Dispersed camping options near Adams, Massachusetts cluster primarily in Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest just across the state border. Winter campers face temperatures dropping well below freezing with significant snowfall accumulation from November through April. Access roads vary significantly in quality, with several primitive sites requiring higher clearance vehicles particularly after rainfall.
What to do
Reservoir activities: The Somerset Reservoir provides opportunities for fishing, paddling, and swimming during summer months. One visitor noted, "Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and reservoir- saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping."
Stargazing: Remote sites offer excellent night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. At NF83 Dispersed site 1, a camper mentioned the "great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions," making it ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.
Winter sports: The region supports winter camping with snowmobile access to several sites. Somerset Airfield experiences show that "we endured Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday," making it suitable for cold-weather enthusiasts seeking winter camping challenges.
What campers like
River access: Several sites feature water access points. At NF 83 - riverside, campers appreciate being "peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!"
Spacious sites: Many locations provide ample room for multiple vehicles or larger setups. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, visitors found "at least a dozen spots, some very spacious" with "large open site just off of Forest Road 273."
Seclusion: Despite proximity to recreational areas, several sites offer privacy. A camper described the NF83 area as "a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions," while another found NF 83 - riverside to be a "quiet spot on the river."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access varies significantly between sites, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles. At NF 83 - riverside, visitors warn "the beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks" and suggest vehicles need "more than 8" of clearance."
Seasonal flooding: Many sites become waterlogged after rainfall or during spring melt. One camper at Somerset Airfield noted "only the first section of the campground was open due to flooding. As a result, there were puddles everywhere."
Limited facilities: Most sites provide fire rings but lack other amenities. At Dispersed site along Forest RD 71, visitors must "spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us," as there's no maintenance staff for dispersed camping areas.
Tips for camping with families
Vault toilet access: Somerset Airfield provides basic toilet facilities, making it more suitable for families with young children. A reviewer mentioned "there is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area" which can be essential for family camping.
Campsite cleanliness: Free camping areas require vigilance regarding previous users' impact. At George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, one camper reported that "site was littered with places previous campers had left human excrement," suggesting families should scout locations before setting up.
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations can be extreme, even in summer. A Somerset Airfield winter camper described how "temperatures plummeted to 8° and a windchill of -3" and "everything crusted was over with a good inch of ice," highlighting the need for adequate cold-weather gear regardless of season.
Tips from RVers
Site access limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller vehicles better than large rigs. At Hogback Mtn Trailhead, a reviewer described it as a "large open lot at top of paved highway pass" with "plenty of room for any number of rigs," making it one of the more accessible options.
Ground conditions: Soft soil after rain can create problems for heavier vehicles. A camper at NFR 273 noted "many pull offs but a lot were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck," while others mentioned the road itself was "in great condition."
Campsite selection timing: Weekends see increased competition for prime spots. One visitor had to "drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot" even during a weekday in October, suggesting RVers should arrive early, especially during peak seasons.
