Primitive camping near Athol, Massachusetts centers around the Green Mountain National Forest area in southern Vermont. Most dispersed sites sit between 1,500-2,500 feet elevation with unpredictable weather patterns typical of New England mountain terrain. Road conditions worsen significantly after rainstorms, with many campers reporting issues accessing sites during wet periods.
What to do
Reservoir recreation: Somerset Reservoir provides excellent paddling opportunities near Somerset Airfield. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Reservoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," notes one camper.
Winter camping: Somerset Airfield remains accessible for cold-weather adventurers. A winter camper reports: "We endured Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday, and our main Roadhouse down from the weight of the snow. The stakes didn't hold in the frozen ground."
Stream access: Several sites feature water access. At NF 83 - riverside, campers enjoy "a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit" that's "peacefully placed along the bends of the river," though visitors should note the "beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks."
What campers like
Separation between sites: The George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed camping area features well-spaced sites. One camper mentions: "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."
Cell service availability: While most primitive campsites lack connectivity, some spots have limited service. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, campers report service is spotty but available: "Peaceful and quiet dispersed camping spot. Large enough for 2-3 vehicles or one large rig/RV. Very few vehicles pass, some days none."
Night sky viewing: Low light pollution makes stargazing exceptional at remote sites. One visitor to NF83 Dispersed site 1 specifically mentioned it as "a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions."
What you should know
Seasonal crowds: Popularity varies by season and holiday weekends. At Somerset Airfield, one camper reported: "Weekend was interrupted by a domestic violence situation a few sites downbeat resulted in fights and someone shooting off a handgun. Took state police over 50 minutes to respond and multiple families left."
Variable site conditions: Quality and maintenance differ significantly between sites. At Dispersed site along Forest RD 71, campers report having to clean up after previous visitors: "2 years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us."
Road closures: Access roads may be blocked without notice. One camper at NFR 273 noted: "The entrance to the road had a sign that said 'road closed ahead'. We chanced it and was able to find a really nice open spot right before the road closure."
Tips for camping with families
Pack extra layers: Mountain temperatures fluctuate dramatically. A camper at George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed observed: "It was getting dark when we arrived and it had been raining all day. We just needed a night and it was great. Some sites were really wet but we found a nice dry place."
Bug protection: Dense forest areas create heavy bug pressure. At NFR 273 one visitor warned: "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."
Local attractions: Find activities within short drives. One camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR71 noted there are "Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites."
Tips from RVers
Ground clearance requirements: Many sites require high-clearance vehicles. For NF83 Dispersed site 1, one camper advises: "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle."
Seasonal road conditions: Mud affects accessibility significantly. A visitor to Forest RD 71 reported: "This particular campsite is very muddy. Well, at least today it is. I have an SUV and I didn't trust it to get through, and I didn't want to get stuck."
Alternative parking: When primary sites are inaccessible, look for nearby options. One camper suggested: "There are a few spots around you can park at. I chose a more sunny and open spot with less trees."
