Best Dispersed Camping near Shelburne Falls, MA
Dispersed camping options near Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts are primarily located in nearby southern Vermont within Green Mountain National Forest. George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed offers several well-established primitive sites with fire rings approximately 30 miles northwest of Shelburne Falls. These sites are generally large, flat, and spaced well apart from each other. According to recent visitors, the access road is well-maintained, though some sites may become muddy after rain.
No drinking water, toilets, or trash service is available at most dispersed sites in this region. Campers must pack in all necessary water and pack out all waste. Fire rings are present at most sites, and fires are permitted when no bans are in effect. Several campers noted that cell reception is spotty throughout the area, with some AT&T service reported at George D Aiken sites. Vehicle clearance requirements vary by location; NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot has multiple pull-offs, but visitors report some areas can become too wet for vehicles without adequate clearance.
Somerset Airfield provides a more developed dispersed camping experience with pit toilets and approximately 9-10 campsites arranged along a grassy strip. The sites are relatively close together with limited privacy. The nearby Somerset Reservoir offers fishing, paddling, and hiking opportunities. For those seeking more solitude, Forest Road 71 contains numerous dispersed sites with varying degrees of privacy. Be aware that Somerset Vt Dispersed on the Deerfield River is marked with "No Camping" signs as it is private property. Always practice Leave No Trace principles, as previous visitors have reported spending considerable time cleaning sites left messy by prior campers.
