Dispersed camping near Cheshire, Massachusetts extends primarily into Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont, with most sites situated at elevations between 1,800-2,500 feet. Winter temperatures routinely drop below 10°F with persistent snow cover from December through March. Many campers report significant fluctuations in road conditions throughout the season, with spring typically presenting the most challenging access due to mud and runoff.
What to do
Fishing at Somerset Reservoir: Located within 30 minutes of the main dispersed camping areas, this 1,600-acre water body offers excellent fishing opportunities. At Somerset Airfield, camper M.A.D. P. notes, "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Reservoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities."
Winter adventure camping: For those prepared for extreme conditions, winter camping provides a completely different experience. At Somerset Airfield, Miccal M. describes, "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. So, we tied them to the trees and our cars."
River access camping: Several sites offer direct water access for wading and swimming. At NF 83 - riverside, Thomas and James S. describe it as "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!"
What campers like
Privacy levels vary significantly: Some campers prefer the more secluded sites deeper in the forest. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, Danny D. describes it as a "Peaceful and quiet dispersed camping spot. Large enough for 2-3 vehicles or one large rig/RV. Very few vehicles pass, some days none."
Multiple camping options along forest roads: The forest road system provides numerous established sites. Michele N. reports about NFR 273, "At least a dozen spots, some very spacious. Only crashed for 1 night but will be coming back to spend a few, this area was excellent!"
Large, well-built fire rings: Many sites feature sturdy, established fire rings. Visiting George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, Tam E. notes, "The spot I chose had a beautifully built fire pit. It was a little muddy from rain."
What you should know
Bug pressure varies by site location: Dense woodland sites experience significantly more insect activity. Natasha T. warns about NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot: "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."
Fall weekday crowding can surprise visitors: Even during weekdays in shoulder seasons, popular sites fill quickly. SJ W. reports, "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."
Site maintenance varies widely: Some campers encounter poorly maintained sites. At Dispersed site along Forest RD 71, Sandy L. notes, "I would have given 5 stars except for the unfortunate fact that 2 years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us."
Tips for camping with families
Seek more developed sites with facilities: For families with younger children, sites with basic facilities prove valuable. At Somerset Airfield, Kevin C. explains, "There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service."
Consider airfield sites for more space: Open areas provide room for children to play. M.A.D. P. notes about Somerset Airfield, "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."
Check campsite conditions after rain: Wet conditions can make camping with children challenging. David G. from George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed shares, "It had rained a lot prior to our arrival, and several sites were damp. We found a perfect site off the road on the right side. It was large and flat."
Tips from RVers
Vehicle clearance matters for site access: Many dispersed sites require careful navigation. Miccal M. advises about NF 83 - riverside, "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."
Check for large, flat pull-offs: Some areas provide better RV access than others. At George D Aiken Wilderness, c H. notes, "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."
Consider parking lot options for larger rigs: Large vehicles may find traditional forest sites challenging. Boulder T. describes Hogback Mtn Trailhead as a "Great place to stop for the night. Not a lot of ambiance, but plenty of room for any number of rigs."
