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Dispersed camping opportunities exist within Green Mountain National Forest near Vernon, Vermont, offering free primitive campsites across forest roads and undeveloped areas for backcountry campers. The George D. Aiken Wilderness Dispersed area receives positive reviews and features several established sites along forest access roads. Additional options include Somerset Airfield, Forest Road 71, NFR 273, and riverside locations along NF 83, all located within the national forest system.
Access conditions vary significantly between sites. Most forest roads require careful navigation, with many campers noting the need for vehicles with higher clearance on roads like NF 83. Somerset Airfield provides more accessible camping with relatively flat sites and basic vault toilets, while other areas offer no amenities beyond established fire rings. Camping is permitted for up to 14 days in most locations. Fire restrictions apply seasonally, with some sites allowing campfires in established rings while others prohibit them completely. No drinking water, trash service, or restroom facilities are available at most primitive sites, requiring visitors to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.
The camping areas provide varying levels of seclusion and natural surroundings. Several sites near Somerset Reservoir offer water access and recreational opportunities. Sites along George D. Aiken Wilderness road tend to be well-spaced with relatively flat tent pads and established fire rings. Visitors note the area's quiet atmosphere but advise preparation for primitive conditions. "Different size sites, ATT cell reception. Mostly clean short drive to pond and stores," reported one visitor to the George D. Aiken area. Another camper described Somerset Airfield as having "several campsites and fire pits... with little to no shade. Some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park." Light pollution is minimal at most locations, though weekend crowding can occur at more accessible sites during summer months.
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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. "
"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."
"Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle. "
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 Vernon, Vermont offers primitive campsites throughout Green Mountain National Forest where temperatures average 45-75°F in summer and drop below freezing in winter. Forest roads typically open May through October, with seasonal closures due to snow and mud season conditions. Several backcountry sites provide riverside settings for rustic camping experiences.
Fishing access: Somerset Reservoir provides excellent fishing opportunities a short distance from Somerset Airfield campsites. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Reservoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," reports one camper.
Hiking trails: Access the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail system from Statton Pond Camp dispersed sites. "Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT," notes a visitor who gave the location 4 stars.
Local exploration: Find breweries and distilleries within a 15-minute drive of several dispersed camping areas. A camper at George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed notes, "Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites."
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing between primitive sites at George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed area. "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," reports one visitor.
River access: Sites near running water are highly valued. A camper at NF 83 - riverside describes their experience: "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!"
Open clearing camping: Larger groups favor the spacious sites at Forest Road 71. "Easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center," notes a camper who stayed at Statton Pond Camp.
Road conditions: Many forest roads require vehicles with good clearance. A visitor to NF 83 notes: "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 cleanliness varies: Some locations suffer from previous campers leaving trash. A visitor to Dispersed site along Forest RD 71 reported: "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."
Seasonal mud issues: Spring thaw and heavy rain periods create challenging conditions. One camper noted about Forest Road 71: "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."
Cell service availability: Limited connectivity exists at certain sites. At Statton Pond Camp, one camper reported "2 bars of USCellular LTE," while another noted Somerset sites have "SOS only in camp. Another camper told me Starlink works here."
Fire safety protocols: Be prepared for changing fire regulations. Sites typically have established fire rings, but regulations can change during dry periods. As one NFR 273 camper notes: "Large open site just off of Forest Road 273" with established fire rings, but check current restrictions before lighting fires.
Weekend crowding: Plan for busier conditions on holidays. A Somerset Airfield camper reports: "Westford there last weekend. Got up on a Friday with plenty of spots," but notes it became very busy by the weekend with "10 spaces between the bathrooms."
Flat parking areas: NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot provides suitable pull-offs for larger vehicles. "Large enough for 2-3 vehicles or one large rig/RV," notes a visitor who gave the site 5 stars.
Clearance requirements: Forest roads often have rough sections requiring careful navigation. An NF 83 visitor cautions: "The beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks we have substantial ground clearance so no issues there but smaller ground clearances may feel a bump or two!"
Airfield alternatives: When looking for primitive campsites near Vernon, Vermont that accommodate larger vehicles, consider Somerset Airfield. "It is probably good for people who camp with RVs or Trailers that can't get into smaller sites," explains a frequent visitor, though they suggest more secluded options if your vehicle can access them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Vernon, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Vernon, VT is Hogback Mtn Trailhead with a 3-star rating from 2 reviews.
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