Best Dispersed Camping near Townshend Lake

Looking for the best campgrounds near Townshend Lake, VT? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Townshend Lake is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Townshend Lake and user-submitted reviews.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Townshend Lake (16)

    1. Somerset Airfield

    6 Reviews
    West Dover, VT
    16 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."

    2. George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Wilmington, VT
    20 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. 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."

    4. Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71

    2 Reviews
    Sunderland, VT
    14 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. "

    5. Stratton Pond Shelter

    1 Review
    Manchester Center, VT
    14 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.  "

    6. NF 83 - riverside

    2 Reviews
    West Dover, VT
    15 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."

    7. Green Mountain National Forest FR71

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

    "Free camping"

    8. NF83 Dispersed site 1

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

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

    10. NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    6 Reviews
    Bennington, VT
    24 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."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Townshend Lake

29 Reviews of 16 Townshend Lake Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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

  • Ricky H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    Not terrible

    Site was littered with places previous campers had left human excrement. While not in the site directly, it was all around it. Also had someone who decided to use the area to sight in his rifle. Which was very unexpected as it was incredibly loud with no warning at all. Was not aware this was a gun range. Tried to flag down a park ranger, but he just drove on by.


Guide to Townshend Lake

Dispersed camping near Townshend Lake in Vermont offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore the beautiful surroundings.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Townshend Lake

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the access to trails near the George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, where you can enjoy scenic views and the tranquility of the forest.
  • Fishing is a popular pastime in the area, especially at Somerset Airfield, which is close to the Somerset Reservoir, providing ample opportunities for anglers.
  • For those who enjoy a peaceful retreat, the NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot offers a quiet environment perfect for relaxation and stargazing.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Townshend Lake in Vermont

  • Always check the road conditions before heading to your chosen site, as some areas like Dispersed Site Along Forest RD 71 can be muddy and challenging to navigate after rain.
  • Be prepared for a lack of amenities; sites such as NF 83 - Riverside do not offer drinking water or trash disposal, so plan to pack out what you bring in.
  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially during peak seasons, as places like Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71 can fill up quickly.

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • The stunning views from Branch Pond on National Forest Hwy make it a great location for photography and enjoying the natural beauty of Vermont.
  • Wildlife watching is abundant in the area, particularly around the Green Mountain National Forest FR71, where you might spot deer, birds, and other local fauna.
  • The nearby rivers and streams provide excellent opportunities for kayaking and canoeing, especially around the NF 83 - Riverside, where you can enjoy the soothing sounds of flowing water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Townshend Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Townshend Lake is Somerset Airfield with a 3.8-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Townshend Lake?

TheDyrt.com has all 16 dispersed camping locations near Townshend Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.