Dispersed camping near Drury, Massachusetts extends primarily into Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest where primitive sites offer a true rustic experience at elevations between 1,200 and 2,000 feet. Most sites sit along forest service roads at no cost, requiring self-sufficiency with supply runs to nearby towns like Wilmington or Bennington. Weather conditions fluctuate dramatically with mountain terrain receiving considerably more precipitation than surrounding lowlands.
What to do
Paddling at Somerset Reservoir: Located near Somerset Airfield, the reservoir provides excellent kayaking opportunities. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Reservoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," notes one visitor.
Winter camping adventures: The Green Mountain National Forest transforms with significant snowfall from December through March. At Green Mountain National Forest FR71, you can experience true winter wilderness. One winter camper at Somerset Airfield 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."
Dark sky stargazing: Areas with minimal light pollution allow exceptional night sky viewing. A camper at NF83 Dispersed site 1 notes their site offered "no light pollution, cell signal or distractions," making it ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.
What campers like
Site privacy and spacing: Many dispersed sites offer natural separation. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, campers find "Large, spacious sites along the road. "Large, open site just off of Forest Road 273," reports one visitor, while another notes it's "Peaceful and quiet dispersed camping spot. Large enough for 2-3 vehicles or one large rig/RV."
Well-constructed fire rings: Several sites feature established, well-built fire pits. One camper at NFR 273 found "a large one and a small cooking one," while another visitor at George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed mentioned "a beautifully built fire pit."
Regional attractions: The area offers access to nearby towns with amenities. A visitor to George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed observed, "Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites."
What you should know
Seasonal road conditions: Access varies dramatically by season and recent precipitation. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, one camper 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."
Varying site quality: Preparation for different site conditions is essential. A camper at Somerset Airfield reported: "Only the first section of the campground was open due to flooding. As a result, there were puddles everywhere."
Limited services: No running water or maintained facilities exist at most sites. At Dispersed site along Forest RD 71, visitors must "spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us," indicating the pack-in, pack-out nature of these locations.
Tips for camping with families
Bug preparation: Dense forest areas can have significant insect activity. A visitor to NFR 273 warned: "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."
Crowding on holidays: Holiday weekends see significantly more use. One camper at Somerset Airfield observed: "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."
Look for alternate sites: If primary locations are full or unsuitable, continue searching. A visitor noted: "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."
Tips from RVers
Ground clearance concerns: Many forest roads require higher clearance vehicles. At NF 83 - riverside, campers warn: "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."
Site selection for larger vehicles: Look for clearings that accommodate your rig size. At NF83 Dispersed site 1, a camper cautions: "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle."
Weather monitoring: Mountain weather changes rapidly. At Somerset Airfield, a winter camper reported temperatures "plummeted to 8° and a windchill of -3," highlighting the need for proper preparation.
