Best Dispersed Camping near Athol, MA
Primitive camping sites are available in several areas surrounding Athol, Massachusetts, primarily in Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest. The George D. Aiken Wilderness offers multiple free dispersed camping spots along forest roads with established clearings and fire rings. Additional options include NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, dispersed sites along Forest Road 71, and several locations near Somerset including the Somerset Airfield area. Most sites are undesignated clearings on public forest land with minimal development.
Access roads to these primitive sites vary significantly in quality. Many require vehicles with higher clearance, particularly at sites like NF 83 riverside and NF83 Dispersed site 1, where at least 8 inches of ground clearance is recommended. Forest Road 71 and NFR 273 can become particularly muddy after rain, potentially making access challenging. Somerset Airfield features a more accessible grassy strip suitable for larger vehicles but with less privacy. Most locations permit fires in established rings, though seasonal restrictions may apply. None of these sites provide drinking water, electricity, or waste facilities, with Somerset Airfield being the exception in offering pit toilets.
These dispersed camping areas offer varying levels of seclusion and natural settings. The George D. Aiken Wilderness sites feature large, flat areas often set back from the road for privacy, with visitors noting they're "large, well organized camping spots" with "beautifully built fire pits." Somerset Airfield provides more open camping with stream access behind some sites and proximity to Somerset Reservoir for fishing and paddling opportunities. NFR 273 receives mixed reports about accessibility, with one camper noting it was "surprisingly crowded" even midweek, while another mentioned "the entrance to the road had a sign that said 'road closed ahead'" but they "chanced it and was able to find a really nice open spot."