Best Dispersed Camping near Becket, MA

Dispersed camping near Becket, Massachusetts primarily centers around the Appalachian National Scenic Trail corridor and nearby Green Mountain National Forest areas. Several primitive sites are available including Jug End Dispersed along the Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts and multiple forest road pull-offs in neighboring Vermont. These public land camping options typically require no reservations and most are free, though some locations like Jug End require permits. The region includes both hike-in only sites and drive-in options where vehicles can access more remote forest roads.

Access to many dispersed sites varies significantly by season and recent weather conditions. Forest roads in the Green Mountain National Forest, particularly FR71 and NFR 273, may become muddy or impassable during wet periods, with several campers noting high clearance vehicles are recommended. Most sites lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Fire regulations differ between locations - fires are prohibited at Jug End and some Massachusetts sites but permitted at most Vermont forest road camping areas. According to one visitor, "The beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks," highlighting the need for vehicles with adequate ground clearance.

The camping experience in this region offers varying levels of seclusion and natural settings. George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed sites provide quiet, remote camping with "no light pollution, cell signal or distractions." Somerset Airfield, while technically dispersed camping, features more developed sites with pit toilets and is described by one camper as "a strip of land with several campsites and fire pits" near Somerset Reservoir. Visitors should note that some areas become surprisingly busy during peak seasons. One camper mentioned they "had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot" even during off-peak times. Winter camping is possible but challenging, with temperatures dropping significantly and snow accumulation requiring proper equipment and experience.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Becket, Massachusetts (14)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Becket, MA

29 Reviews of 14 Becket Campgrounds


  • M.A.D. P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2023

    Somerset Airfield

    Small open park

    The 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

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Somerset Airfield

    Good stopover location

    Only 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.

  • Natasha T.
    Jun. 6, 2022

    NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    Nice wooded little campsite

    A 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.

  • c H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2023

    George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    Cool Spot!

    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. Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites.

  • SJ W.
    Nov. 1, 2024

    NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    Beautiful but surprisingly crowded

    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. 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.

  • licia S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Somerset Airfield

    No Wifi, Resevoir Beautiful

    Enjoyed 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.

  • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 18, 2024

    NF 83 - riverside

    Quiet spot on the river

    I'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.

  • Ricky H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    Not terrible

    Site 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.


Guide to Becket

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Becket, Massachusetts, where nature lovers can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of options available, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Becket

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to the Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail, which offers scenic trails and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
  • For those who enjoy fishing, the Somerset Airfield provides access to nearby water bodies, making it a great spot to cast a line and relax by the water.
  • Wildlife watchers can explore the diverse ecosystems around NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, where you might spot various birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Essential Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Becket, Massachusetts

  • Always check local regulations before heading out, as some areas like George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed may have specific rules regarding campfires and waste disposal.
  • Be prepared for a primitive experience; sites such as NF 83 - riverside do not offer amenities like water or toilets, so plan accordingly and bring all necessary supplies.
  • Practice Leave No Trace principles to keep these beautiful areas pristine, especially in popular spots like Sage's Revine, where maintaining cleanliness is crucial for future visitors.

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Becket, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Becket, MA is Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Becket, MA?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Becket, MA, with real photos and reviews from campers.