Green Mountain National Forest offers numerous primitive dispersed camping sites north of West Pawlet, Vermont. The forest spans 400,000 acres across central and southern Vermont, with elevations ranging from 260 to 4,000 feet. While Forest Road 71 serves as a primary camping corridor, several other forest roads provide access to more secluded sites, with some requiring navigation through rutted terrain during wet periods.
What to do
Swim in forest lakes: Somerset Reservoir is located just up the road from Somerset Airfield camping area. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Reservoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," notes camper M.A.D. P.
Hike to mountain ponds: The Stratton-Arlington corridor offers multiple trail options. At Stratton Pond Shelter, one camper explains: "Great location at the intersection of AT, LT and Stratton Mountain trail... The lake looks great and is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail."
Explore local towns: The George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed area puts you close to nearby communities. One visitor shares that "Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites."
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: NF 83 - riverside offers natural water features. "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!" writes one camper. Another adds that it's "a nice clearing near the river where the road used to cross."
Open communal sites: For those seeking group camping, Somerset Airfield provides larger spaces. "It is probably good for people who camp with RVs or Trailers that can't get into smaller sites," notes one regular visitor to the area.
Well-built fire rings: Proper campfire setups are common at many sites. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, campers report "Two fire rings set up: a large one and a small cooking one." Similarly, at George D Aiken, one visitor appreciated "a beautifully built fire pit."
What you should know
Site availability varies seasonally: Peak periods can fill quickly at popular areas. At Downed Bridge Camp, a camper warns: "Note that fills quickly on a weekend. But don't worry there is primitive camping starting about a mile down fire road 10..."
Road conditions change with weather: Access routes require careful navigation. One camper at NF 83 cautions: "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."
Limited cellular coverage: Communication options are restricted. At Statton Pond Camp, one visitor reports "2 bars of USCellular LTE," while at Somerset Airfield, another notes "AT&T service at bridge prior to camp- short walk. SOS only in camp."
Cleanliness varies by site: Some locations require cleanup. At George D Aiken, one review mentioned a site "was littered with places previous campers had left human excrement." At other sites, campers report having to "spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us."
Tips for camping with families
Arrive during daylight: Finding ideal spots requires good visibility. As one Downed Bridge Camp visitor advises, "If you're looking for the ideal spot to stay a few days make sure you show in daylight so you can explore."
Consider noise levels: Some areas experience unexpected activity. At Somerset Airfield, a camper reported that "Weekend was interrupted by a domestic violence situation a few sites downbeat resulted in fights and someone shooting off a handgun."
Look for stream-adjacent sites: Water features can enhance family camping. At Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71, one camper notes it was "quiet during our overnight stay other than a car or two on Stratton-Arlington Rd. There weren't many mosquitoes either."
Tips for RVers
Check clearance requirements: Forest roads vary in condition. At Road's End Dispersed Camp, a visitor notes "The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles."
Select proper site size: Some areas accommodate larger vehicles better. At Somerset Airfield, a reviewer explains it has "Flat levels and people able to fit their campers. Campers near us said there are more sites if you pass the airfield that are more spread out."
Prepare for wet conditions: Seasonal moisture affects many sites. At NFR 273, one RVer shared: "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."
