Dispersed camping near Stephentown, New York extends throughout the surrounding Taconic Mountains region with elevations ranging from 600 to 2,600 feet. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F with summer daytime averages in the mid-80s. Most primitive camping areas require complete self-sufficiency with no established facilities beyond occasional fire rings and can be accessed via forest roads that often require vehicles with higher clearance.
What to do
Water activities at Somerset Reservoir: Located in the Green Mountain National Forest about 45 minutes from Stephentown, this large reservoir offers paddling and fishing opportunities. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Reservoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," notes a camper at Somerset Airfield.
Mountain biking on forest trails: Ushers Road State Forest offers bicycle-friendly trails within a short drive from Stephentown. "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 visitor to the forest.
Night sky viewing: The remote nature of dispersed sites provides excellent stargazing conditions. A camper at NF83 Dispersed site 1 described it as "a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions." Winter months offer the clearest skies when humidity is low.
What campers like
Private, spaced-out sites: Primitive camping sites near Stephentown often provide good separation from other campers. At George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, 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."
Established fire rings: Many dispersed sites feature well-built fire rings despite their rustic nature. A visitor to NF 83 - riverside described finding "a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!" Similarly, at George D Aiken Wilderness, a camper mentioned their spot "had a beautifully built fire pit."
Proximity to small towns: The area offers a blend of wilderness with nearby conveniences. A camper at George D Aiken Wilderness pointed out, "Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites." This allows for supply runs without abandoning the wilderness experience.
What you should know
Site conditions vary by season: Weather significantly impacts site accessibility and comfort. At Dispersed site along Forest RD 71, one camper warned, "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."
Pack-in, pack-out requirement: Sites lack trash services, requiring visitors to carry out all waste. "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," reported a frustrated camper at Dispersed site along Forest RD 71.
Limited amenities: Even at more established dispersed sites, facilities are minimal. A camper at Somerset Airfield described the reality: "No garbage service, no water, no cell service. Basically a camp site where you can share a fire with the neighbors."
Tips for camping with families
Check road conditions before arriving: Forest roads can become impassable, especially with children in tow. One visitor to NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot reported, "The entrance to the road had a sign that said 'road closed ahead'. We chanced it and was able to find a really nice open spot right before the road closure."
Consider bug protection: Dense wooded areas can have significant insect activity. A 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." For families, consider bringing screened shelters for meal times.
Have a backup plan: Popular sites fill quickly, particularly during peak season. "Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot," shared one camper, highlighting the need for alternate locations when traveling with families.
Tips from RVers
Ground clearance requirements: Forest roads leading to primitive camping spots near Stephentown demand vehicles with adequate clearance. At NF 83 - riverside, a camper advised, "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle."
Airfield sites offer more space: For larger rigs, Somerset Airfield provides more open camping areas. "It is probably good for people who camp with RVs or Trailor's that can't get into smaller sites," shared one visitor who compared various primitive sites in the region.
Check for muddy conditions: Wet weather makes many sites inaccessible for RVs. "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!" warned a camper at NF 83 - riverside.
