Dispersed camping opportunities near Montague, Massachusetts extend throughout the Green Mountain National Forest across multiple access points in Vermont. Most sites sit at elevations between 1,500-2,500 feet, with seasonal temperatures ranging from summer highs in the 80s to winter lows frequently below freezing. Weather conditions change rapidly in these mountains, with frequent precipitation affecting access roads and camping conditions.
What to do
Fishing at Somerset Reservoir: The reservoir provides excellent fishing opportunities near several free camping spots. At Somerset Airfield, campers observe "happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping" with easy reservoir access offering multiple recreational activities.
Hiking nearby trails: Several dispersed sites provide access to hiking within the Green Mountain National Forest. Near George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, visitors note "brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites," making it convenient to combine outdoor activities with exploring local attractions.
Riverside camping: Multiple sites offer streamside locations for water access. At NF 83 - riverside, campers describe "a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit" that's "peacefully placed along the bends of the river," providing direct water access for cooling off during summer months.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing between established dispersed camping areas. At Green Mountain National Forest FR71, the multiple clearings along the road provide separation, though one camper noted the need for "over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us."
Star viewing opportunities: The remote locations offer exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. One camper at NF83 Dispersed site 1 highlighted "no light pollution, cell signal or distractions" as a significant benefit of the remote setting.
Established fire rings: Many dispersed sites come with pre-built fire rings, enhancing the camping experience. At George D Aiken Wilderness, a visitor found "a beautifully built fire pit" at their chosen spot, while another camper noted that "the spot I chose had a beautifully built fire pit."
What you should know
Variable road conditions: Access roads frequently deteriorate in wet conditions. A visitor to Dispersed site along Forest RD 71 reported "this particular campsite is very muddy... I have an SUV and I didn't trust it to get through, and I didn't want to get stuck."
Seasonal crowd fluctuations: Sites become significantly busier during summer weekends and holidays. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, one October camper was "surprised" to find it "surprisingly crowded" midweek, noting they "had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot."
Sanitation challenges: Most sites lack restroom facilities, requiring proper waste disposal planning. At George D Aiken Wilderness, one camper reported that the "site was littered with places previous campers had left human excrement... While not in the site directly, it was all around it."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for children: Choose sites with level, open areas for play space. Somerset Airfield provides "a strip of land with several campsites" where "some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park," giving children safe water access.
Weather preparation: Mountain weather changes rapidly, requiring appropriate clothing and shelter. One winter camper at Somerset Airfield experienced "snow and mid-20s Friday night with 8 inches of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday" followed by "sleet, freezing rain, and rain" with temperatures eventually "plummeting to 8 degrees."
Safety considerations: Be prepared for limited emergency services access. At Hogback Mtn Trailhead, the "large open lot at top of paved highway pass" provides easier access for emergency vehicles than more remote sites, making it potentially safer for families.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Larger rigs should focus on more established areas with adequate clearance. At Somerset Airfield, one RVer noted it "is probably good for people who camp with RVs or Trailers that can't get into smaller sites."
Ground clearance requirements: Many access roads require higher clearance vehicles. For NF83 Dispersed site 1, a camper warned "don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8 inches of clearance under your vehicle."
Campsite size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate only smaller RVs or vans. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, the sites are described as "large enough for 2-3 vehicles or one large rig/RV" but access requires navigating forest roads that can be challenging.
