Primitive camping near Cambridge, New York primarily consists of dispersed sites within Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest. The area sits at the border between New York and Vermont, with elevations ranging from 600 to 2,400 feet. Weather conditions vary dramatically by season, with muddy spring conditions and limited winter access when forest roads close due to snow accumulation or ice formation.
What to do
Water activities at Somerset Reservoir: Located near Somerset Airfield, the reservoir offers paddling and fishing opportunities. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Resevoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," notes reviewer M.A.D. P.
Winter camping adventures: The Green Mountain National Forest transforms during winter months. "We endured Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday... in the winter be ready for snowmobiles, in the summer trucks," shares Miccal M. about winter experiences at Somerset Airfield.
Hiking trail access: Several dispersed sites connect to popular hiking trails. At Statton Pond Camp, campers enjoy "Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT," according to Tim M.
Mountain biking exploration: The network of forest roads and trails provides biking opportunities. "This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side," reports a reviewer at Ushers Road State Forest.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Many campers appreciate sites with separation from neighbors. At George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, "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," notes reviewer c H.
Quality fire rings: Campers frequently mention the well-built fire pits at many sites. "The spot I chose had a beautifully built fire pit," shares Tam E. about George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, while Thomas and James S. noted "a sizable fire pit" at NF 83 riverside.
Peaceful nights: The remote location provides quiet camping experiences. At NF83 Dispersed site 1, Miccal M. appreciates "a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions."
Proximity to towns: Despite feeling remote, many sites allow access to nearby amenities. George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed offers "Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites."
What you should know
Road conditions vary widely: Forest roads can become challenging after precipitation. At NF 83 riverside, "The beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks... smaller ground clearances may feel a bump or two!" warns Thomas and James S.
Site maintenance responsibility: Many reviewers mention cleaning up after previous campers. "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," notes Sandy L. at Dispersed site along Forest RD 71.
Limited facilities: Most sites offer fire rings only, with no other amenities. At Statton Pond Camp, one reviewer gave "4 stars is the lack of any long distance views from the site itself."
Seasonal variations: Conditions change dramatically between seasons. "Several sites were damp" notes David G. about George D Aiken after rainfall, while SJ W. found that at NFR 273, "Many pull offs but a lot were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck."
Tips for camping with families
Bug preparation: Insect activity varies by location and forest density. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, Natasha T. reports "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."
Look for open sites: More open areas typically have fewer insects. Natasha T. continues 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."
Weekend crowds: Popular areas fill quickly on weekends and holidays. At Somerset Airfield, Erica M. noted "Got up on a Friday with plenty of spots" but the weekend brought many more campers.
Alternative locations: For those seeking more privacy, Branch Pond offers "Tons of different styles of camping spots (if you get there while its still sunlight you can pick a spot by a flowing stream/river)," according to Brendan M.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Look for areas specifically suited for RVs. At Somerset Airfield, "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," explains Miccal M.
Ground clearance requirements: Many forest roads require higher clearance vehicles. NF83 Dispersed site 1 requires "more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle" according to Miccal M.
Size capacity variations: Some sites can accommodate multiple rigs. Tim M. describes Statton Pond Camp as "Easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering."
Seasonal road closures: Winter and spring can limit access. Caitlin C. found at NFR 273 that "The entrance to the road had a sign that said 'road closed ahead'. We chanced it and was able to find a really nice open spot right before the road closure."
