Dispersed camping areas near Round Lake, New York provide rustic experiences for campers seeking solitude without amenities. These primitive camping locations primarily extend into Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest, approximately 30-45 minutes east of Round Lake. Winter temperatures in the region often drop below freezing, with summer highs typically ranging from 75-85°F. Most sites sit at elevations between 1,500-2,500 feet.
What to do
Fishing access points: Several dispersed sites offer direct river access. At NF 83 - riverside, campers find "a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit" that's "peacefully placed along the bends of the river," according to Thomas and James S. The site provides excellent fishing opportunities.
Winter camping adventures: For cold-weather enthusiasts, Somerset Airfield transforms during winter months. One camper described: "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."
Hiking trail exploration: Stratton Pond Camp provides convenient access to multiple trails. As Tim M. notes, there's "good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT." This makes it an excellent basecamp for day hikes.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Many primitive camping sites near Round Lake feature water access. At Somerset Airfield, campers enjoy "the stunning babbling brook and reservoir- saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping," according to a recent review. The combination of water activities with free camping appeals to many.
Cell service availability: While most primitive sites lack connectivity, a few spots offer limited service. At Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71, one camper reported "2 bars of USCellular LTE" which can be crucial for those needing to stay connected while enjoying remote camping.
Large group camping areas: Some dispersed sites accommodate multiple vehicles. One reviewer described Stratton Pond Camp as having "easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center." This makes it ideal for family reunions or camping with friends.
What you should know
Site cleanliness varies: Unfortunately, previous campers don't always follow Leave No Trace principles. At Dispersed site along Forest RD 71, one regular visitor mentioned: "I would have given 5 stars except for the unfortunate fact that 2 years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us."
Road conditions after rain: Many access roads become challenging when wet. Kirk C. described one Forest Road 71 site as "very muddy. Well, at least today it is. I have an SUV and I didn't trust it to get through, and I didn't want to get stuck."
Seasonal crowding patterns: Holiday weekends can transform quiet sites. One Somerset Airfield camper reported their "weekend was interrupted by a domestic violence situation a few sites downbeat resulted in fights and someone shooting off a handgun. Took state police over 50 minutes to respond and multiple families left."
Tips for camping with families
Vault toilet locations: When primitive camping with children, knowing toilet locations helps. Fort Plain Lock 15 offers "pit toilets, a dumpster, and potable water available on the side of the building as you enter," according to Mona M., making it more suitable for families than completely undeveloped sites.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids often enjoy animal sightings. At George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, the relatively open camping area provides good wildlife viewing. One camper specifically mentioned the site was "great for quiet desolate camping" which often increases chances for wildlife encounters.
Campsite spacing considerations: When camping with kids, site privacy matters. The George D Aiken area features "large, well organized camping spots along the road" with sites that are "all pretty spread out from each other," making them ideal for families needing some separation from other campers.
Tips from RVers
Ground clearance requirements: RVers should carefully assess road conditions. For NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, one reviewer cautioned: "Many pull offs but a lot were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck. The road itself was in great condition though."
Site size limitations: RV campers need adequate space. A NFR 273 reviewer noted the area was "large enough for 2-3 vehicles or one large rig/RV" with "two fire rings set up: a large one and a small cooking one," providing important sizing details for RV planning.
Weather preparation: RVers should prepare for variable conditions. Somerset Airfield experiences can range from "quiet and peaceful" weekdays to potentially crowded and noisy weekends, with one camper noting "everything crusted was over with a good inch of ice" during winter camping.
