Dispersed camping near Hawley, Massachusetts primarily concentrates on several free primitive sites within the Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont. Most camping areas sit at elevations between 1,500-2,500 feet, creating cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands, particularly during fall and spring when overnight temperatures can drop below 40°F. Winter camping remains possible through several access roads, though weather conditions can change quickly in this mountainous terrain.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Somerset Airfield offers access to Somerset Reservoir, which creates numerous recreation options. As one camper notes, "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Reservoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities."
Winter camping adventures: For cold-weather enthusiasts, the Green Mountain National Forest provides winter camping options. At Somerset Airfield, a reviewer describes winter conditions: "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."
Hiking access: The Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71 provides multiple trail options. One visitor explains, "Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT."
What campers like
Secluded wilderness: The NF 83 - riverside offers a peaceful riverside setting. A camper describes it as "Enchanting. Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!" Another adds, "This is a nice clearing near the river where the road used to cross."
Dark skies for stargazing: The NF83 Dispersed site 1 provides excellent night sky viewing. A reviewer points out, "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."
Range of site types: Many sites offer variety in size and privacy. At Statton Pond Camp, one camper found "Easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many sites requires vehicles with adequate ground clearance. For NF 83 - riverside, a camper advises, "The beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks we have substantial ground clearance so no issues there but smaller ground clearances may feel a bump or two!"
Site availability: Weekends can get crowded at popular areas. For NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, a camper reported: "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."
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather changes rapidly. Somerset Airfield campers experienced extreme conditions: "Saturday, we got at least 8" more along with sleet, freezing rain, and rain. Saturday evening, we had 3" more by 11pm. Then the fun began as the wind blew the storms out and temperatures plummeted to 8° and a windchill of-3."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for children: Choose sites with natural features for exploration. Somerset Airfield offers water access as one visitor notes: "Some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park."
Bring insect protection: Dense forests mean insects can be problematic. At George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, a camper found "Large, well organized camping spots along the road. The spot I chose had a beautifully built fire pit. It was a little muddy from rain."
Pack for temperature swings: Mountain elevations mean significant day-to-night temperature changes. One Statton Pond camper reported: "The site was very flat and could accommodate several small campers. It was quiet during our overnight stay other than a car or two on Stratton-Arlington Rd. There weren't many mosquitoes either."
Tips from RVers
Pre-arrival scouting: When possible, scout sites before bringing large rigs. For Dispersed site along Forest RD 71, a camper noted: "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."
Arrival timing: Arrive early for better site selection. At NFR 273, one camper found "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!"
Site cleanup expectations: Multiple campers report needing to clean sites upon arrival. One Forest RD 71 camper shared: "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."
