Best Dispersed Camping near West Dover, VT
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."
