Dispersed camping options in Green Mountain National Forest provide free accommodations near West Windsor, Vermont at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 feet. Most campsites sit along unpaved Forest Service roads that cut through mixed hardwood forests. Late summer and early fall camping offers moderate temperatures averaging 60-75°F during day and 45-55°F at night.
What to do
Explore Somerset Reservoir: Located near Somerset Airfield, this large body of water offers excellent fishing, paddling and hiking opportunities. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Resevoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," notes camper M.A.D. P.
Visit swimming holes: The Austin Brook area provides access to natural swimming spots near camping sites. "There's a few sites here! All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings," says Thomas and James S. who stayed at Austin Brook. Another camper mentioned Warren Falls swimming hole is located nearby.
Hike interconnected trail systems: From Stratton Pond Shelter, access multiple trail networks. "Great location at the intersection of AT, LT and Stratton Mountain trail," writes Miccal M. about his winter camping experience at the site. The 3.75-mile hike in winter accesses shelter space and tent platforms.
What campers like
Mountain views from open meadows: FR207 sites offer panoramic vistas from elevated positions. "In the first large meadow, multiple fire rings / sites. Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests," writes Tim M. about Green Mountain National Forest FR207. Another camper noted, "Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles."
Riverside camping: Many campers value sites along brooks and streams. "There are walk in sites behind these that have easy river access," explains Miccal M. about Somerset Airfield. At Texas Falls Primitive Campsites, J W. reports, "Past the gate at the end of the Texas Falls recreation area we found several sites with only a fire pit along the brook. Brook water filtered fine and was tasty."
Seclusion at end-of-road sites: Campers appreciate the remoteness of certain locations. "If you're lucky enough to get the last spot on the road it's epic," states Caitlin K. about Downed Bridge Camp. Similarly, at Last Light on Michigan Brook, Thomas and James S. advise, "The very last spot on the right hand side. If you've reached the closed gate you've missed the site!"
What you should know
Variable road conditions: Access roads require appropriate vehicles depending on weather. "This is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance," warns Miccal M. about FR207. Another camper noted, "The road gets soft during mud season."
Limited facilities: Most sites offer minimal amenities. At George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, campers find "Large, well organized camping spots along the road. The spot I chose had a beautifully built fire pit," according to Tam E. However, most primitive sites only include fire rings.
Increased usage concerns: Some areas experience heavy use during peak times. "Only the first section of the campground was open due to flooding. As a result, there were puddles everywhere," reports Kevin C. about Somerset Airfield. Another camper noted domestic disputes at the same location, stating "Took state police over 50 minutes to respond and multiple families left."
Tips for camping with families
Select sites near water features: Families appreciate locations with natural entertainment. "We followed the river all the way to the very end of the road up on the mountain," describes Amanda about her experience at FR207. Another camper mentioned, "The lake looks great and is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail."
Look for established facilities: Some areas offer basic amenities. At Texas Falls Primitive Campsites, J W. appreciated the "Relatively short walk to waterless toilets." The site features "2 tent platforms, 2 outhouses and at least 16 bunk spaces in the shelter" according to another camper.
Arrive early for prime spots: Competition for the best sites increases on weekends. "Note that fills quickly on a weekend. But don't worry there is primitive camping starting about a mile down fire road 10," advises Caitlin K. about Downed Bridge Camp.
Tips from RVers
Choose flatter, accessible areas: RVers need sites with appropriate clearance and space. At Road's End Dispersed Camp, Miccal M. found "The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles." He also noted Somerset Airfield "is probably good for people who camp with RVs or Trailers that can't get into smaller sites."
Prepare for limited turnaround space: Some roads end abruptly with minimal room to maneuver larger vehicles. "Road is short dead ends with a decent amount of turn around space," notes Thomas and James S. about Austin Brook camping area.
Consider seasonal limitations: Winter access becomes challenging for RVs. One camper reported at Somerset Airfield: "In the winter be ready for snowmobiles, in the summer trucks." Another camper experienced "Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday."
