Dispersed camping near Sunderland, Vermont takes place in the southern portion of Green Mountain National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 2,500 feet. Winter temperatures commonly drop below freezing from November through March, with summer days averaging 70-80°F. The forest contains over 40 primitive campsites along unpaved forest roads, most located within clearings requiring varying levels of vehicle clearance.
What to do
Fishing at Somerset Reservoir: Access the 1,600-acre reservoir from sites near Somerset Airfield for excellent fishing opportunities. "Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and reservoir - saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping. It's been quiet and peaceful," notes camper Licia S.
Hiking to wilderness shelters: Trek 3.75 miles from parking to reach Stratton Pond Shelter, where trails connect to both the Appalachian and Long Trails. "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 Miccal M.
Winter camping adventures: Experience winter camping at Somerset Airfield where campers report unique conditions. "Well, that was an experience! Met some friends Friday night at the Somerset Airfield for a weekend of camping. We endured Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday," shares Miccal M.
What campers like
Solitude and darkness: Many sites offer complete disconnection from modern distractions. At NF83 Dispersed site 1, one camper appreciated that it was "a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions."
Multiple camping options along single roads: Forest Road 71 offers numerous sites with varying features. At Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71, camper Andy M. found "a great site. I couldn't believe that the site was not being used at all, especially just a couple of days before Fourth of July weekend."
Established fire rings at most sites: Nearly all dispersed camping areas feature stone fire rings. At one site along FR 71, Tim M. noted an "open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center."
What you should know
Road conditions vary seasonally: Many access roads become impassable after rainfall. Regarding the NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, camper SJ W. shared: "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."
Wildlife encounters are common: Bears have been spotted at multiple sites. At Statton Pond Camp, camper Brendan M. reported: "Easy to get to, had service the whole time, fire pits for every spot. I did see a huge blackbear."
Seasonal closures affect access: Some areas close temporarily due to weather or road conditions. One camper at NFR 273 noted: "The entrance to the road had a sign that said 'road closed ahead'. We chanced it and was able to find a really nice open spot right before the road closure."
Tips for camping with families
Check site spacing for privacy: Some areas offer more separation between sites than others. A visitor to George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed observed: "The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on."
Consider bug density by location: Wooded sites tend to have more insects than open areas. At NFR 273, camper Natasha T. warned: "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."
Look for sites with stream access: Children enjoy waterside camping spots. Thomas and James S. found at NF 83 riverside: "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!"
Tips from RVers
Vehicle clearance requirements: High-clearance vehicles are needed for many sites. For NF83 Dispersed site 1, Miccal M. advises: "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle."
Somerset Airfield for larger rigs: This area accommodates bigger camping setups. Miccal M. notes it "is probably good for people who camp with RVs or Trailor's that can't get into smaller sites."
Consider Forest Road conditions: Unpaved roads may limit RV access. Kevin C. reports at Somerset Airfield: "Only the first section of the campground was open due to flooding. As a result, there were puddles everywhere."
