Dispersed camping options near Bartlett, New Hampshire extend beyond the popular Town Hall Road area. The White Mountain National Forest elevation ranges from 1,000 to over 6,000 feet, creating diverse primitive camping experiences with varying terrain and climate conditions. Seasonal road closures affect access to many dispersed sites, particularly after heavy rainfall or during winter months when roads remain unmaintained.
What to do
Hiking from camp: Cherry Mountain Road dispersed sites provide direct trail access. "We stayed on site #5 because it was flat, sunny, grassy and had a little brook," notes one camper at Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed. Site #9 is particularly convenient, located "about 90 yards from the fire tower trailhead."
Fishing opportunities: Dispersed sites along Little Larry Road offer creek and river access. "Highwater trail with bridge close by. Great stars. Creek runs through road near sites good for getting water to filter or washing," reports a visitor at White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road. The Evans Notch section provides multiple water access points.
Stargazing: Clear mountain skies enable exceptional night viewing. "We enjoyed a spectacular view of the Blood Super Moon from the campsite. Overall the site was open to the sky near the road yet protected from the wind," mentions a Cherry Mountain Road camper. Little Larry Road campers similarly noted excellent star visibility due to minimal light pollution.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Dispersed camping on Little Larry Road offers exceptional separation. "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," reports a camper at White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road.
Water features: Many campers prioritize riverside locations. "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," notes a visitor at Tripoli Road. Another camper adds, "Great spot for the weekdays, hardly anyone around and got a great site right by the river."
Extended stay options: Longer camping periods allow deeper exploration. "These are my go to sites when I am in the Franconia Notch area. They have a fire pit, plenty of woods around, and are free... you're allowed to stay for two weeks," explains a camper at Haystack Road. This makes primitive camping near Bartlett, New Hampshire ideal for through-hikers or extended adventures.
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Bears frequent many dispersed sites. "You need to be aware that bears are in the area," warns a Tripoli Road camper. Another notes at Haystack Road: "Upper two top sites beware of bears especially the right side site. Game trail heaven." Proper food storage containers are essential at all primitive sites.
Site security concerns: Leaving gear unattended poses risks. "I left out gear to claim a spot while out hiking and came back to people having stolen some of it as well as setting up in that spot," reports one camper at Haystack Road. Consider securing valuables in locked vehicles when exploring.
Road conditions: Many dispersed sites require navigating unpaved forest roads. "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," notes one Haystack Road visitor. However, Elbow Pond access "is pretty rough and is not recommended for sedans or lower riding cars."
Tips for camping with families
Backcountry shelter options: For families ready for a hike-in experience, elevated camping offers unique opportunities. "Amazing views from some of the platforms, easy access to water, friendly park managers," shares a visitor to Guyot Shelter. Another notes the shelter "has a nice shelter, spring, privy, platforms, some sites have somewhat of a view of far away mountain tops."
Weekday timing: School schedules permitting, midweek visits significantly improve site selection. "Great spot for the weekdays, hardly anyone around and got a great site right by the river (mid-sept.). We left on a Friday morning and a lot more people were coming in," observes a Tripoli Road visitor.
Swimming access: Several sites offer kid-friendly water recreation. "The road ends at the Little River, offering fishing and swimming options," notes a Haystack Road visitor. Another camper describes it as "right near a great swimming hole and the twin mountains."
Tips for RVers
Site size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs only. "There is a good mix of tent and small/medium camper sites. Many of the sites are right on the side of the road," explains a Town Hall Road camper. Another notes, "We were able to collect sunlight onto our solar panel from the site."
Limited connectivity: Signal varies dramatically by location. "Few Solar/Starlink Options. If all we needed was a campsite with no solar or starlink, this would be 5 star review... But if you need solar or starlink, there's only 1 or 2 viable spots," explains a Town Hall Road camper. Little Larry Road visitors report: "Site 4 and 5 get some cell service."
Turnaround challenges: Forest roads often lack adequate turning space for larger vehicles. "Had to back my trailer about a quarter mile, so they could get out," reports an Elbow Pond Road visitor describing a difficult encounter with another vehicle. Scouting ahead or researching specific sites helps prevent access issues.
