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Best Dispersed Camping near Schuylerville, NY

33 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Schuylerville, New York is concentrated primarily in Ushers Road State Forest, where camping is permitted in the woods at least 150 feet from established trails. This state forest provides multiple potential camping areas with limited facilities. Additional dispersed camping options are available in the Green Mountain National Forest across the Vermont border, approximately 40 miles east of Schuylerville, offering a greater variety of primitive sites along forest roads and wilderness areas.

Most access roads in these dispersed camping areas require careful navigation, with many sites accessible via dirt or gravel forest roads. Forest Road 71 and Forest Road 273 in Green Mountain National Forest feature multiple pull-off camping spots with varying conditions. Several campers note muddy conditions can limit access, particularly during wet seasons. Vehicles with higher clearance may be necessary for some locations. No drinking water, toilets, or other amenities are available at most sites, though Somerset Airfield does provide pit toilets. Campfires are permitted at most locations, with established fire rings present at many sites.

These primitive camping areas provide varying levels of seclusion and natural settings. "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," notes one camper about Green Mountain National Forest sites. Multiple reviews mention the proximity to water features, including streams and Somerset Reservoir, enhancing the camping experience. Campers should be prepared for varying levels of usage, as some sites experience moderate traffic, especially on weekends and holidays. One reviewer observed: "Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot." Cell service is limited or non-existent in most areas, with several campers noting specifically that these locations provide opportunities to disconnect from technology.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Schuylerville, New York (23)

    1. Ushers Road State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Round Lake, NY
    16 miles

    "This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side."

    2. NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    6 Reviews
    Bennington, VT
    30 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."

    3. George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Wilmington, VT
    32 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."

    4. Somerset Airfield

    6 Reviews
    West Dover, VT
    32 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."

    5. Dispersed site along Forest RD 71

    3 Reviews
    Sunderland, VT
    30 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."

    6. Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71

    2 Reviews
    Sunderland, VT
    30 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. "

    7. NF 83 - riverside

    2 Reviews
    West Dover, VT
    31 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. Stratton Pond Shelter

    1 Review
    Manchester Center, VT
    31 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.  "

    9. Green Mountain National Forest FR71

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

    "Free camping"

    10. NF83 Dispersed site 1

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

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

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Schuylerville, NY

44 Photos of 23 Schuylerville Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Schuylerville, NY

33 Reviews of 23 Schuylerville 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 Schuylerville

Rustic camping near Schuylerville, New York includes sites primarily accessible from May through October, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and 55-65°F at night. The terrain varies from dense woodlands in Ushers Road State Forest to more open riverfront sites along Forest Road 71 in Green Mountain National Forest. Winter camping is possible in some Vermont locations but requires specialized equipment and preparation for temperatures that can drop below 10°F.

What to do

Riverside relaxation: At NF 83 - riverside, campers can enjoy a peaceful spot along the water. "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!" notes Thomas and James S., who recommend being careful about the swampy left side of the driveway when entering.

Winter hiking expeditions: For those camping in colder months, the area offers unique winter recreation. "Spent the weekend here on the last weekend of Feb. 2024. Cold, Snow, Wind, full moon in the middle of the woods with only the people I hiked in with. It was great!" reports a camper about their experience at Stratton Pond Shelter, which requires a 3.75-mile hike from the nearest parking lot in winter.

Paddling and fishing: Somerset Reservoir provides excellent water recreation opportunities near many dispersed camping areas. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Reservoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," shares one camper about the Somerset Airfield area.

What campers like

Solitude and disconnection: Many campers value the chance to unplug completely at George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed. "Great spot for quiet desolate camping. Several spots to choose from," writes Evan M. These sites offer a true escape, as most locations have no cell service, allowing campers to fully disconnect.

Access to water features: Campers consistently mention the streams and ponds as highlights. "This primitive spot is a little more than a clearing with a fire pit. But what a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions," writes Miccal M. about NF83 Dispersed site 1.

Spacious sites: Many dispersed areas offer generous camping spaces. "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!" shares Michele N. about camping along Forest Road 273.

What you should know

Weather impacts: Rain can significantly affect site conditions and accessibility. "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," reports David G. about George D Aiken Wilderness. Similarly, another camper noted about a different site: "This particular campsite is very muddy. Well, at least today it is. I have an SUV and I didn't trust it to get through."

Vehicle clearance requirements: Many forest roads demand careful navigation. "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle," warns a reviewer about NF83 Dispersed site 1. For Somerset Airfield, one camper noted: "There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Schuylerville, NY is Ushers Road State Forest with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 23 dispersed camping locations near Schuylerville, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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