Best Dispersed Camping near Johnsonville, NY
Several dispersed camping options exist around Johnsonville, New York, primarily in state forests and national forest lands in neighboring Vermont. Ushers Road State Forest in New York provides primitive camping opportunities where camping is permitted anywhere in the woods at least 150 feet from trails. Most dispersed sites in the region are located in the Green Mountain National Forest across the Vermont border, with locations along Forest Roads 71, 83, and National Forest Road 273. These areas feature basic primitive sites with stone fire rings and minimal development.
Access roads to dispersed camping sites vary considerably in quality and difficulty. Many forest roads require vehicles with higher clearance, particularly after rain when conditions can become muddy and difficult to navigate. The road to NF 83 riverside site is described as "a little rough" with "bigger rocks" that may challenge vehicles with lower clearance. Most sites lack basic amenities - no drinking water, toilets, trash service, or hookups are available except at Somerset Airfield, which provides pit toilets. Fire rings are common at established dispersed sites, though campers should verify current fire restrictions before their visit.
The dispersed camping areas offer varying levels of privacy and natural settings. Sites along Forest Road 71 provide good access to hiking trails including connections to Stratton Pond, Branch Pond, and the Appalachian Trail/Long Trail. Sites in the George D. Aiken Wilderness are "spread out from each other" with nearby attractions including breweries, distilleries, and scenic lakes within 15 minutes. Some locations experience seasonal crowding, with one visitor noting they "had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot" even during a weekday in October. Another camper described their experience as "peaceful and quiet" with "very few vehicles pass, some days none." Winter camping is possible but challenging, with one visitor describing camping through snow, sleet, and temperatures dropping to 8°F.
