Top Free Dispersed Camping near Pelham, MA

Looking for dispersed camping near Pelham? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Massachusetts excursion.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Pelham, MA (5)

    Camper-submitted photo from George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
    Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
    Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
    Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
    Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
    Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield

    2. Somerset Airfield

    5 Reviews
    59 Photos
    82 Saves

    Forest Road 71: This forest road stretches from the old Somerset airfield to the Kelley Stand Road. Campsites can be found in various spots along the way and along some of the forest roads leading off of Forest Road 71.

    There are many general forest areas available on the Green Mountain National Forest for rustic or dispersed camping. These areas provide a place to camp and enjoy nature’s solitude at no charge. Visitors can camp anywhere on the forest unless the area is posted closed to camping. Camp in existing sites or stay the strongly recommended 200 feet from roads, streams, trails, and bodies of water to disperse impact. Do not cut any vegetation. There is a camping limit of 14 days in any 30-day period on the Forest. Please leave the campsites clean by using Leave No Trace Principles, such as carry out what you carry in.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • No image available

      3. Green Mountain National Forest FR71

      1 Review
      68 Saves

      Forest Road 71: This forest road stretches from the old Somerset airfield to the Kelley Stand Road. Campsites can be found in various spots along the way and along some of the forest roads leading off of Forest Road 71. There are many general forest areas available on the Green Mountain National Forest for rustic or dispersed camping. These areas provide a place to camp and enjoy nature’s solitude at no charge. Visitors can camp anywhere on the forest unless the area is posted closed to camping. Camp in existing sites or stay the strongly recommended 200 feet from roads, streams, trails, and bodies of water to disperse impact. Do not cut any vegetation. There is a camping limit of 14 days in any 30-day period on the Forest. Please leave the campsites clean by using Leave No Trace Principles, such as carry out what you carry in.

      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Dispersed
      • No image available

        4. Somerset Vt Dispersed on the Deerfield River

        1 Review
        8 Saves

        Backcountry Camping (Dispersed Camping)

        Backcountry camping is allowed in most locations on the forest unless there is a specific closure order in place for a particular area.

        The following camping practices are recommended:

        Locate campsites at least 200’ from trails or waterbodies including ponds, rivers, and streams
        When able, utilize sites already managed for overnight use including designated tent platforms and established shelters
        Do not camp in alpine or sub-alpine areas where trees are 8’ or less.  Help protect these fragile ecosystems!

        ​Please follow the principles of leave no trace:

        Plan Ahead and Prepare
        Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
        Dispose of Waste Properly
        Leave What You Find
        Minimize Campfire Impacts 
        Respect Wildlife
        Be Considerate of Other Visitors
        • Pets
        • RVs
        • Tents
        • No image available

        Recent Dispersed Reviews In Pelham

        12 Reviews of 5 Pelham Campgrounds


        • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
          Aug. 30, 2024

          Somerset Airfield

          Good stopover location

          Only the first section of the campground was open due to flooding. As a result, there were puddles everywhere.

          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.

          There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service. Basically a camp site where you can share a fire with the neighbors.

        • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
          Mar. 29, 2024

          Somerset Airfield

          Winter camping wonder

          Well, that was an experience! Met some friends Friday night at the Somerset Airfield for a weekend of camping. 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. So, we tied them to the trees and our cars. 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 8⁰ and a windchill of-3 for this morning. Everything crusted was over with a good inch of ice. I have never endured such winds camping, I was sure camp was going to be blown apart. Even with a winter fly tight to the snow my hammock was rocking all night. Our tarps held mostly, we only lost one or two anchor points. Gear that wasn't staked, tied or put in our cars moved blown around inside our foxholes of snow.

          In the morning when packing up and breaking the ice glazed on everything.

          we stayed in the first few sites, there are walk in sites behind these that have easy river access.  in the winter be ready for snowmobiles, in the summer trucks.

          As I've stated in my other review for this location, there are outhouses here and firerings.  It is an easy dirtroad drive to get to this location, that is why they tend to be used so much by RVers.

        • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
          Mar. 1, 2024

          Somerset Airfield

          Least favorite of all the primitive sites in the area

          I've camped here a couple of times and it is ok.  This really is just a grass strip next to FR71 with a bunch of sites and a pit house.  It is probably good for people who camp with RVs or Trailor's that can't get into smaller sites, but if you can I would go some where else.

        • m
          Camper-submitted photo from George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
          Oct. 8, 2023

          George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

          Beautiful, Quiet and restful!

          It was getting dark when we arrived and it had been raining all day. We just needed a night and it was great. Some sites were really wet but we found a nice dry place.

        • DThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
          Sep. 27, 2023

          George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

          Nice Night

          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. It was large and flat. We were off the road by 100 feet or so. It made it more private. I would highly recommend this site. We stopped on our way through to Stowe Vermont.

        • Erica M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
          Aug. 2, 2023

          Somerset Airfield

          Nice spot but to busy

          Westford there last weekend. Got up on a Friday with plenty of spots. 10 spaces between the bathrooms/vault toilets with only 3 other 4 in working order. Great location near Somerset Reservoir. 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...... Can't pick the other people using the space I guess, but lots of trash left in fire pitsand all along river. Water behind the sites more like a marsh. Flat levels it's and people able to fit their campers. Campers near us said there are more sites if you pass the airfield that are more spread out past the actual airfield sites.

        • c H.
          Camper-submitted photo from George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
          Jun. 13, 2023

          George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

          Cool Spot!

          The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on. There were only about 10 spots along the access road. Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites.

        • M.A.D. P.
          Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
          Jan. 1, 2023

          Somerset Airfield

          Small open park

          The Airfield Campground is a strip of land with several campsites and fire pits. It has pit toilets. These sites are close together with little to no shade. Some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park. The real attraction is the huge Somerset Resevoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities. There are other dispersed sites down the road that are free



        Guide to Pelham

        Camping near Pelham, Massachusetts, offers a great mix of nature, fun activities, and family-friendly spots. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are some fantastic campgrounds in the area that cater to all kinds of campers.

        What to do:

        • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the scenic hikes available at places like Mt. Greylock Campsite Park, where one reviewer mentioned, "The campground has great amenities and a great feel to it."
        • Fishing: If you love fishing, check out the nearby rivers. One camper at October Mountain State Forest noted, "This campground is very close to the Housatonic (catch and release only!)"
        • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim at local lakes. A visitor at George Washington State Campground shared, "Swimming at the lake was great, but it looked way too dirty."

        What campers like:

        • Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Spacious Skies Minute Man. One reviewer said, "The sites were ample size and space for our rig and needs."
        • Friendly staff: Many campers rave about the welcoming hosts. A visitor at Mt. Greylock Campsite Park mentioned, "Pat and Gordon are incredibly welcoming hosts."
        • Clean facilities: Clean bathrooms and well-maintained grounds are a big plus. A camper at George Washington State Campground noted, "Very clean bathrooms & hot showers."

        What you should know:

        • Reservations: Some campgrounds, like October Mountain State Forest, require reservations in advance. One camper pointed out, "First off no same day reservations or walk-ups allowed."
        • Wildlife: Be prepared for local wildlife. A visitor at Camping On The Battenkill mentioned, "Everyone complains about the local small wildlife getting into your food."
        • Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell service. A camper at Monadnock State Park Campground said, "No cell/data service... I wish this were clearer on their website."

        Tips for camping with families:

        • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. One family at Jamaica State Park Campground enjoyed, "Great playground and fun playing in the river."
        • Plan for meals: Bring snacks and meals, as some campgrounds have limited stores. A camper at Minute Man Campground noted, "The store seemed to be lacking some stuff."
        • Safety first: Keep an eye on kids near water and trails. A visitor at Woodford State Park Campground advised, "Watch for ticks on your dog."

        Tips from RVers:

        • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Camping On The Battenkill mentioned, "Sites aren’t on top of each other but you can see your neighbors."
        • Dump station availability: Look for campgrounds with dump stations. A visitor at George Washington State Campground appreciated, "The campground is close to many restaurants and gas stations."
        • Electric hookups: If you need power, check for campgrounds with electric hookups. A camper at Spacious Skies Minute Man noted, "The campground is nice, pretty tall trees and clean."

        Camping around Pelham, MA, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking comfort.

        Frequently Asked Questions

        • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Pelham, MA?

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Pelham, MA is George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed with a 4.9-star rating from 7 reviews.

        • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Pelham, MA?

          TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Pelham, MA, with real photos and reviews from campers.