Best Dispersed Camping near Alstead, NH
The southwestern New Hampshire region surrounding Alstead provides access to numerous dispersed camping opportunities, primarily in the adjacent Green Mountain National Forest of Vermont. Within a 30-mile radius, campers will find primitive sites like George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed and Somerset Airfield, both offering free camping with basic amenities. These locations feature drive-in access suitable for both tent and small RV camping, with most sites consisting of simple clearings with established fire rings. The area's camping landscape is characterized by forest service roads with pull-offs and designated primitive sites rather than developed campgrounds, creating a rustic experience for self-sufficient campers.
Road conditions vary significantly by season and recent weather patterns, with many sites becoming difficult to access after heavy rainfall. As one camper noted, "Many pull-offs were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck." Vehicle clearance requirements range from standard passenger cars at sites like Downed Bridge Camp to high-clearance vehicles needed for more remote locations. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, with some sites offering limited connectivity. Winter camping is possible but challenging, with one visitor reporting, "We endured snow and mid-20s Friday night with 8 inches of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday." Most sites lack facilities entirely, though Somerset Airfield provides pit toilets that campers describe as having "only 3 or 4 in working order."
Proximity to water features enhances many camping experiences in the region. Somerset Reservoir receives frequent mentions in reviews, with one camper noting it as "the real attraction" offering "plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities." Site privacy varies considerably, with George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed earning praise for spots that are "pretty spread out from each other," while Somerset Airfield is described as having sites "close together with little to no shade." Seasonal crowding affects even remote areas, with weekends filling quickly at popular locations. Campers consistently mention the need for self-sufficiency, as most sites provide only fire rings with no other amenities. The region's appeal lies in its natural setting, with one visitor describing their experience as "waking up in the forest was a little magical."
