Best Dispersed Camping near Shushan, NY
Dispersed camping opportunities near Shushan, New York include several primitive sites in the adjacent Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont. Most notable are the NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, and Forest Road 71 sites. These free camping areas typically feature basic fire rings but lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service. According to reviews, Ushers Road State Forest offers bicycle-friendly trails with camping permitted anywhere in the woods at least 150 feet from trails, providing numerous potential sites.
Road conditions vary significantly across these dispersed camping areas. Many forest roads become muddy after rainfall, potentially requiring vehicles with higher clearance. Several campers noted that NFR 273 has "many pull offs but a lot were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck." The George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed sites are more accessible, with one visitor reporting "the road was quite good" with approximately four established sites featuring fire rings. Vehicle clearance requirements range from standard passenger cars to 8+ inches for more remote locations.
These primitive sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. Somerset Airfield provides pit toilets but most other locations have no facilities whatsoever. Fire regulations permit campfires at established rings, but visitors must bring their own firewood. Pack-in, pack-out principles apply for all waste. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most sites. Weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly at higher elevations, necessitating appropriate gear and preparation. The dispersed camping season typically runs from late spring through fall, with some sites accessible for winter camping with proper equipment.
