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Dispersed camping options near Tully Lake, Massachusetts primarily lie in Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest, with several established dispersed areas within 60-90 minutes driving distance. Forest Road 71 offers multiple free primitive sites, including Somerset Airfield and several unnamed pullouts. Most sites feature fire rings but no other amenities, with only Somerset Airfield providing pit toilets. Roads to these sites vary in condition, with NF83 requiring higher clearance vehicles according to campers who noted "the access into this location is a little rough."
The George D. Aiken Wilderness area contains some of the most highly-rated dispersed sites in the region, with multiple roadside clearings that accommodate both tents and smaller RVs. These sites typically include well-built fire pits and provide reasonable privacy. One camper noted, "Large, well organized camping spots along the road," though others mentioned problems with human waste outside designated areas. Most dispersed camping in this region follows standard national forest regulations—pack out all trash, use existing fire rings, and practice Leave No Trace principles. Cell service is extremely limited throughout these remote areas.
"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."
"We brought our school bus down the dirt road just fine and backed right in. They also have fireplaces which was nice!"
"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."
"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."
"A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."
"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."
"We stayed at one near the creek just over a little bridge. Cute little site, nice fire pit, clean, perfect rock to put a big water jug on. The sound of running water was soothing."
"One of many locations along Forest rd 71, this spot was a good place to pitch a tent for the night while exploring the area even in the rain."
"This is a nice clearing near the river where the road used to cross."
"The left side of the drive in is swampy so be sure to not drift to that side."
"Easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center. We had this all to ourselves in our Bean teardrop. "
"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. "
"Just about what you would expect in a national forest. Nice dirt road without too many potholes."
ScoutIt was dark. I arrived after 7p. There were 3 rv camps already going on. All 3 had camp fires. Many fire rings for many groups. No hassles at all. It's off the beaten path but worth it. The first 4 camp sites were open. Made a fire. Ate some food. I got a good night sleep. Nothing ate me or attacked me so that's 5 star in my book.
TravelerLots of beautiful spots to pick from but be careful some are a bit muddy. We brought our school bus down the dirt road just fine and backed right in. They also have fireplaces which was nice!
GuideWent with a friend on an impromptu last minute camping trip up in the NF and hoped we could find a spot on a Friday night. Quite a few spots were taken but there were still some free ones. We stayed at one near the creek just over a little bridge. Cute little site, nice fire pit, clean, perfect rock to put a big water jug on. The sound of running water was soothing. In the morning, adorable little red squirrels with big personalities made themselves known and there were wildflowers blooming all over with hummingbirds going about their business. This is dispersed camping so there’s no rest rooms, running water, etc. The particular site we stayed at did have another site on the other side of the creek and we could hear the family during the day and see them as they walked past, so it wasn’t as isolated as some of the other sites. It was a cute spot and I’ll def be back.
TravelerThis is a good spot if you don’t mind being social. The main camping area is a large grassy opening where multiple people park and camp together, and there is a bathroom, but there isn’t much privacy between sites. If you continue farther down the forest road, there are several smaller pull-offs with much more private dispersed camping spots. I’d recommend checking those out if you’re looking for a quieter experience.
TravelerMy 2008 Prius handled the road with ease. Sites were spaced out. There was hiking at the end of the road but not too much space to wander around from the sites given the road’s high speed limit. Sites had fire pits and that was it. Very quiet and fairly accessible from society. Given the lack of free camping in the southern northeast this spot is a gem!
GuideI selected a semi shaded site about 25 feet off the road about 2 miles in. There are many sites but you may have to look as a lot are overgrown. I am glad I selected the site I did as it stayed “dry” through 48 hrs of torrential downpours. I had very few problems with the bugs: have a nice smoky fire…best repellant out there!
GuideSo peaceful and serene
GuideI had many sites to choose from. Definitely remote and private.
ScoutOnly about 7-8 spots to camp but super spread out down a gravel road. I pulled in at 8 ish and grabbed the last or one of the last spots. Super quiet and out of the way
Dispersed camping near Tully Lake, Massachusetts requires driving 60-90 miles to Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont, where elevation ranges from 1,800 to 3,000 feet. Winter temperatures often drop below 10°F, while summer typically ranges from 45-75°F. The forest road network provides access to numerous primitive sites with varying degrees of privacy and roadside accessibility, though seasonal conditions can limit access.
Hiking nearby: Multiple trails connect to dispersed camping areas along Forest Road 71, with easy access to Stratton Pond and the Appalachian Trail. At Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71, camper Tim M. noted "Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT."
Paddling and fishing: Somerset Reservoir offers opportunities for kayaking and fishing just a short drive from several dispersed sites. At Somerset Airfield, one camper observed "Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and reservoir - saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping."
Wildlife viewing: The remote forest setting provides opportunities to spot native wildlife. Brendan M. at Statton Pond Camp reported, "I did see a huge blackbear," highlighting the importance of proper food storage.
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed areas offer substantial space between camping spots. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, Michele N. mentioned "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!"
Well-established fire rings: Most dispersed sites feature established stone fire rings. Tim M. at Statton Pond Camp described "Stone fire ring in the center. We had this all to ourselves in our Bean teardrop."
Peace and quiet: The remote setting provides a quiet camping experience with minimal noise. At George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, Evan M. commented "Great spot for quiet desolate camping. Several spots to choose from."
Night skies: Light pollution is minimal in these remote areas. Miccal M. at NF83 Dispersed noted "what a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions."
Road conditions vary significantly: Many forest roads require higher clearance vehicles. At NF 83 - riverside, Thomas and James S. cautioned "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!"
Site availability by season: During peak summer months, arrive early to secure preferred sites. Kevin C. at Somerset Airfield observed "Only the first section of the campground was open due to flooding. As a result, there were puddles everywhere."
Pack in all necessities: No services or amenities are available at these dispersed sites. c H. at George D Aiken Wilderness 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. Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites."
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather can change rapidly. Miccal M. at Somerset Airfield recounted winter camping: "Then the fun began as the wind blew the storms out and temperatures plummeted to 8° and a windchill of -3 for this morning. Everything crusted was over with a good inch of ice."
Consider Somerset Airfield for facilities: This is one of the few dispersed areas with pit toilets. M.A.D. P. described "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."
Bring water purification: Streams and rivers require treatment before drinking. SJ W. at NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot noted "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."
Plan for limited cell coverage: Communication options are limited in the forest. Tim M. at Statton Pond Camp mentioned "2 bars of USCellular LTE," but coverage varies significantly by carrier and location.
Visit nearby towns for supplies: Several small towns within 15-20 minute drives offer resupply options. David G. at George D Aiken Wilderness shared "We stopped on our way through to Stowe Vermont," indicating the proximity of towns.
Site size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs only. Andy M. at Statton Pond Camp noted "The site was very flat and could accommodate several small campers."
Camp early on weekends: Holiday weekends fill quickly with reserved spots. Andy M. added "I couldn't believe that the site was not being used at all, especially just a couple of days before Fourth of July weekend. Many other sites further south on 71 were filled and some were just TTs holding the space for the upcoming weekend."
Consider Hogback Mountain for easier access: Hogback Mtn Trailhead offers a large open parking area accessible to larger vehicles. Boulder T. described it as a "Large open lot at top of paved highway pass. Great place to stop for the night. Not a lot of ambiance, but plenty of room for any number of rigs."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Tully Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Tully Lake is George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed with a 4.7-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Tully Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 dispersed camping locations near Tully Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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