Dispersed camping opportunities near Hillsdale, New York extend into neighboring Vermont, with several primitive sites available within a 30-mile radius. The Green Mountain National Forest provides multiple free camping options, including Downed Bridge Camp and Road's End Dispersed Camp. These sites typically feature basic fire rings but lack amenities such as running water, electricity, or waste facilities. According to recent visitor reports, "Some of the sites are drive-in, some are walk-in, but all are primitive. Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in."
Vehicle access varies significantly between locations. Many forest roads require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain or during spring thaw. Several campers noted that "this is not a place to go without at least 9 inches of ground clearance." The NF-83 riverside site offers a peaceful setting but has rough entry points with larger rocks that may challenge standard passenger vehicles. Somerset Airfield provides easier access but offers less privacy with sites positioned close together.
Most dispersed sites permit fires in established rings, though seasonal restrictions apply during dry periods. Cell service is extremely limited or nonexistent throughout the region. Visitors should bring all necessary supplies, including drinking water, as natural sources require proper filtration. The camping season generally runs from late spring through fall, with many areas closed during winter due to snow. Increasing visitor pressure has led to site closures in some areas, with rangers actively blocking access to overused locations. Practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve these areas for future use.
"But don't worry there is primitive camping starting about a mile down fire road 10... You don't even have to go to fire road 30."
"Great location for a small group to camp at. Can't wait to go back. The main area is a walk in and is worth it. The road into here was easy to drive. "
"great private spot when nothing else is around. The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles. The only thing you will find here is a fire ring."
"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. "
"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."
"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."
"No public bathrooms, no hookups, I personally didn’t have service."
"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 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!"
"Free dispersed camping site in the Green Mountain National Forest, off a dirt road. The site curves around past the driveway so you can tuck up into the trees to be more private."
"It was rocky getting there but super super remote - zero service. Great space for my jeep and honestly you could fit a LARGE RV. There is a bathroom at the entrance."
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!
TravelerPrivate, large site. This was the first site in the road. We have a low clearance car and it was a bit bumpy. This site was amazing, clean and easy pull in pull out.
GuideSo peaceful and serene
GuideI had many sites to choose from. Definitely remote and private.
Dispersed camping options around Hillsdale, New York extend into the Green Mountain National Forest of southern Vermont. This region consists primarily of mixed hardwood forest with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 feet. Camping opportunities are concentrated along forest roads with river access points, abandoned airfields, and hiking trail networks. Most sites remain accessible from late April through October, with many roads becoming impassable after heavy rainfall.
Swimming access points: At Somerset Airfield, campers can enjoy the nearby reservoir. According to one visitor, "Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and reservoir- saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping" while noting "AT&T service at bridge prior to camp- short walk. SOS only in camp."
Hiking trails: Several primitive sites connect to established trail systems. The Stratton Pond Shelter sits "at the intersection of AT, LT and Stratton Mountain trail" as one hiker observed, adding "The lake looks great and is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail."
Wildlife observation: Wildlife sightings are common but require caution. One camper at the Forest Road 71 sites reported, "Amazing 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."
River proximity: The NF 83 - riverside site offers "a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit" along the water. One camper described it as "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river" but warned "the beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks."
Privacy options: Some sites offer more seclusion than others. A visitor to Road's End Dispersed Camp called it a "great private spot when nothing else is around" though cautioned "the drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles."
Stream access: Several camping areas feature water access. One camper at Forest Road 71 noted, "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)."
Site availability: Popular areas fill quickly, especially during summer holidays. At Downed Bridge Camp, a camper advised "If you're lucky enough to get the last spot on the road it's epic. Note that fills quickly on a weekend."
Ground conditions: Weather significantly affects site usability. One visitor described their Forest Road 71 experience: "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."
Lack of amenities: Sites are truly primitive. As one camper summarized their experience at Road's End: "The only thing you will find here is a fire ring."
Scout during daylight: Arriving after dark makes finding suitable sites challenging. A Downed Bridge Camp visitor suggested, "If you're looking for the ideal spot to stay a few days make sure you show in daylight so you can explore for that."
Clean up expectations: Multiple campers mentioned site cleanliness issues. One regular 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."
Space considerations: Site size varies considerably. At Statton Pond Camp, one visitor noted, "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."
Access limitations: Many primitive camping areas near Hillsdale have challenging access roads. Somerset Airfield offers better options for larger vehicles with one camper noting: "Campsites are listed as disbursed but there are only 7 trees to separate 9 camp sites. The campsites are all next to the road and have fire circles."
Clearance requirements: Ground clearance matters on forest roads. A visitor to NF 83 explained, "We have substantial ground clearance so no issues there but smaller ground clearances may feel a bump or two!"
Limited facilities: Even at designated areas like Somerset Airfield, facilities remain minimal: "There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Hillsdale, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Hillsdale, NY is Downed Bridge Camp with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Hillsdale, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 38 dispersed camping locations near Hillsdale, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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