Primitive camping options surround Belmont, New Hampshire, with varying terrain from riverside spots to mountain elevations above 4,300 feet. The White Mountain National Forest dominates the region, offering both roadside dispersed camping and backcountry sites across rugged terrain that typically requires high-clearance vehicles. Average summer temperatures range from 45°F at night to 75°F during daytime, with rainfall most common in spring months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Elbow Pond provides good fishing access for campers staying at nearby dispersed sites. "There's a nice pond with great views and good fishing," reports one visitor at Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site.
Mountain hiking: Access multiple peaks from rustic camping areas near Belmont. "Local hiking includes the Osceolas, Tripyramid, and Tecumseh. Shorter treks include Welch-Dickey with great open ledges and Snow's Mountain along a river with falls," notes a Tripoli Road camper.
River activities: The Pemigewassett River offers water recreation options close to camping areas. "The Pemigewassett offers tubing and kayaking put ins. Outfitters one exit south can provide you with transportation and rentals," explains a regular visitor to Tripoli Road.
Sunrise views: Early risers can experience spectacular mountain vistas. "I highly suggest a sunrise peak if you have the energy to get up early," recommends a camper who stayed at Guyot Shelter.
What campers like
River proximity: Many dispersed campsites allow campers to enjoy water features. "We hiked down a trail and found the most relaxing spot right by the river," shares one camper who visited Tripoli Road.
Remote experience: The isolation attracts those seeking wilderness camping. "Fantastic secluded options, highly recommend getting a good spot by the river. Park staff are great and spots are well maintained," notes a reviewer about Tripoli Road.
Varied site options: Different types of sites accommodate various camping styles. "They have a couple different spots where you can park and walk up to your site or they have sites you can pull right up next to them," explains a camper at Elbow Pond.
Weekday tranquility: Many campers note the difference between weekend and weekday experiences. "Great spot for the weekdays, hardly anyone around and got a great site right by the river. We left on a Friday morning and a lot more people were coming in," shares one visitor.
What you should know
Bear safety: Wildlife activity requires proper food storage. "Definitely watch out for bears though, didn't see any but saw plenty of evidence," cautions one visitor regarding rustic camping at Tripoli Road.
Site availability: Backcountry sites can fill quickly during peak seasons. "Despite being so remote, one of the busiest back country camps in the Whites. Has a nice shelter, spring, privy, platforms, some sites have somewhat of a view of far away mountain tops," notes a camper about Guyot Shelter.
Road conditions: Access to many dispersed sites requires appropriate vehicles. "The road in is pretty rough and is not recommended for sedans or lower riding cars," warns a camper at Elbow Pond.
Cell service: Connectivity varies significantly between sites. "Cell service is decent at nearby Russell Pond. Verizon seemed to offer better service than AT&T," reports a Tripoli Road visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly sites: Some areas provide easier entry into primitive camping. "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," advises a regular visitor to Tripoli Road.
Site spacing considerations: Proximity to other campers varies by location. "Some of the camping spots have fire pits but not all. Some of the sites are close together but there are some that are a good distance apart," notes a visitor to Elbow Pond.
Noise levels: Some areas experience significant weekend activity. "Easy access to trailhead for Tecumseh Mountain. Rustic sites with no water or electric. We found there to be a couple of large group camping areas but they were spread out enough not to bother each other," explains a Tripoli Road camper.
Tips from RVers
Vehicle clearance: Road quality presents challenges for conventional vehicles. "OK for an overnight stay but not a desirable camping location overall. Camped in a very small spot, just barely enough room for our SUV and small teardrop to get off the road," shares an RV camper about their experience at Elbow Pond Recreation Area.
Limited amenities: Dispersed camping sites typically lack standard RV facilities. "There was only a 20 foot by 12 foot space to camp in with no water, no dumpster, no toilet, no view of anything and lots of other campers that appear to be long term residents," notes an RV visitor to Elbow Pond.
Space constraints: Many primitive sites offer minimal space for larger vehicles. "No space for non-free standing tents. Quite a hike dropping down from the main trail to the campsite, 15-20 min straight up to hike out in the morning," explains a backcountry camper at Guyot Shelter.
