Dispersed camping near Victory Mills, New York requires strategic planning due to seasonal variability and limited access roads. Most free camping sites are located 40-50 miles east in Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest, where elevation ranges from 1,500-2,500 feet. Winter conditions regularly close many forest roads from November through April, with mud season in spring creating additional access challenges.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The area around Somerset Airfield provides excellent access to Somerset Reservoir for anglers. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Reservoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," notes one camper.
Hiking to shelters: From the dispersed sites on Forest Road 71, hikers can access trail systems including the Appalachian Trail. A camper at Stratton Pond Shelter explains: "The shelter is a 3.75mi hike from the nearest parking lot in winter. There are 2 tent platforms, 2 outhouses and at least 16 bunk spaces in the shelter. The lake looks great and is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail."
Mountain biking: Closer to Victory Mills, Ushers Road State Forest offers trails suitable for cycling. A visitor reports: "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."
What campers like
Dark sky stargazing: The remote nature of these dispersed sites means minimal light pollution. A camper at NF83 Dispersed site 1 appreciates "what a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions."
River access: Several sites feature proximity to water sources. A visitor to NF 83 - riverside describes it as "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!"
Varied site layout: The dispersed camping areas offer different configurations depending on needs. A camper at Statton Pond Camp describes it as a "Large Area with Fire Pit in the middle" and notes: "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."
What you should know
Seasonal crowding: Despite the remote feel, some areas get busy during peak times. One visitor at Somerset Airfield reports: "Westford there last weekend. Got up on a Friday with plenty of spots. 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."
Weather impacts: Many sites become unusable in wet conditions. A camper noted about NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot: "Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot. Many pull offs but a lot were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck."
Site maintenance concerns: Be prepared to clean up after previous campers. One reviewer at Forest Road 71 mentioned: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Consider more established sites: For families with children, Somerset Airfield offers more structure. "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."
Bug preparation: Certain sites have significant insect activity. A camper at Dispersed Camping Spot warns: "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."
Choose sites with buffer zones: For more privacy, George D Aiken Wilderness dispersed sites offer better spacing. A visitor notes: "Large, well organized camping spots along the road. The spot I chose had a beautifully built fire pit. It was a little muddy from rain."
Tips from RVers
Ground clearance requirements: Most dispersed camping near Victory Mills requires vehicles with adequate clearance. A camper at NF 83 - riverside advises: "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."
Site selection for larger rigs: RVers should target specific areas suited for larger vehicles. A visitor at George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed shares: "Large sites. Large, well organized camping spots along the road."
Winter weather preparation: For cold-weather camping, expect extreme conditions. A Somerset Airfield camper recalls: "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."
