The Green Mountain National Forest surrounding Weston, Vermont contains numerous primitive camping options accessible via forest roads 71, 83, and several wilderness areas. Elevations range from 1,200 to 2,500 feet throughout these dispersed sites, affecting both temperature and road conditions. Winter camping requires specialized equipment as temperatures regularly drop below 10°F with significant snowfall accumulation.
What to do
Hiking to wilderness shelters: Stratton Pond Shelter offers backcountry accommodations for those willing to make the journey. "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," reports hiker Miccal M. of Stratton Pond Shelter.
Fishing and paddling: Somerset Reservoir provides excellent water recreation options near the primitive camping spots. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Reservoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," notes a camper at Somerset Airfield.
Winter sports access: The forest roads provide excellent snowmobile access during winter months. "We endured Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday, and our main Roadhouse down from the weight of the snow," shared a winter camper who tied their tent stakes to trees and cars when the frozen ground wouldn't hold them.
What campers like
Remote location privacy: Many campers appreciate the isolation of these sites. "This primitive spot is a little more than a clearing with a fire pit. But what a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions," writes a visitor to NF83 Dispersed Site 1, noting the site requires at least 8 inches of vehicle clearance.
River proximity: Several sites feature streamside locations. "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!" describes a camper at NF 83 Riverside, though they caution about swampy conditions on one side of the access road.
Fire pit quality: Many sites feature well-constructed fire rings. "The spot I chose had a beautifully built fire pit," notes a camper at George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed. Another camper at Branch Pond mentioned "Tons of different styles of camping spots (if you get there while its still sunlight you can pick a spot by a flowing stream/river)."
What you should know
Ground conditions vary seasonally: Wet conditions affect site availability throughout the year. "It had rained a lot prior to our arrival, and several sites were damp. We found a perfect site off the road on the right side," reports a visitor to George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed. Another camper noted "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."
Varying vehicle requirements: Forest roads demand different clearance levels. The road to NF 83 Riverside was described as "a little rough but most cars should make it, I would prefer having a little more clearance though just to be sure," while NF83 Dispersed Site 1 requires "more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle."
Limited facilities: Most sites provide only fire rings. "The only thing you will find at this primitive site is a fire ring," notes a camper at Downed Bridge Camp. Somerset Airfield provides the most amenities with "a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service."
Tips for camping with families
Arrive during daylight: Finding an ideal site requires good visibility. "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," advises a visitor to Downed Bridge Camp, adding "If you're lucky enough to get the last spot on the road it's epic."
Pack out waste properly: Improper human waste disposal has been reported. One camper noted a site "was littered with places previous campers had left human excrement. While not in the site directly, it was all around it." Always bring waste bags and proper disposal equipment.
Consider site spacing: Some areas offer more separation between campsites. At George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, "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." Another camper noted they found a site "off the road by 100 feet or so. It made it more private."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Somerset Airfield provides more open spaces. "It is probably good for people who camp with RVs or Trailor's that can't get into smaller sites," mentions a camper at Road's End Dispersed Camp, suggesting RVers might prefer alternative locations.
Weekend crowding considerations: Holiday weekends see increased use. One visitor observed: "Campsites are listed as disbursed but there are only 7 trees to separate 9 camp sites." Another noted that sites "fill quickly on a weekend. But don't worry there is primitive camping starting about a mile down fire road 10."
Weather planning essential: Primitive camping near Weston requires preparation for sudden changes. A winter camper described how "temperatures plummeted to 8° and a windchill of -3... Everything crusted was over with a good inch of ice." Even with proper equipment, they reported "I was sure camp was going to be blown apart."
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