Dispersed camping near Limerick, Maine offers access to the White Mountain National Forest across the Maine-New Hampshire border. The Evans Notch section sits at lower elevations (1,000-2,000 feet) than other White Mountain regions, making it less crowded but still offering dense forest cover and stream access. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F with higher humidity than western mountain ranges.
What to do
Hiking trails: Several campsites provide direct trail access, including the Guyot Shelter area where "Bond cliff trail wooden platforms and a three sided cabin (fills up quickly) at 4360 ft. Getting to the sites is pretty strenuous, but totally worth it!" according to Hollie G.
Water activities: The Cold River and smaller streams run through the region. At Town Hall Road Dispersed, one camper noted, "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. Then walk down a bit and there's a large group site with another pit. Down toward the river there was plenty of open space so we pitched there and built a fire pit."
Stargazing: The remote location offers excellent night sky viewing opportunities away from light pollution. Many primitive camping areas provide open sky views after sunset. According to Rebecca B., some sites require planning for technology needs: "If all we needed was a campsite with no solar or starlink, this would be 5 star review. Lots of options, great hiking in the area. But if you need solar or starlink, there's only 1 or 2 viable spots."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road, Amanda B. explains that "8 huge, beautiful campsites in the heavily wooded Evans Notch section of The White Mountains National Forest. It's easy to forget there are other people camping on other sites because they're so far apart."
Riverside camping options: Many sites offer water access for filtering, cooling off, or ambient sound. Jason R. mentions that at Little Larry Road, "Highwater trail with bridge close by. Great stars. Creek runs through road near sites good for getting water to filter or washing."
Ease of access: Despite being remote, most dispersed sites are accessible by standard vehicles. At Tripoli Road, Joseph A. notes, "This is a great spot to start getting into camping with less amenities and more outdoors. I have been going there for 20 years and I still recommend it. Drive up the dirt road and find a nice riverside camp site. 3 miles of seclusion if you want."
What you should know
Bear awareness: Wildlife encounters require proper precautions. Jean C. warns that at Tripoli Road, "You need to be aware that bears are in the area. Following the July 4, 2019 holiday, the camping area was closed after bears visited campsites and got into food that was left in the open and not secured in vehicles or bear canisters."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly by location and carrier. Kevin H. shares that at Little Larry Road, they had "Just enough t-mobile / starlink signal to watch streaming and message, but wouldn't be enough for remote work so we went to the White Mountain National Forest Picnic area off the main road about 5 minutes away and had great signal."
Fire regulations: Fire restrictions change seasonally, especially during dry periods. Most dispersed sites include established fire rings that must be used. At certain backcountry sites like Guyot Shelter, fires may be prohibited altogether, as noted in the site features.
Tips for camping with families
Weather preparation: Bring gear for variable conditions, even in summer. Rowan E. shared their experience at Town Hall Road: "It was a great place for Rainy Camping. We went during a pouring rain storm and our site remained relatively dry. We even enjoyed a small fire the next day."
Campsite selection: Choose sites based on specific needs like water access or space. Rhonda H. recommends Little Larry Road because "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. The sites are a great size and are surrounded by trees."
Basic amenities planning: Most primitive camping areas near Limerick lack facilities. Beau B. notes that at Tripoli, you'll find "Port-a-Johns right as you get in but not much more after that. Several areas on the road are labeled as 'no parking' just watch the signs. All in all a great get away!"
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs only. At Town Hall Road, candice J. advises, "Town Hall Rd off 302 just keep going past houses until you see the National forest sign. 6-8 spots some big enough for med. camper."
Road conditions: Forest service roads vary in quality and maintenance. Bob G. found Town Hall 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. There is a good mix of tent and small/medium camper sites."
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven ground at most primitive sites. Ali B. found that on Tripoli Road, "A lot of sites were right next to each other so if it's crowded, you might not get a lot of privacy. However, there are little camp spots all over this road, too many to count so it's a good bet of getting one, especially on the weekdays."
