Dispersed camping options near Amherst Center, Massachusetts are limited within the immediate area, with most free primitive camping opportunities located in Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest, approximately 60-90 minutes northwest. George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed offers several well-established sites along Forest Road 273, featuring fire rings but no other amenities. Campers note these sites are "spread out from each other" with "a beautifully built fire pit" at some locations. The access road is generally passable for most vehicles, though conditions can deteriorate after heavy rain.
Somerset Airfield and the surrounding forest roads provide additional primitive camping options in the Green Mountain National Forest. This area includes sites near Somerset Reservoir with basic pit toilets but no water or waste services. The Somerset Airfield sites are described as "a grass strip next to FR71 with a bunch of sites and a pit house," while more private riverside dispersed sites can be found along NF 83. Winter access is challenging, with one camper reporting they "endured snow and mid 20s" temperatures. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, and all sites operate on a first-come basis with no reservations or fees.
"The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on. There were only about 10 spots along the access road."
"We brought our school bus down the dirt road just fine and backed right in. They also have fireplaces which was nice!"
"A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."
"Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot. After what was very quiet and a peaceful place to be."
"It has pit toilets. These sites are close together with little to no shade. Some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park."
"I arrived after the 4th of July and a neighbor said it was rowdy during the holiday with illegal fireworks set off every night over the dry forest. These pics are from a weekday morning."
"This is a nice clearing near the river where the road used to cross."
"The left side of the drive in is swampy so be sure to not drift to that side."
"Just about what you would expect in a national forest. Nice dirt road without too many potholes."
"Between Sage's Ravine and Jug End Road there are five backcountry campsites on the Appalachian Trail."
"Trash cans, but carry out is preferable."
"Great little dispersed camping area off Forest Road 71 in West Dover, Vermont."
ScoutIt was dark. I arrived after 7p. There were 3 rv camps already going on. All 3 had camp fires. Many fire rings for many groups. No hassles at all. It's off the beaten path but worth it. The first 4 camp sites were open. Made a fire. Ate some food. I got a good night sleep. Nothing ate me or attacked me so that's 5 star in my book.
TravelerLots of beautiful spots to pick from but be careful some are a bit muddy. We brought our school bus down the dirt road just fine and backed right in. They also have fireplaces which was nice!
TravelerThis is a good spot if you don’t mind being social. The main camping area is a large grassy opening where multiple people park and camp together, and there is a bathroom, but there isn’t much privacy between sites. If you continue farther down the forest road, there are several smaller pull-offs with much more private dispersed camping spots. I’d recommend checking those out if you’re looking for a quieter experience.
TravelerMy 2008 Prius handled the road with ease. Sites were spaced out. There was hiking at the end of the road but not too much space to wander around from the sites given the road’s high speed limit. Sites had fire pits and that was it. Very quiet and fairly accessible from society. Given the lack of free camping in the southern northeast this spot is a gem!
GuideI selected a semi shaded site about 25 feet off the road about 2 miles in. There are many sites but you may have to look as a lot are overgrown. I am glad I selected the site I did as it stayed “dry” through 48 hrs of torrential downpours. I had very few problems with the bugs: have a nice smoky fire…best repellant out there!
GuideSo peaceful and serene
GuideI had many sites to choose from. Definitely remote and private.
ScoutOnly about 7-8 spots to camp but super spread out down a gravel road. I pulled in at 8 ish and grabbed the last or one of the last spots. Super quiet and out of the way
TravelerI originally was scheduled to be working the whole weekend but ended up getting the time off and rushed to somewhere I could camp on the fourth. I got in around the afternoon and there were already a few camp sites taken. Which is to be expected on the fourth. I left on the 6th and it does seem that there’s a continuous flow of people in and out of the sites but for the most part it’s quiet and you can’t hear your neighbors. Law enforcement does drive by about once or twice a day which is nice. There is probably 4-5 usable sites. There are a few spots that someone could back a trailer into but I drive a hatchback so take that information as you will. It also looks to be that there are at least 2-3 sites that have become overgrown unclear if they are official sites or just large pull offs. Be wary in a small car that many of the entrances to the sites are either muddy and deeply rutted or a combination of steep and rutted out. Great place would definitely come back in the fall
Dispersed camping near Amherst Center, Massachusetts is primarily found in the Green Mountain National Forest across the state line in Vermont, approximately 45-60 miles northwest. George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed offers free camping with multiple sites along an access road. Reviews indicate large, well-organized spots with fire pits, though some sites can be muddy after rain. The road is generally accessible for most vehicles.
Forest Road 273 (NFR 273) provides another free dispersed camping option with multiple pull-off sites. Campers note the road is in good condition but some spots can be wet and unsuitable for vans or larger vehicles. Somerset Airfield offers a more open camping area with pit toilets, though it's less secluded with sites close together along a strip of land. One camper wrote, "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Reservoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities." Most sites in this region lack amenities—no drinking water, toilets (except at Somerset Airfield), or trash service. Pack out all waste and prepare for variable weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Amherst Center, MA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Amherst Center, MA is Connecticut River Farm Site with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.
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