Dispersed camping opportunities around Watervliet, New York include several sites within Green Mountain National Forest in neighboring Vermont, accessible via a 45-minute drive east. The region features elevations ranging from 400 to 1,200 feet with mixed hardwood forests dominating the landscape. Winter temperatures often drop below 10°F while summer brings average highs near 85°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
What to do
Water activities at Somerset Reservoir: Located about an hour from Watervliet, Somerset Airfield offers primitive camping near excellent paddling opportunities. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Reservoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," notes one camper.
Winter camping adventures: Many dispersed sites remain accessible year-round for cold-weather enthusiasts. "We endured Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday," reports a winter camper at Somerset Airfield, describing how they secured their tent stakes by tying them to trees and cars when the frozen ground wouldn't hold them.
Mountain biking trails: Several forest roads throughout the region provide excellent mountain biking terrain. George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed camping areas serve as good base camps for riders. "Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites," notes one visitor, highlighting the variety of activities accessible from this location.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, campers appreciate the separation between established areas. "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well. A few miles down the road there is another campsite that is more open and also has a fire pit with a lot less bugs flying around and more open space," reports one reviewer.
Established fire rings: Many free camping areas near Watervliet feature well-built fire rings from previous visitors. At NF 83 - riverside, a camper notes, "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!"
Multiple site options: Forest Road 71 provides numerous camping possibilities. "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," explains a camper at a dispersed site, indicating flexibility even during inclement weather.
What you should know
Access road conditions: Many dispersed camping areas require navigating rough dirt roads. At Duck Pond Campsite, a camper warns, "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse."
Seasonal crowding: Previously quiet areas experience increasing visitor numbers during peak season. At NFR 273, one visitor observed, "Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot."
Varied ground conditions: Low areas frequently flood after rain. "This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. The terrain eventually transitions into a low-lying, swampy area, likely due to recent rainfall over the past week," notes a reviewer about Ushers Road State Forest.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly by location and carrier. At Duck Pond Campsite, a camper mentions, "Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection priorities: Choose established, well-drained areas for family camping. "Different size sites, att cell reception. Mostly clean short drive to pond and stores," notes a camper at George D Aiken Wilderness, highlighting key family-friendly attributes.
Wildlife awareness: Teach children proper food storage techniques to avoid attracting animals. Multiple reviews mention encountering wildlife in the forests surrounding dispersed sites near Watervliet.
Pack extra water: No potable water sources exist at these primitive sites. Multiple reviewers emphasize the importance of bringing sufficient water supplies, especially during summer heat.
Campsite cleanliness: Unfortunately, some visitors leave trash behind. One camper at Forest Road 71 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."
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs only. Somerset Airfield provides exceptions, with one camper noting, "This is probably good for people who camp with RVs or Trailers that can't get into smaller sites."
Ground clearance requirements: High-clearance vehicles fare better on forest access roads. At NF 83 - riverside, a camper 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."
Weather impacts on access: Rain significantly affects road conditions. "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!" notes a visitor to NF 83 - riverside.
