Dispersed camping within the Green Mountain National Forest surrounds the Putney, Vermont region, with multiple free primitive sites available along Forest Service roads. The George D. Aiken Wilderness Dispersed area offers several established primitive sites, while Forest Road 71 and Forest Road 83 contain numerous pull-off camping spots. Somerset Airfield provides a more open dispersed camping area with basic amenities. Most sites are primitive with no facilities beyond fire rings, though a few locations like Somerset Airfield include vault toilets.
Many forest roads in this region require vehicles with higher clearance, particularly after rainfall when muddy conditions can make access challenging. Forest Road 83 sites specifically require at least 8 inches of ground clearance according to camper reports. Camping is free at most locations, with fires permitted at many sites except during seasonal restrictions or fire bans. Campers must pack out all waste as most areas have no trash service, toilets, or drinking water. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, with most sites offering no connectivity.
The dispersed camping areas around Putney provide excellent access to hiking trails, including connections to the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail. Sites along rivers and near Somerset Reservoir offer water recreation opportunities. Stratton Pond Shelter provides a hike-in option for those seeking more remote experiences. The camping experience varies significantly by season, with winter bringing challenging conditions. Campers note the area's tranquility as a major draw. "Different size sites, ATT cell reception. Mostly clean short drive to pond and stores," noted one visitor to the George D Aiken Wilderness area. Another camper reported that Forest Road 83 offers "a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions."
"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."
"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."
"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. "
"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."
"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."
"Free camping"
"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. "
"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."
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.
LegendI'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.
GuideMade the trip on a Friday evening. Set up in freezing drizzle. Not a bad weekend all things considered. Lots of snowmobile traffic, which didn’t bother me. Saturday was the best day by far. Was only one other couple that weekend. Bathrooms were open, but very basic and no water. But grateful nonetheless.
Dispersed camping near Putney, Vermont occurs primarily within the Green Mountain National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 feet. Winter access to most primitive sites requires four-wheel drive vehicles, with temperatures often dropping below 10°F from December through February. The forest contains several interconnected watersheds feeding into the Connecticut River, creating numerous campsites with water access.
Fishing opportunities: Campers staying at Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71 can access Stratton Pond, which one visitor notes is "one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail." The nearby Somerset Reservoir offers additional fishing options within 20 minutes of most dispersed sites.
Winter exploration: The Green Mountain Forest provides extensive snowshoeing terrain. A camper at Stratton Pond Shelter described their experience: "Cold, Snow, Wind, full moon in the middle of the woods with only the people I hiked in with. It was great! The shelter is a 3.75mi hike from the nearest parking lot in winter."
Brewery visits: Several dispersed sites provide easy access to local craft beverage producers. A visitor to Forest Road 71 mentioned: "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."
Escape from technology: Many rustic camping areas around Putney offer true disconnection. A visitor to NF83 Dispersed site 1 appreciates it as "a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions. Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle."
Open gathering spaces: Several sites accommodate group camping. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, one camper noted: "Large open site just off of Forest Road 273," while another observed there were "at least a dozen spots, some very spacious. Only crashed for 1 night but will be coming back to spend a few, this area was excellent!"
Quiet weekday stays: For those seeking solitude, timing matters. A camper at Dispersed Camping Spot shared: "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."
Variable road conditions: Access to primitive camping near Putney requires preparation for rough terrain. A visitor to NF 83 - riverside noted: "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."
Site maintenance issues: Prepare to clean your site upon arrival. A camper at Dispersed site along Forest RD 71 shared: "I would have given 5 stars except for the unfortunate fact that 2 years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Putney, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Putney, VT is Hogback Mtn Trailhead with a 3-star rating from 2 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 17 dispersed camping locations near Putney, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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