Dispersed camping near Greenwich, New York offers numerous primitive sites within a 30-mile radius, primarily in Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest. The region sits at the border of New York and Vermont where the Taconic Mountains transition to the Green Mountains, creating varied terrain from lowland forests to higher elevations. Winter camping remains possible at many sites with proper preparation, though roads can become difficult or impassable after heavy precipitation.
What to do
Hiking access: Stratton Pond Shelter provides excellent trail connections. "The shelter is a 3.75mi hike from the nearest parking lot in winter. There are 2 tent platforms, 2 outhouses and at least 16 bunk spaces in the shelter. The lake looks great and is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail," notes a camper at Stratton Pond Shelter.
Water recreation: Somerset Reservoir offers numerous activities during warmer months. "Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and reservoir - saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping," reports a visitor to Somerset Airfield. The reservoir provides ample opportunities for fishing and paddling.
Night sky viewing: Remote sites with minimal light pollution offer excellent stargazing. One camper at NF83 Dispersed site 1 shared, "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."
What campers like
Riverside locations: Several sites feature access to moving water. At NF 83 - riverside, campers appreciate the "quiet spot on the river" with one noting it's "peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!"
Privacy between sites: The George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed area offers well-spaced camping options. A visitor mentioned, "Large, well organized camping spots along the road. The spot I chose had a beautifully built fire pit." Another camper noted, "We found a perfect site off the road on the right side. It was large and flat. We were off the road by 100 feet or so. It made it more private."
Multiple site options: Forest Road 71 contains numerous campsites with varying characteristics. One camper at NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot shared, "At least a dozen spots, some very spacious. Only crashed for 1 night but will be coming back to spend a few, this area was excellent!"
What you should know
Ground conditions: Sites that appear level may not be when setting up camp. A camper at George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed reported, "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."
Vehicle clearance requirements: Some rustic camping sites near Greenwich require higher-clearance vehicles. One camper noted about NF83 Dispersed site 1, "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle."
Seasonal conditions: Winter camping presents unique challenges but remains possible at many sites. 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. The stakes didn't hold in the frozen ground."
Weekend crowding: The more accessible sites fill quickly during peak seasons. One visitor observed, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection criteria: Look for spots with natural features that entertain children. Riverside sites like NF 83 offer water access while remaining relatively safe. A camper described one spot as having "a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!"
Advance planning: Arrive mid-week when possible to secure prime locations. Multiple reviews mention weekend crowding requiring deeper forest travel to find open sites.
Weather preparedness: Pack for significant temperature fluctuations, especially in spring and fall. Somerset Airfield campers noted that weather can change rapidly, with one experiencing an extreme winter camping situation: "Then the fun began as the wind blew the storms out and temperatures plummeted to 8° and a windchill of -3 for this morning."
Tips from RVers
Road condition assessment: Most dirt roads accessing dispersed camping areas near Greenwich require careful navigation. A visitor to Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71 noted, "The site was very flat and could accommodate several small campers."
Clearance considerations: Many sites have rough entry points. One camper advised about NF 83, "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."
Size limitations: Smaller RVs and trailers fare better at most primitive sites. Somerset Airfield provides more open spaces with a camper noting, "Flat levels its and people able to fit their campers. Campers near us said there are more sites if you pass the airfield that are more spread out past the actual airfield sites."
