Dispersed camping options around Nassau, New York extend throughout New York's state forests and neighboring Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest. Winter temperatures in this region can drop below 10°F with significant snowfall, while summer highs reach the 80s with occasional thunderstorms. Many primitive sites lack cell service, creating true wilderness camping experiences away from developed campgrounds.
What to do
Hiking access: At Burnt Rossman State Forest, trails provide options for day hikes from your campsite. One camper shared that it's "a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!"
Winter recreation: Somerset Airfield in Vermont transforms during winter months. A camper described their experience: "We endured snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh powder 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. So, we tied them to the trees and our cars."
Water activities: NF 83 - riverside offers waterfront camping along a river in Vermont. A camper noted: "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!" This site allows direct water access for fishing or cooling off during summer months.
What campers like
Natural solitude: Echo Lake in New York's Catskills provides secluded camping around a scenic lake. A camper mentioned: "Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean two with a few campfire spots. Other campsites are scattered and require navigating through small overgrown trails (wear pants)."
Site variety: The dispersed camping at NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot offers multiple options for different camping styles. One reviewer noted: "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!"
Basic amenities: Some free camping near Nassau includes minimal facilities. At Somerset Airfield, a camper explained: "There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to Duck Pond Campsite requires careful navigation. A camper warned: "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse... Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads."
Seasonal impacts: Weather affects site conditions throughout the year. At NFR 273, a camper 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. Many pull offs but a lot were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck."
Site maintenance: Free camping areas near Nassau require visitors to practice Leave No Trace. At George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, one camper encountered issues: "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
Site selection: For family camping, choose areas with flat terrain. At Ushers Road State Forest, a visitor found: "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."
Bug protection: Insect activity varies by location and season. At NFR 273, one camper reported: "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."
Weekend planning: Some dispersed sites near Nassau fill quickly on weekends. At Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail, a camper noted it's "in my top 10 spots to stay at" with amenities like "trash cans, but carry out is preferable."
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Many dispersed camping areas near Nassau have restricted vehicle access. At NF 83 - riverside, a camper advised: "The beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks. We have substantial ground clearance so no issues there but smaller ground clearances may feel a bump or two!"
Parking considerations: At Burnt Rossman State Forest, a camper recommended: "This spot is right off the road. Nice and quiet. There is enough room for 2 to 3 campers. Parking across the street if it's wet. Entrance is soft."
Airfield alternative: Somerset Airfield provides more open space for larger vehicles. A visitor described it as "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."
