Top Free Dispersed Camping near Colebrook, NH

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Colebrook? Find the best information on dispersed campgrounds near Colebrook, including photos, reviews, and tips. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Colebrook, NH (12)

Showing results 1-10 of 12 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Colebrook

17 Reviews of 12 Colebrook Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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.

  • S
    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

  • Justin P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed
    Nov. 16, 2021

    Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed

    Smaller car and tent sites

    Stopped by on the Cohos Trail. Great location with access to the Cherry Mountain trail, and back down to Ammonoosuc Falls back down near Rt. 302.

    There are a string of tent sites on either side of the road with some right up to the intersection with Cherry Mountain trail.

    A few were small and could just fit a tent and a car, where some offered more space. Some offered a bit of privacy into the woods while most were right along the road.

    There are no facilities here, and most sites showed some significant signs of use. 

    There were plenty of sites available on the weekend in October.

  • H
    Camper-submitted photo from Bull Brook Road:  Dispersed Campsite
    Sep. 19, 2021

    Bull Brook Road: Dispersed Campsite

    White Mountain Dispersed

    We arrived pretty late on June 22 and got one of the last available spots for the night. There were a number of decently spaced out sites. We drive an e150 and had no trouble getting to the site, and we saw some other vans, along with RVs and tents. Be careful of ticks! We woke up to one in our bed and had to shake everything out. It wasnt an issue in the end but you do need to be aware of them. It was a quiet and peaceful night there otherwise, even with all the other sites full.

  • G
    Camper-submitted photo from Haystack Road
    Apr. 14, 2020

    Haystack Road

    Secluded, yet centrally located.

    These are my go to sites when I am in the Franconia Notch area. They have a fire pit, plenty of woods around, and are free. The North Twin Trailhead is at the end of Haystack Rd., these trails connect to the Twin Mountain peaks and the Pemigewasset Wilderness area. Its is a great staging ground for weeks worth of adventures, and you're allowed to stay for two weeks. They do get crowded during the season, so you'll have better luck showing up mid-week. Leave your tent set up, or your site could be taken when you get back. There is cell reception at most of the sites. Do not rely on cell phone trail maps, there is little to no reception trail on the trails. Use a downloadable GPS map like a Gaia GPS, or a Garmin type device. Also, wildlife like bear and moose will visit you at night. it's almost a certainty, keep your food locked in a bear tight container. *** The first few sites on the left have a small stream behind them, it'll make your stay a little easier. Bathing, dishes, etc.***

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Haystack Road
    Jul. 11, 2019

    Haystack Road

    Dispersed roadside camping near Twin Mountain Trailhead & Franconia Notch

    If you can't snag a site along Gale River Rd or you are looking to hike the Twin Mountains, then continue a little farther north on US 3 near Twin Mountain (a little north of the Beaver Brook Picnic Area) and try your luck on Haystack Rd. This road is closed in winter and will open in late spring after the road has dried out and any repairs have been made. In 2019, it opened in mid-June. Check the the White Mountain National Forest FB page or website (FB is usually more up-to-date) for road status, including closures in the autumn.

    When open, you can drive in to one of 11 numbered, wooded sites and camp up to 14 nights for free. You may have up to 3 vehicles and 15 people on a site. The only amenity is a fire pit, but the road ends at the Little River, offering fishing and swimming options. The parking lot at the end of Haystack Rd serves as the Twin Mountain trail head. You may see moose or bears in the area.

    Franconia Notch State Park is just south of here, with its hikes, recreation trail, echo lake, and the Flume. Head east on 302 and you'll find yourself in Crawford Notch State Park with waterfalls and hikes.

    Forgot something? Fosters Corners just a few miles north has an eclectic selection of essentials as well as gas. Or take I-93 north to Littleton to a wider variety of shops.

  • Kim O.
    Camper-submitted photo from Haystack Road
    Jul. 30, 2018

    Haystack Road

    car camping basic site

    these sites are in a frat location for hiking the northern white mountains. very primitive car camping with only a fire pit at the site. as a backpacker this suits me fine. great place to enjoy with friends for a few daya or use as a base camp for hiking. it’s close to fosters if you need supplies and a restroom. these sites are heavily used and there is a bit of trash left behind.

  • Kim O.
    Camper-submitted photo from Haystack Road
    May. 17, 2018

    Haystack Road

    my summer home!

    This road is perfect for a dirt bag. You get a fire pit and that's it. Right near a great swimming hole and the twin mountains. It is quiet, the sites are far apart.



Guide to Colebrook

Camping near Colebrook, New Hampshire, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails in the White Mountain National Forest. One camper mentioned, "The campground is only a short drive away from an endless amount of hiking options," highlighting the accessibility of great trails from places like Hancock Campground.
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing in nearby rivers and lakes. A visitor at Moose Brook State Park Campground shared, "Nice camp store, great access to rivers for fishing. Pulled an 8” brook trout out of a 10’ wide stream onsite."
  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Rent kayaks or canoes at Umbagog Lake State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "You can kayak right from your campsite," making it easy to enjoy the water.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Dolly Copp Campground said, "The restrooms/shower facilities are all new," which adds to the comfort of their stay.
  • Friendly Staff: Many reviews mention helpful and friendly staff. One camper at Dry River — Crawford Notch State Park remarked, "Super helpful and friendly!" which enhances the overall experience.
  • Scenic Views: The beautiful surroundings are a big draw. A camper at Lafayette Place Campground expressed, "The whole area is spectacular," emphasizing the natural beauty of the region.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads, which can lead to noise. A visitor at Lafayette Place Campground noted, "There is a bit of noise from Rt. 93," so consider this when choosing your site.
  • Privacy Concerns: Campers have mentioned that some sites are close together. One reviewer at Crawford Notch Campground said, "Every site is surrounded by other campers close enough to make eye contact," which might not suit those seeking solitude.
  • Reservation System: Some campers have faced issues with reservations. A visitor at Dry River — Crawford Notch State Park expressed frustration about "the nicest sites were reserved the entire time we were there and they were total no-shows."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One family at Lost River Valley Campground enjoyed, "They also had a tinker bell walk and other activities."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and games for family bonding. A camper at Mount Blue State Park Campground mentioned, "We feel rested and relaxed," which is key for family trips.
  • Plan for Meals: Make sure to have easy meal options. A visitor at Moose Brook State Park Campground enjoyed cooking together, saying, "We had a great sunset view and then the lighting bugs come out."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Lost River Valley Campground noted, "Some sites are large, wooded, and private," which is great for RVs.
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups. A camper at Dolly Copp Campground appreciated the "water and electric hookups," making their stay more comfortable.
  • Dump Stations: Ensure the campground has a dump station. A visitor at Umbagog Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Dump station is EZ to get into," which is a plus for RV travelers.

Camping near Colebrook, New Hampshire, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great destination for families and RVers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Colebrook, NH is Maine Railroad Trestle with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 12 dispersed camping locations near Colebrook, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.