Dispersed camping near Hinsdale, Massachusetts typically experiences cold winters with temperatures averaging 10-20°F and moderate summers in the 70-80°F range. The area sits within the Berkshire Mountains where elevations range from 1,500 to 3,000 feet, affecting both temperature and accessibility during winter months. Many forest road campsites can become extremely muddy during spring thaw or after heavy rainfall, requiring vehicles with adequate ground clearance.
What to do
Fishing at Somerset Reservoir: The reservoir near Somerset Airfield provides excellent fishing opportunities with bass and trout. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Resevoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," notes camper M.A.D. P.
Winter camping adventures: For cold-weather enthusiasts, the Green Mountain National Forest offers unique winter camping experiences. At Somerset Airfield, one camper described: "We endured Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday... 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."
Hiking to nearby ponds: Multiple hiking trails connect camping areas to scenic ponds. Near Statton Pond Camp, campers can access several water bodies. "Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT," reports Tim M.
What campers like
Spacious, separated sites: The George D Aiken Wilderness area features well-distanced camping spots. A visitor noted, "Large, well organized camping spots along the road. The spot I chose had a beautifully built fire pit." Another camper found "a perfect site off the road on the right side. It was large and flat. We were off the road by 100 feet or so. It made it more private."
Quiet weekday camping: Weekdays offer more solitude at NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot. One camper shared their experience: "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."
Riverside locations: Several sites feature river access, adding to their appeal. The NF 83 - riverside camp offers a "large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit" that's "peacefully placed along the bends of the river." Another camper described it as "a nice clearing near the river where the road used to cross."
What you should know
Variable road conditions: Access roads can become challenging depending on weather and season. At NF 83, a camper warned: "The road into the site was pretty rough." Another noted: "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 cleanliness concerns: Some campers report having to clean up after previous visitors. At Dispersed site along Forest RD 71, one camper mentioned: "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."
Crowd patterns: Holiday weekends can transform otherwise peaceful sites. At Somerset Airfield, one camper reported: "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 and multiple families left."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with river access: Children often enjoy campsites with water features. Thomas and James S. recommend NF 83 - riverside as an "enchanting" spot with a "peacefully placed" campsite along river bends, ideal for family exploration.
Consider Somerset Airfield for facilities: For families needing basic amenities, Somerset Airfield offers vault toilets, which can be crucial with children. "There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service," notes Kevin C.
Check for muddy conditions: Many sites can become waterlogged after rain, creating challenges for family camping. One NFR 273 visitor observed: "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."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations for larger vehicles: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs rather than big rigs. At Hogback Mtn Trailhead, there's "plenty of room for any number of rigs" as it's a "large open lot at top of paved highway pass," making it one of the few accessible spots for larger vehicles.
Limited hookups and facilities: RVers should prepare for true boondocking conditions throughout the region. Somerset Airfield has no hookups, water, or garbage service, though it does have pit toilets. Kevin C. notes the area is "basically a camp site where you can share a fire with the neighbors."
Preparing for seasonal access: Winter camping requires special preparation for RVs. At Somerset Airfield, winter campers faced challenging conditions where "everything crusted was over with a good inch of ice" and experienced winds so strong they "was sure camp was going to be blown apart."
