Dispersed camping options near Errol, New Hampshire spread across both New Hampshire and Maine, with some sites requiring a 2-3 mile drive on unpaved forest roads. Most locations sit at elevations between 1,200-1,600 feet, creating cooler nighttime temperatures even in summer months. Sites range from roadside pull-offs to secluded forest spots, with weather conditions changing rapidly throughout the White Mountain region.
What to do
Paddle the Connecticut River: Access boat-in only sites along the Connecticut River Paddlers Trail at Maine Railroad Trestle where there's "a really nice rocky beach with easy access for loading and unloading. It's also a nice spot to fish from." You'll find "a site perched high on the hill where there is a picnic table and fire ring."
Explore mountain trails: Near Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed, you can access the Cherry Mountain trail system. One camper noted the site is "about 90 yards from the fire tower trailhead" with sites spaced for privacy. Some spots offer "spectacular view of the Blood Super Moon" due to open sky areas near the road.
Filter water from streams: Little Larry Road has sites where a "creek runs through road near sites good for getting water to filter or washing." The Highwater trail with bridge is nearby, offering additional recreation options with "great stars" visible at night due to minimal light pollution.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road, campers appreciate the separation between spots. One reviewer mentioned, "It's wonderfully relaxing and quiet. The only thing I regret not bringing with me is a table to put my camp stove on." The dead-end road creates a sense of isolation.
River access: Many Town Hall Road Dispersed sites feature direct river access. A camper shared, "We found our spot which had some river access and it was gorgeous. It had an above and below spot which hosted our two tents." Another noted you can "cross and go through the woods to the right there's some great spots to explore further!"
Weather resilience: Some sites handle rain better than others. At Town Hall Road, a camper reported, "It 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."
What you should know
Bear activity: Upper sites on Little Larry Road have increased bear presence. A camper warned to "beware of bears especially the right side site. Game trail heaven." Always store food properly in bear-resistant containers or hang food supplies away from your tent.
Limited facilities: All sites lack running water and toilets except Guyot Shelter, which has basic amenities but requires strenuous hiking. As one visitor described, "Cold spring water located at the site. Composting outhouse was surprisingly very clean!"
Cell coverage varies: If connectivity matters, choose sites carefully. At White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road, a camper mentioned, "Even had a cell signal that gave data with a weboost." Another noted, "Site 4 and 5 get some cell service" while most other areas have limited or no connectivity.
Site conditions: Not all dispersed sites are level or drain well. At Eagle Cove, "it was tough to find a spot to pitch the tent that wasn't going to put us in a puddle" during heavy rain, making site selection important during wet weather.
Tips for camping with families
Bring activities: With no developed facilities, pack games, identification guides, and activities for children. At Hogan Road Pulloff, "amazing lil spot, a pull off the wild rocky road. very private. right next to a serene view of the lake" provides natural exploration opportunities.
Site selection: Choose sites with natural boundaries for safety. Town Hall Road offers options where "sites were on a dirt road, but it was quiet for the most part. Sites were also a good distance from each other so it felt pretty private."
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather changes quickly, so pack extra layers and rain gear even in summer. One camper at Town Hall Road mentioned staying relatively dry during "a pouring rain storm" showing the importance of proper site selection and gear.
Water sources: Plan for water filtration at most sites. At Little Larry Road, the "amazing little larry brook" provides a filtration source, though you'll need proper equipment to make it potable.
Tips from RVers
Small to medium only: Most dispersed sites accommodate modest-sized RVs and trailers. At Smudge Cove, sites are primarily designed for tents with limited parking, though boat-in access provides an alternative approach.
Road conditions: Forest roads can deteriorate quickly. At Town Hall Road, a camper noted "The road was not as bad as I anticipated. There was room for my Jeep Grand Cherokee towing a squaredrop camper to pass the very few oncoming vehicles we encountered."
Solar considerations: If using solar power, choose sites with openings in the forest canopy. One camper at Cherry Mountain Road mentioned, "We were able to collect sunlight onto our solar panel from the site" noting the site was "open to the sky near the road yet protected from the wind."
Limited turnaround space: At dead-end forest roads, turning larger vehicles can be challenging. A Town Hall Road camper recommended going "to the end of Town Hall Road and camped at the last site before you leave the WMNF. It was a very spacious site, set back from the road, a little bumpy getting into it."
