Dispersed camping sites around Petersburg, New York sit mostly in the southern Green Mountain National Forest with elevations ranging between 1,500-2,500 feet. The area experiences significant seasonal changes, with spring mud season often making access challenging through May. Most sites become accessible by late May through October, though winter camping options remain available for properly equipped visitors.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Somerset Reservoir near Somerset Airfield offers excellent fishing access. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Resevoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," notes one camper.
Hiking to mountain ponds: Several marked trails connect camping areas to mountain ponds. Near Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71, campers have "good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT," according to visitor Tim M.
Wildlife observation: The remote forest setting provides wildlife viewing opportunities. At NF83 Dispersed Site 1, one visitor noted the area offered "no light pollution, cell signal or distractions," creating ideal conditions for night wildlife activity.
What campers like
Secluded spots: Many campers appreciate the more remote sites. At NF 83 - riverside, visitors enjoy the "peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!"
Group camping areas: Larger clearings accommodate multiple vehicles or group camping. "Easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center," reports a camper at Statton Pond Camp.
Local attractions: The rustic camping areas near Petersburg provide access to nearby towns. At George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, one camper noted "Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites."
What you should know
Road conditions vary drastically: Access roads can range from well-maintained to extremely rough. At NF83 Dispersed site 1, visitors warn "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle."
Seasonal impacts: Weather dramatically affects site conditions and access. "I've looked at this spot a few times and it is normally way to wet to camp at, but this time it was frozen," notes a winter visitor to NF 83 - riverside.
Maintenance concerns: As with most free dispersed camping around Petersburg, sites receive minimal maintenance. Sandy L. at Dispersed site along Forest RD 71 shared: "2 years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection timing: Arrive early, especially on weekends. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, one camper reported: "Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot."
Insect preparation: Dense wooded sites often have more insects. A camper at NFR 273 reported "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."
Alternative sites: Look for more open areas to reduce bugs. The same camper added "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."
Tips from RVers
Site capacity awareness: Most primitive camping near Petersburg can accommodate smaller RVs but rarely large rigs. At Ushers Road State Forest, which offers some of the closest rustic camping to Petersburg itself, campers noted the potential for RV camping but primarily with smaller units.
Surface conditions: Many sites have soft ground that can cause issues. A visitor to Somerset Airfield mentioned: "This really is just a grass strip next to FR71 with a bunch of sites and a pit house. It is probably good for people who camp with RVs or Trailor's that can't get into smaller sites."
Seasonal planning: Winter camping with RVs requires significant preparation. A winter camper at Somerset Airfield shared their experience: "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."
