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Best Dispersed Camping near Charlestown, NH

32 Reviews

Several dispersed camping options exist in the Green Mountain National Forest of Vermont, about 20-30 miles west of Charlestown, New Hampshire. Forest Road 71 offers multiple primitive sites with only fire rings provided. The road requires decent ground clearance as one camper noted: "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8 inches of clearance under your vehicle." Most sites accommodate tents and small RVs with no hookups, toilets, or water.

Somerset Airfield provides a more accessible option with pit toilets and multiple sites along a grassy strip. A camper wrote: "It has pit toilets. These sites are close together with little to no shade. Some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park." For more seclusion, NF 83 riverside camping features a "large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit" though access requires navigating "a pretty rough road" according to reviews. Winter camping is possible but challenging, with temperatures dropping below 10°F and sites often covered in snow and ice. Most locations permit fires when seasonal restrictions aren't in place.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Charlestown, New Hampshire (19)

    1. Downed Bridge Camp

    2 Reviews
    Danby, VT
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "But don't worry there is primitive camping starting about a mile down fire road 10... You don't even have to go to fire road 30."

    "Great location for a small group to camp at.  Can't wait to go back.  The main area is a walk in and is worth it.  The road into here was easy to drive. "

    2. Road's End Dispersed Camp

    1 Review
    Belmont, VT
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "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."

    3. Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71

    3 Reviews
    Sunderland, VT
    31 miles

    "Easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center. We had this all to ourselves in our Bean teardrop. "

    "The site was very flat and could accommodate several small campers.  It was quiet during our overnight stay other than a car or two on Stratton-Arlington Rd.  There weren't many mosquitoes either. "

    4. Stratton Pond Shelter

    1 Review
    Manchester Center, VT
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "The shelter is a 3.75mi hike from the nearest parking lot in winter.  There are 2 tent platforms, 2 outhouses and at least 16 bunk spaces in the shelter.  "

    5. Somerset Airfield

    6 Reviews
    West Dover, VT
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 388-4362

    "It has pit toilets. These sites are close together with little to no shade. Some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park."

    "I arrived after the 4th of July and a neighbor said it was rowdy during the holiday with illegal fireworks set off every night over the dry forest. These pics are from a weekday morning."

    6. Dispersed site along Forest RD 71

    3 Reviews
    Sunderland, VT
    32 miles

    "One of many locations along Forest rd 71, this spot was a good place to pitch a tent for the night while exploring the area even in the rain."

    "There are a few spots around you can park at. I chose a more sunny and open spot with less trees. So there's more options. It's very quiet definitely check it out."

    7. George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Wilmington, VT
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on. There were only about 10 spots along the access road."

    "Some sites were really wet but we found a nice dry place."

    8. NF 83 - riverside

    3 Reviews
    West Dover, VT
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 362-2307

    "This is a nice clearing near the river where the road used to cross."

    "The left side of the drive in is swampy so be sure to not drift to that side."

    9. Branch Pond on National Forest Hwy

    1 Review
    Sunderland, VT
    32 miles

    "No public bathrooms, no hookups, I personally didn’t have service."

    10. NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    6 Reviews
    Bennington, VT
    43 miles

    "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."

    "Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot. After what was very quiet and a peaceful place to be."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Charlestown, NH

47 Photos of 19 Charlestown Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Charlestown, NH

32 Reviews of 19 Charlestown Campgrounds

  • M.A.D. P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2023

    Somerset Airfield

    Small open park

    The Airfield Campground is a strip of land with several campsites and fire pits. It has pit toilets. These sites are close together with little to no shade. Some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park. The real attraction is the huge Somerset Resevoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities. There are other dispersed sites down the road that are free

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Somerset Airfield

    Good stopover location

    Only the first section of the campground was open due to flooding. As a result, there were puddles everywhere.

    Campsites are listed as disbursed but there are only 7 trees to separate 9 camp sites. The campsites are all next to the road and have fire circles.

    There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service. Basically a camp site where you can share a fire with the neighbors.

  • Natasha T.
    Jun. 6, 2022

    NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    Nice wooded little campsite

    A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well. A few miles down the road there is another campsite that is more open and also has a fire pit with a lot less bugs flying around and more open space.

  • c H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2023

    George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    Cool Spot!

    The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on. There were only about 10 spots along the access road. Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites.

  • SJ W.
    Nov. 1, 2024

    NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    Beautiful but surprisingly crowded

    Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot. After what was very quiet and a peaceful place to be. Many pull offs but a lot were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck. The road itself was in great condition though.

  • licia S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Somerset Airfield

    No Wifi, Resevoir Beautiful

    Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and resevoir- saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping. It's been quiet and peaceful and sometimes generators running all night. I arrived after the 4th of July and a neighbor said it was rowdy during the holiday with illegal fireworks set off every night over the dry forest. These pics are from a weekday morning. It's great to see families camping. There are pit toilets. AT.T service at bridge prior to camp- short walk. SOS only in camp. Another camper told me Starlink works here.

  • Miccal M.
    Jan. 18, 2024

    NF 83 - riverside

    Quiet spot on the river

    I've looked at this spot a few times and it is normally way to wet to camp at, but this time it was frozen.  This is a nice clearing near the river where the road used to cross.

    The access into this location is a little rough but most cars should make it, I would prefer having a little more clearance though just to be sure.  

    Being a primitive site there is only a fire ring here.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2023

    Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71

    NFR 71 Wide Open Site, North End

    Easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center. We had this all to ourselves in our Bean teardrop. 

    Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT. 

    Pretty quiet during our stay, plenty of dispersed sites along 71 further south. 

    Only reason for 4 stars is the lack of any long distance views from the site itself. 

    2 bars of USCellular LTE

  • Ricky H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    Not terrible

    Site was littered with places previous campers had left human excrement. While not in the site directly, it was all around it. Also had someone who decided to use the area to sight in his rifle. Which was very unexpected as it was incredibly loud with no warning at all. Was not aware this was a gun range. Tried to flag down a park ranger, but he just drove on by.

Guide to Charlestown

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Charlestown, New Hampshire, where nature meets tranquility. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Charlestown

  • Enjoy hiking with easy access to trails leading to stunning views, such as those found near Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71.
  • Experience fishing and paddling opportunities at nearby water bodies, particularly at Somerset Airfield, which is close to the Somerset Reservoir.
  • Take advantage of the peaceful surroundings for birdwatching and wildlife photography, especially in the serene environment of Downed Bridge Camp.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out NF 83 - Riverside

  • This spot offers a large open grassy area along the river, perfect for setting up camp and enjoying a fire pit, as highlighted in reviews of NF 83 - riverside.
  • Be prepared for a bit of a rough drive in, but the scenic views and peaceful atmosphere make it worthwhile for those seeking solitude.
  • The area is known for its enchanting surroundings, making it a great choice for those looking to unwind and connect with nature.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Charlestown, New Hampshire

  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to keep these beautiful spots pristine, especially at Dispersed site along Forest RD 71, where previous campers have noted the importance of cleaning up after themselves.
  • Be mindful of the weather and prepare for muddy conditions, as some areas can become quite wet, particularly at Branch Pond on National Forest Hwy.
  • Ensure your vehicle has adequate clearance for accessing more remote sites, like NF83 Dispersed site 1, which can be challenging for lower vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Charlestown, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Charlestown, NH is Downed Bridge Camp with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 19 dispersed camping locations near Charlestown, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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