Dispersed camping near Williamstown, Massachusetts requires navigating narrow mountain roads with varying conditions throughout the year. Most free sites are located within Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont, which ranges in elevation from 1,800 to 3,800 feet. Winter camping presents unique challenges, with temperatures frequently dropping below 10°F and access roads becoming impassable without 4WD vehicles or snow chains.
What to do
Swimming and fishing at Somerset Reservoir: Located near Somerset Airfield, this large reservoir offers water recreation options during summer months. "Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and reservoir - saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping," notes camper Licia S., who visited on a weekday morning.
Stargazing in remote areas: The NF83 Dispersed site provides exceptional dark sky viewing opportunities. One camper describes it as "a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions," making it ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.
Visit local breweries and distilleries: Several craft beverage producers operate within 15 minutes of the George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed sites. According to camper C.H., there are "brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites."
What campers like
Riverside camping options: NF 83 - riverside offers direct water access for a more immersive experience. Thomas and James S. describe it as "peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!"
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed areas feature good separation between camping spots. At George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, camper C.H. noted that "the camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on."
Large, level tent spaces: Several sites accommodate various camping setups. Michele N. found NFR 273 had "at least a dozen spots, some very spacious" and stated they "only crashed for 1 night but will be coming back to spend a few, this area was excellent!"
What you should know
Road conditions require preparation: Many access roads become challenging after rain or during spring melt. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, camper SJ W. found that "many pull offs were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck. The road itself was in great condition though."
No marked boundaries between sites: Unlike developed campgrounds, dispersed sites often blend together. Kevin C. observed at Somerset Airfield that "campsites are listed as dispersed but there are only 7 trees to separate 9 camp sites. The campsites are all next to the road and have fire circles."
Insect pressure can be intense: Dense forest areas foster mosquito populations. Natasha T. reported "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."
Tips for camping with families
Choose more open areas for kids: Less wooded sites reduce bug pressure and improve visibility. Natasha T. suggested that "a few miles down the road there is another campsite that is more open and also has a fire pit with a lot less bugs flying around and more open space."
Plan for no facilities: Most sites lack even basic amenities. At Dispersed site along Forest RD 71, campers consistently need to clean up after previous visitors, as Sandy L. noted: "2 years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us."
Consider seasonal timing: Late spring brings mud and insects, while fall offers better conditions. David G. noted that "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."
Tips from RVers
Ground clearance requirements: Many sites require high-clearance vehicles. Miccal M. warns about NF83 Dispersed site: "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8 inches of clearance under your vehicle."
Limited turnaround space: Larger rigs should scout sites before committing. At Hogback Mtn Trailhead, Boulder T. described it as a "large open lot at top of paved highway pass... plenty of room for any number of rigs," one of the few areas that accommodates larger vehicles.
Backup plans essential: Popular sites fill quickly on weekends and holidays. SJ W. reported going "on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot."
