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Best Dispersed Camping near North Bennington, VT

32 Reviews

Several dispersed camping areas exist in the Green Mountain National Forest near North Bennington, Vermont. Forest Roads 71, 273, and 83 offer the most accessible primitive sites. NFR 273 provides multiple clearings with established fire rings, though recent reviews indicate increasing popularity. One camper noted, "Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot."

George D. Aiken Wilderness Dispersed camping area features well-spaced sites suitable for both tents and small RVs. Most sites include fire rings and flat parking areas, though road conditions can deteriorate after rainfall. Somerset Airfield offers additional options with the rare amenity of pit toilets, making it popular with families. Road access to most sites requires careful driving, with several areas demanding higher clearance vehicles. The NF 83 riverside location has particularly challenging access, with one review stating, "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8 inches of clearance under your vehicle." Most sites provide no amenities beyond fire rings, and campers must pack out all waste. Cell service is extremely limited throughout the area.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near North Bennington, Vermont (20)

    1. NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    6 Reviews
    Bennington, VT
    9 miles

    "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."

    2. George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Wilmington, VT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "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."

    3. Somerset Airfield

    6 Reviews
    West Dover, VT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 388-4362

    "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."

    4. NF 83 - riverside

    3 Reviews
    West Dover, VT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 362-2307

    "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."

    5. Dispersed site along Forest RD 71

    3 Reviews
    Sunderland, VT
    15 miles

    "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."

    6. Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71

    3 Reviews
    Sunderland, VT
    16 miles

    "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. "

    7. Green Mountain National Forest FR71

    1 Review
    West Dover, VT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "Free camping"

    8. NF83 Dispersed site 1

    1 Review
    West Dover, VT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 362-2307

    "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle.  "

    9. Branch Pond on National Forest Hwy

    1 Review
    Sunderland, VT
    15 miles

    "No public bathrooms, no hookups, I personally didn’t have service."

    10. Stratton Pond Shelter

    1 Review
    Manchester Center, VT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "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.  "

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near North Bennington, VT

43 Photos of 20 North Bennington Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near North Bennington, VT

32 Reviews of 20 North Bennington Campgrounds

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    Ushers Road State Forest

    Trail head

    This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side. The terrain eventually transitions into a low-lying, swampy area, likely due to recent rainfall over the past week.

    About 500 feet down the right-hand trail, there is a smaller path branching off to the left. This leads to a previously used campsite, approximately 200 feet from the main trail. The site includes a stone fire ring, indicating prior use.

    Given that camping is permitted anywhere in the woods as long as it’s at least 150 feet off the trail, the surrounding area offers an abundance of potential camping spots.

  • M.A.D. P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2023

    Somerset Airfield

    Small open park

    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. 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

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Somerset Airfield

    Good stopover location

    Only 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.

  • Natasha T.
    Jun. 6, 2022

    NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    Nice wooded little campsite

    A 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.

  • c H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2023

    George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    Cool Spot!

    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. Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites.

  • SJ W.
    Nov. 1, 2024

    NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    Beautiful but surprisingly crowded

    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. 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.

  • licia S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Somerset Airfield

    No Wifi, Resevoir Beautiful

    Enjoyed 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.

  • Miccal M.
    Jan. 18, 2024

    NF 83 - riverside

    Quiet spot on the river

    I've looked at this spot a few times and it is normally way to wet to camp at, but this time it was frozen.  This is a nice clearing near the river where the road used to cross.

    The access into this location is a little rough but most cars should make it, I would prefer having a little more clearance though just to be sure.  

    Being a primitive site there is only a fire ring here.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2023

    Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71

    NFR 71 Wide Open Site, North End

    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. 

    Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT. 

    Pretty quiet during our stay, plenty of dispersed sites along 71 further south. 

    Only reason for 4 stars is the lack of any long distance views from the site itself. 

    2 bars of USCellular LTE

Guide to North Bennington

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near North Bennington, Vermont, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the great outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Beautiful Spots for Dispersed Campers

  • The George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed area is known for its spacious sites and well-organized camping spots, making it a favorite among visitors looking for a peaceful retreat.
  • At the NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, campers can enjoy a large open site that offers plenty of space and a beautiful natural setting, ideal for quiet nights under the stars.
  • For those who appreciate a more rugged experience, the Dispersed site along Forest RD 71 provides a primitive camping experience with stunning views of the Green Mountains.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near North Bennington, Vermont

  • Always check the road conditions before heading to the Somerset Airfield, as access can be affected by weather, especially during rainy seasons.
  • Bring your own firewood and water, as many dispersed sites, including the NF 83 - riverside, do not provide these amenities, ensuring a more authentic camping experience.
  • Be prepared for limited cell service and no trash disposal at locations like the Stratton Pond Shelter, so plan to pack out what you pack in.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near North Bennington

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bennington, VT?

The Green Mountain National Forest offers several free dispersed camping options near Bennington. Green Mountain National Forest FR71 provides free camping with access to hiking trails including connections to the Appalachian Trail. Another excellent option is George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, where camp spots are well spread out from each other with easy road access. You'll find approximately 10 spots along the access road, and the area is conveniently located within 15 minutes of breweries, distilleries, beautiful lakes, and scenic towns.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in North Bennington?

Dispersed camping in North Bennington follows Green Mountain National Forest regulations. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, you'll need to camp in designated pull-off areas along forest roads. Camping is generally limited to 14 days in a 30-day period. Always practice Leave No Trace principles: pack out all trash, bury human waste 6-8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water sources, and use existing fire rings only. Some areas like Somerset Vt Dispersed on the Deerfield River have restrictions due to private property, so always respect posted signs. Check with the USFS Manchester Ranger District for current fire restrictions.

What seasons are best for dispersed camping in North Bennington, Vermont?

Late spring through early fall (May-October) offers the best conditions for dispersed camping near North Bennington. Summer provides ideal temperatures, though sites like Somerset Airfield can get busy, especially during holiday weekends. Fall brings spectacular foliage but cooler nights. At Downed Bridge Camp, prime spots fill quickly on weekends during peak seasons. Late fall can be challenging due to wet conditions—sites along NF 83 - riverside are often too wet to camp except during dry periods or winter when the ground is frozen. Most forest roads are not maintained during winter, making access difficult or impossible.

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