Best Dispersed Camping near Manchester Center, VT
The Green Mountain National Forest surrounding Manchester Center, Vermont features numerous dispersed camping opportunities along forest roads and trails. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access primitive sites along Forest Road 71, the highly-rated George D. Aiken Wilderness Dispersed camping area, and the Somerset Airfield camping area. Most sites are primitive with basic fire rings but no other amenities. The region also offers backcountry options like Stratton Pond Shelter, accessible via a 3.75-mile hike from the nearest parking area, which provides tent platforms and bunk spaces for hikers on the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with many sites requiring vehicles with adequate clearance. As one camper noted, "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8 inches of clearance under your vehicle." Weather impacts accessibility, particularly during spring thaw and after heavy rainfall when many sites become muddy or impassable. Winter camping is possible but challenging, with one visitor reporting, "We endured snow and mid-20s Friday night with 8 inches of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday." Cell service is spotty throughout the region, with limited coverage at most sites. Campers should bring all necessary supplies as drinking water, toilets, and other facilities are rarely available.
Many dispersed sites receive positive reviews for their privacy and natural settings. Riverside locations like NF 83 are particularly popular, described by one camper as "peacefully placed along the bends of the river" with "a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit." The George D. Aiken Wilderness area consistently earns high ratings for its "large, well-organized camping spots" that are "pretty spread out from each other." Visitors frequently mention proximity to recreational opportunities, with Somerset Airfield providing access to Somerset Reservoir for "fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities." During peak seasons, particularly summer weekends, early arrival is recommended as the more accessible sites fill quickly.
