like Austin Brook provide smaller, more intimate camping spots with around 4-6 sites that often feature fire rings. The Somerset Airfield area also offers dispersed camping on BLM land with several established sites featuring fire pits. Standard BLM regulations apply: 14-day stay limits, no services, and pack out all trash.
What amenities are available at Ludlow dispersed camping areas?
Dispersed camping areas near Ludlow are primitive with minimal to no amenities. Most sites like Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road feature only basic fire rings and natural clearings for tents or vehicles. The Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites offer similar minimal setups with fire pits located along a brook. Campers must bring all necessary supplies including water, food, and waste disposal bags. There are no toilets, picnic tables, trash service, or potable water. Cell service can be spotty, with only 1-2 bars in some areas. Come fully prepared for self-sufficient camping.
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