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Best Dispersed Camping near Rumford, ME

35 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Rumford, Maine centers around several primitive sites in the White Mountains National Forest, with options extending into neighboring New Hampshire. Free camping areas include White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road, which features eight spacious, wooded sites along a dead-end dirt road. Town Hall Road Dispersed in New Hampshire provides multiple free sites along a gravel road with river access. Additional options include Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed and Hogan Road pulloffs, both offering tent camping in natural settings without amenities.

Access roads to most dispersed sites require careful navigation, with many being unpaved and potentially challenging during wet conditions. Little Larry Road has an uphill dirt road leading to well-spaced campsites, while Town Hall Road extends approximately two miles past residential areas before reaching the National Forest boundary where camping is permitted. Most sites feature only basic fire rings with no water, toilets, or trash service. Camping is typically limited to 14 days, and vehicles should be appropriate for rough terrain. One camper noted that "the road is uphill" at Little Larry Road, while another mentioned Town Hall Road has "hard packed and smooth" dirt roads "with a few dips and holes here and there."

These primitive camping areas provide varying levels of privacy and natural settings. White Mountains sites on Little Larry Road are described as "huge and beautiful" with sites "so far apart that it's easy to forget there are other people camping." Many locations offer proximity to hiking trails, including access to the Appalachian Trail from Hogan Road and Cherry Mountain Trail from the Cherry Mountain sites. Riverside camping is available at several Town Hall Road sites, where "each site is different" with "plenty that could fit a medium sized RV." Water access is limited at most sites, though some feature nearby streams for filtering water. A visitor to Little Larry Road noted, "There is a fire pit but no other amenities. The site at the very top of the road is huge and has a nice stream."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Rumford, Maine (12)

    1. White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road

    6 Reviews
    Gilead, ME
    25 miles

    "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."

    "8 huge, beautiful campsites in the heavily wooded Evans Notch section of The White Mountains National Forest."

    2. Town Hall Road Dispersed

    18 Reviews
    Chatham, NH
    37 miles

    "My first ever dispersed camping experience. So freaking amazing and unbelievable. It was pouring rain when we came to NH so we tried to wait out the rain, but it was getting dark."

    "Awesome boondocking in New Hampshire, what a treat in the east coast! Just beautiful scenery, with trees, rivers, creeks, hiking trails with a pond- we absolutely loved our time here. "

    3. Hogan Road Pulloff near Appalachian Trail

    2 Reviews
    Gorham, NH
    29 miles

    "amazing lil spot, a pull off the wild rocky road. very private. right next to a serene view of the lake. very mild highway traffic sounds in the distance. there was another spot at the posted coordinates"

    "Would be really quiet if not for the road across the lake. I saw one truck in the evening and one in the morning."

    4. Smudge Cove

    1 Review
    Oquossoc, ME
    33 miles
    Website

    $28 / night

    "This campsite is along the Forest Legacy Trail and while the trail is managed by one entity, the remote campsites are managed by another."

    5. Eagle Cove

    1 Review
    Oquossoc, ME
    31 miles
    Website

    6. Rangeley - Stratton Road Camp

    1 Review
    Rangeley, ME
    31 miles

    7. Raven

    1 Review
    Oquossoc, ME
    33 miles
    Website

    $28 / night

    8. Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Bretton Woods, NH
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 466-2713

    "This site is about 90 yards from the fire tower trailhead.

    Site #9 goes back about 70 to 80 feet back off the road."

    "We stayed on site #5 because it was flat, sunny, grassy and had a little brook. Had some passing by traffic but each site is far apart from each other."

    9. Trout Brook Campground

    3 Reviews
    Stratton, ME
    44 miles

    "Posted up to 14 days max. Even an out-house."

    10. Scott C. Devlin Memorial

    1 Review
    Guildhall, VT
    48 miles
    Website

    "This is another beautiful site along the CT River Paddler's Trail. 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."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Rumford, ME

32 Photos of 12 Rumford Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Rumford, ME

35 Reviews of 12 Rumford Campgrounds

  • Miccal M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Trout Brook Campground

    Primitive Camping at it's most Public

    This location is Beautiful, but it comes at the cost of privacy.  When I first discovered this spot, it wasn't an official campsite, people just came here to swim and there was a fire ring. That was over 20yrs ago.

    There are 4 sites, 3 have no separation between them, 1 is at the entrance, all are on the access road with 0 privacy.  This area is overused, and it shows, sites are warn in and if there was room relocating fire pits and allowing some nature to come back would be nice.  I managed to tuck myself into a private alcove of trees on the #1 site, but still was in full view of headlights and people driving in to see if there was space.  The site I had was big enough that I shared it with a couple that had a small child, and they had their own section. 

    There are no service, no water, no electricity, no to little cell coverage.  There is one pit toilet.  

    The access road in is rough, not for normal street cars.

    Did I mention lack of privacy?

    See pics.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed

    Super quiet and lots of privacy

    Came into the area after 7 PM on a Tuesday and found several open sites. We stayed one night in campsite 9. This site is about 90 yards from the fire tower trailhead.

    Site #9 goes back about 70 to 80 feet back off the road. There appears to have been a longer site, but the Forest Service placed boulders blacking vehicles from going further. Just past the boulders is a large fire circle with room for 6 to 8 campers to sit around the fire.

    We were able to collect sunlight onto our solar panel from the site.

    The camp site are all disbursed enough that we did not hear any other camping sounds at all. It was so quiet I could hear the sound of crow wings flapping as they flew by.

    We enjoyed a spectacular view of the Blood Super Moon from the campsite. Overall the site was open to the sky nea3 the road yet protected from the wind.

    The only downside was the lack of any other amenities. As far as disbursed camping in the national forest, this place is not a decent unpaved road and our campsite was only about 3 miles from the highway.

  • Atlas W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2023

    Town Hall Road Dispersed

    SO AMAZING!!

    My first ever dispersed camping experience. So freaking amazing and unbelievable. It was pouring rain when we came to NH so we tried to wait out the rain, but it was getting dark. We followed the directions given by previous reviews. Turn onto town hall rd. and keep going past the residential area until you get to gravel road. keep going straight until you see the national forest sign. about a mile later us when campsites started popping up. the first few were full since it was 7pm but we came across one right around where the pin is dropped for this location. the cliff wasn’t too steep here (i passed up a campsite before this one bc it seemed too steep for my liking) and pretty large. beautiful view of the water and even a path down to swim. 10/10 experience and i cant wait to go back.

  • Justin P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 16, 2021

    Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed

    Smaller car and tent sites

    Stopped by on the Cohos Trail. Great location with access to the Cherry Mountain trail, and back down to Ammonoosuc Falls back down near Rt. 302.

    There are a string of tent sites on either side of the road with some right up to the intersection with Cherry Mountain trail.

    A few were small and could just fit a tent and a car, where some offered more space. Some offered a bit of privacy into the woods while most were right along the road.

    There are no facilities here, and most sites showed some significant signs of use. 

    There were plenty of sites available on the weekend in October.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 28, 2023

    Town Hall Road Dispersed

    Awesome Boondocking

    Awesome boondocking in New Hampshire, what a treat in the east coast! Just beautiful scenery, with trees, rivers, creeks, hiking trails with a pond- we absolutely loved our time here. 

    Town Hall Rd is a long road with many designated dispersed sites, all far apart from each other and all varying in levelness and size. We got lucky and snagged a perfect spot 2 miles in from the entrance sign- completely level (didn’t even need our leveling blocks) and big enough for our 26ft class c. Each site is different, but there were plenty that could fit a medium sized RV like ours. I wouldn’t recommend a giant 5th wheel or class A to come here looking for a spot. The road is dirt, but it’s hard packed and smooth, with a few dips and holes here and there. A little narrow but it’s manageable. The downside of a great road is the speeding cars and trucks- very annoying but thankfully there wasn’t much traffic in early October. I’d say more than half the sites were open when we stayed there mid-week. 

     No amenities here, just a rock fire pit to designate that it’s a spot. Please pack out your trash. Zero cell service in this whole area, but some messages popped through while we were hiking. weBoost did not help. Heavily wooded area, so it’s not so great for solar panels and probably not starlink either (we don’t have starlink so I can’t report on that).

  • Josie W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Town Hall Road Dispersed

    Great location!

    We loved this spot. There were plenty of sites to choose from and most (not all) had access to the river as well as a fire ring. 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. Would love to return here in the future.

  • Chris T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2023

    Trout Brook Campground

    Dispersed site with lake access

    Very wooded. Road is passable for most any vehicle. Not larger RV friendly but was comfortable enough to get the 27' foot trailer in. Some fire rings and tables available. Cannot be beat for zero dollars. Posted up to 14 days max. Even an out-house.

  • candice J.
    Aug. 11, 2021

    Town Hall Road Dispersed

    Perfect spot!

    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.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2023

    Raven

    Super Impacted

    This site, while in a beautiful spot perched above Cupsuptic Lake, it is so impacted that in the rain it was a literal mud pit. While there was a picnic table to get up off the ground, finding a spot to pitch a tent where water wouldn't puddle would be impossible. We hiked in, but you can paddle into the site just know that the exit/entry to the water is a bit tricky and not as easy as some of the other sites available along the way. 

    There is a large fire pit, also a mess in the down pours. The picnic table is in far better shape here than the one in Eagle Cove (rotting) and Cedar Bay (non-existent). The site is quite small and wouldn't be able to accommodate more than two small tents. I wouldn't make a special trip to stay here.

Guide to Rumford

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Rumford, Maine, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, campers can enjoy the tranquility of the great outdoors.

Scenic Spots for Dispersed Campers

  • The White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful flat sites surrounded by trees, perfect for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.
  • For a more secluded experience, check out Hogan Road Pulloff near Appalachian Trail, where you can hang your hammock among the trees and enjoy the serene views of the nearby lake.
  • If you’re looking for a spot with easy access to water, Smudge Cove provides a lovely waterfront area with a dock, making it ideal for those who enjoy boating or fishing.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Rumford

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity of Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed, which is near the fire tower trailhead, offering stunning views and a chance to explore the local flora and fauna.
  • Fishing is a popular activity at Maine Railroad Trestle, where you can cast your line from the rocky beach and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the river.
  • For those who enjoy wildlife watching, Raven is situated in a beautiful area where you might spot various animals, especially if you camp at the quieter times of the day.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Eagle Cove

  • The Eagle Cove site offers stunning waterfront views, although campers should be prepared for limited access to amenities, making it a true back-to-nature experience.
  • If you’re up for a challenge, the hike-in access to Scott C. Devlin Memorial provides a secluded spot tucked away in a pine forest, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • For a unique camping experience, consider Trout Brook Campground, where you can enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape while embracing the simplicity of primitive camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping in Rumford, Maine?

Rumford and the surrounding area offer several dispersed camping options in the western Maine region. Trout Brook Campground provides free dispersed camping with a few basic sites, some fire rings and tables, and even an outhouse. It's suitable for vehicles including smaller trailers (up to 27'). Another excellent option is White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road, which features 8 spacious sites in a heavily wooded setting. These sites are well-separated for privacy on a dead-end dirt road. For additional dispersed camping near Rumford, explore the White Mountain National Forest and check the Maine Forest Service website for other permitted locations.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Rumford, Maine?

Dispersed camping in the Rumford area follows standard National Forest regulations. At Town Hall Road Dispersed, camping is limited to 14 days maximum stay. Most dispersed sites in the region require you to camp in designated areas only, typically marked by established fire rings. Pack out all trash as there are no garbage services. Campfires are permitted in existing fire rings but may be restricted during dry periods or fire bans. Sites are first-come, first-served with no reservations. Bull Brook Road: Dispersed Campsite and other dispersed areas follow similar regulations. Always check with the local ranger district for current rules, especially regarding seasonal road closures and fire restrictions.

What is the best time of year for dispersed camping in Rumford, Maine?

The prime season for dispersed camping around Rumford is late spring through early fall (May to October). Summer offers warm days with temperatures typically in the 70s-80s°F, making it ideal for swimming and outdoor activities. Fall brings spectacular foliage, especially in September and early October when the colors peak. Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed provides excellent access to hiking trails during these peak seasons. Weekdays typically have more availability than weekends. Many forest roads accessing Rangeley - Stratton Road Camp and other dispersed sites may be closed or inaccessible during winter and spring mud season (usually November through April). Always check road conditions before heading out.

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