The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Mechanicville, NY

41 Reviews

Ushers Road State Forest provides dispersed camping opportunities within a short distance of Mechanicville, New York. The area features bicycle-friendly nature trails with camping permitted anywhere in the woods at least 150 feet from trails. The forest includes existing campsites with stone fire rings, though parts of the terrain become swampy after rainfall. Fires are allowed and pets are permitted, but the area lacks facilities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service.

Several dispersed camping options exist across the Vermont border, approximately 30-45 minutes from Mechanicville. George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed features well-spread campsites along an accessible road with flat, level sites. A camper noted, "Large, well organized camping spots along the road with beautifully built fire pits." NFR 273 offers multiple free camping spots, though a recent visitor reported, "Had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot." Both areas permit campfires and are free to use, but campers should be prepared for primitive conditions with no facilities or services available.

Map showing campgrounds near Mechanicville, New YorkExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Mechanicville, New York (26)

    1. Ushers Road State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Round Lake, NY
    4 miles

    "This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side."

    2. NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    6 Reviews
    Bennington, VT
    30 miles

    "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."

    "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."

    3. George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Wilmington, VT
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "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."

    "Some sites were really wet but we found a nice dry place."

    4. Somerset Airfield

    6 Reviews
    West Dover, VT
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 388-4362

    "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."

    5. Featherstonhaugh State Forest Site

    Be the first to review!
    Duanesburg, NY
    23 miles

    6. NF 83 - riverside

    3 Reviews
    West Dover, VT
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 362-2307

    "This is a nice clearing near the river where the road used to cross."

    "The left side of the drive in is swampy so be sure to not drift to that side."

    7. Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71

    3 Reviews
    Sunderland, VT
    37 miles

    "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. "

    8. Dispersed site along Forest RD 71

    3 Reviews
    Sunderland, VT
    37 miles

    "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."

    "There are a few spots around you can park at. I chose a more sunny and open spot with less trees. So there's more options. It's very quiet definitely check it out."

    9. Green Mountain National Forest FR71

    1 Review
    West Dover, VT
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "Free camping"

    10. Bear Slide in Lake George Wild Forest

    1 Review
    Stony Creek, NY
    36 miles

    "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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 26 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Mechanicville Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Mechanicville, NY

37 Photos of 26 Mechanicville Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Mechanicville, NY

41 Reviews of 26 Mechanicville Campgrounds

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    Ushers Road State Forest

    Trail head

    This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side. The terrain eventually transitions into a low-lying, swampy area, likely due to recent rainfall over the past week.

    About 500 feet down the right-hand trail, there is a smaller path branching off to the left. This leads to a previously used campsite, approximately 200 feet from the main trail. The site includes a stone fire ring, indicating prior use.

    Given that camping is permitted anywhere in the woods as long as it’s at least 150 feet off the trail, the surrounding area offers an abundance of potential camping spots.

  • Josie W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2024

    Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off

    Private Campsite

    Decent site right off of the “main” road. “Main” because it was quiet. Easy to access via a short dirt road, but also easy to miss. We only saw sites 3 and 6 marked and took #6. There was a fire ring and access to the river down a semi-steep bank. Beautiful to listen to at night. Site was big enough to pull our mid-size SUV down and unfold rooftop-tent, but we did have to back out in the morning; not enough room to turn around. Felt private despite the road.

  • Taylor A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2023

    Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off

    Adirondack Camping Trip

    Highly Reccomend! The directions in the app are accurate -but do keep in mind that the campsite is down a dirt road which is well hidden from the main road if you aren’t paying close attention. There is no service at all.

    This site is campsite 6 and very private (I believe there must be others located close by). The site has it’s own private road. A car is not reccomended. Possible to turn around but you definitley need a smaller suv. There is a firepit at the site and plenty of space for multiple tents, ground may look flat but when sleeping-definitely is not. Plenty of trees for hammocks etc. You can hear cars from the site but the cars can’t see you-loved this! The sound of the cars from the main highway is something I got used to quick. The site is mostly shaded-the sun shines through a bit but not much.

    There is a river down the hill from the campsite which helps keep it fairly cool at night. The bugs were terrible.

  • M.A.D. P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2023

    Somerset Airfield

    Small open park

    The Airfield Campground is a strip of land with several campsites and fire pits. 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. The real attraction is the huge Somerset Resevoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities. There are other dispersed sites down the road that are free

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Somerset Airfield

    Good stopover location

    Only the first section of the campground was open due to flooding. As a result, there were puddles everywhere.

    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.

    There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service. Basically a camp site where you can share a fire with the neighbors.

  • Natasha T.
    Jun. 6, 2022

    NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    Nice wooded little campsite

    A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well. A few miles down the road there is another campsite that is more open and also has a fire pit with a lot less bugs flying around and more open space.

  • c H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2023

    George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    Cool Spot!

    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. Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites.

  • YThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Duck Pond Campsite

    Open quite campsites

    After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad. So few people passed by and very unknown quite and we just loved the experience. Just be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 10, 2025

    Duck Pond Campsite

    Small vehicle only

    The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse. The site itself, was pretty nice, Fire pit, trickling stream, but the years taken off the life of my truck was not worth it. Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads

Guide to Mechanicville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Mechanicville, New York, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Featherstonhaugh State Forest Site

  • This site offers a drive-in access, making it easy to set up camp and enjoy the surrounding wilderness. Check it out here.
  • No permits are required, allowing for a hassle-free camping experience where you can focus on relaxation and exploration.
  • The area is known for its peaceful atmosphere, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Top activities while free camping near Mechanicville

  • At Ushers Road State Forest, you can enjoy hiking through beautiful trails that showcase the region's natural beauty.
  • Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to cast a line in nearby rivers and lakes, making it an ideal spot for a weekend getaway.
  • Campers can also explore the surrounding areas for wildlife viewing, providing a chance to see local fauna in their natural habitat.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Mechanicville, New York

  • When visiting the NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, be prepared for a bit of a drive down dirt roads to find the perfect camping spot.
  • It's advisable to check the weather conditions before heading out, as some sites can become muddy after rain, impacting accessibility.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to ensure that these beautiful areas remain pristine for future campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Mechanicville, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Mechanicville, NY is Ushers Road State Forest with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Mechanicville, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 26 dispersed camping locations near Mechanicville, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring