Best Dispersed Camping near Deerfield, NH

Dispersed camping opportunities near Deerfield, New Hampshire primarily center around White Mountain National Forest lands. Several primitive sites exist along seasonal forest roads including Tripoli Road, Haystack Road, and Town Hall Road. These free camping areas provide basic accommodations with few amenities beyond fire rings. Cherry Mountain Road and Guyot Shelter offer additional options for those seeking more remote experiences. Most sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted.

Road access varies significantly by location and season. Tripoli Road typically opens in late May and closes in autumn, with conditions regularly updated on the White Mountain National Forest Facebook page. According to reviews, "The section before Russell Pond often opens before the rest of it, which is graded, not paved." Some areas require high-clearance vehicles, particularly at Elbow Pond where campers report "the road in is pretty rough and is not recommended for sedans or lower riding cars." Winter closures affect most forest roads.

Wildlife awareness is essential when camping in these areas. Bears are common throughout the region, particularly around Tripoli Road and Haystack Road. Campers must secure all food in vehicles or bear canisters. As one visitor noted, "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." Moose sightings are also possible. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most sites, though some locations report better connectivity with Verizon than AT&T.

Most dispersed sites feature minimal facilities. Town Hall Road sites are described as having "no amenities here, just a rock fire pit to designate that it's a spot." Portable toilets may be available at some locations like Tripoli Road, but campers should be prepared to pack out all waste. Water sources are unreliable; visitors must bring adequate supplies or be prepared to filter from streams when available. Maximum stay limits are typically 14 days within a 30-day period.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Deerfield, New Hampshire (12)

    1. Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Deerfield, NH
    6 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."

    2. Haystack Road

    5 Reviews
    Twin Mountain, NH
    2 miles

    "They have a fire pit, plenty of woods around, and are free."

    "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."

    3. Tripoli Road

    11 Reviews
    North Woodstock, NH
    16 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"

    4. Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Bretton Woods, NH
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 466-2713

    "This site is about 90 yards from the fire tower trailhead.

    Site #9 goes back about 70 to 80 feet back off the road."

    "We stayed on site #5 because it was flat, sunny, grassy and had a little brook. Had some passing by traffic but each site is far apart from each other."

    5. Haystack Road

    2 Reviews
    Deerfield, NH
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 528-8721

    "Right near a great swimming hole and the twin mountains. It is quiet, the sites are far apart."

    6. Town Hall Road Dispersed

    18 Reviews
    Chatham, NH
    26 miles

    "Awesome boondocking in New Hampshire, what a treat in the east coast! Just beautiful scenery, with trees, rivers, creeks, hiking trails with a pond- we absolutely loved our time here. "

    "My first ever dispersed camping experience. So freaking amazing and unbelievable. It was pouring rain when we came to NH so we tried to wait out the rain, but it was getting dark."

    7. Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site

    3 Reviews
    North Woodstock, NH
    18 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."

    9. Scott C. Devlin Memorial

    1 Review
    Guildhall, VT
    24 miles
    Website

    "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."

    10. Hogan Road Pulloff near Appalachian Trail

    2 Reviews
    Gorham, NH
    27 miles

    "amazing lil spot, a pull off the wild rocky road. very private. right next to a serene view of the lake. very mild highway traffic sounds in the distance. there was another spot at the posted coordinates"

    "Would be really quiet if not for the road across the lake. I saw one truck in the evening and one in the morning."

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Showing results 1-10 of 12 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Deerfield, NH

57 Reviews of 12 Deerfield Campgrounds



Guide to Deerfield

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Deerfield, New Hampshire, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you can enjoy the great outdoors while embracing the freedom of camping.

Dispersed campers should check out Tripoli Road

  • Tripoli Road is known for its stunning riverside sites, perfect for those who love to be near water while camping.
  • Families have enjoyed this spot for over a decade, appreciating the lack of amenities like electricity and showers, which enhances the rustic camping experience.
  • Be prepared for some privacy challenges during peak times, as the sites can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Deerfield, New Hampshire

  • If you’re looking for a quiet escape, consider Haystack Road. This area offers secluded spots that are perfect for those wanting to enjoy nature without the noise of large crowds.
  • Arriving mid-week can increase your chances of snagging a great site, as weekends tend to attract more campers, making it harder to find a peaceful spot.
  • Keep in mind that wildlife, including bears and moose, may visit your campsite, so it's essential to store food securely to avoid attracting them.

Enjoy hiking while free camping near Deerfield

  • The Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping is an excellent base for hikers, with direct access to trails that lead to breathtaking views in the White Mountain National Forest.
  • Many campers have praised the well-maintained trails that start right from the shelter, making it easy to explore the stunning landscapes of the area.
  • This location features essential amenities like a water source and privy, making it a comfortable choice for those who want to combine hiking with dispersed camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Deerfield, NH is Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping with a 4.8-star rating from 9 reviews.

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

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