New England has much to offer all who come to marvel at the natural beauty and charm of these states. Vermont is especially nice to visit because of its scenic byways, the many quaint small towns, and the several national and state forests and parks.
Camping in Vermont will allow you to experience many of these sites intimately, and if you choose boondocking in Vermont you will find no shortage of lovely places to stay.
Boondocking Sites in Vermont
Bear’s End
There are plenty of boondocking opportunities in the Green Mountain National Forest. For instance, Bear’s End in Shaftsbury offers several primitive campsites. Bourne Pond is a small body of water nearby, and many campers like to kayak on the water while camping. There are also several hiking trails in the vicinity.
You will need to bring your own supplies, including drinkable water. Note that not all RVs will be able to navigate the roads. Big rigs will likely have issues and it’s always a good idea to send a scout ahead.
Kelley Stand Road/Stratton-Arlington Road
Kelley Stand is the local name for the Stratton-Arlington Road out of Stratton. This road connects Stratton to West Wardsboro and is home to several primitive campsites. Additionally, there are more campsites on various forest roads that branch off Kelly Stand Road. An example is Forest Road 71, which leads from the old Somerset airfield to Kelly Stand and also has campsites.
All of these campsites are totally primitive, so be sure to drive in prepared. It’s also good to note that not all RVs will be able to access all of the campsites along this route.
Somerset Airfield Campground
Somerset Airfield Campground is located on Forest Road 71 near Shaftsbury in the Green Mountain National Forest. This is a small campground with primitive campsites that can accommodate rigs of all sizes.
A vault toilet and campfire pits are available for camper use, but no other amenities are provided. There is no cell reception at this spot, something that can be frustrating to some RVers.
Gale River Dispersed Camping
Located in the White Mountain National Forest in the northeastern part of the state, the Gale River Dispersed Camping area is an absolutely beautiful place to park and stay for a while. Camping here is totally free, but there are no amenities available, so you really have to arrive prepared.
Note that there are lots of bugs, meaning bug spray is a must. That said, if you can get past that, the location is beautiful and you’re sure to love the hiking trails in the area.
Where to Boondock in Vermont
- Green Mountain National Forest is the first place to check for Vermont boondocking spots.
- White Mountain National Forest also offers plenty of amazing dry camping spots.
- State parks and state forests have some dry campsites available, but most do charge a fee.
- You can also find free overnight parking in parking lots such as Walmart and Cracker Barrel.
Using an RV for a Vermont boondocking road trip will allow you to experience all that the state can show you. It is an easy process to rent an RV on RVshare, so you can just concentrate on having fun.
