Dispersed camping options near Conway, New Hampshire extend beyond White Mountain National Forest into adjacent areas with varying terrain. Elevations range from 500 to 4,000+ feet, creating microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the season. Several sites along waterways provide natural cooling during summer months when temperatures can reach the high 80s.
What to do
Hiking trails to alpine ponds: From White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road, access multiple trails into Evans Notch. "Highwater trail with bridge close by. Great stars. Creek runs through road near sites good for getting water to filter or washing. Trailhead at end of road," notes Jason R.
River activities with easy access: Fishing for trout in nearby streams requires a New Hampshire fishing license. "Plenty of open space" for relaxing by the water at Town Hall Road where campers report "there are trout in the river and if you cross and go through the woods to the right there's some great spots to explore further!"
Stargazing opportunities: Clear nights offer exceptional sky viewing. At Little Larry Road, "We enjoyed a spectacular view of the Blood Super Moon from the campsite. Overall the site was open to the sky near the road yet protected from the wind," shares Kevin C.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed areas feature well-separated camping spots. At Guyot Shelter, "Some overflow sites that are more private" exist beyond the main camping area. Meanwhile, Tripoli Road provides "sites that are far apart from each other and not on top of each other."
Natural water sources: Creek access proves valuable for camping needs. One camper at Town Hall Road Dispersed mentioned, "Down toward the river there was plenty of open space so we pitched there and built a fire pit. It was one of our favorite camp spots yet!"
Solitude on weekdays: Mid-week arrivals significantly improve site selection. "Great spot for the weekdays, hardly anyone around and got a great site right by the river (mid-sept.). We left on a Friday morning and a lot more people were coming in," reports Ali B. about Tripoli Road.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access roads range from maintained gravel to rough tracks. At Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site, "The road in is pretty rough and is not recommended for sedans or lower riding cars," warns Dom L.
Bear safety protocols: Beyond food storage, site selection matters. According to Greg L., sites along Haystack Road have "wildlife like bear and moose will visit you at night. it's almost a certainty, keep your food locked in a bear tight container."
Fire regulations differ by location: Some sites prohibit fires entirely. At Hogan Road Pulloff, a camper noted "no fires allowed here," while other locations like Cherry Mountain Road include established fire rings at most sites.
Cell service limitations: Signal strength varies dramatically by location and carrier. One camper at White Mountains Camping reported "Just enough t-mobile / starlink signal to watch streaming and message, but wouldn't be enough for remote work."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly dispersed options: For those new to primitive camping, certain sites offer an easier introduction. A camper at Tripoli Road shared: "This is a great spot to start getting into camping with less amenities and more outdoors. I have been going there for 20 years and I still recommend it."
Site selection for children: Choose locations with natural features kids enjoy. "We passed up a couple on the left as you first drive in as they were too steep. We found our spot which had some river access and it was gorgeous," explains Alex S. about camping with family.
Weather preparedness: Temperature variations affect children more dramatically. One family reported that Town Hall Road "was a great place for Rainy Camping. We went during a pouring rain storm and our site remained relatively dry. We even enjoyed a small fire the next day."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations for dispersed sites: Most free camping areas near Conway accommodate only smaller RVs. On Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed, campers note that sites are typically "smaller car and tent sites" with some being "small and could just fit a tent and a car, where some offered more space."
Leveling challenges: Many free sites have uneven terrain. On White Mountains Camping, a reviewer mentioned "We got lucky and snagged a perfect spot 2 miles in from the entrance sign - completely level (didn't even need our leveling blocks) and big enough for our 26ft class c."
Limited turnaround space: Backing up long distances may be necessary. A camper at Elbow Pond shared: "Had to back my trailer about a quarter mile, so they could get out. Camped in a very small spot, just barely enough room for our SUV and small teardrop to get off the road."
