Best Dispersed Camping near Gorham, NH

The White Mountain National Forest surrounding Gorham, New Hampshire features numerous dispersed camping options with minimal amenities and maximum wilderness immersion. Town Hall Road Dispersed Camping, located just outside Gorham, offers free sites along a dirt road with fire rings and river access, accommodating both tents and smaller RVs. Nearby Hogan Road Pulloff provides tent-only sites near the Appalachian Trail with serene lake views. Within an hour's drive, campers can access Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed sites, Guyot Shelter backcountry camping, and Haystack Road's primitive sites, creating a network of public land camping opportunities throughout the region.

Seasonal road closures significantly impact camping access in the White Mountains. Most forest roads open in late May and close in autumn after conditions deteriorate. As one camper noted, "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." Dirt roads leading to dispersed sites can be narrow with occasional dips and holes, limiting access for larger vehicles. Cell service varies dramatically by location, with most remote sites having minimal connectivity. Wildlife considerations are important, particularly regarding bears. Campers should secure food properly as sites have been temporarily closed after bear encounters in the past.

Privacy and natural settings rank highly in visitor reviews of the area's camping options. According to one camper at Cherry Mountain Road, "The campsites are all dispersed enough that we did not hear any other camping sounds at all. It was so quiet I could hear the sound of crow wings flapping as they flew by." Most dispersed sites feature only basic fire rings with no amenities, requiring self-sufficiency. Town Hall Road receives consistently high ratings for its riverside sites and spacing between campers. Visitors frequently mention the quality of hiking access, with many sites serving as convenient basecamps for exploring the White Mountains trail system. Weather preparedness remains essential, as rain can quickly turn some sites into challenging camping environments.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Gorham, New Hampshire (15)

    1. Town Hall Road Dispersed

    18 Reviews
    Chatham, NH
    17 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."

    2. White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road

    4 Reviews
    Gilead, ME
    11 miles

    "We pulled in around 7:30 pm on a Sunday night and there were plenty of open spots. We took a huge one. Found a fairly flat area and stayed for the night."

    "These campsites are located on a dead end dirt road.  The campsites are spread out so you are not on top of each other (I think there are only 8 sites on the road.) "

    3. Hogan Road Pulloff near Appalachian Trail

    2 Reviews
    Gorham, NH
    3 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."

    4. Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Bretton Woods, NH
    15 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. Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Deerfield, NH
    24 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."

    6. Haystack Road

    5 Reviews
    Twin Mountain, NH
    22 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."

    7. Haystack Road

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

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

    8. Scott C. Devlin Memorial

    1 Review
    Guildhall, VT
    22 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."

    9. Maine Railroad Trestle

    1 Review
    Groveton, VT
    24 miles
    Website

    "While reservations are not required, there is a registration page on the CT River Paddler's Trail Website that they ask folx to complete just so spots don't get overcrowded. "

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Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Gorham, NH

60 Reviews of 15 Gorham Campgrounds



Guide to Gorham

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Gorham, New Hampshire, where nature lovers 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 without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Scenic River Sites for Dispersed Campers

  • Experience the tranquility of the Town Hall Road Dispersed, where some sites are right by the water, providing a perfect backdrop for relaxation and fishing.
  • Moose Pond, located at the top left fork of Town Hall Road, offers beautiful views and even cell reception, making it a great spot for those who want to stay connected while enjoying nature.
  • Be mindful of local wildlife, as this area is known for moose sightings, adding an exciting element to your camping experience.

Hiking Adventures While Free Camping Near Gorham

  • The Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping is a fantastic base for hiking the Pemi Loop, with easy access to trails and stunning mountain views.
  • This site features a well-maintained shelter and platforms, making it a popular choice for hikers looking to rest after a long day on the trails.
  • With a water source nearby and a privy available, you can enjoy the wilderness without sacrificing comfort.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Gorham, New Hampshire

  • When visiting Haystack Road, arrive mid-week for a better chance of securing a spot, as weekends can get busy with fellow campers.
  • Always secure your food in bear-proof containers, especially in areas like Haystack Road, where wildlife encounters are common.
  • For those seeking a quieter experience, consider the White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road, which offers secluded sites away from the main roads, perfect for a peaceful retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Gorham, NH is Town Hall Road Dispersed with a 4.8-star rating from 18 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near Gorham, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.