Primitive camping near Cohoes, New York requires preparation for variable road conditions and seasonal challenges. Many forest roads in the surrounding Green Mountain National Forest become difficult to navigate during spring thaws and after heavy rainfall. Winter temperatures in the region frequently drop below 10°F with significant snowfall accumulation, making proper cold-weather gear essential for off-season camping.
What to do
River recreation access: At Somerset Airfield, campers can enjoy the nearby Somerset Reservoir for various water activities. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Resevoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," notes one reviewer.
Winter camping experiences: Some dispersed sites remain accessible for cold-weather camping with proper preparation. Somerset Airfield accommodates winter adventurers: "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."
Hiking trail connections: Forest Road 71 sites offer excellent trail access to regional highlights. At Statton Pond Camp, visitors find "Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT," making it an ideal basecamp for day hikes.
What campers like
Seclusion and quietness: NF83 Dispersed site 1 provides true isolation from modern distractions. One camper appreciates that it offers "no light pollution, cell signal or distractions," perfect for those seeking to disconnect completely.
River proximity: Several sites feature direct water access for cooling off and recreation. At NF 83 - riverside, campers enjoy a "large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit" that's "peacefully placed along the bends of the river."
Variety of site configurations: Campers can choose between more open communal areas or secluded spots. Statton Pond Camp features "easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering" with a "stone fire ring in the center."
What you should know
Vehicle clearance requirements: Many primitive sites require higher-clearance vehicles. For NF 83 - riverside, access "is a little rough but most cars should make it, I would prefer having a little more clearance though just to be sure." NF83 Dispersed site 1 demands "more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle."
Seasonal road closures: Always check current conditions before traveling. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, "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."
Varying site conditions: Weather significantly impacts site usability. "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," notes one camper about NF 83 - riverside. Another camper at NFR 273 reported: "Many pull offs but a lot were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection considerations: Choose established sites with appropriate facilities for children. Somerset Airfield offers "pit toilets" and easy water access, though one camper warns that "Campsites are listed as disbursed but there are only 7 trees to separate 9 camp sites."
Managing insects: Prepare for significant bug activity in densely wooded areas. At NFR 273, one camper reported "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."
Safety concerns: Be aware that some areas may experience disruptive activity on holiday weekends. One Somerset Airfield camper noted their "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."
Tips from RVers
Site capacity assessment: George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed offers good options for smaller RVs with "Large, well organized camping spots along the road." One camper found that "We found a perfect site off the road on the right side. It was large and flat."
Weather preparedness: RVers should be ready for rapid weather changes. "It had rained a lot prior to our arrival, and several sites were damp," reports one George D Aiken Wilderness camper. Somerset Airfield sites may flood during wet periods, with "puddles everywhere" during spring thaw.
Campsite spacing: Expect varying levels of privacy between sites. At George D Aiken Wilderness, "The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on," while Somerset Airfield offers less separation between neighbors.
Ranger
