Dispersed camping options near Wilmington, Vermont include primitive sites spread throughout Green Mountain National Forest at elevations between 1,800 and 2,500 feet. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F, while summer days typically range from 60-80°F. Many sites require driving on unpaved forest roads that become muddy after rain or impassable during spring thaw.
What to do
Hiking to forest ponds: Access multiple trail systems from Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71 connecting to Appalachian Trail sections. "Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT," notes Tim M., who mentions the site's large open circle "capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings at remote sites offer opportunities to spot deer, moose, and sometimes bears. One camper at NF 83 - riverside describes their spot as "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river" with "a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!" Watch for wildlife near water sources at dawn.
Star gazing: Clear nights provide exceptional views with minimal light pollution. "This primitive spot is a little more than a clearing with a fire pit. But what a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions," writes Miccal M. about NF83 Dispersed site 1, adding that winter campers need "more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Along Forest Road 71, sites are typically spaced for privacy. "The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on," notes one camper about George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed camping, adding that "Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites."
Fire rings: Most dispersed sites feature established stone fire rings. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, Danny D. reports "Two fire rings set up: a large one and a small cooking one" in this "peaceful and quiet dispersed camping spot" that can accommodate "2-3 vehicles or one large rig/RV."
Variable conditions: Experienced campers appreciate the changing seasonal access. For Somerset Airfield, one winter camper recounts: "We endured Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday, and our main Roadhouse down from the weight of the snow. The stakes didn't hold in the frozen ground. So, we tied them to the trees and our cars."
What you should know
Road conditions: Forest service roads require appropriate vehicles and can deteriorate quickly. At NF 83 - riverside, Thomas and James S. warn "The beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks we have substantial ground clearance so no issues there but smaller ground clearances may feel a bump or two!"
Site maintenance concerns: Human waste and trash management is a recurring issue. At Dispersed site along Forest RD 71, one camper mentioned "2 years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us." Always carry out what you bring in.
Cell coverage: Connectivity varies dramatically between sites. Tim M. reports "2 bars of USCellular LTE" at Statton Pond Camp, while another visitor to Somerset Airfield notes "AT.T service at bridge prior to camp- short walk. SOS only in camp. Another camper told me Starlink works here."
Tips for camping with families
Best family-friendly sites: Look for spots with level terrain and safe access to water. At Stratton Pond, Andy M. found "The site was very flat and could accommodate several small campers. It was quiet during our overnight stay other than a car or two on Stratton-Arlington Rd. There weren't many mosquitoes either."
Toilet considerations: Most free camping near Wilmington lacks facilities. Somerset Airfield stands out with pit toilets, though Kevin C. notes limitations: "There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service. Basically a camp site where you can share a fire with the neighbors."
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather changes rapidly in all seasons. At Hogback Mtn Trailhead, Boulder T. describes it as a "Large open lot at top of paved highway pass" that's "Great place to stop for the night" but with "Not a lot of ambiance" - making it exposed during storms.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose locations with established clearings for larger vehicles. NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot can work for RVs as SJ W. notes: "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."
Seasonal access: Spring melt creates challenges for RVs. "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," shares Kirk C. about Dispersed site along Forest RD 71.
Campsite holding practices: During peak seasons, sites fill quickly. One visitor to Stratton Pond Camp observed "Many other sites further south on 71 were filled and some were just TTs holding the space for the upcoming weekend."
