Multiple free dispersed camping options surround Cherry Plain, New York, with most sites located across the state border in Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest. NFR 273 offers several dispersed spots with established fire rings and enough space for 2-3 vehicles per site. The dirt road is generally well-maintained, though some pull-offs may be too wet for vans or lower-clearance vehicles during rainy periods. The George D Aiken Wilderness area provides additional dispersed camping with sites spread along access roads, featuring well-built fire pits on level ground.
These primitive sites offer no facilities—no water, toilets, or trash service. Campers report the George D Aiken area has good cell reception, while other forest sites have limited or no service. Forest Road 71 in Green Mountain National Forest contains several free camping areas, including sites near Somerset Airfield which has vault toilets. A camper noted, "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Reservoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities." Winter camping is possible but challenging, with access roads becoming snow-covered and temperatures dropping significantly.
"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!"
"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."
"Just about what you would expect in a national forest. Nice dirt road without too many potholes."
"This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side."
"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."
"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. "
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 Cherry Plain, New York offers direct access to the natural landscapes of the Taconic Mountains region. Most available sites sit at elevations between 1,500-2,500 feet with significant temperature variations between seasons. Winter temperatures regularly drop below 15°F, while summer evenings typically cool to the 50s even after warm days, requiring proper gear regardless of season.
Kayaking and fishing at Somerset Reservoir: Located about 25 minutes from dispersed sites along Forest Road 71, the reservoir provides extensive paddling opportunities in a motorboat-restricted environment. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Reservoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," notes a visitor to Somerset Airfield.
Winter camping challenges: For adventurous winter campers, the Green Mountain region offers a completely different 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. So, we tied them to the trees and our cars," reports a camper who visited Somerset Airfield during winter months.
Hiking the network of trails: Multiple trail networks connect the dispersed camping areas, with the Appalachian Trail accessible from several points. A visitor to Ushers Road State Forest shared: "This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side. The terrain eventually transitions into a low-lying, swampy area."
Isolation and dark skies: The remote location creates opportunities for stargazing without light pollution. "What a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions," writes a camper about NF83 Dispersed site 1, highlighting the truly primitive camping experience available near Cherry Plain.
Multiple camping options in close proximity: The area offers various site configurations to match different camping styles. "Easy to get to, had service the whole time, fire pits for every spot. I did see a huge blackbear. I didn't see any bathrooms," notes a camper at Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71.
Well-built fire rings: Most sites feature established fire rings despite their primitive status. A visitor to George D Aiken Wilderness commented: "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."
Potential for muddy conditions: Many sites become challenging to access after rain. "Different size sites, att cell reception. Mostly clean short drive to pond and stores," reports a camper at George D Aiken Wilderness, while another noted: "Many pull offs but a lot were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck."
Inconsistent maintenance: Be prepared to potentially clean up after previous visitors. A camper at Dispersed site along Forest RD 71 shared: "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."
Variable accessibility: Road conditions change significantly by season and after weather events. At NF 83 - riverside, a camper reported: "The access into this location is a little rough but most cars should make it, I would prefer having a little more clearance though just to be sure."
Choose sites with natural boundaries: For families with young children, look for sites with natural barriers to define camping area limits. "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit! The left side of the drive in is swampy so be sure to not drift to that side," advises a visitor to NF 83 - riverside.
Consider weekend congestion: Holiday weekends can bring unexpected crowds and noise. "Weekend was interrupted by a domestic violence situation a few sites downbeat resulted in fights and someone shooting off a handgun. Took state police over 50 minutes to respond and multiple families left," warned a Somerset Airfield visitor.
Look for larger clearing sites: Several areas offer more spacious options. "This 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," notes a camper about Statton Pond Camp.
Seasonal access considerations: Winter conditions drastically change accessibility for larger vehicles. A winter visitor to Somerset Airfield mentioned: "Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and reservoir - saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping. It's been quiet and peaceful and sometimes generators running all night."
Clearance requirements: Road quality varies significantly across the network of forest roads. "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle," cautions a camper about NF83 Dispersed site 1, emphasizing the importance of vehicle clearance for accessing more remote primitive camping near Cherry Plain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cherry Plain, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cherry Plain, 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 Cherry Plain, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 23 dispersed camping locations near Cherry Plain, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
