Dispersed camping near Berlin, New Hampshire primarily occurs within the White Mountain National Forest, with sites situated along forest service roads at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 feet. The camping season typically runs from May through October, though snow can affect access in spring and fall. Weather patterns change rapidly in this mountainous region, with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during the day and 45-60°F overnight.
What to do
Hiking access: Town Hall Road Dispersed offers convenient access to several trails. One camper noted, "If you cross [the river] and go through the woods to the right there's some great spots to explore further!" Another mentioned that "There's a hiking trail up the road if you go to the very top (I think for Mirror Lake?)."
Water activities: Little Larry Road sites provide good water options. According to a camper, "Creek runs through road near sites good for getting water to filter or washing. Trailhead at end of road." Another reviewer at Town Hall Road mentioned, "We pitched there and built a fire pit. It was one of our favorite camp spots yet! Very peaceful, beautiful and quiet. There are trout in the river."
Stargazing: Many dispersed sites offer excellent night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. At Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed, one camper reported, "We enjoyed a spectacular view of the Blood Super Moon from the campsite." Sites at White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road were described as having "great stars."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The spacing between dispersed campsites is frequently praised. At White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road, a camper observed, "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."
River proximity: Many campers value waterfront sites for both recreation and utility. At Town Hall Road Dispersed, one visitor shared, "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."
Natural quiet: The peaceful atmosphere is consistently mentioned. At Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed, a reviewer noted, "The camp sites 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."
Reliable cell service: Some sites unexpectedly offer connectivity. A visitor to Little Larry Road noted, "Even had a cell signal that gave data with a weboost." Another camper mentioned, "Just enough t-mobile / starlink signal to watch streaming and message, but wouldn't be enough for remote work."
What you should know
Site-specific conditions: Each location has unique features. At Hogan Road Pulloff, a camper advised, "About 1km (.6 miles) of gravel road, easy enough for a big road bike, but don't go any further as it gets rough." Another noted, "Amazing lil spot, a pull off the wild rocky road. Very private. Right next to a serene view of the lake."
Equipment theft risk: Security concerns exist at some locations. At Haystack Road, a camper warned, "Beware of people stealing camping gear. 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."
Weather adaptation: Be prepared for changing conditions. At Town Hall Road, one camper shared, "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."
Forest Service road conditions: Road quality varies significantly by site and season. A visitor to Haystack Road noted, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: Choose sites with natural features for entertainment. At White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road, a camper noted, "These campsites are located on a dead end dirt road. The campsites are spread out so you are not on top of each other. The site at the very top of the road is huge and has a nice stream."
Bring entertainment: Lack of amenities means self-sufficiency is essential. One reviewer pointed out, "The only thing I regret not bringing with me is a table to put my camp stove on."
Navigation preparation: Cell service is unreliable for navigation. A Haystack Road camper advised, "There is cell reception at most of the sites. Do not rely on cell phone trail maps, there is little to no reception on the trails. Use a downloadable GPS map like Gaia GPS, or a Garmin type device."
Wildlife awareness: Animal encounters are common. The same Haystack Road reviewer warned, "Wildlife like bear and moose will visit you at night. It's almost a certainty, keep your food locked in a bear tight container."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate only smaller RVs. At Town Hall Road, a camper observed, "There is a good mix of tent and small/medium camper sites. Many of the sites are right on the side of the road."
Satellite considerations: For those needing connectivity, site selection is critical. A Town Hall Road visitor shared, "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."
Site claiming protocol: Having someone stay with your equipment is advised. At Haystack Road, a camper recommended, "Leave your tent set up, or your site could be taken when you get back."
Road navigation: Some roads require careful driving. A Town Hall Road visitor cautioned, "GPS initially took me on the wrong road - make sure you stay on Town Hall Rd no matter what the GPS says."
