Best Dispersed Camping near Pownal, VT

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Pownal. Pownal is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Discover great camping spots near Pownal, reviewed by campers like you.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Pownal, Vermont (20)

    1. NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    6 Reviews
    Bennington, VT
    10 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
    13 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
    18 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. Green Mountain National Forest FR71

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

    "Free camping"

    5. NF 83 - riverside

    2 Reviews
    West Dover, VT
    20 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."

    6. Dispersed site along Forest RD 71

    3 Reviews
    Sunderland, VT
    23 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."

    7. NF83 Dispersed site 1

    1 Review
    West Dover, VT
    20 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. Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71

    2 Reviews
    Sunderland, VT
    24 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. "

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Pownal, VT

32 Reviews of 20 Pownal 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.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.


Guide to Pownal

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Pownal, Vermont, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of sites nestled in the Green Mountain National Forest, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a peaceful escape while exploring the great outdoors.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Pownal

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Somerset Airfield

  • The Somerset Airfield provides a unique camping experience with easy access to the Somerset Reservoir, perfect for fishing and kayaking.
  • This site features a mix of open spaces and wooded areas, allowing for a variety of camping setups, whether you prefer a tent or an RV.
  • Be prepared for a lively atmosphere, as this area can attract fellow campers, making it a great spot for socializing around the fire.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Pownal, Vermont

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Pownal, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Pownal, VT is NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Pownal, VT?

TheDyrt.com has all 20 dispersed camping locations near Pownal, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.