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Best Dispersed Camping near Danbury, NH

23 Reviews

Dispersed camping in the White Mountain National Forest near Danbury, New Hampshire includes several primitive options for those seeking backcountry experiences. Tripoli Road in Thornton offers roadside camping along a seasonal forest road, with first-come, first-served sites marked by established fire rings. Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site provides free camping opportunities with both drive-in and walk-in access. Further north, Guyot Shelter area supports backcountry camping with hike-in tent sites and a three-sided shelter, located deep in the wilderness away from vehicle access.

Access to these primitive sites varies significantly with location and season. Tripoli Road typically opens in late May and closes in autumn, requiring self-registration at the ranger station near Russell Pond campground. The road features both paved and graded gravel sections. Elbow Pond Road has particularly rough terrain not recommended for sedans or low-clearance vehicles. Campers must follow strict bear safety protocols throughout the region, especially at Tripoli Road where bear activity has previously caused temporary closures. Most sites lack amenities such as drinking water, with Guyot being the exception offering a spring water source, composting toilet, and bear boxes.

The camping experience ranges from roadside convenience to challenging backcountry conditions. Tripoli Road features numerous sites near rivers, with varying degrees of isolation. A reviewer noted, "Some are better than others, some have streams going through them. Lots of local hiking." Elbow Pond sites are described as "really nice quiet spots" though "a little less spread out than I wanted" according to feedback. The Guyot area, accessible only by strenuous hiking, rewards visitors with spectacular mountain views. Many platforms have "amazing views of far away mountain tops," though the site can become crowded despite its remote location. Most dispersed areas fill quickly during summer weekends and holidays, with weekdays offering better opportunities for solitude.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Danbury, New Hampshire (3)

    1. Tripoli Road

    11 Reviews
    North Woodstock, NH
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 528-8721

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Easy access to trailhead for Tecumseh Mountain. Rustic sites with no water or electric."

    "No electricity, no showers. Portta potties every so often. Always close enough to walk to. Love the sites on the water. Have been going here for over 10 years. My kids now love it too"

    2. Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site

    3 Reviews
    North Woodstock, NH
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 536-6100

    "They have a couple different spots where you can park and walk up to your site or they have sites you can pull right up next to them. Some of the camping spots have fire pits but not all."

    3. Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Deerfield, NH
    47 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "Sufficient amount of platform, water source, bear proof Joe box, pivy and springs all at one spot"

    "Step walk in and out though most of the tent plat forms have amazing views. I have stayed here twice and had great experiences."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Danbury, NH

19 Photos of 3 Danbury Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Danbury, NH

23 Reviews of 3 Danbury Campgrounds

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2019

    Tripoli Road

    Dispersed camping, be bear aware!

    Tripoli Road is a seasonal road, opening in late May most years and closing in autumn. Check the White Mountain National Forest Facebook page for up to date road closures/status. The section before Russell Pond often opens before the rest of it, which is graded, not paved. The road runs between the Waterville Valley area and I-93 exit 31. This is roadside camping, no frills, first come, first served. You must stay at a site with a fire ring, but sites are not numbered. Road signs demarcate no camping zones; some areas look like they could be campsites, but will also be marked with no camping signs. 

    You must register at the ranger station on the western end of the road, shortly past the entrance to the Russell Pond campground. Rates are a flat rate set per car and per weekends or weekday period. In other words, you pay one rate for 1-5 weekdays ($20 in 2019) and another fee for a weekend($25-30 - holidays). It’s self service most of the time, with the ranger available Friday and Saturday evenings. 

    The sites vary from sites near and level with the road to ones set above or well below the road. Some are near a river, most are wooded. Some are isolated, others are close together. There are no reservations, so you'll be choosing your own when you arrive. Downhill sites closest to the Russell Pond area seem to be most popular. Most of these were occupied on a late June weekend, while those farther down the road remained empty.

    There are port-a-potties near the western entrance, but otherwise you’re on your own with cat holes or portable toilet solutions. Nearest showers are at Russell Pond. Please keep it clean and protect the area. I’ve passed through several times while hiking My Osceola and have observed that these sites are often filled with groups or families with multiple tents. On a late June weekend there are numerous empty sites, so they seem to be more available than the dispersed sites along Gale River Rd and Haystack Rd (farther north in Twin Mountain). Excessive drinking and noise can be an issue. 

    You need to be aware that bears are in the area. Following the July 4, 2019 holiday, the camping area was closed after bears visited campsites and got into food that was left in the open and not secured in vehicles or bear canisters. The camping area re-opened July 19, but check the White Mountain National Forest FB page before heading up there. If the issue recurs, I wouldn't be surprised if they close it again.

    Hiking in the region include the Osceolas (moderate hike with beautiful views, exceedingly popular and crowded on autumn weekends - get there early!), Tripyramid, and Tecumseh. Shorter treks include Welch-Dickey (great open ledges) and Snow's Mountain (along a river with falls). Nearby Russell Pond offers ranger programs, fishing, and you can put a kayak or canoe in. The Pemigewassett offers tubing and kayaking put ins. Outfitters one exit south can provide you with transportation and rentals. Exit 32 for Lincoln, Woodstock, and the Kanc is less than 5 miles north.

    Cell service is decent at nearby Russell Pond (Verizon seemed to offer better service than AT&T).

  • Raj T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2021

    Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping

    Gayut Tentsite

    Sufficient amount of platform, water source, bear proof Joe box, pivy and springs all at one spot

  • Beau B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2018

    Tripoli Road

    Tripoli Camp Grounds

    Easy access to trailhead for Tecumseh Mountain. Rustic sites with no water or electric. We found there to be a couple of large group camping areas but they were spread out enough not to bother each other. Port-a-Johns right as you get in but not much more after that. Several areas on the road are labeled as “no parking” just watch the signs. All in all a great get away!

  • L
    May. 30, 2019

    Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping

    Amazing Views

    Step walk in and out though most of the tent plat forms have amazing views. I have stayed here twice and had great experiences. A outhouse is located at this tent site as well as pump-able water, bear boxes and a shelter. Great place to stay on the Pemi Loop. It is a carry in carry out campsite.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 7, 2024

    Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping

    Has all you need, but busy

    Despite being so remote, one of the busiest back country camps in the Whites.

    Has a nice shelter, spring, privy, platforms, some sites have somewhat of a view of far away mountain tops.

    No space for non-free standing tents. Quite a hike dropping down from the main trail to the campsite, 15-20 min straight up to hike out in the morning

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2023

    Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site

    Car camping at elbow pond

    This is an awesome spot for camping. They have a couple different spots where you can park and walk up to your site or they have sites you can pull right up next to them. Some of the camping spots have fire pits but not all. Theres a nice pond with great views and good fishing. Some of the sites are close together but there are some that are a good distance apart. The road in is pretty rough and is not recommended for sedans or lower riding cars. Overall this is a great place to camp if you’re looking for free camping spots. Also it is first come first serve

  • Lisa The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Tripoli Road

    Love Tripoli

    Love everything about Tripoli. 1st come 1st serve. We have out favorite sites but have had to venture out and take other sites often times. No electricity, no showers. Portta potties every so often. Always close enough to walk to. Love the sites on the water. Have been going here for over 10 years. My kids now love it too

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2024

    Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site

    Small campsites/No amenities

    Drove in on a Wednesday afternoon and drove past 4 or 5 sites, which were all occupied.

    Then saw a car ahead that was backing up. Long story short, they were afraid to drive across a dry wash in their new Jeep. No place to get by. 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.

    There was only a 20 foot by 12 foot space to camp jn with no water, no dumpster, no toilet, no view of anything and lots of other campers that appear to be long term residents.

    OK for an overnight stay but not a desirable camping location overall.

  • J
    Apr. 13, 2021

    Tripoli Road

    Awesome

    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. Drive up the dirt road and find a nice riverside camp site. 3 miles of seclusion if you want. Great hiking trails directly off Tripoli . Hiking the loop trail is amazing.

Guide to Danbury

Rustic camping near Danbury, New Hampshire offers primitive backcountry experiences within the White Mountain National Forest. The region sits within the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, with elevations ranging from 700 to over 4,000 feet across camping areas. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F, while spring and fall can bring overnight temperatures below freezing.

What to do

Fishing at ponds and streams: Elbow Pond provides good fishing opportunities with mountain views. "Theres a nice pond with great views and good fishing," notes a camper at Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site.

River activities: The Pemigewassett River offers water recreation options in summer months. "The Pemigewassett offers tubing and kayaking put ins. Outfitters one exit south can provide you with transportation and rentals," explains a visitor to Tripoli Road.

Mountain sunrise hikes: Backcountry campsites provide access to morning summit excursions. A camper at Guyot recommends, "I highly suggest a sunrise peak if you have the energy to get up early!"

What campers like

Riverside sites: Many dispersed campers seek spots near flowing water for both scenery and practical uses. "Would call this a solid car camp spot... You can pick any spot, each one has a different variety with size and how deep into the woods you want to walk," shares a reviewer about Tripoli Road.

Midweek solitude: Weekdays offer significantly better chances for finding preferred sites and experiencing quiet. "Great spot for the weekdays, hardly anyone around and got a great site right by the river (mid-sept.)," reports a camper from Tripoli Road.

Loop trail access: Many sites connect to established hiking routes. "Hiking the loop trail is amazing," mentions a long-time visitor to Tripoli Road who has been camping there for 20 years.

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: Access roads to dispersed sites often require appropriate vehicles. "The road in is pretty rough and is not recommended for sedans or lower riding cars," cautions a camper about Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site.

Registration and fees: Many dispersed areas require self-registration. "You must register at the ranger station on the western end of the road, shortly past the entrance to the Russell Pond campground," advises a Tripoli Road visitor.

Site availability patterns: Roadside sites fill predictably based on location. "Downhill sites closest to the Russell Pond area seem to be most popular. Most of these were occupied on a late June weekend, while those farther down the road remained empty," notes a Tripoli Road camper.

Tips for camping with families

Water source access: When camping with children, proximity to reliable water becomes essential. At Guyot Shelter, "There is a small stream to pump water from but it is seasonal," explains a backpacker.

Weekend planning: Family groups should arrive early for weekend camping. "It's also first come first serve," notes an Elbow Pond camper, adding that early Friday arrival is essential for securing weekend spots.

Cell service considerations: Communication availability varies by location. "Cell service is decent at nearby Russell Pond (Verizon seemed to offer better service than AT&T)," reports a Tripoli Road visitor.

Tips from RVers

Limited amenities: Dispersed camping around Danbury requires self-sufficiency. A visitor to Elbow Pond notes, "There was only a 20 foot by 12 foot space to camp in with no water, no dumpster, no toilet, no view of anything."

Site selection challenges: Finding suitable RV parking requires advance planning. "Drove in on a Wednesday afternoon and drove past 4 or 5 sites, which were all occupied," reports an Elbow Pond Road RVer who was forced to back up a quarter mile when encountering difficulties.

Turning space limitations: Some roads have minimal turnaround options. "Had to back my trailer about a quarter mile," notes an RVer who encountered another vehicle unwilling to cross a dry wash, demonstrating the importance of knowing your route before committing to narrow forest roads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Danbury, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Danbury, NH is Tripoli Road with a 4.3-star rating from 11 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Danbury, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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