Dispersed camping near Westminster, Vermont offers primitive sites throughout the Green Mountain National Forest's wooded terrain. Winter camping options remain accessible despite seasonal snowfall, with temperatures sometimes dropping to single digits during January and February. Free camping areas range from open clearings to secluded riverside spots across the forest's network of access roads.
What to do
Swimming and paddling: Somerset Airfield provides direct access to Somerset Reservoir where campers enjoy water activities. "Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and resevoir- saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping," notes one visitor. The reservoir offers multiple put-in points for kayaks and canoes.
Hiking to backcountry sites: Stratton Pond Shelter requires a 3.75-mile winter trek but rewards with scenic isolation. A camper reports, "Spent the weekend here on the last weekend of Feb. 2024. Cold, Snow, Wind, full moon in the middle of the woods with only the people I hiked in with." The shelter provides 16 bunk spaces and two tent platforms.
Winter snowmobiling: Access roads like Forest Road 71 become snowmobile routes during winter months. Somerset Airfield accommodates winter camping with proper preparation as one visitor experienced: "Saturday, we got at least 8" more along with sleet, freezing rain, and rain. Saturday evening, we had 3" more by 11pm."
What campers like
River proximity: NF 83 - riverside offers campsites directly alongside flowing water. A camper describes it as having "a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit" along river bends. The riverside location provides natural white noise and cooling during summer months.
Secluded end-of-road spots: Downed Bridge Camp features particularly private sites at its terminus. "If you're lucky enough to get the last spot on the road it's epic. Note that fills quickly on a weekend," warns one visitor. Additional primitive camping extends down fire road 10 when primary spots fill up.
Level parking areas: Many dispersed sites feature flat, cleared areas suitable for various camping setups. The Statton Pond Camp location is described as "very flat and could accommodate several small campers" with "a fire pit in the middle" of a large open area.
What you should know
Road conditions vary: Access requires appropriate vehicles for certain locations. NF 83 riverside campers note "The beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks" while another states, "The access into this location is a little rough but most cars should make it, I would prefer having a little more clearance."
Variable site cleanliness: George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed camping requires visitors to check sites before settling in. One visitor noted sites were "large and flat" but others reported cleanliness issues at certain locations throughout the forest.
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites offer fire rings but no other amenities. Somerset Airfield provides vault toilets, though their condition varies: "10 spaces between the bathrooms/vault toilets with only 3 other 4 in working order," reported one visitor.
Seasonal conditions: Spring camping often involves mud challenges. A Forest Road 71 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."
Tips for camping with families
Safety planning: With limited cell service throughout the forest, prepare emergency communications. Somerset Airfield offers limited connectivity: "AT.T service at bridge prior to camp- short walk. SOS only in camp. Another camper told me Starlink works here."
Campsite selection: Branch Pond on National Forest Hwy provides various campsite styles for different family preferences. "Tons of different styles of camping spots (if you get there while its still sunlight you can pick a spot by a flowing stream/river)," notes one visitor.
Nearby attractions: Families can combine camping with day trips to surrounding communities. George D Aiken Wilderness offers nearby options as "Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites."
Tips from RVers
Clearance requirements: Somerset Airfield accommodates larger vehicles but access roads demand attention. RVers report it "is probably good for people who camp with RVs or Trailor's that can't get into smaller sites" due to its open layout.
Winter camping preparation: RV winter camping requires extensive preparation for rapidly changing conditions. One Somerset camper reported: "Everything crusted was over with a good inch of ice. I have never endured such winds camping, I was sure camp was going to be blown apart."
Limited parking: Arrive early to secure suitable spots, especially for larger vehicles. "Great spot for a small group to camp at. The main area is a walk in and is worth it. The road into here was easy to drive," notes a visitor to Downed Bridge Camp.
