Dispersed camping options around Hillsdale, New York extend into the Green Mountain National Forest of southern Vermont. This region consists primarily of mixed hardwood forest with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 feet. Camping opportunities are concentrated along forest roads with river access points, abandoned airfields, and hiking trail networks. Most sites remain accessible from late April through October, with many roads becoming impassable after heavy rainfall.
What to do
Swimming access points: At Somerset Airfield, campers can enjoy the nearby reservoir. According to one visitor, "Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and reservoir- saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping" while noting "AT&T service at bridge prior to camp- short walk. SOS only in camp."
Hiking trails: Several primitive sites connect to established trail systems. The Stratton Pond Shelter sits "at the intersection of AT, LT and Stratton Mountain trail" as one hiker observed, adding "The lake looks great and is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail."
Wildlife observation: Wildlife sightings are common but require caution. One camper at the Forest Road 71 sites reported, "Amazing to get to, had service the whole time, fire pits for every spot. I did see a huge blackbear. I didn't see any bathrooms."
What campers like
River proximity: The NF 83 - riverside site offers "a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit" along the water. One camper described it as "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river" but warned "the beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks."
Privacy options: Some sites offer more seclusion than others. A visitor to Road's End Dispersed Camp called it a "great private spot when nothing else is around" though cautioned "the drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles."
Stream access: Several camping areas feature water access. One camper at Forest Road 71 noted, "Tons of different styles of camping spots (if you get there while its still sunlight you can pick a spot by a flowing stream/river)."
What you should know
Site availability: Popular areas fill quickly, especially during summer holidays. At Downed Bridge Camp, a camper advised "If you're lucky enough to get the last spot on the road it's epic. Note that fills quickly on a weekend."
Ground conditions: Weather significantly affects site usability. One visitor described their Forest Road 71 experience: "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."
Lack of amenities: Sites are truly primitive. As one camper summarized their experience at Road's End: "The only thing you will find here is a fire ring."
Tips for camping with families
Scout during daylight: Arriving after dark makes finding suitable sites challenging. A Downed Bridge Camp visitor suggested, "If you're looking for the ideal spot to stay a few days make sure you show in daylight so you can explore for that."
Clean up expectations: Multiple campers mentioned site cleanliness issues. One regular at Dispersed site along Forest RD 71 shared: "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."
Space considerations: Site size varies considerably. At Statton Pond Camp, one visitor noted, "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."
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Many primitive camping areas near Hillsdale have challenging access roads. Somerset Airfield offers better options for larger vehicles with one camper noting: "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."
Clearance requirements: Ground clearance matters on forest roads. A visitor to NF 83 explained, "We have substantial ground clearance so no issues there but smaller ground clearances may feel a bump or two!"
Limited facilities: Even at designated areas like Somerset Airfield, facilities remain minimal: "There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service."
