17 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Green Mountain National Forest offers several dispersed camping options surrounding Marlboro, Vermont. Most sites are located along Forest Road 71 and Forest Road 83, with the George D. Aiken Wilderness area providing some of the highest-rated primitive camping in the region. These sites typically feature fire rings but no other amenities—no drinking water, toilets, or trash service.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area. While some sites like Somerset Airfield can be accessed by most vehicles, others require higher clearance. Forest Road 83 sites present particular challenges, with one camper noting "the road into the site was pretty rough" with "bigger rocks" that might pose problems for vehicles with lower ground clearance. The primitive sites along the Deerfield River offer scenic camping but check for restrictions, as one visitor reported "no camping signs all along road." The 14-day camping limit applies throughout the national forest, with sites generally available year-round, though winter access requires preparation for snow and ice conditions.
"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."
"Lots of bugs (horseflies, knots and mosquitoes) no shade so be prepared if it’s hot. Hogback Mt gift shop and museum across street must stop. Trailhead for fire tower next to distillery."
"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."
"A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."
"Went 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."
"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."
"Just about what you would expect in a national forest. Nice dirt road without too many potholes."
"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."
"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. "
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.
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.
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.
GuideTons of different styles of camping spots (if you get there while its still sunlight you can pick a spot by a flowing stream/river). No public bathrooms, no hookups, I personally didn’t have service.
ScoutI originally was scheduled to be working the whole weekend but ended up getting the time off and rushed to somewhere I could camp on the fourth. I got in around the afternoon and there were already a few camp sites taken. Which is to be expected on the fourth. I left on the 6th and it does seem that there’s a continuous flow of people in and out of the sites but for the most part it’s quiet and you can’t hear your neighbors. Law enforcement does drive by about once or twice a day which is nice. There is probably 4-5 usable sites. There are a few spots that someone could back a trailer into but I drive a hatchback so take that information as you will. It also looks to be that there are at least 2-3 sites that have become overgrown unclear if they are official sites or just large pull offs. Be wary in a small car that many of the entrances to the sites are either muddy and deeply rutted or a combination of steep and rutted out. Great place would definitely come back in the fall
Green Mountain National Forest provides extensive free camping near Marlboro, Vermont through a series of primitive dispersed sites. The area features elevation changes from 1,500 to 2,500 feet with mixed hardwood and conifer forests. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below 0°F, while summer brings moderate 70-80°F days with cooler nights.
Hiking to ponds: Access multiple pond trails from dispersed sites along Forest Road 71. "Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT," notes a camper at Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. One camper at Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71 reported, "I did see a huge blackbear," indicating the presence of large mammals in the area.
Water recreation: Somerset Reservoir provides fishing, swimming, and paddling options within a short drive of most sites. A visitor at Somerset Airfield "Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and reservoir—saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping."
Privacy between sites: Certain areas offer more seclusion than others. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, campers appreciate the "Quaint dispersed camping spot. Peaceful and quiet dispersed camping spot. Large enough for 2-3 vehicles or one large rig/RV."
Star gazing: The remote location provides excellent night sky viewing. One winter visitor to NF83 Dispersed site 1 noted it was "a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions."
Multiple site options: Forest Road 71 offers numerous camping locations. A camper observed "at least a dozen spots, some very spacious" at NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, adding "Only crashed for 1 night but will be coming back to spend a few, this area was excellent!"
Ground clearance requirements: Some forest roads require higher clearance vehicles. A reviewer at NF 83 - riverside noted "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!"
Site maintenance varies: Pack-in/pack-out is required as no services are provided. One camper at Dispersed site along Forest RD 71 mentioned, "2 years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us."
Seasonal conditions: Spring can bring very muddy conditions on access roads. A visitor commented about one site, "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."
Larger gathering spaces: Some sites accommodate multiple tents or vehicles. At George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, campers find "Large, well organized camping spots along the road" with a visitor noting their chosen spot "had a beautifully built fire pit."
Proximity to water: Sites near streams provide entertainment for children. One camper described NF 83 - riverside as "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!"
Weather preparedness: Temperature swings can be significant even in summer. Be prepared for varying conditions as demonstrated by winter campers who "endured Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday."
Site selection for larger vehicles: Some areas accommodate RVs better than others. A reviewer noted Somerset Airfield "is probably good for people who camp with RVs or Trailers that can't get into smaller sites."
Cell service considerations: Coverage varies throughout the forest. At Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71, a camper reported "2 bars of USCellular LTE," while others report no signal in many areas.
Leveling: Look for naturally flat areas as no improved pads exist. At Statton Pond Camp, an RVer found "The site was very flat and could accommodate several small campers."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Marlboro, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Marlboro, VT is George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed with a 4.6-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Marlboro, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 dispersed camping locations near Marlboro, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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