The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Savoy, MA

32 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities near Savoy, Massachusetts include several free primitive sites in the adjacent Green Mountain National Forest of Vermont. George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed offers approximately 10 well-spaced sites along accessible forest roads with established fire rings. NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot provides multiple clearings suitable for tents and small RVs. Somerset Airfield features a more developed dispersed area with pit toilets but less privacy between sites.

These primitive camping areas require complete self-sufficiency. No drinking water, trash service, or hookups are available at any location. According to reviews, many sites become muddy after rainfall, particularly along Forest Road 71 and NFR 273. Vehicles with higher clearance are recommended for accessing the more remote sites. Several campers noted that NF83 Dispersed site requires "at least 8 inches of clearance under your vehicle" to access safely.

Weather conditions vary significantly by season. Somerset Airfield experiences heavy winter use by snowmobilers, while summer brings increased vehicle traffic. Fire regulations permit campfires at most sites where established fire rings exist. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, with some ATT reception reported at George D Aiken Wilderness. Campers should be aware that Somerset Vt Dispersed on the Deerfield River now prohibits camping with "No camping signs all along road" due to private property restrictions.

The standard dispersed camping rule applies in National Forest lands: camp at least 150 feet from trails, roads, and water sources. Sites are first-come, first-served with no reservation system. For those seeking Appalachian Trail access, note that Jug End in Massachusetts is a hiking trail only with no permitted camping according to Massachusetts state regulations.

Map showing campgrounds near Savoy, MassachusettsExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Savoy, Massachusetts (18)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 18 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Savoy Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Savoy, MA

36 Photos of 18 Savoy Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Savoy, MA

32 Reviews of 18 Savoy Campgrounds

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    Ushers Road State Forest

    Trail head

    This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side. The terrain eventually transitions into a low-lying, swampy area, likely due to recent rainfall over the past week.

    About 500 feet down the right-hand trail, there is a smaller path branching off to the left. This leads to a previously used campsite, approximately 200 feet from the main trail. The site includes a stone fire ring, indicating prior use.

    Given that camping is permitted anywhere in the woods as long as it’s at least 150 feet off the trail, the surrounding area offers an abundance of potential camping spots.

  • M.A.D. P.The Dyrt PRO User
    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

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Natasha T.
    Jun. 6, 2022

    NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    Nice wooded little campsite

    A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well. 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.

  • c H.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • SJ W.
    Nov. 1, 2024

    NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    Beautiful but surprisingly crowded

    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. 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.

  • licia S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Somerset Airfield

    No Wifi, Resevoir Beautiful

    Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and resevoir- saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping. It's been quiet and peaceful and sometimes generators running all night. I arrived after the 4th of July and a neighbor said it was rowdy during the holiday with illegal fireworks set off every night over the dry forest. These pics are from a weekday morning. It's great to see families camping. There are pit toilets. AT.T service at bridge prior to camp- short walk. SOS only in camp. Another camper told me Starlink works here.

  • Miccal M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 18, 2024

    NF 83 - riverside

    Quiet spot on the river

    I've looked at this spot a few times and it is normally way to wet to camp at, but this time it was frozen.  This is a nice clearing near the river where the road used to cross.

    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.  

    Being a primitive site there is only a fire ring here.

Guide to Savoy

Primitive camping near Savoy, Massachusetts primarily centers around the Green Mountain National Forest in adjacent Vermont, with elevations between 1,500-2,500 feet. These dispersed sites experience significant seasonal variation, with summer temperatures averaging 65-80°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Most accessible sites become waterlogged after rainfall due to the clay-heavy soil composition.

What to do

Reservoir recreation: Somerset Airfield provides easy access to Somerset Reservoir. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Reservoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," reports M.A.D. P.

Forest exploration: The unmarked trails surrounding George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed connect to multiple small ponds. "Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites," notes camper c H., making this area ideal for day trips.

Star viewing: Light pollution is minimal at remote sites like NF83 Dispersed site 1. "What a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions," writes Miccal M., making it perfect for night sky observation.

What campers like

Well-built fire rings: Many dispersed sites feature sturdy, established fire pits. "The spot I chose had a beautifully built fire pit," mentions Tam E. about their George D Aiken Wilderness experience.

Privacy between sites: While some areas offer closely spaced camping, NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot provides more seclusion. "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!" reports Michele N.

River access: Several sites feature waterfront locations. At NF 83 - riverside, Thomas and James S. describe the setting as "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!"

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: Many forest roads become challenging after rain. "The beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks," notes Thomas and James at NF 83 - riverside, adding that vehicles with "substantial ground clearance" navigate more easily.

Site cleanliness inconsistent: Previous campers sometimes leave sites in poor condition. At Dispersed site along Forest RD 71, Sandy L. reports, "2 years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us."

Seasonal closures occur: Forest roads may close unexpectedly. "The entrance to the road had a sign that said 'road closed ahead.' We chanced it and was able to find a really nice open spot right before the road closure," reports Caitlin C. about NFR 273.

Tips for camping with families

Prepare for bugs: Densely wooded sites have more insects. "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well," warns Natasha T. about NFR 273, suggesting families bring stronger repellent.

Consider open sites: More open clearings reduce bug problems. "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," Natasha adds.

Check site spacing: During busy periods, privacy decreases. "Westford there last weekend. Got up on a Friday with plenty of spots," notes Erica M. at Somerset Airfield, suggesting weekday arrivals provide better options for families seeking quieter experiences.

Tips from RVers

Airfield offers most space: The Somerset Airfield accommodates larger rigs best. "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," notes Kevin C.

Measure clearance beforehand: Forest roads often require higher vehicles. "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8 inches of clearance under your vehicle," warns Miccal M. about accessing NF83 Dispersed site 1.

Consider pull-off dryness: Many sites become impassable for RVs after rain. "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," reports SJ W. about NFR 273.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find primitive camping in Savoy, Massachusetts?

Savoy offers several primitive camping opportunities in the surrounding area. Green Mountain National Forest FR71 provides free dispersed camping options with basic amenities. For more organized primitive sites, Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71 offers an open circle area with stone fire rings that can accommodate multiple campers. These sites give you access to hiking trails including connections to the Appalachian Trail. Remember that primitive camping means minimal facilities, so be prepared to pack in and pack out all supplies and waste.

What regulations should I know about for dispersed camping in Savoy Mountain State Forest?

When dispersed camping in Savoy Mountain State Forest, you must follow Leave No Trace principles and properly dispose of human waste at least 200 feet from water sources. Camping is typically restricted to designated sites, as evidenced by established fire rings. At sites like George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, campsites are spread out along access roads with approximately 10 spots available. Always check for signage indicating private property or no camping areas, as seen at some locations like Somerset Vt Dispersed on the Deerfield River. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, so verify current regulations with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation before your trip.

Is dispersed camping in Savoy, Massachusetts available year-round?

Dispersed camping availability in Savoy is seasonal and weather-dependent. During winter months, many forest roads become impassable due to snow and ice. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, late October camping is possible, but many sites can become too wet for vehicle access. Similarly, NF 83 - riverside may only be accessible when conditions are dry or frozen. Spring often brings flooding and muddy conditions, as experienced at Somerset Airfield where only limited sections remain open during wet periods. Always check road conditions and current forest closures before planning a trip outside the prime summer and early fall seasons.

Keep Exploring