Primitive camping near Cornish, New Hampshire offers rustic overnight options within Green Mountain National Forest where the terrain ranges from 800 to 3,800 feet in elevation. Forest roads typically open in late May and close in autumn due to seasonal conditions, with many campsites situated along brooks or in meadows. These no-fee areas require self-sufficiency for water, waste management, and bear-safe food storage.
What to do
Explore Somerset Reservoir: Located near the Somerset Airfield campsites, this expansive body of water offers multiple recreation options. "Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities. There are other dispersed sites down the road that are free," notes camper M.A.D. P. from Somerset Airfield.
Winter camping: For those seeking solitude and dramatic landscapes, the forest transforms completely in winter. A camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207 shares: "My first time winter camping and had the entire area to myself. Beautiful sunsets, night skies and scenery. Extremely calm and peaceful. Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving."
Hiking the trails: Access nearby mountain trails directly from your campsite. "Hiked down a trail and found the most relaxing spot right by the river!" reports one camper at Tripoli Road. The area connects to multiple trail systems including the Appalachian Trail.
What campers like
Brookside sites: Many campers prefer spots next to running water for both practical and aesthetic reasons. At Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primitive campsites, one visitor noted: "Past the gate at the end of the Texas Falls recreation area we found several sites with only a fire pit along the brook... Brook water filtered fine and was tasty."
Small group camping: Secluded sites accommodate intimate gatherings away from crowds. A camper at On the Hill Dispersed Camp explains: "I've camped here a few times, it a nice size primitive site for a small group. Being a primitive site, expect that it is a little rough to get into. The only thing you will find in this clearing is a fire ring."
Meadow views: Elevated sites offer panoramic vistas across the forest. "In the first large meadow, multiple fire rings / sites. Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests," reports a camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many forest roads demand appropriate vehicles. A camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207 warns: "This is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance."
Site selection timing: Arrive early for best site options, especially on weekends. "It's first come first serve, so be sure to get up early on Friday for a weekend campout," advises a visitor to Tripoli Road.
Wildlife awareness: Bears actively visit campsites in the region. At Dispersed site along Forest RD 71, a camper shared their routine: "I would have given 5 stars except for the unfortunate fact that 2 years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us."
Weather preparation: Forest roads can become impassable during wet periods. "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," notes a camper at Dispersed site along Forest RD 71.
Tips for camping with families
Check site locations: Some primitive sites require walking to reach. At Downed Bridge Camp, a camper reports: "The main area is a walk in and is worth it. The road into here was easy to drive."
Water source planning: No potable water exists at these sites. One visitor to Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primitive campsites shares: "Brook water filtered fine and was tasty. Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome."
Choose weekdays: For a quieter family experience with better site selection, avoid weekends. "Great spot for the weekdays, hardly anyone around and got a great site right by the river," notes a Tripoli Road camper.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Smaller RVs can access certain dispersed areas, but larger rigs face limitations. "Somerset Airfield Campground is a strip of land with several campsites and fire pits. It has pit toilets. These sites are close together with little to no shade," explains a camper.
Ground conditions: Verify site conditions before attempting access with heavier vehicles. One camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207 notes: "Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles."
Limited facilities: RV campers must be fully self-contained. "No garbage service, no water, no cell service," reports a Somerset Airfield visitor, adding: "There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area."
