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Several free dispersed camping options exist across Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest near Claremont, New Hampshire. These primitive sites are located along forest roads, near water features, and in wilderness areas. Notable locations include the Downed Bridge Camp, Road's End Dispersed Camp, and sites along Forest Road 71 and 83. Most sites are managed by the U.S. Forest Service and feature simple clearings with established fire rings but minimal other amenities. The George D Aiken Wilderness area provides additional dispersed camping opportunities with several sites scattered throughout.
Access to many dispersed sites requires navigating unpaved forest roads that can become challenging after rain or snow. Vehicle clearance requirements vary by location, with some sites accessible to standard vehicles while others demand high-clearance or 4WD capability. A visitor commented, "The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles." Most dispersed sites lack facilities, with no drinking water, trash service, or toilets, though Somerset Airfield does provide vault toilets. Fire regulations permit campfires at most locations, but campers must follow seasonal restrictions and bring their own firewood. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region.
These remote camping areas provide solitude and natural beauty, with easy access to hiking trails, ponds, and streams. The Stratton Pond Shelter offers a unique backcountry experience along the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail intersection. One camper shared that it provides "a great location at the intersection of AT, LT and Stratton Mountain trail." Sites along rivers and brooks are particularly popular, offering pleasant natural soundscapes. While most areas remain relatively quiet even during peak season, some popular spots like Somerset Airfield can become crowded on weekends and holidays. Campers should be prepared for limited privacy at more accessible locations and practice proper waste disposal to maintain these free camping opportunities.
"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. "
"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."
"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."
"We brought our school bus down the dirt road just fine and backed right in. They also have fireplaces which was nice!"
"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."
"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. "
"We stayed at one near the creek just over a little bridge. Cute little site, nice fire pit, clean, perfect rock to put a big water jug on. The sound of running water was soothing."
"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."
"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. "
"We have a low clearance car and it was a bit bumpy. This site was amazing, clean and easy pull in pull out."
"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."
ScoutIt was dark. I arrived after 7p. There were 3 rv camps already going on. All 3 had camp fires. Many fire rings for many groups. No hassles at all. It's off the beaten path but worth it. The first 4 camp sites were open. Made a fire. Ate some food. I got a good night sleep. Nothing ate me or attacked me so that's 5 star in my book.
TravelerLots of beautiful spots to pick from but be careful some are a bit muddy. We brought our school bus down the dirt road just fine and backed right in. They also have fireplaces which was nice!
GuideWent with a friend on an impromptu last minute camping trip up in the NF and hoped we could find a spot on a Friday night. Quite a few spots were taken but there were still some free ones. We stayed at one near the creek just over a little bridge. Cute little site, nice fire pit, clean, perfect rock to put a big water jug on. The sound of running water was soothing. In the morning, adorable little red squirrels with big personalities made themselves known and there were wildflowers blooming all over with hummingbirds going about their business. This is dispersed camping so there’s no rest rooms, running water, etc. The particular site we stayed at did have another site on the other side of the creek and we could hear the family during the day and see them as they walked past, so it wasn’t as isolated as some of the other sites. It was a cute spot and I’ll def be back.
TravelerThis is a good spot if you don’t mind being social. The main camping area is a large grassy opening where multiple people park and camp together, and there is a bathroom, but there isn’t much privacy between sites. If you continue farther down the forest road, there are several smaller pull-offs with much more private dispersed camping spots. I’d recommend checking those out if you’re looking for a quieter experience.
TravelerPrivate, large site. This was the first site in the road. We have a low clearance car and it was a bit bumpy. This site was amazing, clean and easy pull in pull out.
GuideSo peaceful and serene
GuideI had many sites to choose from. Definitely remote and private.
ScoutOnly about 7-8 spots to camp but super spread out down a gravel road. I pulled in at 8 ish and grabbed the last or one of the last spots. Super quiet and out of the way
ScoutJust about what you would expect in a national forest. Nice dirt road without too many potholes. As far as I can tell about 10 different sites, maybe more, all spaced out enough you don’t see anyone else. No toilet or water but there is a fire ring.
Dispersed camping near Claremont, New Hampshire offers primitive sites throughout Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,600 to 2,900 feet. Sites experience significant seasonal variations with thick snow cover from December through April, affecting access to many forest roads. Summer temperatures average 65-80°F during the day and 45-60°F at night, requiring layered clothing even during peak camping season.
Paddle Somerset Reservoir: Just 45 minutes from Claremont, this large body of water provides excellent paddling opportunities. A camper at Somerset Airfield noted, "Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and reservoir - saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping."
Hike interconnected trails: Access the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail system from multiple dispersed sites. A camper at Stratton Pond Shelter shared, "Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT."
Winter camping: Forest Road 71 sites remain accessible for winter adventure seekers who come prepared. One camper described, "We endured Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday, and our main Roadhouse down from the weight of the snow."
Riverside settings: Sites along streams provide natural soundscapes and water access. At NF 83 - riverside, a camper described, "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!"
Seclusion at end-of-road sites: The furthest sites offer the most privacy. At Last light on Michigan Brook, a visitor advised, "The very last spot on the right hand side. If you've reached the closed gate you've missed the site!"
Multi-site group camping: Some areas feature large clearings suitable for group camping. A visitor to Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71 described it as "Easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center."
Site cleanliness varies: Previous campers may leave sites in poor condition. One camper reported, "Site was littered with places previous campers had left human excrement. While not in the site directly, it was all around it."
Seasonal mud challenges: Spring thaw and rain can make sites difficult to access. A camper attempting to reach Forest Road 71 reported, "This particular campsite is very muddy. Well, at least today it is. I have an SUV and I didn't trust it to get through, and I didn't want to get stuck."
Weekend crowds: Holiday weekends can become overcrowded and noisy at more accessible sites. A camper at Somerset Airfield shared, "Weekend was interrupted by a domestic violence situation a few sites down that resulted in fights and someone shooting off a handgun. Took state police over 50 minutes to respond."
Arrive early on weekends: Popular sites fill quickly, especially in summer. One visitor to Downed Bridge Camp advised, "Note that fills quickly on a weekend. But don't worry there is primitive camping starting about a mile down fire road 10."
Scout sites in daylight: Many unmarked sites are difficult to evaluate after dark. A camper suggested, "If you're looking for the ideal spot to stay a few days make sure you show in daylight so you can explore for that."
Pack bathroom supplies: Most sites have no toilet facilities. A Somerset Airfield visitor noted, "There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service."
Check clearance requirements: Access roads vary significantly in quality. At On the Hill Dispersed Camp, a camper warned, "Being a primitive site, expect that it is a little rough to get into."
Somerset Airfield for larger rigs: This area offers more open, level spaces. One visitor noted, "It is probably good for people who camp with RVs or Trailers that can't get into smaller sites."
Monitor weather impacts: Rain can quickly change road conditions. A camper at NF 83 advised, "The left side of the drive in is swampy so be sure to not drift to that side. The beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the free camping spots in Claremont?
Free camping spots in the Claremont area include several dispersed sites in Green Mountain National Forest. Green Mountain National Forest FR71 offers free camping with basic fire rings. Downed Bridge Camp is another popular free option that fills quickly on weekends, with additional primitive camping available about a mile down Fire Road 10. Many dispersed sites are located along forest service roads, and it's important to note that some areas like Somerset have restrictions with no camping signs on private property.
What amenities are available at Claremont dispersed camping sites?
Dispersed camping sites in the Claremont area typically offer minimal amenities. Somerset Airfield provides pit toilets and established fire pits, with some sites having access to a stream. Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71 features a stone fire ring in an open circle capable of hosting multiple rigs. Most dispersed sites throughout the region have basic fire rings but no water, electricity, or waste facilities. Be prepared to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste, as proper waste disposal is a persistent issue at some sites.
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Claremont, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Claremont, NH is Downed Bridge Camp with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Claremont, NH?
TheDyrt.com has all 23 dispersed camping locations near Claremont, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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