Dispersed camping opportunities exist within a 50-mile radius of Averill Park, New York, primarily in nearby state forests and wilderness areas. Ushers Road State Forest offers primitive camping sites with established fire rings approximately 200 feet from main trails. According to recent visitor reports, the trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails that eventually transition into low-lying, swampy areas after rainfall. New York State regulations permit camping anywhere in state forests provided campsites are at least 150 feet from trails, roads, or water sources.
These primitive sites typically lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash collection. Campers must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. Fire regulations vary by location and season; always use established fire rings when available. Several campers noted that low-lying areas near water bodies can become quite swampy, making bug spray essential equipment during warmer months. Vehicle access varies significantly between sites, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles. One reviewer mentioned that "the road in was pretty rough" at certain locations, recommending smaller vehicles for some access points.
The Green Mountain National Forest in nearby Vermont provides additional dispersed camping options within reasonable driving distance. These sites generally permit fires in established rings and allow pets. Cell service ranges from spotty to nonexistent at most locations. Weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly at higher elevations. Campers should practice Leave No Trace principles, as emphasized in visitor reviews: "Make sure you practice leave no trace principles and pack out what you bring in." Popular sites can become crowded during peak seasons, especially on weekends, potentially requiring campers to share space or search for alternative locations.
"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."
"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!"
"This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side."
"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."
"Only con which wasn’t that big of an issue was that you are close to the road, so any vehicles going by which wasn’t many you would hear. Besides that you are in dark and quiet state forest."
"Just about what you would expect in a national forest. Nice dirt road without too many potholes."
"Between Sage's Ravine and Jug End Road there are five backcountry campsites on the Appalachian Trail."
"Trash cans, but carry out is preferable."
"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."
"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."
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
Primitive camping near Averill Park, New York centers primarily on nearby Vermont locations within the Green Mountain National Forest, with most sites situated 40-60 minutes away. The forest elevation ranges from 900-2,000 feet, creating varied microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the season. Dispersed sites typically have established fire rings but lack formal amenities such as running water or waste facilities.
Hiking and fishing access: At Stratton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71, campers gain excellent hiking routes. "Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT," notes one visitor who appreciated the connectivity to major trail systems.
Water recreation opportunities: Just north of Somerset Airfield, you can access Somerset Reservoir for paddling and swimming. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Reservoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," according to a recent camper who found multiple recreation options.
Mountain biking: Forest roads near dispersed camping areas offer mountain biking opportunities with varied terrain. While some areas become marshy after rain, the higher elevation sites generally drain better and provide firmer riding surfaces year-round.
Riverside camping spots: NF 83 riverside offers waterfront access that campers enjoy. "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!" reports a visitor who appreciated the natural setting.
Remote woodland settings: The primitive sites near NF83 Dispersed Site 1 appeal to those seeking isolation. "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," explains one camper who valued the disconnection.
Large group areas: Several sites can accommodate multiple vehicles or larger gatherings. "Easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center," reports a visitor at Stratton Pond Camp who utilized the space for a group setup.
Vehicle clearance requirements: Many primitive sites require higher clearance vehicles. At NF83 Dispersed Site 1, a camper advises, "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle."
Seasonal mud challenges: Spring and after heavy rainfall, low-lying areas become problematic. At Dispersed site along Forest RD 71, a visitor reported, "This particular campsite is very muddy. Well, at least today it is. I have an SUV and I didn't trust it to get through, and I didn't want to get stuck."
Cleanliness varies significantly: Some campers report needing to clean sites upon arrival. "I would have given 5 stars except for the unfortunate fact that 2 years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us," noted a regular at Forest RD 71.
Site availability fluctuations: During peak season, especially around holidays, sites fill quickly. "Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot," reported a visitor to Vermont's dispersed camping areas.
Choose sites with established facilities: For families, Somerset Airfield offers basic amenities that can make primitive camping more manageable. "The Airfield Campground is a strip of land with several campsites and fire pits. It has pit toilets," notes a visitor who appreciated the minimal but useful facilities.
Weather preparation essential: Temperature variations can be significant, particularly at higher elevations. "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," reported a winter camper at Somerset Airfield.
Insect protection: Wooded sites near water often have significant insect activity. "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well," warned a camper at one Vermont site, suggesting families bring multiple insect repellent options.
Site selection criteria: For RVs, George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed offers suitable options. "Large, well organized camping spots along the road. The spot I chose had a beautifully built fire pit. It was a little muddy from rain," notes a visitor who found the space accommodating despite conditions.
Campsite spacing considerations: At certain locations, proximity to others varies seasonally. "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," reported a visitor who appreciated the layout.
Water management: Many RVers note that site conditions can change rapidly with weather. "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," shared someone who successfully navigated wet conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Averill Park, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Averill Park, NY is NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot with a 4.4-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Averill Park, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 28 dispersed camping locations near Averill Park, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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