Best Dispersed Camping near Weston, VT
Several dispersed camping areas exist within the Green Mountain National Forest near Weston, Vermont, providing free primitive camping options without developed facilities. Forest Roads 71 and 83 host multiple established dispersed sites, including Road's End Dispersed Camp, Downed Bridge Camp, and several unnamed pull-off spots. The George D. Aiken Wilderness area contains additional dispersed camping opportunities. Most sites feature simple fire rings as the only improvement, with no water sources, picnic tables, or trash services available.
Forest road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many sites requiring vehicles with moderate to high clearance. Several sites along FR-71 are accessible to most vehicles, while others like NF83 Dispersed Site 1 demand at least 8 inches of ground clearance according to user reports. The "drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles" at Road's End Dispersed Camp. Many primitive sites become muddy after rainfall, particularly in spring. No permits are required for camping, though standard 14-day stay limits apply. Campfires are permitted at most sites except Downed Bridge Camp, where fires are prohibited.
The dispersed sites near Weston offer varying levels of privacy and natural settings. Sites along Forest Road 71 provide access to hiking trails connecting to Stratton Pond, Branch Pond, and the Appalachian Trail/Long Trail system. One camper noted their experience was "quiet during our overnight stay other than a car or two" passing on nearby roads. While some sites like Somerset Airfield offer pit toilets, most locations provide no amenities beyond a basic fire ring. Proximity to streams or rivers is available at select sites, with NF 83 Riverside described as having "a large open grassy area" along river bends. Cell service is limited throughout the region, with most sites having no connectivity. These areas remain relatively uncrowded except during holiday weekends.
