Dispersed camping near Florida, Massachusetts requires navigating primarily to Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest. Most sites sit between 1,500-2,000 feet elevation with significant seasonal temperature variations, including summer highs around 80°F and winter lows frequently below 0°F. The area receives 40-50 inches of annual rainfall with heaviest precipitation in spring and fall, creating challenging ground conditions during these seasons.
What to do
Water recreation at Somerset Reservoir: The large reservoir near Somerset Airfield offers swimming, kayaking and fishing opportunities. "Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and reservoir- saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping," reports one visitor. Somerset Reservoir provides a welcome water feature during summer months.
Star gazing: Areas along NF83 Dispersed site 1 offer exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. "This primitive spot is a little more than a clearing with a fire pit. But what a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions," notes one camper. Clear nights reveal excellent astronomical viewing conditions with the Milky Way often visible to the naked eye.
Trail access: Multiple camping areas provide direct access to hiking routes. Forest Road 273 contains numerous sites within walking distance to trailheads. "Large open site just off of Forest Road 273," states a camper, noting the convenient location for day hikes. Winter visitors can access snowmobile trails directly from many dispersed sites.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many areas offer substantial camping spaces for groups or those seeking extra room. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, campers appreciate the generous sites. "Peaceful and quiet dispersed camping spot. Large enough for 2-3 vehicles or one large rig/RV," notes one visitor. Sites typically accommodate multiple tents or a combination of vehicles and camping setups.
Established fire rings: Most dispersed sites feature pre-existing fire rings. "The spot I chose had a beautifully built fire pit," states a camper at George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed. Fire rings vary in quality but generally provide safe containment for campfires where permitted.
Access to amenities: Despite primitive conditions, some areas offer basic facilities. Somerset Airfield provides vault toilets, though with limited maintenance. "There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service," reports one visitor. Most other dispersed sites have no facilities, requiring complete self-sufficiency.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly by season and recent weather. "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," reports one camper at Dispersed Camping Spot. Many forest roads require higher clearance vehicles, especially after rainfall.
Site cleanliness varies: Previous campers may leave trash or worse behind. "Site was littered with places previous campers had left human excrement. While not in the site directly, it was all around it," warns one visitor to George D Aiken Wilderness. Another camper at Dispersed site along Forest RD 71 notes: "2 years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us."
Winter considerations: Camping during winter months presents significant challenges. Temperatures regularly drop below freezing with substantial snowfall. One camper at Somerset Airfield describes "enduring Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday" and temperatures eventually dropping to "8° and a windchill of -3."
Tips for camping with families
Bug management: Dense wooded areas harbor significant insect populations. "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seem to be unbothered by the bug spray as well," warns a visitor to NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot. Consider more open sites during peak bug season (late spring/early summer) and bring effective repellent formulated for the northeastern woodland environment.
Choose sites with water features: Children often enjoy camping near streams or water access. At NF 83 - riverside, "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!" The riverside location provides both recreation and natural white noise for sleeping.
Weekend crowding: Plan for busier conditions during peak times. "Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot," reports one visitor, highlighting midweek advantages. School holidays and summer weekends see substantially increased usage, sometimes requiring arrival by Thursday to secure preferred sites.
Tips from RVers
Ground clearance requirements: Many dispersed sites require navigating rough forest roads. For NF 83, one camper advises: "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle." Most smaller RVs can access main forest roads, but reaching individual sites often requires higher clearance.
Levelness varies: Finding level parking for RVs can be challenging. Somerset Airfield offers "flat levels" according to one visitor, making it more suitable for RVs than many other options. Most other dispersed sites require leveling blocks and careful positioning.
Weather preparedness: RV campers should prepare for rapid weather changes. "In the morning when packing up and breaking the ice glazed on everything," reports one winter camper at Somerset Airfield, highlighting the need for proper insulation and heating systems. Summer thunderstorms can cause sudden road deterioration, potentially complicating departure.
