Best Dispersed Camping near Clarksville, NH

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Clarksville? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your New Hampshire camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Clarksville, NH (7)

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Recent Dispersed Reviews in Clarksville

6 Reviews of 7 Clarksville Campgrounds


  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Raven
    Sep. 6, 2023

    Raven

    Super Impacted

    This site, while in a beautiful spot perched above Cupsuptic Lake, it is so impacted that in the rain it was a literal mud pit. While there was a picnic table to get up off the ground, finding a spot to pitch a tent where water wouldn't puddle would be impossible. We hiked in, but you can paddle into the site just know that the exit/entry to the water is a bit tricky and not as easy as some of the other sites available along the way. 

    There is a large fire pit, also a mess in the down pours. The picnic table is in far better shape here than the one in Eagle Cove (rotting) and Cedar Bay (non-existent). The site is quite small and wouldn't be able to accommodate more than two small tents. I wouldn't make a special trip to stay here.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Cove
    Sep. 6, 2023

    Eagle Cove

    Not good in the rain

    We stayed here during a torrential downpour and it was tough to find a spot to pitch the tent that wasn't going to put us in a puddle. The site has very little clear flat area for an established campsite and it took a little bit of strategy to find a spot where we could actually sleep and stay relatively dry given the circumstances.

    This is a waterfront site but there isn't super easy access to the lake, but the view is pretty amazing! There is a rough fire pit that had a stack of wood next to it that was clearly part of an old picnic table. The picnic table that was in the site was, well...let's call it a "living picnic table." It was not in great shape and was actively rotting. We made it work because we had already traveled through the other available sites and they were in worse shape than this one. It did the trick for an evening but I certainly wouldn't go out of my way to stay here.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Smudge Cove
    Sep. 6, 2023

    Smudge Cove

    A Favorite Spot

    This campsite is along the Forest Legacy Trail and while the trail is managed by one entity, the remote campsites are managed by another. The Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust maintains the trails in and out while Cupsuptic Campground manages the campsites.

    There is a tent platform at Smudge Cove but it is in desperate need of repair and it sounds like that's in the plans for next summer. There is a nice picnic table available as well as an established fire ring. The site is just off the water and there is a nice long dock that makes it super easy to boat into and unload. You can also backpack in and enjoy some pretty cool Maine forests along the way. There is also relatively easy access to the water by way of the rocks, beside the dock.

    These sites are secluded and offer a lovely amount of privacy and rest assured, the only sounds you will hear at night are the loons!

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Scott C. Devlin Memorial
    Sep. 6, 2023

    Scott C. Devlin Memorial

    Secluded and Quiet

    This is another beautiful site along the CT River Paddler's Trail. It is well maintained and tucked on a knoll in a pine forest. There is a picnic table, fire ring and composting toilet box seat. The takeout is easy to miss if you aren't looking as it sits right in the bend of the river. There is a set of wooden steps that go down into the water at a relatively steep angle. Be sure you tie your boat up while unloading as there is a fair amount of current sweeping around the bend. Use caution moving up and down the steps.

    There is a flat area at the top of the steps where you can tie up your boat for the evening. Follow the path along an electric fence (be careful if you have dogs with you) up into the campsite. There you will find a nice shady spot with plenty of flat space for tents. Beware the ticks! They weren't the worse I've seen, but they are definitely around.

    Aside from the tricky loading and unloading on the water, this site is pretty dang perfect!

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Maine Railroad Trestle
    Sep. 6, 2023

    Maine Railroad Trestle

    Nice site along the CT River Paddlers Trail

    While reservations are not required, there is a registration page on the CT River Paddler's Trail Website that they ask folx to complete just so spots don't get overcrowded. 

    There are several sites available here and a really nice rocky beach with easy access fo loading and unloading. It's also a nice spot to fish from. There is a site perched high on the hill where there is a picnic table and fire ring. There is also a spot lower down that is nice and flat and probably better spots for tents. We did have an ATV almost run over us at 1:00 a.m. that scared the dickens out of us. They were clearly unaware and intoxicated, it was a scary moment. But aside from that, it's a wonderful site. If you walk through the campsite, there is a massive cornfield, just beware that the ticks in the field are insane! They weren't bad in the campsite but in the grass, they were epic. There's nice shade available as well.

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rangeley - Stratton Road Camp
    Aug. 27, 2023

    Rangeley - Stratton Road Camp

    GPS coordinates: 45.004911,-70.578276

    There are three free campsites off Route 16 between Rangeley and Stratton, ME, located on the Dead River. Head northeast out of Rangeley toward Stratton. They are located just after you cross the bridge over the Dead River on the left side of the road. You only need a permit if you plan to have a fire.


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Guide to Clarksville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Clarksville, New Hampshire, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of sites to choose from, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the serenity of the wilderness while engaging in activities like hiking, fishing, and simply soaking in the stunning landscapes.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Clarksville, New Hampshire

  • Always check the accessibility of the site before heading out; some areas, like Raven, require a hike or boat-in access, which can be tricky depending on the weather.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, sites such as Eagle Cove lack drinking water and toilets, so bring your own supplies and plan accordingly.
  • Respect the environment by following Leave No Trace principles, especially in popular spots like Smudge Cove, where maintaining the natural beauty is crucial for future visitors.

Dispersed campers should check out Smudge Cove

  • Located along the Forest Legacy Trail, Smudge Cove offers a secluded experience with a tent platform and a picnic table, perfect for a peaceful getaway.
  • The site features easy access to the water via a long dock, making it ideal for those who enjoy boating or fishing.
  • With its remote setting, campers can expect privacy and the soothing sounds of nature, including the calls of loons at night.

Enjoy fishing while free camping near Clarksville

  • The Maine Railroad Trestle is a fantastic spot for anglers, featuring a rocky beach and easy access to the Connecticut River, where you can cast your line.
  • This site is well-reviewed for its fishing opportunities, with a variety of fish species available in the area, making it a favorite among local fishermen.
  • Be mindful of the ticks in the surrounding fields, especially when venturing away from the campsite, as they can be prevalent during certain seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Clarksville, NH is Smudge Cove with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Clarksville, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.