Primitive camping near Leeds, Massachusetts often means navigating seasonal road conditions that vary significantly between summer and winter months. Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont houses the majority of dispersed sites within a 40-75 mile radius of Leeds, with elevation changes of 1,500-2,500 feet causing temperature variations of 10-15°F between valley and mountaintop camping areas. Winter access typically requires 4WD vehicles from November through April due to unmaintained forest roads.
What to do
Explore Somerset Reservoir: Located near Somerset Airfield, the reservoir offers paddling, swimming and fishing opportunities away from developed campgrounds. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Resevoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," notes a camper.
Winter camping adventures: Backcountry camping during winter months offers solitude with proper preparation. "We endured Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday... temperatures plummeted to 8° and a windchill of -3 for this morning. Everything crusted was over with a good inch of ice," reports one winter camper at Somerset Airfield.
River access camping: Several sites position campers directly alongside streams and rivers for immediate water access. At NF 83 - riverside, campers enjoy "a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit" with one reviewer describing it as "peacefully placed along the bends of the river."
What campers like
Site privacy levels: NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot offers varied site configurations. "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!" one camper reports. Another mentions "Large open site just off of Forest Road 273."
Established fire pits: Many dispersed sites maintain well-built fire rings despite their primitive nature. "The spot I chose had a beautifully built fire pit," notes a camper at George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed. At NF 83, a visitor appreciated that the site featured "a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit."
Terrain variations: Sites range from densely forested to open field settings. "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings... 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," notes a camper at NFR 273.
What you should know
Road condition challenges: Access roads to primitive sites can deteriorate quickly with weather. "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," warns a camper about NF 83. For Dispersed site along Forest RD 71, a visitor cautions, "This particular campsite is very muddy. I have an SUV and I didn't trust it to get through."
Limited facilities: Most sites offer minimal or no services. At Somerset Airfield, "There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service." Cell coverage varies widely—Somerset Airfield has "AT.T service at bridge prior to camp - short walk. SOS only in camp."
Seasonal flooding: Spring thaw and heavy rain events frequently impact accessibility. "Only the first section of the campground was open due to flooding. As a result, there were puddles everywhere," notes a Somerset Airfield camper. At NF 83, a visitor observed the site is "normally way to wet to camp at, but this time it was frozen."
Tips for camping with families
Weekend crowding awareness: Family-friendly sites fill quickly during peak periods. "Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot," reports a camper at NFR 273, despite visiting during shoulder season.
Site cleanliness considerations: Prepare to potentially clean sites upon arrival. At Dispersed site along Forest RD 71, one regular camper notes, "2 years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us."
Proximity to amenities: Some sites offer better access to nearby towns and activities. George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed provides "Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites." This accessibility can be crucial when camping with children who may need supplies or entertainment options.
Tips for RVers
Limited large rig options: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller setups only. At Hogback Mtn Trailhead, visitors note it's a "large open lot at top of paved highway pass" that provides "plenty of room for any number of rigs," making it one of few RV-friendly dispersed camping options.
Airfield camping for larger vehicles: Somerset Airfield provides more open space than forest sites. "It is probably good for people who camp with RVs or Trailor's that can't get into smaller sites," notes one visitor who recommends other options for tent campers seeking seclusion.
Ground clearance requirements: Forest roads often demand higher-clearance vehicles. The entrance to NF 83 was described as "quite rough with some bigger rocks" with the recommendation that "smaller ground clearances may feel a bump or two." Most forest roads require at least 6-8 inches of clearance after rain events.
