Dispersed camping options near Whately, Massachusetts range from riverfront clearings to isolated forest sites throughout the Green Mountain National Forest. Most sites feature elevation changes between 1,000-2,500 feet, with the higher elevations found in the Vermont portion of the camping region. Road conditions vary seasonally, with many access roads requiring 8+ inches of ground clearance, particularly on National Forest Roads 71 and 83.
What to do
Paddling at Somerset Reservoir: Located approximately 60 miles north of Whately, Somerset Airfield provides easy access to the large Somerset Reservoir. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Resevoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," notes one visitor to the area.
Hiking to Stratton Pond: From the northern section of Forest Road 71, several trails connect to the Appalachian Trail network. "Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT," reports a camper at Statton Pond Camp.
Winter camping adventures: For those seeking extreme conditions, many dispersed sites remain accessible year-round. A winter camper at Somerset Airfield describes 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
Stargazing opportunities: Many rustic camping areas near Whately offer minimal light pollution. A camper at NF83 Dispersed site 1 appreciates the "great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions." This isolation creates ideal conditions for night sky viewing.
Well-built fire pits: Several campers mention the quality of established fire rings. At NF 83 - riverside, visitors found "a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit." Another camper at George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed noted their "spot had a beautifully built fire pit."
Privacy between sites: Despite being free camping areas, many locations offer good separation between campers. A visitor to George D Aiken Wilderness noted that "The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on." This spacing provides a more secluded experience than typical campgrounds.
What you should know
Road access challenges: Many sites require vehicles with adequate clearance. At NF83 Dispersed site 1, one reviewer warns, "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle." Similar challenges exist throughout the region.
Seasonal site availability: Wet conditions limit site options, particularly in spring and after heavy rainfall. "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," reports one winter camper at NF 83 - riverside.
Variable conditions at NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot: Even during ideal seasons, conditions can vary widely. "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," notes a late October visitor.
Site cleanliness concerns: Previous campers sometimes leave sites in poor condition. One camper at Dispersed site along Forest RD 71 reported: "2 years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us."
Tips for camping with families
Avoid insect-heavy areas: Densely wooded sites often have more bugs. "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well," warns a visitor to NFR 273 Dispersed Camping. Consider more open sites for family comfort.
Consider site proximity to facilities: Most dispersed camping near Whately lacks basic amenities, but Somerset Airfield offers pit toilets. "There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service," explains a recent visitor.
Check for level tent spaces: When camping with children, flat areas are important. "The site was very flat and could accommodate several small campers," notes a visitor to George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, making it suitable for families.
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Most rustic camping areas near Whately accommodate only small rigs. As one camper at Somerset Airfield notes, "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."
Check ground firmness: Many forest sites become muddy and unstable for heavier vehicles. "I have an SUV and I didn't trust it to get through, and I didn't want to get stuck," reports a camper at Dispersed site along Forest RD 71 during wet conditions.
Consider overflow locations: During busy periods, have backup sites planned. "Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot," shares a van camper at NFR 273 Dispersed Camping.
