Dispersed camping near Granville, New York centers primarily on the Green Mountain National Forest across the Vermont border, approximately 10-15 miles east of town. Most sites sit at elevations between 1,200-2,500 feet, creating cooler nighttime temperatures even during summer months. Winter access becomes extremely limited from December through April, with many forest roads completely unplowed and inaccessible without specialized vehicles.
What to do
Hiking to backcountry sites: Several primitive camping areas connect to trail systems. At Stratton Pond Shelter, one camper noted: "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 lake looks great and is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail."
Reservoir activities: Somerset Reservoir offers water recreation options during warmer months. According to a visitor at Somerset Airfield: "Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and reservoir- saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping. It's been quiet and peaceful and sometimes generators running all night."
Winter camping: For experienced cold-weather campers, some sites remain accessible with proper preparation. A camper reported: "We endured Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow 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."
What campers like
Riverside settings: Sites near water receive consistent praise. At NF 83 - riverside, a visitor described: "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit! The left side of the drive in is swampy so be sure to not drift to that side."
Seclusion on weekdays: Midweek visits often result in better site availability. One camper at Downed Bridge Camp shared: "If you're lucky enough to get the last spot on the road it's epic. Note that fills quickly on a weekend. But don't worry there is primitive camping starting about a mile down fire road 10."
Group-friendly spots: Some locations accommodate larger parties or multiple vehicles. A reviewer mentioned: "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."
What you should know
Access challenges: Many access roads require careful planning. One camper observed: "Many pull offs were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck. The road itself was in great condition though."
Site maintenance issues: Visitor behavior impacts site conditions. A camper at George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed reported: "Site was littered with places previous campers had left human excrement. While not in the site directly, it was all around it."
Seasonal closures: Weather and maintenance needs frequently affect access. A visitor noted: "The entrance to the road had a sign that said 'road closed ahead'. We chanced it and was able to find a really nice open spot right before the road closure."
Wildlife encounters: Bug activity can be significant in wooded sites. As one camper shared: "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with river access: Water features provide natural entertainment. A visitor described: "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."
Consider sites with basic facilities: Some locations offer minimal but helpful amenities. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, a camper noted: "Peaceful and quiet dispersed camping spot. Large enough for 2-3 vehicles or one large rig/RV. Very few vehicles pass, some days none. Two fire rings set up: a large one and a small cooking one."
Plan for weather fluctuations: Temperature drops can be significant, especially in spring and fall. A camper shared: "It had rained a lot prior to our arrival, and several sites were damp. We found a perfect site off the road on the right side. It was large and flat. We were off the road by 100 feet or so."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Forest roads vary greatly in quality. A camper at Road's End Dispersed Camp advised: "The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles. The only thing you will find here is a fire ring."
Level parking: Many free camping areas near Granville have limited flat areas. One RVer mentioned: "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."
Summer crowding: Holiday weekends see significantly higher use. As one camper observed: "I couldn't believe that the site was not being used at all, especially the 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."
