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

Best Dispersed Camping near Salem, NY

35 Reviews

The eastern New York-Vermont border region surrounding Salem, New York features numerous dispersed camping opportunities within Green Mountain National Forest. Campers seeking primitive experiences will find Forest Road 71 and NFR 273 offering multiple pull-offs with established fire rings and minimal amenities. The George D. Aiken Wilderness Dispersed area, approximately 15 miles east of Salem, provides tent and small RV camping with consistently high ratings for privacy and accessibility. Somerset Airfield serves as a more developed dispersed option with pit toilets and multiple sites arranged along a grassy strip, while backcountry enthusiasts can access Stratton Pond Shelter via hiking trails for a more remote experience.

Road conditions vary significantly across the region's camping areas, with many requiring vehicles with adequate clearance. As one camper noted about NF 83 riverside site, "The access is a little rough but most cars should make it, though having more clearance is preferred." Weather impacts site conditions substantially, with several reviewers mentioning muddy or flooded areas after rainfall. Cell service remains spotty throughout the region, with most primitive sites offering no connectivity. Winter camping is possible but challenging, as demonstrated by one Somerset Airfield visitor who reported "enduring snow and mid-20s temperatures with 8 inches of fresh snow" during their stay.

Riverside camping locations receive particular praise from visitors to the area. The NF 83 riverside site features "a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit" along river bends, according to recent reviews. Privacy levels vary considerably between sites, with Somerset Airfield described as having "sites close together with little to no shade" while George D. Aiken Wilderness offers spots "pretty spread out from each other." Seasonal crowding affects site availability, with one camper reporting they "had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot" even during a weeknight in October. Most dispersed sites include basic fire rings but lack amenities like picnic tables, trash service, or water sources, requiring campers to be self-sufficient.

Map showing campgrounds near Salem, New YorkExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Salem, New York (26)

    1. Dispersed site along Forest RD 71

    3 Reviews
    Sunderland, VT
    19 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."

    2. Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71

    2 Reviews
    Sunderland, VT
    19 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. "

    3. Somerset Airfield

    6 Reviews
    West Dover, VT
    23 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."

    4. George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Wilmington, VT
    26 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."

    5. NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    6 Reviews
    Bennington, VT
    24 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."

    6. Stratton Pond Shelter

    1 Review
    Manchester Center, VT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "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.  "

    7. NF 83 - riverside

    2 Reviews
    West Dover, VT
    21 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."

    8. Downed Bridge Camp

    2 Reviews
    Danby, VT
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "But don't worry there is primitive camping starting about a mile down fire road 10... You don't even have to go to fire road 30."

    "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.  The road into here was easy to drive. "

    9. NF83 Dispersed site 1

    1 Review
    West Dover, VT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 362-2307

    "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle.  "

    10. Green Mountain National Forest FR71

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

    "Free camping"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 26 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Salem Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Salem, NY

48 Photos of 26 Salem Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Salem, NY

35 Reviews of 26 Salem Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • SJ W.
    Nov. 1, 2024

    NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    Beautiful but surprisingly crowded

    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. The road itself was in great condition though.

  • licia S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Somerset Airfield

    No Wifi, Resevoir Beautiful

    Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and resevoir- saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping. It's been quiet and peaceful and sometimes generators running all night. 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. It's great to see families camping. There are pit toilets. AT.T service at bridge prior to camp- short walk. SOS only in camp. Another camper told me Starlink works here.

Guide to Salem

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Salem, New York, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. With various spots available, campers can find the perfect place to unwind and connect with the outdoors.

NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot for dispersed campers

  • Located in Vermont, NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot offers a peaceful retreat with multiple pull-offs along a well-maintained dirt road, ideal for those seeking solitude.
  • This spot allows campfires and pets, making it a great choice for families and friends looking to enjoy a cozy evening under the stars.
  • Reviewers have noted the abundance of space, with many spacious sites available, perfect for setting up tents or parking RVs.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Salem, New York

  • When visiting Somerset Airfield, be prepared for limited amenities, as there is no drinking water or trash service available, so plan to pack out what you bring in.
  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially on weekends, as some areas can get crowded, as mentioned by visitors to Dispersed site along Forest RD 71.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife and be respectful of the natural surroundings; many campers at NF 83 - riverside have enjoyed the peaceful ambiance and scenic views along the river.

Great hiking opportunities while free camping near Salem

  • Campers at Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71 have easy access to hiking trails leading to beautiful ponds and scenic vistas, perfect for a day of exploration.
  • The area surrounding Green Mountain National Forest FR71 is known for its diverse trails, catering to both novice and experienced hikers looking to immerse themselves in nature.
  • For those seeking a more remote experience, Stratton Pond Shelter offers a unique hiking opportunity, with trails connecting to the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail, providing stunning views and a chance to spot local wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Salem, NY is Dispersed site along Forest RD 71 with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

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

Keep Exploring