Dispersed camping near New Salem, Massachusetts requires traveling northwest to the Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont, with most sites located 40-50 miles away. Winter campers in this region face overnight temperatures that can drop below 10°F with significant snowfall and ice accumulation, as experienced at Somerset Airfield where campers reported enduring "Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday." Forest service roads accessing these sites are typically unpaved and become challenging during wet conditions.
What to do
Paddling on Somerset Reservoir: From the Somerset Airfield area, access the reservoir for water activities. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Reservoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," notes one camper.
Winter camping adventures: Green Mountain National Forest offers cold-weather camping opportunities for prepared visitors. One camper at Somerset Airfield reported that "Saturday, we got at least 8" more along with sleet, freezing rain, and rain... temperatures plummeted to 8° and a windchill of -3."
River exploration: The NF 83 - riverside site provides direct water access. A camper describes it as "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!"
What campers like
Stargazing opportunities: Remote sites like NF83 Dispersed site 1 offer excellent night sky viewing conditions. As one camper notes, it's "a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions."
Spacious campsites: Many dispersed sites in the area provide ample room between campers. At George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, campers appreciate that "Large, well organized camping spots along the road. The spot I chose had a beautifully built fire pit."
Proximity to attractions: Despite the remote feeling, many sites are near recreational opportunities. One George D Aiken visitor mentioned, "Different size sites, att cell reception. Mostly clean short drive to pond and stores."
What you should know
Road access challenges: Many access roads become difficult in wet conditions. At NF 83 - riverside, a camper warned that "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 maintenance varies: Prepare to clean up after previous visitors. At Dispersed site along Forest RD 71, a camper noted: "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."
Site availability fluctuates: During peak seasons, arriving early improves your chances of securing a spot. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, a visitor in late October reported they "had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot."
Tips for camping with families
Weather preparation: Pack for rapidly changing conditions, especially in transitional seasons. At George D Aiken, one camper shared: "It had rained a lot prior to our arrival, and several sites were damp. We found a perfect site off the road on the right side."
Campsite selection: Choose sites with natural boundaries for safety with children. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, a visitor observed it was a "Peaceful and quiet dispersed camping spot. Large enough for 2-3 vehicles or one large rig/RV. Very few vehicles pass, some days none."
Pit toilet availability: Only certain dispersed areas near New Salem offer toilet facilities. Somerset Airfield provides pit toilets, but as one camper reported, "There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service."
Tips from RVers
Ground clearance considerations: High-clearance vehicles are recommended for most sites. At NF83 Dispersed site 1, a camper advised: "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle."
Open camping areas: For larger RVs, Hogback Mtn Trailhead offers a "Large open lot at top of paved highway pass. Great place to stop for the night. Not a lot of ambiance, but plenty of room for any number of rigs."
Site privacy levels: Some areas offer more separation than others. At Somerset Airfield, a camper noted: "Campsites are listed as disbursed but there are only 7 trees to separate 9 camp sites. The campsites are all next to the road and have fire circles."
