Best Dispersed Camping near Adams, MA
Multiple dispersed camping areas are located near Adams, Massachusetts, primarily within Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest, just across the state border. The George D. Aiken Wilderness Dispersed area offers several primitive camping options with sites spread along forest access roads. NFR 273 provides additional dispersed camping spots in the national forest, while the Somerset area includes several backcountry options including sites near the Somerset Airfield and along Forest Road 71. These free camping locations are situated on public land requiring no reservations or permits.
Access roads to many dispersed sites are unpaved and can be challenging after rainfall. Several campers report needing to search for dry spots when conditions are wet, with some roads requiring higher clearance vehicles. Most dispersed sites feature established fire rings but provide no amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service, with Somerset Airfield being an exception as it does offer vault toilets. One camper noted, "We had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot," while others mentioned "many pull offs but a lot were too wet for my van." Cell service is limited or nonexistent in most areas, with AT&T reported to work only at specific locations like the bridge near Somerset camp.
The primitive sites in this region provide varying levels of privacy and natural settings. Many locations feature established fire rings and flat areas suitable for tents or small campers. The Somerset Reservoir area is particularly popular for its fishing, paddling and hiking opportunities. A camper described George D. Aiken Wilderness as having "large, well organized camping spots along the road," while another noted the NFR 273 area had "at least a dozen spots, some very spacious." Some sites experience increased traffic during summer weekends and holidays, with a reviewer mentioning that Somerset Airfield was "rowdy during the holiday with illegal fireworks." Winter camping is possible but challenging, with temperatures dropping significantly and heavy snowfall common.
