Dispersed camping near South Glens Falls, New York typically experiences temperature ranges from below freezing in winter months to upper 80s°F in summer. The region sits at elevations between 300-3,000 feet, with many primitive camping areas located on uneven terrain requiring careful site selection. Most dispersed sites in this area remain accessible from late April through October, though several Vermont locations maintain year-round access with proper vehicles.
What to do
Hiking at Somerset Reservoir: The area around Somerset Airfield offers excellent day hiking opportunities with access to the reservoir. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Reservoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," notes one camper.
Mountain biking from trailheads: Ushers Road State Forest provides access to bike-friendly nature trails. "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," reports a reviewer.
Kayaking and swimming: The waterways near many dispersed sites offer paddling opportunities. At Somerset Airfield, campers report seeing "happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping" at the reservoir. Some sites feature streams or river access for cooling off during hot summer days.
What campers like
Secluded spots away from crowds: Downed Bridge Camp offers more isolation than busier areas. "If you're lucky enough to get the last spot on the road it's epic. Note that fills quickly on a weekend. But don't worry there is primitive camping starting about a mile down fire road 10," writes one camper.
Established fire rings: Many dispersed sites feature stone fire rings despite minimal other amenities. At Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off, campers appreciate that "there is a firepit at the site and plenty of space for multiple tents." Several Vermont sites also maintain well-built fire rings.
Natural water features: Stream and river access adds appeal to many primitive sites. One Cod Pond camper mentioned, "There is a river down the hill from the campsite which helps keep it fairly cool at night." Another noted enjoying "the sound of the river" while at their campsite.
What you should know
Site cleanliness varies: Some areas require cleanup before camping. At Dispersed site along Forest RD 71, a repeat visitor noted, "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."
Road conditions can change seasonally: Many access roads become challenging after rain. A camper at Forest RD 71 reported, "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."
Cell service limitations: Most dispersed camping areas have minimal or no connectivity. At Somerset Airfield, there's "No cell service" according to reviews, though one camper mentioned "AT&T service at bridge prior to camp - short walk. SOS only in camp. Another camper told me Starlink works here."
Tips for camping with families
Consider campground popularity during holidays: Holiday weekends bring crowds and sometimes problematic behavior. At Somerset Airfield, one camper reported that "Weekend was interrupted by a domestic violence situation a few sites down... took state police over 50 minutes to respond and multiple families left."
Scout for flat tent sites: Many dispersed areas have uneven ground that may not be apparent until setup. A Cod Pond camper warned that the "ground may look flat but when sleeping-definitely is not." Look for clearings with minimal slope for better family tent placement.
Bug protection is essential: Dense forest sites can have intense insect activity. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, a camper noted "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Limited turning radius affects camping options. A Cod Pond camper with a mid-size SUV noted their 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."
Vault toilet availability: Few dispersed sites offer any facilities, making Somerset Airfield noteworthy for its basic amenities. "There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service," states a recent visitor.
Winter accessibility: Snow and ice create additional challenges for winter camping. At Somerset Airfield, a winter camper reported enduring "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."
