Green Mountain National Forest offers numerous primitive camping near Manchester Center, Vermont along forest service roads that wind through mountainous terrain. These dispersed sites range in elevation from 1,500 to 2,500 feet, creating varied microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the seasons. Most roads leading to these primitive sites open after mud season ends in late May, with several requiring high-clearance vehicles.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The streams and rivers around Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71 provide fishing spots within walking distance of campsites. "Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT," notes camper Tim M.
Swimming in Somerset Reservoir: A short drive from primitive sites provides access to swimming areas. A visitor to Somerset Airfield mentioned seeing "happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping" at the reservoir, which makes for a perfect day activity during summer months.
Winter camping experiences: For those seeking solitude, winter camping offers unique challenges and rewards. Campgrounds like Stratton Pond Shelter provide winter access, where one camper reported: "Spent the weekend here on the last weekend of Feb. 2024. Cold, Snow, Wind, full moon in the middle of the woods with only the people I hiked in with."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing between primitive sites in the George D. Aiken Wilderness area. As one visitor noted, "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."
Riverside locations: The natural water features are consistently rated highly by visitors to NF 83 - riverside. One camper described it as "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!"
Dark sky viewing: The remote nature of these sites provides excellent stargazing opportunities. A visitor to NF83 Dispersed site 1 described it as "a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions."
What you should know
Seasonal road conditions: Many forest roads become inaccessible during spring thaw or after heavy rain. One camper at Dispersed site along Forest RD 71 reported: "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."
Vehicle clearance requirements: High-clearance vehicles are necessary for accessing many sites. A reviewer at NF83 Dispersed site 1 warned: "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8 inches of clearance under your vehicle."
Site maintenance concerns: Some campers report needing to clean sites upon arrival. One regular at Dispersed site along Forest RD 71 mentioned: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Airfield camping with kids: The open spaces at Somerset Airfield can work well for families. "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," notes one reviewer who appreciates the easy access to Somerset Reservoir.
Arrive before dark: When camping with children, timing your arrival is important. One visitor to Downed Bridge Camp advises: "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."
Wildlife awareness: Bears are present in the area. A camper at Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71 mentioned: "Easy to get to, had service the whole time, fire pits for every spot. I did see a huge blackbear. I didn't see any bathrooms."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Some sites accommodate RVs better than others. A reviewer at Somerset Airfield noted: "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 Trailers that can't get into smaller sites."
Limited amenities: RVers should prepare for truly primitive camping. As one camper at Branch Pond on National Forest Hwy observed: "No public bathrooms, no hookups, I personally didn't have service."
Seasonal limitations: Winter camping with RVs requires extra preparation. A winter camper at Somerset Airfield warned about extreme conditions: "We endured Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8 inches 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 for this morning."
