Dispersed camping near West Dover, Vermont encompasses several primitive sites within the Green Mountain National Forest. Most dispersed camping areas lie along Forest Roads 71, 83, and 273, where campers can find free primitive sites with established fire rings but minimal other amenities. The George D. Aiken Wilderness offers additional dispersed camping opportunities with sites spaced along access roads. Somerset Airfield provides a more open setting with some sites featuring access to streams and proximity to Somerset Reservoir for paddling and fishing activities.
Forest road conditions vary significantly throughout the region. Many access routes require higher clearance vehicles, particularly for sites along NF-83 where reviews mention at least 8 inches of ground clearance is necessary. FR-71 generally offers better access but still consists of unpaved dirt roads. Some camping areas become extremely wet after rainfall, with multiple reviews mentioning difficulty finding dry spots during rainy periods. None of these primitive sites offer drinking water, trash service, or hookups. Only Somerset Airfield provides pit toilets, while all other locations require campers to practice proper waste disposal. Most sites permit campfires in established rings.
The dispersed camping experience in this region provides excellent access to outdoor recreation while maintaining a remote feel. Proximity to hiking trails, including portions of the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail, makes these sites popular with hikers. Somerset Reservoir offers paddling and fishing opportunities nearby. Cell service is limited throughout the area, with one camper noting "spotty service" and another mentioning "2 bars of USCellular LTE" at certain locations. Winter camping is possible but challenging due to snow and ice conditions. "I've looked at this spot a few times and it is normally way too wet to camp at, but this time it was frozen," noted one winter camper at the NF-83 riverside site. Another visitor described the experience as "great location with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions."
"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."
"We brought our school bus down the dirt road just fine and backed right in. They also have fireplaces which was nice!"
"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."
"We stayed at one near the creek just over a little bridge. Cute little site, nice fire pit, clean, perfect rock to put a big water jug on. The sound of running water was soothing."
"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."
"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. "
"Great little dispersed camping area off Forest Road 71 in West Dover, Vermont."
"Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle. "
ScoutIt was dark. I arrived after 7p. There were 3 rv camps already going on. All 3 had camp fires. Many fire rings for many groups. No hassles at all. It's off the beaten path but worth it. The first 4 camp sites were open. Made a fire. Ate some food. I got a good night sleep. Nothing ate me or attacked me so that's 5 star in my book.
TravelerLots of beautiful spots to pick from but be careful some are a bit muddy. We brought our school bus down the dirt road just fine and backed right in. They also have fireplaces which was nice!
GuideWent with a friend on an impromptu last minute camping trip up in the NF and hoped we could find a spot on a Friday night. Quite a few spots were taken but there were still some free ones. We stayed at one near the creek just over a little bridge. Cute little site, nice fire pit, clean, perfect rock to put a big water jug on. The sound of running water was soothing. In the morning, adorable little red squirrels with big personalities made themselves known and there were wildflowers blooming all over with hummingbirds going about their business. This is dispersed camping so there’s no rest rooms, running water, etc. The particular site we stayed at did have another site on the other side of the creek and we could hear the family during the day and see them as they walked past, so it wasn’t as isolated as some of the other sites. It was a cute spot and I’ll def be back.
TravelerThis is a good spot if you don’t mind being social. The main camping area is a large grassy opening where multiple people park and camp together, and there is a bathroom, but there isn’t much privacy between sites. If you continue farther down the forest road, there are several smaller pull-offs with much more private dispersed camping spots. I’d recommend checking those out if you’re looking for a quieter experience.
TravelerMy 2008 Prius handled the road with ease. Sites were spaced out. There was hiking at the end of the road but not too much space to wander around from the sites given the road’s high speed limit. Sites had fire pits and that was it. Very quiet and fairly accessible from society. Given the lack of free camping in the southern northeast this spot is a gem!
GuideI selected a semi shaded site about 25 feet off the road about 2 miles in. There are many sites but you may have to look as a lot are overgrown. I am glad I selected the site I did as it stayed “dry” through 48 hrs of torrential downpours. I had very few problems with the bugs: have a nice smoky fire…best repellant out there!
GuideSo peaceful and serene
GuideI had many sites to choose from. Definitely remote and private.
ScoutOnly about 7-8 spots to camp but super spread out down a gravel road. I pulled in at 8 ish and grabbed the last or one of the last spots. Super quiet and out of the way
Dispersed camping near West Dover, Vermont offers multiple free sites within the Green Mountain National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,200 feet. Winter temperatures typically range from 5°F to 30°F with summer temperatures between 50°F and 85°F. Many campers report challenging access conditions after rainfall with limited cell service throughout the forest road network.
Explore Somerset Reservoir: Access paddling and fishing from Somerset Airfield where campers can launch boats at the nearby reservoir. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Reservoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," notes one visitor.
Hike portions of the Appalachian Trail: From Stratton Pond Shelter, access both the AT and Long Trail system. "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. The lake looks great and is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail."
Visit local breweries: Several craft beverage destinations surround the Forest Road 71 area. "Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites," reports a camper at George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed.
Spacious sites: George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed offers unusually large camping areas. "Large, well organized camping spots along the road. The spot I chose had a beautifully built fire pit," explains one camper. Another notes, "The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on."
Privacy between sites: Most areas along Forest Road 273 provide sufficient separation between campsites. "Peaceful and quiet dispersed camping spot. Large enough for 2-3 vehicles or one large rig/RV. Very few vehicles pass, some days none," reports one visitor at the NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot.
Night sky viewing: The lack of light pollution creates exceptional stargazing opportunities. A camper at NF83 Dispersed site 1 describes it as "a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions."
Weather impacts site conditions: Many sites become unusable during wet periods. At Dispersed site along Forest RD 71, a camper noted: "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."
Vehicle clearance requirements: Several areas demand higher clearance vehicles. For NF83 Dispersed site 1, a camper warns, "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle."
Site maintenance varies: User experiences differ based on previous campers. "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," reports a regular at Dispersed site along Forest RD 71.
Pack extra supplies: Free camping near West Dover requires complete self-sufficiency. Reviewers consistently mention limited access to services and supplies. "No garbage service, no water, no cell service. Basically a camp site where you can share a fire with the neighbors," notes a camper at Somerset Airfield.
Check site conditions: Several family campsites become problematic after rain. "It had rained a lot prior to our arrival, and several sites were damp. We found a perfect site off the road on the right side," shares a family camper at George D Aiken Wilderness.
Consider noise levels: Hogback Mtn Trailhead provides easier access but less seclusion. "Great place to stop for the night. Not a lot of ambiance, but plenty of room for any number of rigs," reports one visitor.
Site selection for trailers: The more open areas provide better options for larger vehicles. "This really is just a grass strip next to FR71 with a bunch of sites and a pit house. It is probably good for people who camp with RVs or Trailers that can't get into smaller sites," explains a camper at Somerset Airfield.
Road conditions matter: Access to remote free camping requires careful route planning. "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," shares an RVer at NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot.
Winter preparation essential: For cold-weather RVing, Somerset Airfield provides accessible winter options. "We endured Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday, and our main Roadhouse down from the weight of the snow. The stakes didn't hold in the frozen ground. So, we tied them to the trees and our cars."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near West Dover, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near West Dover, VT is George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed with a 4.7-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near West Dover, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 dispersed camping locations near West Dover, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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