Dispersed camping near Andover, Maine provides free accommodation options within the White Mountain National Forest region. The forested terrain ranges from river valleys to mountain slopes with elevation varying from 700 to 2,000 feet. Most primitive camping areas remain accessible from late May through October, with muddy conditions common during spring thaw and after heavy rainfall.
What to do
Hike to mountain views: Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed camping offers direct access to hiking trails. "Great location with access to the Cherry Mountain trail, and back down to Ammonoosuc Falls back down near Rt. 302," notes one camper. Several sites are positioned near the Cherry Mountain trailhead.
Fish local waters: Town Hall Road Dispersed camping provides access to fishing spots. "There are trout in the river and if you cross and go through the woods to the right there's some great spots to explore further," shares a reviewer. The sites are approximately 30 minutes from Andover.
Wildlife watching: Keep binoculars ready at remote sites. "It was so quiet I could hear the sound of crow wings flapping as they flew by," reports a visitor at Cherry Mountain Road. Morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Paddle nearby lakes: Smudge Cove provides boat-in camping opportunities on Cupsuptic Lake. "There is a nice long dock that makes it super easy to boat into and unload. You can also backpack in and enjoy some pretty cool Maine forests along the way," notes one camper. Kayak and canoe rentals available in Rangeley (18 miles from Andover).
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the spacing at dispersed locations. At White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road, "It's easy to forget there are other people camping on other sites because they're so far apart," explains one reviewer. Another adds: "These campsites are located on a dead end dirt road. The campsites are spread out so you are not on top of each other."
Natural water features: Many sites offer water access. At Town Hall Road, campers mention that "sites were on a dirt road, but it was quiet for the most part. Sites were also a good distance from each other so it felt pretty private. We stayed two nights and at two different sites; enjoyed both."
Cell service at select spots: Connectivity varies significantly across sites. "Even had a cell signal that gave data with a weboost," shares one camper about Little Larry Road. Another notes: "Just enough t-mobile / starlink signal to watch streaming and message, but wouldn't be enough for remote work."
Riverside locations: Scott C. Devlin Memorial site offers Connecticut River access. "It is well maintained and tucked on a knoll in a pine forest. There is a picnic table, fire ring and composting toilet box seat," reports a visitor. The site requires boat access and lies approximately 60 miles from Andover.
What you should know
Road quality concerns: Many access roads require careful navigation. "The road was not as bad as I anticipated. There was room for my Jeep Grand Cherokee towing a squaredrop camper to pass the very few oncoming vehicles we encountered," explains one visitor to Town Hall Road. Consider vehicle clearance when planning your trip.
Rain preparedness: Some sites drain better than others during wet weather. "It was a great place for Rainy Camping. We went during a pouring rain storm and our site remained relatively dry," shares a Town Hall Road camper. Pack waterproof gear regardless of forecast.
Limited amenities: Primitive camping means self-sufficiency. "There is a fire pit but no other amenities," notes a Little Larry Road reviewer. Bring all needed supplies, including water, food, and waste disposal bags.
Bear precautions: Wildlife encounters require proper food storage. "We pulled in around 7:30 pm on a Sunday night and there were plenty of open spots. We took a huge one. Found a fairly flat area and stayed for the night," shares a camper, highlighting the importance of arriving with daylight hours for safe setup.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection timing: Arrive early for best options. "We drove down the road a bit, past a few tent sites just off the road. About the fifth one or so, you pull in and the fire pit is right there," explains a Hogan Road Pulloff visitor. Weekdays typically offer more availability than weekends.
Pack portable tables: Sites lack standard amenities. "The only thing I regret not bringing with me is a table to put my camp stove on," mentions a Little Larry Road camper. Essential gear includes cooking surfaces and proper food storage containers.
Water filtration needs: Creek access helps with water needs. "Creek runs through road near sites good for getting water to filter or washing," notes a Little Larry Road visitor. Bring filtration systems rated for backcountry water sources.
Weather monitoring: Prepare for rapid weather changes. "Highwater trail with bridge close by. Great stars," reports a camper, highlighting both natural features and changing conditions that families should monitor.
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate small to medium setups only. "[There are] 6-8 spots some big enough for med. camper," notes a Town Hall Road visitor. Standard travel trailers often find limited turning radius on forest roads.
Solar considerations: Trout Brook Campground provides primitive camping with open areas. "The access road in is rough, not for normal street cars," warns a camper. Another adds that it's "Not larger RV friendly but was comfortable enough to get the 27' foot trailer in."
Turnaround planning: Forest roads often lack proper turnaround areas. "If you need solar or starlink, there's only 1 or 2 viable spots. We were lucky to snag one on a Monday afternoon (last site before turnaround on FR38) and stayed all week," shares a Town Hall Road visitor.
Leveling requirements: Natural sites rarely offer level parking. "The site at the very top of the road is huge and has a nice stream but if you are camping at any of the other sites, you don't have water flowing by," explains a Little Larry Road camper. Bring leveling blocks and stabilizers.
