Dispersed camping near Boscawen, New Hampshire offers wilderness experiences in the White Mountain National Forest with minimal facilities at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 feet. Most primitive camping areas follow Forest Service rules requiring campsites to be at least 200 feet from water sources and roads. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, while summer highs typically reach the mid-70s with cooler evenings in these higher elevation camping areas.
What to do
Riverside relaxation: At Tripoli Road dispersed camping area, several sites offer direct water access. "Really nice spot, right by the river (mid-sept.). We left on a Friday morning and a lot more people were coming in," notes one Tripoli Road camper. Water activities range from wading to fishing depending on the season and water levels.
Hiking trails: Multiple trail options connect directly to camping areas. "Hiked down a trail and found the most relaxing spot right by the river!" shares a Tripoli Road visitor. Nearby trails range from easy riverside walks to challenging mountain ascents with substantial elevation gain.
Fishing opportunities: Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site offers fishing access to its namesake pond. "Theres a nice pond with great views and good fishing," reports a camper who visited the area. No fishing license is required for children under 16, but adults must obtain New Hampshire fishing permits.
What campers like
Affordability: Free primitive camping appeals to budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts. "Easy access to trailhead for Tecumseh Mountain. Rustic sites with no water or electric," explains a Tripoli camper, highlighting the basic but functional camping experience without fees.
Waterfront sites: Premium spots near water bodies fill quickly, especially on weekends. "Would call this a solid car camp spot. Went on a Saturday afternoon after a long hike and there were plenty of spots open. You can pick any spot, each one has a different variety with size and how deep into the woods you want to walk," explains a Tripoli Road visitor.
Diverse site options: Camping areas offer varying degrees of privacy and terrain. "Fantastic secluded options, highly recommend getting a good spot by the river. Park staff are great and spots are well maintained," notes a regular Tripoli Road camper, highlighting how site selection significantly impacts camping experience.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads require appropriate vehicles. "The road in is pretty rough and is not recommended for sedans or lower riding cars," warns an Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site visitor. Many forest roads become impassable during wet conditions or winter months.
Limited facilities: Come prepared for self-sufficient camping. "There was only a 20 foot by 12 foot space to camp in with no water, no dumpster, no toilet, no view of anything," reports an Elbow Pond camper. Most primitive sites have fire rings but lack potable water sources, requiring campers to bring all necessary supplies.
Wildlife awareness: Food storage practices must address local wildlife. "Definitely watch out for bears though, didn't see any but saw plenty of evidence," advises a Tripoli Road camper. Proper food storage in vehicles or bear-resistant containers is essential for safety.
Tips for camping with families
Weekday camping: For better site selection and quieter experience, avoid weekends when possible. "Great spot for the weekdays, hardly anyone around and got a great site right by the river," recommends a regular at Tripoli Road who notes that weekday visits provide more options and privacy for family groups.
Safety considerations: Some areas pose challenges for younger children. "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," shares a Tripoli Road regular, suggesting the area works well for families ready to experience more rustic conditions.
Site spacing awareness: Proximity between camping spots varies considerably. "Some sites are close together so if it's crowded, you might not get a lot of privacy," explains a camper who notes that family groups might prefer more isolated spots during busy periods.
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Most primitive sites accommodate smaller rigs only. "Camped in a very small spot, just barely enough room for our SUV and small teardrop to get off the road," reports an RV camper at Elbow Pond, highlighting the challenging space constraints for larger vehicles.
Backing challenges: Forest roads often lack turnaround areas. "Had to back my trailer about a quarter mile, so they could get out," explains a camper at Elbow Pond describing a situation where a vehicle ahead couldn't proceed on the narrow road, forcing others to reverse significant distances.
Seasonal access: Verify road conditions before travel with larger vehicles. "We found there to be a couple of large group camping areas but they were spread out enough not to bother each other," notes a camper at Tripoli describing the potential for accommodating larger camping groups despite the rustic conditions.
