Rustic camping near Deerfield, Massachusetts centers around the Green Mountain National Forest in adjacent southern Vermont. Most dispersed sites sit at elevations between 1,500-2,500 feet, with forest roads becoming increasingly challenging at higher elevations. Winter conditions can persist through April at many sites, with spring thaws often creating muddy access roads that may be impassable to low-clearance vehicles.
What to do
Reservoir access: The Somerset Reservoir provides excellent paddling and fishing opportunities near Somerset Airfield dispersed sites. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Reservoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," notes one camper. The reservoir features several secluded coves accessible only by water.
Winter snowmobiling: For cold-weather adventurers, the area transforms into a snowmobile playground. According to one Somerset Airfield visitor who winter camped: "In the winter be ready for snowmobiles, in the summer trucks." The network connects to major Vermont VAST trail systems.
Trail connections: Forest Road 71 camping sites offer direct access to several hiking options. "One of many locations along Forest rd 71, this spot was a good place to pitch a tent for the night while exploring the area even in the rain," notes a camper who used the site as a hiking base.
What campers like
Complete disconnection: NF83 Dispersed site 1 offers true isolation from technological distractions. A visitor appreciates that there's "no light pollution, cell signal or distractions" making it ideal for those seeking digital detox camping experiences.
Riverside settings: Several sites feature stream access behind camping areas. At NF 83 - riverside, campers find "a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit" positioned "peacefully placed along the bends of the river," creating natural sound barriers between sites.
Varied site options: The region provides both open field-style camping and wooded sites depending on preference. One camper at NFR 273 notes: "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!"
What you should know
Vehicle clearance requirements: Access roads to many sites demand higher clearance vehicles. For NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, one October visitor noted the main access was good but side areas challenging: "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."
Seasonal crowding: Despite the primitive nature of these sites, popularity has increased. A late October camper at NFR 273 found it "beautiful but surprisingly crowded" and "had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot."
Site maintenance variations: User maintenance determines site condition. One regular visitor to Forest Road 71 noted: "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
Bathroom considerations: Only Somerset Airfield offers toilet facilities among these sites. "There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service," notes a recent visitor, making it more suitable for families than completely undeveloped sites.
Weather preparedness: George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed sites can experience rapid weather changes. One family noted, "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."
Site selection timing: Arrive early for the best family-friendly spots. A George D Aiken visitor found "large, well organized camping spots along the road," but noted their chosen spot "was a little muddy from rain," suggesting early arrival helps secure drier locations for family setups.
Tips from RVers
Limited options for larger rigs: Hogback Mtn Trailhead offers one of the few accessible spots for larger vehicles. One RVer described it as a "large open lot at top of paved highway pass" that provides "plenty of room for any number of rigs" though cautions it offers "not a lot of ambiance."
Bumpy access: Even sites labeled as drive-in may present challenges. At NF 83 - riverside, a camper warns "the beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks" and while they had "substantial ground clearance," they cautioned that "smaller ground clearances may feel a bump or two."
Weather-dependent accessibility: Mud seasons (spring and fall) can make sites unreachable. One RVer attempting to access a Forest Road 71 site 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."
