Dispersed camping opportunities near Conway, Massachusetts primarily center on the southern Vermont portion of Green Mountain National Forest. This area offers primitive campsites at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 feet, with most accessible via dirt forest roads. Winter conditions often bring heavy snowfall, with several sites receiving over 8 inches of accumulation during cold weather camping events.
What to do
Fishing and paddling access: Somerset Reservoir provides excellent water recreation opportunities. "Stunning babbling brook and reservoir—saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping," notes one visitor at Somerset Airfield.
Hiking nearby trails: Multiple dispersed sites serve as base camps for exploring Green Mountain hiking routes. A camper at George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed mentions "brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites."
Night sky observation: Remote locations offer excellent stargazing conditions due to minimal light pollution. A camper at NF83 Dispersed site 1 appreciates that it's "a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions."
What campers like
Privacy variations: Site seclusion depends on location and time of year. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, campers find "peaceful and quiet dispersed camping spot. Large enough for 2-3 vehicles or one large rig/RV."
Fire pit conditions: Many sites feature established fire rings of varying quality. One visitor to Dispersed site along Forest RD 71 notes they camp there "every summer and make sure the site is left clean and ready for the camper."
Seasonal considerations: Fall offers colorful foliage but increased popularity. A recent autumn visitor reported, "Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot."
What you should know
Site maintenance varies: Cleanliness depends on previous visitors. One camper at Forest RD 71 stated, "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."
Vehicle clearance requirements: Many forest roads demand appropriate vehicles. At NF 83 - riverside, a camper advises, "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."
Weather preparedness: Conditions can change rapidly, especially in shoulder seasons. One Somerset Airfield visitor described their "winter camping wonder" experience where "everything crusted was over with a good inch of ice."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for children: Choose sites with safe water access for families. At NF 83 - riverside, campers describe "peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!"
Noise levels: Some areas experience variable activity levels. Somerset Airfield visitors report that "weekend was interrupted by a domestic violence situation a few sites down that resulted in fights and someone shooting off a handgun."
Bathroom access: Most rustic camping near Conway, Massachusetts lacks facilities. Somerset Airfield is an exception with "a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service."
Tips from RVers
Ground conditions: Seasonal moisture affects site usability. An October visitor noted, "Several sites were damp. We found a perfect site off the road on the right side. It was large and flat."
Alternative parking areas: When primary sites are full or unsuitable, look for nearby options. One camper shares, "There are a few spots around you can park at. I chose a more sunny and open spot with less trees."
Road navigation challenges: Some forest roads become impassable during wet conditions. A camper 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."
