Best Dispersed Camping near Canaan, NH

Searching for a dispersed campsite near Canaan? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Canaan's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Canaan, NH (16)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 16 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Canaan

48 Reviews of 16 Canaan Campgrounds


  • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road

    This is a wonderful place to camp

    There are a handful of sites to camp at along the river here, each offering a slightly different experience.  The dirt road along the river is an easy drive, though it is single lane in a few locations, so be aware of oncoming traffic.  Some of the sites are drive in, some are walk in, but all are primitive. 

    There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area.  Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in.

    This area is being heavily use and some spots are being shut down from abuse, please be aware that you have a lot of impact, and that impact can be positive or negative. Choose Positive!

    This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11

    Beautiful view but no toilet

    Came in on a Wednesday afternoon in late September and found several available camp sites.

    There are no amenities at this campground. It is an open field on the left side of the road with two or three sites on the right side of the road that are walk in sites.

    The scenic beauty of this place is amazing. There was some color in the forest but most of it was still green. There are wide open views of 3 mountain ranges. There are many flowering plants, wild apple trees on the right side of the road. Lots of birds, butterflies, and bees (they were not agressive).

    The campground was very quiet at night except for an occasional owl hoot.

    We were fortunate to have perfect weather for our stay. This would be an awesome place to see the fall colors.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site
    Sep. 12, 2024

    Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site

    Small campsites/No amenities

    Drove in on a Wednesday afternoon and drove past 4 or 5 sites, which were all occupied.

    Then saw a car ahead that was backing up. Long story short, they were afraid to drive across a dry wash in their new Jeep. No place to get by. Had to back my trailer about a quarter mile, so they could get out.

    Camped in a very small spot, just barely enough room for our SUV and small teardrop to get off the road.

    There was only a 20 foot by 12 foot space to camp jn with no water, no dumpster, no toilet, no view of anything and lots of other campers that appear to be long term residents.

    OK for an overnight stay but not a desirable camping location overall.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites
    Aug. 19, 2024

    Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites

    Nice setting, simple fire pit only sites

    There seems to be a little confusion about where restricted day use ends and overnight dispersed sites begin. Some folks were camping in the picnic area. Past the gate at the end of the Texas Falls recreation area we found several sites with only a fire pit along the brook. They were well used with some litter. We packed out what we could find. There are posted signs on the opposite bank so we stayed on our side. Brook water filtered fine and was tasty. Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome. Very pretty area.

  • Lisa The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tripoli Road
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Tripoli Road

    Love Tripoli

    Love everything about Tripoli. 1st come 1st serve. We have out favorite sites but have had to venture out and take other sites often times. No electricity, no showers. Portta potties every so often. Always close enough to walk to. Love the sites on the water. Have been going here for over 10 years. My kids now love it too

  • Thomas and James S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road

    Amazing

    Mountain road lingers along the river. There’s quite a few sites along the road. Be sure to camp at spots with established fire rings! There is no services of any sorts at this location. Mostly local traffic. Peaceful! Gorgeous rock river 💜

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping
    May. 7, 2024

    Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping

    Has all you need, but busy

    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.

    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

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11
    Apr. 1, 2024

    Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11

    Beautiful View Real VT setting but can be a little crowded

    It is a beautiful setting and the first nice weekend in May. There were quite a few folks there already but worth the visit. 

    It is old Vermont farm land that the team of the US National Forest must manage. They have kept the clearing clear and access is pretty good. We are so lucky to have access like this for all of us to enjoy.

  • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Road's End Dispersed Camp
    Mar. 1, 2024

    Road's End Dispersed Camp

    End of the road hide-away

    great private spot when nothing else is around.  The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles.  The only thing you will find here is a fire ring.

  • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Mountain National Forest FR42 Dispersed Site
    Jan. 26, 2024

    Green Mountain National Forest FR42 Dispersed Site

    Busy and small sites

    Every time I've driven up Bingo to find a spot I end up leaving the area and going somewhere else.  The sites are small and close to the road.  Being primitive sites there are no facilities.  You will find fire rings at each site though.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Haystack Road
    Oct. 28, 2023

    Haystack Road

    Quiet, small, flat spots

    There are 11 options, each completely separated from the others. We were in spot #1 which is nothing at all like the others. It is next to the Highway on a paved fire road. So you can hear traffic. And it is paved (which is good if it’s wet and muddy elsewhere). The other spots looked amazing.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site
    Sep. 29, 2023

    Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site

    Car camping at elbow pond

    This is an awesome spot for camping. 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. Some of the camping spots have fire pits but not all. Theres a nice pond with great views and good fishing. Some of the sites are close together but there are some that are a good distance apart. The road in is pretty rough and is not recommended for sedans or lower riding cars. Overall this is a great place to camp if you’re looking for free camping spots. Also it is first come first serve

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Mountain National Forest FR207
    Jun. 26, 2023

    Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    NFR 207 Meadows, with great views!

    In the first large meadow, multiple fire rings / sites. Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests. 

    Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles.
    Nearby Clark Brook Trail is a 3 mile hike connecting with the AT/LT.
    2 bars USCellular LTE.

  • N
    Camper-submitted photo from Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site
    Oct. 23, 2022

    Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site

    Really nice quiet spot

    Really nice spot, I wouldn’t recommend trying to take a normal sedan or something down there and the sites are a little less spread out than I wanted

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Haystack Road
    Sep. 18, 2022

    Haystack Road

    Nice Spot, but Camp at Your Own Risk

    Quiet area not far from the main road and a bunch of trailheads, but 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. Cut my trip short because of that experience

  • Phil J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Mountain National Forest FR207
    Dec. 24, 2021

    Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    Winter camping at its finest

    My first time winter camping and had the entire area to myself. Beautiful sunsets, night skies and scenery. Extremely calm and peaceful. Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Mountain National Forest FR207
    Oct. 18, 2021

    Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    Beautiful fields and views

    Wow this site was so beautiful!

    The road into the site was scenic and beautiful. We followed the river all the way to the very end of the road up on the mountain. From there we decided on a site at the top of the mountain at the end of the long road. We quickly got rained out and went back down to one of the brookside sites. This site had great tree coverage to easily set up a tarp. It even had a premade firepit! Make sure to bring your own trash bag and water. 

    The next morning we decided to visit the sites for this actual dispersed site on the field. There were many spots on open fields with beautiful scenic views of the mountains. If we go and stay up there again we will definitely be staying at one of these. 

    If you're considering a spot in Vermont to camp, come here!

    Also, make sure your car has a bit of clearance as some sports have dips in the ground.

  • Phil J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Mountain National Forest FR207
    Sep. 5, 2021

    Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    Great views with optional privacy

    Great mountain views, some sites right on the road, some in fields and some tucked away out of view. The top end of the road has a few mud pits and may require some ground clearance from rocks

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 6, 2021

    Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping

    Great Campsite on the Pemi loop

    Spent a great night here.

    This is a very large campground. With a large shelter renovated in 2019. Approx 10 platform sites. Some are very isolated and some with great views.

    Privy is a bit of a walk. And the eating area is very small. X3 bear boxes.

    Great Water source right near the eating area.

    Loved this site!

  • Lily D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Mountain National Forest FR207
    Jul. 27, 2021

    Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    Town Highway 11 on W Hill Road

    Beautiful meadow campsites overlooking the valley. Firepits and tent platforms are in place although most of the sites are drive-in. If you’re looking for a picture perfect campsite with a view this is the place for you!

  • Joann&WellsThePup I.
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Mountain National Forest FR207
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    NF-71

    About 12 sites off National Forest Road 71. Beautiful area and very secluded. All have fire rings but that’s about it. Make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season and treat your skin and clothes during black fly season


Drive Time


Guide to Canaan

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Canaan, New Hampshire, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and outdoor adventures without the crowds. With a variety of options available, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Scenic River Access for Dispersed Campers

  • The Tripoli Road area offers stunning riverside sites, perfect for those who enjoy fishing or simply relaxing by the water.
  • Many campers appreciate the secluded spots along the river, providing a peaceful atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
  • Be prepared for a primitive experience, as amenities are limited, but the natural beauty makes it worthwhile.

Hiking Trails for Outdoor Enthusiasts

  • The Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping is an excellent starting point for hiking the Pemi Loop, offering breathtaking views and challenging trails.
  • Campers have noted the convenience of having direct access to hiking trails right from their camping spots, making it easy to explore the surrounding wilderness.
  • The area is well-maintained, with features like bear boxes and water sources, ensuring a comfortable stay for those venturing into the backcountry.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Canaan, New Hampshire

  • Arrive early to secure a spot, especially at popular locations like Haystack Road, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Be mindful of wildlife; areas like Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site have reported bear sightings, so it's essential to store food properly.
  • Bring your own supplies, as many sites lack amenities such as drinking water and toilets, making it crucial to pack out what you bring in.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Canaan, NH?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Canaan, NH is Tripoli Road with a 4.3-star rating from 11 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Canaan, NH?

    TheDyrt.com has all 16 dispersed camping locations near Canaan, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.