Somerset Airfield

- 2-178 Forest Service Rte 71, Shaftsbury, VT 05262

Somerset Airfield: Your Gateway to Rustic, Free Camping in Southern Vermont

Introduction / Overview

For local Vermonters and those who truly appreciate a rugged, back-to-basics wilderness experience, Somerset Airfield stands out as an exceptional destination within the Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF). This unique site—a former airfield now transformed into a large, open field camping area—offers the invaluable benefit of free, dispersed camping, a rare find in the region. Situated along Forest Road 71, Somerset Airfield is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and operates under a primitive, "Leave No Trace" ethos. It is a spot where you can truly unplug, rely on your own gear, and enjoy nature without the crowds and regulations of many developed campgrounds. The open layout is particularly favored by RV and trailer campers who require space for generators or need clear sky access for solar panels and satellite internet (like Starlink), while tent campers can find both open-field spots and more private, secluded sites along the adjacent river. It's an area known for its natural beauty, fantastic access to water-based activities, and a welcoming, if sometimes spirited, community of fellow outdoor enthusiasts who return year after year.

Location and Accessibility

Somerset Airfield is nestled deep within the Green Mountain National Forest, offering a remote feeling that requires a bit of an adventurous drive. The physical location is generally noted as 2-178 Forest Service Rte 71, Shaftsbury, VT 05262, USA, although it is more accurately described as a designated camping area along Forest Road 71 (also known as Somerset Road). Reaching the airfield typically involves navigating approximately 10 miles of dirt and gravel road off of State Route 9. While the Forest Service maintains this road, visitors should be prepared for varying conditions, especially seasonally, and should drive carefully. The seclusion is intentional, providing a true escape from highway noise and light pollution. The campground’s primary draw is its direct connection to the stunning local watershed, meandered by the East Branch of the Deerfield River and just a short drive from the expansive Somerset Reservoir. This remote location enhances the experience, offering exceptional wildlife viewing—moose sightings have been reported in the nearby Shep Meadows—and some of the darkest night skies for unparalleled stargazing.

Services Offered

• Free Camping: The primary service is free camping on National Forest land, with a maximum stay limit of 14 days in any 30-day period. Donations for upkeep are welcomed.
• Site Accommodation: Suitable for both tent camping and RVs/campers, with the open field area being ideal for larger setups.
• Basic Sanitary Facilities: Pit toilets or outhouses are available on-site, though campers should be prepared for varying levels of maintenance and are encouraged to bring their own sanitation supplies.
• Water Access: No potable water is available on-site. Campers use water from the nearby river (which must be filtered/treated) or collect it from a natural spring reportedly located just up Forest Road 71.
• Fire Rings: Established campsites, particularly in the airfield area, are generally equipped with fire rings for campfires.
• Generator Use: Generators are permitted, which is a major benefit for RV campers relying on them for power.
• Regulation Oversight: Environmental Police or Forest Service staff reportedly check the area approximately once per day to ensure the 14-day limit and general regulations are being followed.

Features / Highlights

• Unbeatable Value: As a free camping area within a National Forest, it is one of the most cost-effective ways to enjoy an extended stay in the Vermont wilderness.
• Ideal for Off-Grid Setups: The large, open field provides excellent exposure for solar charging and is perfect for satellite internet systems like Starlink, appealing to the modern, self-sufficient camper.
• Somerset Reservoir Recreation: The site offers easy access to the nearby Somerset Reservoir, known for excellent boating, fishing, picnicking with cooking grills, and finding great swimming spots, including an area near a bridge a short walk away.
• Riverside Access: The Deerfield River runs near the campground, with various paths leading to the water, offering tranquil spots for soaking, particularly for children, when the water level allows.
• Diverse Site Options: Campers can choose between the more social, open-field environment or more private, secluded dispersed sites further down Forest Road 71.
• Bear Country Readiness: Located in an active wilderness area, the setting is perfect for experienced campers who practice proper food storage and bear precautions, reinforcing a genuine connection to nature.
• Hunting and Fishing Access: The surrounding GMNF lands provide excellent opportunities for local hunting and fishing, with the river regularly stocked with trout.

Contact Information

Address: 2-178 Forest Service Rte 71, Shaftsbury, VT 05262, USA

General Forest Inquiries Phone: (802) 362-2307 (This number is for the Manchester Ranger District of the GMNF, which manages this area.)

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For Vermonters, Somerset Airfield represents an important access point to the public lands of the Green Mountain National Forest, offering a necessary local alternative to fee-based state parks. Its primitive, no-frills nature is perfectly suited for residents who own their own camping gear and are experienced in self-sufficient, rugged camping. The long 14-day limit is ideal for local families or individuals looking to take an extended, cost-free vacation deep in the mountains, perhaps to work on an off-grid setup or simply to escape the stresses of urban life for an extended period. The field provides a unique benefit for those with RVs and larger campers, offering the necessary space and sky access that densely wooded sites lack. Crucially, the location provides year-round access to some of Southern Vermont’s most beautiful recreational areas, particularly the Somerset Reservoir. By utilizing this resource responsibly—adhering to the 14-day limit, packing out all trash, and being respectful of the shared space—locals can help preserve this unique, free wilderness sanctuary for all to enjoy. It is a genuine Vermont experience: remote, beautiful, and reliant on individual responsibility.

Somerset Airfield

2-178 Forest Service Rte 71, Shaftsbury, VT 05262, USA