Dispersed camping spots near Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts are predominantly found in the Green Mountain National Forest across the Vermont border. This rugged, heavily forested region sits at elevations between 1,500-2,500 feet, creating cooler temperatures even in summer months. Winter access often requires four-wheel drive vehicles as unpaved forest roads receive minimal maintenance during snow season.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Somerset Reservoir near Somerset Airfield offers excellent fishing access. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Reservoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," notes M.A.D. P.
Hiking trails: The area surrounding Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71 provides multiple trail options. One camper reports, "Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT."
Winter camping: For cold weather enthusiasts, the forest roads remain accessible though challenging. A camper at Somerset Airfield shared their experience: "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."
What campers like
Quietness and isolation: Many campers value the peace found at sites like Dispersed site along Forest RD 71, where one visitor noted it offers "no light pollution, cell signal or distractions."
Multiple site options: Forest Road 71 provides numerous camping possibilities. As one camper at NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot observed, "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!"
River access: Several sites offer water features. At NF 83 - riverside, campers appreciate the location: "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: Access roads vary significantly in quality. One camper at George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed noted, "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."
Site preparation: Previous campers sometimes leave sites in poor condition. Sandy L. reported, "2 years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us."
Private property awareness: Not all apparent campsites are actually available for public use. At Somerset Vt Dispersed on the Deerfield River, a visitor warned, "No camping signs. Private property."
Ground clearance requirements: Many forest roads require higher-clearance vehicles. A camper at NF 83 advised, "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: For families, Somerset Airfield offers more amenities than most dispersed sites. "The Airfield Campground is a strip of land with several campsites and fire pits. It has pit toilets," reports a camper, making it suitable for those needing basic facilities.
Weather preparation: Mountain weather changes rapidly. A Statton Pond camper shared: "The site was very flat and could accommodate several small campers. It was quiet during our overnight stay other than a car or two on Stratton-Arlington Rd. There weren't many mosquitoes either."
Noise levels: Weekends and holidays bring more campers and potential noise. One Somerset Airfield visitor cautioned: "Weekend was interrupted by a domestic violence situation a few sites down that resulted in fights and someone shooting off a handgun. Took state police over 50 minutes to respond and multiple families left."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: For RV campers seeking privacy, choose carefully. A Somerset Airfield visitor reported, "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."
Alternative parking: Hogback Mtn Trailhead offers overnight parking for larger vehicles. "Great place to stop for the night. Not a lot of ambiance, but plenty of room for any number of rigs," notes one RVer.
Muddy conditions: After rain, many sites become difficult to access. An NFR 273 camper warned, "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."
