Dispersed camping near Shushan, New York primarily concentrates along the western edge of Green Mountain National Forest in neighboring Vermont. Most sites sit at elevations between 1,200-2,500 feet with variable conditions depending on recent rainfall. The camping season runs from mid-May through October, though higher elevation locations may be inaccessible until late May due to muddy conditions during spring thaw.
What to do
Swimming spots: At Somerset Airfield, visitors can enjoy the nearby Somerset Reservoir for cooling off during summer months. As one camper noted, "Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and reservoir- saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping" while staying at the Somerset Airfield.
River fishing: The riverside site along NF-83 provides direct water access for fishing. A camper described it as "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!" at NF 83 - riverside, though they caution about the entry point: "The beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks."
Winter snowshoeing: For winter adventurers, the area offers snowshoeing options. One camper who stayed at the Stratton Pond Shelter in February reported: "Cold, Snow, Wind, full moon in the middle of the woods with only the people I hiked in with. It was great! The shelter is a 3.75mi hike from the nearest parking lot in winter."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed camping area receives positive reviews for site separation. One camper noted, "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" at George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed.
Minimal light pollution: Remote sites offer excellent stargazing opportunities. A camper at NF83 Dispersed site 1 appreciated the "great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions," making it ideal for night sky viewing.
Diverse site options: NFR 273 offers variable camping spots to match different needs. One visitor reported, "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!" Different sites accommodate various vehicle types and group sizes at NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Road access varies dramatically by site and recent weather. One camper at NF83 Dispersed site 1 warned, "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle."
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather can shift rapidly, especially at higher elevations. A winter camper at Stratton Pond Shelter described extreme conditions: "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."
Human waste management: Some sites lack facilities completely. One camper at George D Aiken Wilderness reported an unfortunate situation: "Site was littered with places previous campers had left human excrement. While not in the site directly, it was all around it." Pack out waste or bring portable toilets for rustic camping locations.
Tips for camping with families
Choose higher-traffic areas: For safety with kids, consider sites with occasional passersby. A camper at NF 83 - riverside mentioned it's "a little rough but most cars should make it," making it accessible while still providing privacy.
Prepare for bugs: Insect populations vary by location and season. One camper at NFR 273 noted, "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well," suggesting families bring multiple types of repellent.
Consider site alternatives: When primary sites are full, look for nearby options. At Ushers Road State Forest, a visitor found "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."
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs only. At Somerset Airfield, a camper suggested the area "is probably good for people who camp with RVs or Trailor's that can't get into smaller sites," though they recommended other locations for tent campers.
Managing muddy conditions: Spring and fall bring challenging ground conditions. A visitor to Statton Pond Camp mentioned, "This was a great site. I couldn't believe that the site was not being used at all," finding a "very flat" area that "could accommodate several small campers."
Group camping options: For RVers traveling together, certain sites offer more space. A camper at Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71 found "Easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center."
