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."
"Some sites were really wet but we found a nice dry place."
"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."
"Free camping"
"Trash cans, but carry out is preferable."
"Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle. "
LegendThe Airfield Campground is a strip of land with several campsites and fire pits. 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. The real attraction is the huge Somerset Resevoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities. There are other dispersed sites down the road that are free
RangerOnly the first section of the campground was open due to flooding. As a result, there were puddles everywhere.
Campsites are listed as disbursed but there are only 7 trees to separate 9 camp sites. The campsites are all next to the road and have fire circles.
There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service. Basically a camp site where you can share a fire with the neighbors.
TravelerA LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well. A few miles down the road there is another campsite that is more open and also has a fire pit with a lot less bugs flying around and more open space.
ScoutThe 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. Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites.
GuideWent 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. Many pull offs but a lot were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck. The road itself was in great condition though.
RangerEnjoyed the stunning babbling brook and resevoir- saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping. It's been quiet and peaceful and sometimes generators running all night. 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. It's great to see families camping. There are pit toilets. AT.T service at bridge prior to camp- short walk. SOS only in camp. Another camper told me Starlink works here.
RangerThis is a hiking trail only- no camping per website: https://www.mass.gov/locations/jug-end-state-reservation-wildlife-management-area
LegendI've looked at this spot a few times and it is normally way to wet to camp at, but this time it was frozen. This is a nice clearing near the river where the road used to cross.
The access into this location is a little rough but most cars should make it, I would prefer having a little more clearance though just to be sure.
Being a primitive site there is only a fire ring here.
GuideSite was littered with places previous campers had left human excrement. While not in the site directly, it was all around it. Also had someone who decided to use the area to sight in his rifle. Which was very unexpected as it was incredibly loud with no warning at all. Was not aware this was a gun range. Tried to flag down a park ranger, but he just drove on by. Attempted a winter trip, however there is a sign that says no motorized vehicles except snowmobiles. Most likely opens up to camping in the spring.
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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