Dispersed camping near Johnsonville, New York offers rustic overnight options within driving distance of the Vermont border. The Green Mountain National Forest provides the majority of primitive camping opportunities with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 feet. Winter temperatures can drop below 10°F while summer evenings typically cool to the 50s, making seasonal preparation essential for backcountry camping.
What to do
Hiking access points: The dispersed sites along Forest Road 71 connect to multiple trail networks. "Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT," notes one camper who appreciated the connectivity despite "the lack of any long distance views from the site itself."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many primitive camping areas support diverse wildlife encounters. At Green Mountain National Forest FR71, campers report "spotty service" which supports a true wilderness experience. Other areas like Statton Pond Camp have wildlife sightings: "I did see a huge blackbear," reports one camper who still rated their experience 5 stars.
Water recreation access: Somerset Reservoir offers swimming and paddling options near rustic camping sites. A camper at Somerset Airfield observed "happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping" and noted the "stunning babbling brook and reservoir" that provides recreation opportunities during warmer months.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The George D Aiken Wilderness dispersed camping area gets high marks for site spacing. "The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on," explains one visitor who noted there were "only about 10 spots along the access road."
Stargazing opportunities: Remote locations with minimal light pollution create excellent night sky viewing. A camper at NF83 Dispersed site 1 describes it as "a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions," though they caution you'll need "more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle" to access this benefit.
Riverside camping spots: Several sites offer direct access to flowing water. At NF 83 - riverside, one visitor describes "a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit" that's "peacefully placed along the bends of the river." Another camper adds this is "a nice clearing near the river where the road used to cross."
What you should know
Seasonal mud challenges: Spring and after heavy rains, many access roads become difficult. A visitor to one Forest RD 71 site 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."
Campsite cleanliness varies: Some sites require cleanup upon arrival. "Two years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us," notes one regular visitor to Forest RD 71 who makes sure to leave "the site clean and ready for the camper."
Human waste management: With few toilet facilities, proper waste disposal becomes crucial. One camper at George D Aiken Wilderness reported their "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
Finding flat, open sites: For family groups, some locations offer more suitable terrain than others. A visitor to Branch Pond on National Forest Hwy found "tons of different styles of camping spots" and suggested "if you get there while it's still sunlight you can pick a spot by a flowing stream/river."
Timing your arrival: Holiday weekends increase competition for primitive sites. A visitor noted they "couldn't believe that the site was not being used at all, especially just a couple of days before Fourth of July weekend. Many other sites further south on 71 were filled and some were just TTs holding the space for the upcoming weekend."
Site selection for comfort: For families needing more space, certain areas accommodate group camping better than others. One camper described their Forest Road 71 site as "an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering" with a "stone fire ring in the center."
Tips from RVers
Ground clearance requirements: Many access roads require higher clearance vehicles, particularly for remote sites. A review of NF 83 - riverside mentions "the beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks" and while they had "substantial ground clearance so no issues there," they warned "smaller ground clearances may feel a bump or two!"
Winter camping preparation: RVers attempting rustic camping near Johnsonville in winter face extreme conditions. A Somerset Airfield visitor described "snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday" followed by temperatures that "plummeted to 8° and a windchill of -3." They added: "Everything crusted was over with a good inch of ice."
Space availability: For RVers concerned about finding suitable spots, Somerset Airfield provides larger areas. One camper described it as "a strip of land with several campsites and fire pits" noting that "these sites are close together with little to no shade" but that there are "other dispersed sites down the road that are free."
