Camp Kelly Campground

- 1380 George D Aiken Wilde Rd, Woodford, VT 05201

For many Vermonters, the ideal camping trip involves getting away from the crowds, the noisy RV parks, and the formal reservation systems. The Camp Kelly Campground area, situated on George D Aiken Wilde Road in Woodford, VT, offers exactly that: a rugged, remote, and self-sufficient camping experience within the beautiful Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF). This is not a developed, full-service campground, but rather a collection of designated, primitive (or 'dispersed') campsites scattered along a forest road.

The area provides roughly seven campsites, each marked and equipped with a fire ring, where camping is allowed on a first-come, first-served basis. It is known for its high degree of solitude, as confirmed by visitor reports noting that the sites are "far apart," allowing campers the freedom to enjoy a true wilderness experience. Reviews highlight its appeal as a quiet, remote spot in Southwestern Vermont, making it an excellent stop for those traveling across the state or simply seeking a local escape from the hustle of modern life. It's an ideal choice for van life enthusiasts, tent campers, and self-contained recreational vehicles, provided they are prepared for a rustic setting.

A key aspect of camping at Camp Kelly is self-reliance and adherence to the 'Leave No Trace' principles. Visitors must be prepared to pack out all trash and waste, as no public garbage or sanitation facilities are provided. The remote nature of the site means that while you gain immense privacy, you must bring everything you need for a comfortable and responsible stay.

Camp Kelly Campground’s address places it directly on George D Aiken Wilde Road, within the boundaries of the Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF) and bordering the George D. Aiken Wilderness Area. This location puts it in the mountainous, heavily forested region between Bennington and Wilmington in Southern Vermont.

• Physical Address: 1380 George D Aiken Wilde Rd, Woodford, VT 05201, USA
• Setting: The campsites are spread out along the roadside of a generally well-maintained (though potentially muddy after rain) forest road. The remote, high-elevation location is known for its spruce, fir, and birch forest, providing a classic Vermont wilderness ambiance.
• Vehicle Accessibility: The sites are roadside, making them accessible to a variety of vehicles, including vans, truck campers, and smaller RVs (one user noted backing in a 19-foot van "easily"). However, caution is advised, especially in wet conditions. One review noted a “5-ton Sprinter” found a corner to fit in despite muddy conditions, suggesting that vehicle size and off-road competence are factors, particularly for the more secluded spots.
• Proximity to Town: While remote, the area is not entirely cut off. Local businesses, stores, and attractions in nearby towns like Wilmington or Bennington are usually within a reasonable 15- to 30-minute drive, allowing campers to easily resupply if necessary.

Because the sites are first-come, first-served, and have grown in popularity—especially in recent years—locals are strongly advised to have a backup plan for camping in the area, such as nearby developed campgrounds like Woodford State Park.

The appeal of Camp Kelly lies in what it does not offer: the restrictions, noise, and fees of a commercial park. The services provided are minimal, supporting a truly rustic experience while encouraging environmental responsibility.

• Campsites: There are approximately seven designated, dispersed campsites located along the road.
• Fire Rings: Each established campsite is equipped with its own fire ring, allowing campers to have safe and contained campfires (subject to any current Forest Service fire restrictions).
• No Facilities: Crucially, the location offers absolutely no services typical of a state park or private campground. This includes no potable water, no electric or sewer hookups, no flush toilets, and no dump stations.
• Waste Management: Campers must practice strict 'Pack It In, Pack It Out' ethics for all garbage and are responsible for proper human waste disposal (burying waste well away from water sources and trails, or using a portable sanitation system).
• Patrols/Ranger Checks: For security and compliance, the area is periodically checked by Rangers, as noted in a customer review, ensuring that users adhere to GMNF regulations, including quiet hours and clean-up requirements.

The defining features of Camp Kelly are its quietude, spacing, and its accessibility to those with self-contained camping setups.

• High Site Separation: The generous spacing between sites is a major highlight. Reviewers consistently praise that the sites are "far apart," which is ideal for privacy, allowing campers to "run your genny and not worry about disturbing your neighbors" (though still adhering to quiet hours).
• Roadside Accessibility with Privacy: It provides the convenient access of roadside camping while the individual sites are often set back slightly from the main road, giving a degree of seclusion for both tent and vehicle campers.
• Gateway to the Wilderness: The road and the surrounding land border the George D. Aiken Wilderness Area, offering unparalleled access to hiking, birding, and wildlife watching in one of the most beautiful and protected parts of Southern Vermont.
• Low-Cost/No-Fee Camping: As a dispersed camping area in the National Forest, the sites are typically free to use, making it an extremely budget-friendly option for local Vermonters.
• Good for Self-Contained Vehicles: The environment is especially suitable for overlanding vehicles, camper vans, and truck campers that are equipped for off-grid living, requiring no external hookups or services.

Because Camp Kelly is an area of dispersed camping, there is no official camp office or direct phone number. All inquiries and information related to this area fall under the jurisdiction of the Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF).

Address (Site Location): 1380 George D Aiken Wilde Rd, Woodford, VT 05201, USA

Primary Management and Information Source: U.S. Forest Service – Green Mountain National Forest

(Note: To obtain the most current information regarding fire restrictions, length-of-stay limits, and other dispersed camping rules, please contact the GMNF Supervisor's Office or the local Ranger District.)

Camp Kelly Campground epitomizes the independent, rugged spirit of the Vermont local camper. It offers an escape from the booking hassle and high fees of more developed parks, delivering a pure GMNF experience that is perfect for residents who appreciate simplicity and solitude. For Vermonters who already own self-contained camping setups—be it a camper van, a self-sufficient trailer, or simply robust tent gear—this location is a gold standard for a no-frills, high-privacy weekend getaway.

Its remote-but-accessible location near Southwestern Vermont's major towns makes it a convenient, familiar wilderness destination. The wide spacing between sites honors the local desire for personal space, a feature highly valued by those seeking to escape the suburban sprawl and the bustle of high-density areas. Furthermore, by choosing a dispersed site like Camp Kelly, locals directly support the stewardship of the Green Mountain National Forest by adhering to 'Leave No Trace' principles and helping to keep this beautiful corner of Vermont pristine. It is a genuine, rustic slice of the Green Mountains, inviting local campers to disconnect and recharge in true Vermont fashion.

Camp Kelly Campground

1380 George D Aiken Wilde Rd, Woodford, VT 05201, USA