Top Free Dispersed Camping near Shutesbury, MA

Searching for a dispersed campsite near Shutesbury? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your Massachusetts camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Shutesbury, MA (8)

    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
      Camper-submitted photo from NF 83 - riverside
      Camper-submitted photo from NF 83 - riverside
      Camper-submitted photo from NF 83 - riverside
      Camper-submitted photo from NF 83 - riverside
      Camper-submitted photo from NF 83 - riverside
      Camper-submitted photo from NF 83 - riverside

      4. NF 83 - riverside

      2 Reviews
      18 Photos
      53 Saves

      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!

      • Fires
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Dispersed
      • No image available

        5. NF83 Dispersed site 1

        1 Review
        8 Saves

        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!

        • Fires
        • RVs
        • Tents
        • Standard (Tent/RV)
        • Dispersed
        • No image available

          6. 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
            • No image available

            Recent Dispersed Reviews In Shutesbury

            15 Reviews of 8 Shutesbury 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.

            • Thomas and James S.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from NF 83 - riverside
              Jun. 12, 2024

              NF 83 - riverside

              Enchanting

              Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit! The left side of the drive in is swampy so be sure to not drift to that side. The beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks we have substantial ground clearance so no issues there but smaller ground clearances may feel a bump or two! Live by the motto leave nicer than you found it so we all can continue to enjoy the beauty!

            • 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.

            • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from NF 83 - riverside
              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.

            • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from NF83 Dispersed site 1
              Jan. 18, 2024

              NF83 Dispersed site 1

              Nice remote location

              This primitive spot is a little more than a clearing with a fire pit.  But what a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions.  Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle.  

              I was here in winter, but I would expect in summer a lot of undergrowth in the woods, if your hammock camping bring a manchette to clear a spot.

            • 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 Shutesbury

            Camping near Shutesbury, Massachusetts, offers a mix of beautiful nature and cozy campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of options to explore.

            What to do:

            • Hiking: There are great trails nearby, especially at Mt. Greylock Campsite Park. One visitor mentioned, "The campground is close to many restaurants and gas stations also," making it easy to grab supplies after a day on the trails.
            • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, October Mountain State Forest is close to the Housatonic River, which is perfect for catch-and-release fishing. A camper noted, "The campsite was peaceful and quiet and mostly tucked into the hillside."
            • Exploring Historic Sites: The area around Spacious Skies Minute Man is rich in history. One reviewer said, "Concord is only a 30-minute drive away with two full days of revolutionary historic sites."

            What campers like:

            • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A visitor at George Washington State Campground mentioned, "Bathrooms were very clean with hot showers."
            • Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the welcoming hosts. At Woodford State Park Campground, a reviewer said, "The staff was friendly and helpful, with park rangers making regular rounds."
            • Spacious Sites: Campgrounds like Camping On The Battenkill offer ample space. One camper noted, "Sites aren’t on top of each other but you can see your neighbors."

            What you should know:

            • No Same-Day Reservations: At October Mountain State Forest, you can't make same-day reservations. A frustrated camper shared, "First off no same day reservations or walk-ups allowed."
            • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Monadnock State Park Campground mentioned, "Mid-week, the park was at maybe 20% capacity, and it was amazing. Quiet, and tons of room."
            • Limited Cell Service: If you need to stay connected, be aware that some areas have poor cell service. A camper at Monadnock State Park Campground noted, "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 recreational areas. At Minute Man Campground, a reviewer said, "The rec room was impressive, with games and movies for campers to enjoy."
            • Safety Precautions: Be cautious of ticks while hiking. A visitor at Greenfield State Park Campground warned, "Our dog got covered in ticks so watch for that."
            • Plan for Meals: Bring snacks and meals to avoid extra trips. A camper at Jamaica State Park Campground advised, "Make sure you stock up before you get there; stuff is expensive at the corner stores."

            Tips from RVers:

            • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Minute Man Campground mentioned, "The sites were ample size and space for our rig and needs."
            • Dump Station Availability: Look for campgrounds with dump stations. At Woodford State Park Campground, a camper noted, "The dump station was clean."
            • Electric Hookups: If you need power, check for campgrounds with electric hookups. A visitor at Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park mentioned, "They sell firewood and there’s a really cute general store across the street from the campground."

            Camping near Shutesbury, Massachusetts, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors!

            Frequently Asked Questions

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

              According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Shutesbury, 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 Shutesbury, MA?

              TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Shutesbury, MA, with real photos and reviews from campers.