Dispersed camping locations near Readsboro, Vermont range in elevation from 1,500 to 2,800 feet across the Green Mountain National Forest. Winter temperatures can drop below zero Fahrenheit, while summer highs typically reach the mid-70s. Road conditions vary significantly across seasons, with spring mud season (March-May) making many primitive sites temporarily inaccessible to standard vehicles.
What to do
Reservoir recreation: At Somerset Airfield, the nearby Somerset Reservoir provides multiple outdoor activities. "Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and reservoir - saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping," notes camper Licia S., who stayed on a weekday morning when the area was quieter and more peaceful.
Winter camping: For those seeking off-season experiences, Somerset Airfield offers unique winter camping opportunities. One camper detailed their experience: "We endured Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday... Saturday evening, we had 3" more by 11pm. Then temperatures plummeted to 8° and a windchill of -3."
Hiking access: Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71 provides excellent trail connections. According to Tim M., there's "good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT." This northern location on Forest Road 71 offers multiple trail options without requiring vehicle relocation.
What campers like
Quiet forest settings: NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot provides peaceful woodland camping. One reviewer noted it as a "quaint dispersed camping spot. Peaceful and quiet... Very few vehicles pass, some days none. Two fire rings set up: a large one and a small cooking one."
Flat, organized spaces: Many primitive sites feature well-established areas. At NF83 Dispersed site 1, a camper described it as "a little more than a clearing with a fire pit. But what a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions."
Accessibility options: Campsites vary in vehicle access requirements. At Statton Pond Camp, Andy M. found "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."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access varies significantly between dispersed camping areas. At NF 83 - riverside, reviewers caution that "the beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks" and that they "would prefer having a little more clearance though just to be sure."
Site maintenance: Camper responsibility for site cleanup is essential. At Dispersed site along Forest RD 71, one camper 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 variations: Many sites become inaccessible during certain times. One reviewer at NFR 273 noted they "had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot... Many pull offs but a lot were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose larger, more established sites when camping with children. At Dispersed site along Forest RD 71, Kirk C. advises selecting "a more sunny and open spot with less trees" if conditions are wet, noting "this particular campsite is very muddy... I didn't want to get stuck."
Wildlife awareness: Somerset Airfield sites have more open terrain with less wildlife encroachment than densely wooded locations. One camper described the main area as "a strip of land with several campsites and fire pits... with little to no shade."
Insect preparedness: Densely wooded sites often have more insects. At NFR 273, a camper reported "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."
Tips from RVers
Alternative parking: Hogback Mtn Trailhead provides an accessible overnight option for larger vehicles. Boulder T. describes it as a "large open lot at top of paved highway pass. Great place to stop for the night. Not a lot of ambiance, but plenty of room for any number of rigs."
Clearance requirements: Multiple primitive camping areas require substantial vehicle clearance. At NF83 Dispersed site 1, a reviewer warns, "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle."
Seasonal availability: Many dispersed sites around Readsboro become unusable for RVs during mud season. At NFR 273, one camper reported seeing a "road closed ahead" sign but "chanced it and was able to find a really nice open spot right before the road closure."
