Dispersed camping near Wilton, New York extends beyond the immediate area into Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest, creating additional free camping options within a 1-2 hour drive. The broader region includes primitive sites along Forest Road 71 and Forest Road 273, providing alternatives to the Adirondack locations. Winter access varies significantly, with many forest roads becoming inaccessible after snowfall or during spring thaw.
What to do
Swimming and fishing access: Somerset Reservoir, located near Somerset Airfield, offers recreation opportunities beyond basic camping. "Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and reservoir—saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping," reports one camper who stayed during summer.
Nearby brewery options: Several dispersed camping areas provide proximity to local establishments. Campers at NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot note, "Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites."
Off-road cycling: Multiple dispersed sites accommodate mountain biking enthusiasts. Trails near Ushers Road State Forest support two-wheeled exploration, with one visitor noting, "This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side."
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Many free camping areas offer isolation despite proximity to roads. At Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off, campers appreciate the hidden nature: "Decent site right off of the 'main' road. 'Main' because it was quiet. Easy to access via a short dirt road, but also easy to miss."
River access: Waterside sites remain popular for their natural ambiance and temperature benefits. The NF 83 riverside site features "a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit" alongside a river. Another camper described it as "enchanting" with spots "peacefully placed along the bends of the river."
Multiple site options: Many forest roads contain multiple camping opportunities within short distances. At Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71, visitors find "easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering" with a "stone fire ring in the center."
What you should know
Site maintenance varies: Camper experiences differ significantly based on previous visitors. One reviewer at Dispersed site along 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."
Vehicle clearance requirements: Access roads frequently present challenges for standard vehicles. At Bear Slide in Lake George Wild Forest, one camper reported, "It was rocky getting there but super super remote - zero service. Great space for my jeep and honestly you could fit a LARGE RV."
Weather impacts: Seasonal conditions significantly affect campsite accessibility and comfort. Spring thaws create muddy conditions, with one camper reporting a site along Forest Road 71 was "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."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for kids: Opt for locations with natural boundaries and space. The George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed area features "large, well organized camping spots along the road" with multiple visitors noting the spacious nature of sites.
Noise considerations: Some areas experience unexpected disturbances. One family at George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed reported someone "who decided to use the area to sight in his rifle. Which was very unexpected as it was incredibly loud with no warning at all."
Activity planning: Free camping areas near Somerset Reservoir provide family-friendly water activities. A visitor observed "happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping" at nearby sites, making these locations suitable for families seeking water recreation.
Tips from RVers
Turn-around space: Many dispersed sites have limited maneuvering room. At Cod Pond, a camper warned, "The site has its own private road. A car is not recommended. Possible to turn around but you definitely need a smaller SUV."
Group camping options: For RV groups traveling together, Somerset Airfield provides more organization than typical dispersed sites. "Campsites are listed as dispersed but there are only 7 trees to separate 9 camp sites. The campsites are all next to the road and have fire circles."
Road condition monitoring: Forest access roads deteriorate seasonally. One RVer noted at Somerset Airfield, "Only the first section of the campground was open due to flooding. As a result, there were puddles everywhere."
