Best Dispersed Camping near Chocorua, NH
The White Mountain National Forest surrounding Chocorua, New Hampshire contains several dispersed camping areas accessible via forest roads. Town Hall Road offers multiple primitive sites along a dirt road, with most sites featuring only basic fire rings and river access. Other nearby options include Tripoli Road and Haystack Road dispersed sites, plus the more remote Guyot Shelter area for backpackers. The region permits primitive camping with no facilities or services across multiple designated areas, though all require campers to follow leave-no-trace principles.
Several access points require navigating unpaved forest roads with varying conditions. Town Hall Road features a gravel surface passable for most vehicles, while areas like Elbow Pond Road may require higher clearance. The dispersed sites typically have no amenities beyond fire rings, with no toilets, trash service, or potable water. Most locations permit stays up to 14 days, though some areas like Tripoli Road require self-registration at a ranger station and charge modest fees. Bear activity is common throughout the region, necessitating proper food storage in vehicles or bear canisters. Many roads close seasonally in winter, with reopening typically occurring in late spring.
These dispersed sites provide excellent access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and swimming holes. Town Hall Road sites feature river frontage, while areas like Guyot offer backcountry platforms for overnight hikers. The dispersed nature of sites provides privacy despite occasional weekend crowding. "Town Hall Road off 302 just keep going past houses until you see the National forest sign. 6-8 spots some big enough for med. camper," notes one review. Another camper observed, "You need to be aware that bears are in the area. Following the July 4, 2019 holiday, the camping area was closed after bears visited campsites and got into food that was left in the open." Cell service is limited or non-existent at most sites, adding to the true backcountry experience.
