Primitive camping near Townshend, Vermont offers campers secluded backcountry experiences within the Green Mountain National Forest. Access to these dispersed sites typically requires travel on unpaved forest roads that can deteriorate after rainfall or during spring thaw. Winter temperatures in this region can drop to single digits with significant snowfall accumulation, making seasonal preparation essential for overnight stays.
What to do
Paddling on Somerset Reservoir: Located near Somerset Airfield, the reservoir provides excellent kayaking and swimming opportunities. "Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and reservoir- saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping," notes one visitor who appreciated the recreational options available just minutes from camp.
Hiking to Stratton Pond: The Stratton Pond Shelter area sits at the intersection of three major 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," explains a winter hiker who visited the junction of the Appalachian Trail, Long Trail and Stratton Mountain trail.
Stargazing opportunities: The remote location of dispersed sites offers exceptional night sky viewing. At NF83 Dispersed site, a camper observed it was "a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions," making it ideal for astronomy enthusiasts seeking dark skies away from town light sources.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed area receives positive feedback for site spacing. "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," mentions one camper who appreciated the separation between camping areas.
Riverside camping options: Many dispersed sites offer proximity to streams or rivers. At NF 83 - riverside, a visitor described finding "a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit" positioned "peacefully along the bends of the river," providing both scenic views and the relaxing sound of flowing water.
Well-built fire rings: Despite minimal amenities, campers note the quality of established fire areas at many sites. "The spot I chose had a beautifully built fire pit," reports a visitor to George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, highlighting the care taken with this essential primitive camping feature.
What you should know
Vehicle clearance requirements: Forest roads accessing these sites often require appropriate vehicles. For NF83, a reviewer warns: "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle," indicating the challenging terrain encountered on some access roads.
Site conditions vary seasonally: Dispersed camping areas around Townshend can become waterlogged after rain. At Dispersed site along Forest RD 71, one camper found "this particular campsite is very muddy. Well, at least today it is. I have an SUV and I didn't trust it to get through, and I didn't want to get stuck."
Pack-out requirements: All trash must be packed out, and some sites show evidence of improper waste disposal. One visitor noted having to "spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us," underscoring the importance of following leave-no-trace principles.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection timing: Arriving during daylight hours improves your chance of securing preferred spots. At NF 83 - riverside, a camper advises "if you get there while its still sunlight you can pick a spot by a flowing stream/river," which offers both recreational opportunities and natural white noise for sleeping.
Crowd fluctuations: Holiday weekends bring increased traffic to otherwise quiet areas. A visitor at Somerset Airfield reported that during a Fourth of July weekend, the area "was rowdy during the holiday with illegal fireworks set off every night over the dry forest," suggesting families might prefer non-holiday timing.
Shelter options for hikers: Families hiking with older children might consider the shelters at Stratton Pond. The site includes "2 tent platforms, 2 outhouses and at least 16 bunk spaces in the shelter," providing multiple accommodation options for groups with various needs.
Tips from RVers
Suitable alternatives: For RVs unable to access rougher forest roads, Hogback Mtn Trailhead provides "a large open lot at top of paved highway pass" that's "great for any number of rigs" when seeking an overnight stopping point.
Somerset Airfield accessibility: This area accommodates larger vehicles better than some alternative forest sites. One camper notes it "is probably good for people who camp with RVs or Trailers that can't get into smaller sites," making it worth considering for those with larger setups.
Road condition monitoring: Recent rainfall significantly impacts access for larger vehicles. The swampy conditions affect entrances to sites, with one camper advising: "The left side of the drive in is swampy so be sure to not drift to that side," highlighting the need for careful driving even in established dispersed areas.
