Top Free Dispersed Camping near Shushan, NY

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Shushan, look no further. Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your New York excursion.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Shushan, NY (18)

    Camper-submitted photo from George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
    Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
    Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
    Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
    Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
    Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield

    2. Somerset Airfield

    5 Reviews
    59 Photos
    82 Saves

    Forest Road 71: This forest road stretches from the old Somerset airfield to the Kelley Stand Road. Campsites can be found in various spots along the way and along some of the forest roads leading off of Forest Road 71.

    There are many general forest areas available on the Green Mountain National Forest for rustic or dispersed camping. These areas provide a place to camp and enjoy nature’s solitude at no charge. Visitors can camp anywhere on the forest unless the area is posted closed to camping. Camp in existing sites or stay the strongly recommended 200 feet from roads, streams, trails, and bodies of water to disperse impact. Do not cut any vegetation. There is a camping limit of 14 days in any 30-day period on the Forest. Please leave the campsites clean by using Leave No Trace Principles, such as carry out what you carry in.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed site along Forest RD 71
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed site along Forest RD 71
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed site along Forest RD 71
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed site along Forest RD 71
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed site along Forest RD 71
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed site along Forest RD 71
    Camper-submitted photo from NF 83 - riverside
    Camper-submitted photo from NF 83 - riverside
    Camper-submitted photo from NF 83 - riverside
    Camper-submitted photo from NF 83 - riverside
    Camper-submitted photo from NF 83 - riverside
    Camper-submitted photo from NF 83 - riverside

    4. NF 83 - riverside

    2 Reviews
    18 Photos
    53 Saves

    Backcountry camping is allowed in most locations on the forest unless there is a specific closure order in place for a particular area.

    The following camping practices are recommended:

    Locate campsites at least 200’ from trails or waterbodies including ponds, rivers, and streams When able, utilize sites already managed for overnight use including designated tent platforms and established shelters Do not camp in alpine or sub-alpine areas where trees are 8’ or less. Help protect these fragile ecosystems!

    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Stratton Pond Shelter
    Camper-submitted photo from Stratton Pond Shelter
    Camper-submitted photo from Stratton Pond Shelter
    Camper-submitted photo from Stratton Pond Shelter
    Camper-submitted photo from Stratton Pond Shelter
    Camper-submitted photo from Stratton Pond Shelter
    • No image available

      6. Green Mountain National Forest FR71

      1 Review
      68 Saves

      Forest Road 71: This forest road stretches from the old Somerset airfield to the Kelley Stand Road. Campsites can be found in various spots along the way and along some of the forest roads leading off of Forest Road 71. There are many general forest areas available on the Green Mountain National Forest for rustic or dispersed camping. These areas provide a place to camp and enjoy nature’s solitude at no charge. Visitors can camp anywhere on the forest unless the area is posted closed to camping. Camp in existing sites or stay the strongly recommended 200 feet from roads, streams, trails, and bodies of water to disperse impact. Do not cut any vegetation. There is a camping limit of 14 days in any 30-day period on the Forest. Please leave the campsites clean by using Leave No Trace Principles, such as carry out what you carry in.

      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71
      Camper-submitted photo from Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71
      Camper-submitted photo from Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71
      • No image available

        8. NF83 Dispersed site 1

        1 Review
        8 Saves

        Backcountry camping is allowed in most locations on the forest unless there is a specific closure order in place for a particular area.

        The following camping practices are recommended:

        Locate campsites at least 200’ from trails or waterbodies including ponds, rivers, and streams When able, utilize sites already managed for overnight use including designated tent platforms and established shelters Do not camp in alpine or sub-alpine areas where trees are 8’ or less. Help protect these fragile ecosystems!

        • Fires
        • RVs
        • Tents
        • Standard (Tent/RV)
        • Dispersed
        Camper-submitted photo from Downed Bridge Camp
        Camper-submitted photo from Downed Bridge Camp
        Camper-submitted photo from Downed Bridge Camp
        Camper-submitted photo from Downed Bridge Camp
        Camper-submitted photo from Downed Bridge Camp
        Camper-submitted photo from Road's End Dispersed Camp
        Camper-submitted photo from Road's End Dispersed Camp
        Camper-submitted photo from Road's End Dispersed Camp
        Camper-submitted photo from Road's End Dispersed Camp
        Camper-submitted photo from Road's End Dispersed Camp
        Camper-submitted photo from Road's End Dispersed Camp

        10. Road's End Dispersed Camp

        1 Review
        8 Photos
        9 Saves
        • Fires
        • RVs
        • Tents
        • Standard (Tent/RV)
        • Dispersed
      Showing results 1-10 of 18 campgrounds

      Recent Dispersed Reviews In Shushan

      21 Reviews of 18 Shushan Campgrounds


      • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
        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.

      • Thomas and James S.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from NF 83 - riverside
        Jun. 12, 2024

        NF 83 - riverside

        Enchanting

        Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit! The left side of the drive in is swampy so be sure to not drift to that side. The beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks we have substantial ground clearance so no issues there but smaller ground clearances may feel a bump or two! Live by the motto leave nicer than you found it so we all can continue to enjoy the beauty!

      • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
        Mar. 29, 2024

        Somerset Airfield

        Winter camping wonder

        Well, that was an experience! Met some friends Friday night at the Somerset Airfield for a weekend of camping. 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. Saturday, we got at least 8" more along with sleet, freezing rain, and rain. Saturday evening, we had 3" more by 11pm.

         Then the fun began as the wind blew the storms out and temperatures plummeted to 8⁰ and a windchill of-3 for this morning. Everything crusted was over with a good inch of ice. I have never endured such winds camping, I was sure camp was going to be blown apart. Even with a winter fly tight to the snow my hammock was rocking all night. Our tarps held mostly, we only lost one or two anchor points. Gear that wasn't staked, tied or put in our cars moved blown around inside our foxholes of snow.

        In the morning when packing up and breaking the ice glazed on everything.

        we stayed in the first few sites, there are walk in sites behind these that have easy river access.  in the winter be ready for snowmobiles, in the summer trucks.

        As I've stated in my other review for this location, there are outhouses here and firerings.  It is an easy dirtroad drive to get to this location, that is why they tend to be used so much by RVers.

      • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Road's End Dispersed Camp
        Mar. 1, 2024

        Road's End Dispersed Camp

        End of the road hide-away

        great private spot when nothing else is around.  The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles.  The only thing you will find here is a fire ring.

      • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
        Mar. 1, 2024

        Somerset Airfield

        Least favorite of all the primitive sites in the area

        I've camped here a couple of times and it is ok.  This really is just a grass strip next to FR71 with a bunch of sites and a pit house.  It is probably good for people who camp with RVs or Trailor's that can't get into smaller sites, but if you can I would go some where else.

      • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from NF 83 - riverside
        Jan. 18, 2024

        NF 83 - riverside

        Quiet spot on the river

        I've looked at this spot a few times and it is normally way to wet to camp at, but this time it was frozen.  This is a nice clearing near the river where the road used to cross.

        The access into this location is a little rough but most cars should make it, I would prefer having a little more clearance though just to be sure.  

        Being a primitive site there is only a fire ring here.

      • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from NF83 Dispersed site 1
        Jan. 18, 2024

        NF83 Dispersed site 1

        Nice remote location

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

        I was here in winter, but I would expect in summer a lot of undergrowth in the woods, if your hammock camping bring a manchette to clear a spot.

      • m
        Camper-submitted photo from George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
        Oct. 8, 2023

        George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

        Beautiful, Quiet and restful!

        It was getting dark when we arrived and it had been raining all day. We just needed a night and it was great. Some sites were really wet but we found a nice dry place.

      • DThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
        Sep. 27, 2023

        George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

        Nice Night

        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. It was large and flat. We were off the road by 100 feet or so. It made it more private. I would highly recommend this site. We stopped on our way through to Stowe Vermont.

      • Erica M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
        Aug. 2, 2023

        Somerset Airfield

        Nice spot but to busy

        Westford there last weekend. Got up on a Friday with plenty of spots. 10 spaces between the bathrooms/vault toilets with only 3 other 4 in working order. Great location near Somerset Reservoir. 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...... Can't pick the other people using the space I guess, but lots of trash left in fire pitsand all along river. Water behind the sites more like a marsh. Flat levels it's and people able to fit their campers. Campers near us said there are more sites if you pass the airfield that are more spread out past the actual airfield sites.

      • T
        Camper-submitted photo from Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71
        Jun. 26, 2023

        Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71

        NFR 71 Wide Open Site, North End

        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. 

        Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT. 

        Pretty quiet during our stay, plenty of dispersed sites along 71 further south. 

        Only reason for 4 stars is the lack of any long distance views from the site itself. 

        2 bars of USCellular LTE

      • c H.
        Camper-submitted photo from George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
        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.

      • M.A.D. P.
        Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
        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

      • T K.
        Camper-submitted photo from Crane Mountain Pond Campsite
        Apr. 28, 2022

        Crane Mountain Pond Campsite

        Gorgeous sunset views

        After a short hike up steep crane mountain we watched the beautiful sun set. One of the nicest places I’ve camped at.

      • S
        Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed site along Forest RD 71
        Feb. 28, 2022

        Dispersed site along Forest RD 71

        Love camping here!

        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.... We camp here every summer and make sure the site is left clean and ready for the camper...

      • Kirk C.
        Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed site along Forest RD 71
        Aug. 4, 2021

        Dispersed site along Forest RD 71

        Muddy

        I found this camping area on dyrt app. I didn't have too much luck with a different app.... So I decided to try this out. 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, and I didn't want to get stuck. 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.

      • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed site along Forest RD 71
        Jan. 29, 2021

        Dispersed site along Forest RD 71

        Nice Primitive spot in the Green Mountains

        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.



      Guide to Shushan

      Camping near Shushan, New York, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a lively campground, there are plenty of options to explore.

      What to do:

      • Hiking and Nature Walks: Many campgrounds around Shushan provide access to scenic trails. For instance, at Jamaica State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "The kids were able to safely ride bikes on the camp roads, sites were large and well spaced out from each other, great playground and fun playing in the river."
      • Swimming: If you enjoy swimming, check out Moose Hillock Camping Resorts. A visitor noted, "The pool is their best feature and is the basis of most of their marketing material. Kids absolutely loved it and we spent several days poolside."
      • Fishing and Boating: For those who love water activities, Emerald Lake State Park Campground is a great spot. A camper shared, "Clear waters, calm lake. Sites are on the smaller side but plenty of room. Great hikes and fishing!"

      What campers like:

      • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts. One review stated, "For a private campground, the sites are large and well spaced out."
      • Clean Facilities: Cleanliness is a big plus for many. At Lake George RV Park, a visitor remarked, "The staff treated us so nicely and the array of resort-level amenities are beautifully maintained and clean."
      • Family-Friendly Activities: Families enjoy the activities at Lake George Escape Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "There is a FULL schedule of themed activities for the kiddos, weekly."

      What you should know:

      • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. At Hearthstone Point Campground, a camper noted, "Friday and Saturday night there was a ton of street noise from Rt9."
      • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds offer extensive amenities. A visitor at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts mentioned, "For the price of this place, we expected a packed schedule of activities."
      • Seasonal Operations: Some campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Woodford State Park Campground operates from Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend.

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for places like Lake George Escape Campground that offer a variety of activities. One parent said, "There are tons of activities, lots of families and 'stuff' going on all the time."
      • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to pick a site that fits your family's needs. A reviewer at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts mentioned, "Some campsites were pretty small and would not fit large RVs."
      • Plan for Quiet Time: If your family needs downtime, consider quieter sections of campgrounds. A camper at Lake George RV Park appreciated the "clean and meticulously maintained property and facilities."

      Tips from RVers:

      • Look for Big Rig Friendly Campgrounds: If you're traveling in a large RV, check out places like Moose Hillock Camping Resorts, which is noted as "big rig friendly."
      • Be Prepared for Fees: Some campgrounds have extra charges. A visitor at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts mentioned, "Had to pay $100 for early arrival!!!"
      • Check for Hookups: Ensure your campground has the necessary hookups for your RV. At Lake George RV Park, a camper noted, "Our pull-thru site was level and the full hookups all worked fine."

      Camping near Shushan, New York, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and choose the right spot for your needs!

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Shushan, NY?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Shushan, NY is George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed with a 4.9-star rating from 7 reviews.

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

        TheDyrt.com has all 18 dispersed camping locations near Shushan, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.