V17E1: Featured Places

We were lucky to find this primitive dispersed site at the very end of our day. We had just spent the past five hours driving north from Pennsylvania, and it might've been the very first forest road we encountered in southern Vermont, a short distance east of Bennington. The campsite is at the side of a groomed dirtroad, suitable for all vehicles. It is a heavily wooded area with a well-used stone fire ring. There are hiking and ATV opportunities nearby, in addition to snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, so there is light traffic throughout the day, especially during peak season. Surprisingly, really good cell service despite being in the trees. Not too many other campsites along the road. Very lovely and peaceful at night. This spot checks a lot of boxes, especially in terms of convenience.

You probably won't be the only ones at this designated dispersed camping area in Green Mountain National Forest, there is a lot of grassy, open space, and as long as it isn't too crowded, it is a very nice spot to enjoy an extended stay in Vermont's backcountry. There are primitive stone fire rings scattered about, and vault toilets. There is a lot of open sky making it suitable for Starlink if you're so equipped. The road in is gravel and is suitable for any vehicle. There are hiking and swimming opporuntiies nearby, with other scenic roads in the area if you'd like to do some touring. Only a short walk to an idyllic vermont river. No cell service. Also, if you continue following the forest road, you'll find more isolated dispersed campsites that offer more shade and privacy. I recommend this spot. We'd very much like to come back!

Shannon and I began exploring this track one night, but we didn't have time to run the whole thing. We only went a few miles in ourselves, and it wasn't technical, but it was very primitive and scenic, passing many ponds and small streams, in an ominous and shadowy woodland. It continues on for several more miles, but I don't know what else it has to offer. Here's where you can find it if you'd like to run it yourself!