Dispersed camping near Green Island, New York offers primitive sites across several state forests and national forest lands within a reasonable driving distance. Most accessible options lie within 30-45 minutes of Green Island, with the majority of sites located in Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest. Winter camping is possible at some locations, though road conditions can be challenging with snow accumulation and freezing temperatures dropping as low as 8°F with windchills below zero.
What to do
Hiking from campsites: The Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71 provides excellent access to nearby trails. "Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT," notes one camper, making it ideal for multi-day explorations of the Green Mountains.
Water activities: Multiple water features exist near camping areas, particularly around the Somerset Airfield location. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Reservoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," reports a camper who found the reservoir more appealing than the actual campground.
Stargazing: For those interested in night sky viewing, the NF83 Dispersed site 1 offers exceptional conditions. One winter camper noted it has "no light pollution, cell signal or distractions," making it perfect for astronomy enthusiasts willing to navigate the challenging access road.
What campers like
Privacy variations: Different sites offer varying levels of seclusion. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, campers appreciate the options. "At least a dozen spots, some very spacious," wrote one visitor who planned to return for a longer stay after initially stopping for just one night.
Fire pit quality: Well-constructed fire rings appear consistently in reviews. "The spot I chose had a beautifully built fire pit," commented a camper at George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, while another at NF 83 - riverside mentioned "a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!"
Seasonal variations: Winter camping experiences differ dramatically from summer stays. At Somerset Airfield, a winter camper described: "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." Summer visitors noted swimming and kayaking opportunities at the same location.
What you should know
Vehicle clearance requirements: Many forest roads require appropriate vehicles. At NF83 Dispersed site 1, a camper warns: "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle." Similar warnings appear for other sites.
Seasonal impacts on access: Mud and weather affect site availability throughout the year. One visitor to Dispersed site along Forest RD 71 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."
Sanitation concerns: Limited facilities mean proper waste disposal is essential. At George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, one camper reported a disappointing discovery: "Site was littered with places previous campers had left human excrement. While not in the site directly, it was all around it."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for kids: Choose sites with adequate space for children to play safely. Ushers Road State Forest has "a smaller path branching off to the left. This leads to a previously used campsite, approximately 200 feet from the main trail" that provides buffer from the main path.
Weekend crowds: Plan for busier conditions on weekends and holidays. At Somerset Airfield, one family's "weekend was interrupted by a domestic violence situation a few sites down that resulted in fights and someone shooting off a handgun. Took state police over 50 minutes to respond and multiple families left."
Bathroom planning: With limited toilet facilities, prepare accordingly. Somerset Airfield has "pit toilets" but many reviewers note only a small number work properly, with one reporting "only 3 other 4 in working order" during their visit.
Tips from RVers
Site capacity variations: Some dispersed sites can accommodate multiple RVs for group camping. At Ushers Road State Forest, "camping is permitted anywhere in the woods as long as it's at least 150 feet off the trail," allowing for flexibility with smaller rigs.
Road condition alerts: Road quality impacts RV access significantly. A camper at NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot noted: "Many pull offs but a lot were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck. The road itself was in great condition though."
Group camping opportunities: Larger gatherings work well at certain sites. Statton Pond Camp features "easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center," making it suitable for RV meetups.
