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.
What to do
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."
What campers like
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!"
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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."
