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Dispersed camping near Goshen, New Hampshire offers access to nearby Green Mountain National Forest sites across the Vermont border. Forest Road 71 features multiple free primitive campsites with fire rings. The road conditions vary, with several sites requiring vehicles with adequate clearance. One camper noted, "The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles." These sites typically provide only basic fire rings with no facilities.
Several riverside camping options exist along the forest roads, including NF 83 which features a clearing near the river. Access requires navigating rough terrain, as visitors caution that "the beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks." For hikers, Stratton Pond Shelter provides backcountry camping with vault toilets, accessible via a 3.75-mile winter hike from the nearest parking area. Somerset Airfield offers a more open camping area with pit toilets, though less privacy than other primitive sites. Wildlife encounters are possible, with one camper reporting a bear sighting in the area.
"But don't worry there is primitive camping starting about a mile down fire road 10... You don't even have to go to fire road 30."
"Great location for a small group to camp at. Can't wait to go back. The main area is a walk in and is worth it. The road into here was easy to drive. "
"It has pit toilets. These sites are close together with little to no shade. Some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park."
"I arrived after the 4th of July and a neighbor said it was rowdy during the holiday with illegal fireworks set off every night over the dry forest. These pics are from a weekday morning."
"Easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center. We had this all to ourselves in our Bean teardrop. "
"The site was very flat and could accommodate several small campers. It was quiet during our overnight stay other than a car or two on Stratton-Arlington Rd. There weren't many mosquitoes either. "
"great private spot when nothing else is around. The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles. The only thing you will find here is a fire ring."
"One of many locations along Forest rd 71, this spot was a good place to pitch a tent for the night while exploring the area even in the rain."
"There are a few spots around you can park at. I chose a more sunny and open spot with less trees. So there's more options. It's very quiet definitely check it out."
"This is a nice clearing near the river where the road used to cross."
"The left side of the drive in is swampy so be sure to not drift to that side."
"The shelter is a 3.75mi hike from the nearest parking lot in winter. There are 2 tent platforms, 2 outhouses and at least 16 bunk spaces in the shelter. "
"No public bathrooms, no hookups, I personally didn’t have service."
LegendThe 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. Some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park. The real attraction is the huge Somerset Resevoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities. There are other dispersed sites down the road that are free
RangerOnly the first section of the campground was open due to flooding. As a result, there were puddles everywhere.
Campsites are listed as disbursed but there are only 7 trees to separate 9 camp sites. The campsites are all next to the road and have fire circles.
There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service. Basically a camp site where you can share a fire with the neighbors.
RangerEnjoyed the stunning babbling brook and resevoir- saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping. It's been quiet and peaceful and sometimes generators running all night. I arrived after the 4th of July and a neighbor said it was rowdy during the holiday with illegal fireworks set off every night over the dry forest. These pics are from a weekday morning. It's great to see families camping. There are pit toilets. AT.T service at bridge prior to camp- short walk. SOS only in camp. Another camper told me Starlink works here.
GuideTons of different styles of camping spots (if you get there while its still sunlight you can pick a spot by a flowing stream/river). No public bathrooms, no hookups, I personally didn’t have service.
LegendI've looked at this spot a few times and it is normally way to wet to camp at, but this time it was frozen. This is a nice clearing near the river where the road used to cross.
The access into this location is a little rough but most cars should make it, I would prefer having a little more clearance though just to be sure.
Being a primitive site there is only a fire ring here.
GuideMade the trip on a Friday evening. Set up in freezing drizzle. Not a bad weekend all things considered. Lots of snowmobile traffic, which didn’t bother me. Saturday was the best day by far. Was only one other couple that weekend. Bathrooms were open, but very basic and no water. But grateful nonetheless.
GuideEasy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center. We had this all to ourselves in our Bean teardrop.
Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT.
Pretty quiet during our stay, plenty of dispersed sites along 71 further south.
Only reason for 4 stars is the lack of any long distance views from the site itself.
2 bars of USCellular LTE
GuideWestford there last weekend. Got up on a Friday with plenty of spots. 10 spaces between the bathrooms/vault toilets with only 3 other 4 in working order. Great location near Somerset Reservoir. Weekend was interrupted by a domestic violence situation a few sites downbeat resulted in fights and someone shooting off a handgun. Took state police over 50 minutes to respond and multiple families left...... Can't pick the other people using the space I guess, but lots of trash left in fire pitsand all along river. Water behind the sites more like a marsh. Flat levels it's and people able to fit their campers. Campers near us said there are more sites if you pass the airfield that are more spread out past the actual airfield sites.
GuidePeacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit! The left side of the drive in is swampy so be sure to not drift to that side. The beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks we have substantial ground clearance so no issues there but smaller ground clearances may feel a bump or two! Live by the motto leave nicer than you found it so we all can continue to enjoy the beauty!
Dispersed camping near Goshen, New Hampshire provides access to multiple primitive sites throughout the Green Mountain National Forest across the Vermont border. Most sites are accessible via Forest Roads 71, 83, and connecting routes within a 45-minute drive from Goshen. Winter conditions often limit access to high-clearance 4WD vehicles from November through April, while summer weekends frequently reach capacity by Friday afternoons at most popular sites.
Paddle Somerset Reservoir: Located near Somerset Airfield, this large body of water offers paddling opportunities. "Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and reservoir- saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping," notes camper Licia S.
Winter camping adventures: For cold-weather enthusiasts, several sites remain accessible year-round. As one camper at Somerset Airfield explains, "We endured snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday, and our main Roadhouse down from the weight of the snow."
Hike to mountain ponds: The area features several backcountry water bodies accessible by trail. One camper at Statton Pond Camp mentions, "Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT."
Riverside camping options: Several sites feature water access along forest roads. A visitor to NF 83 - riverside shares, "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!"
True wilderness experience: The remote nature of these sites appeals to those seeking solitude. At Downed Bridge Camp, campers appreciate the isolation: "If you're lucky enough to get the last spot on the road it's epic. Note that fills quickly on a weekend."
Variable campsite sizes: Sites range from small pull-offs to larger clearings for groups. A visitor to On the Hill Dispersed Camp reports, "It's a nice size primitive site for a small group. Being a primitive site, expect that it is a little rough to get into."
Road conditions vary significantly: Many sites require higher clearance vehicles. A camper at NF 83 - riverside cautions, "The beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks we have substantial ground clearance so no issues there but smaller ground clearances may feel a bump or two!"
Seasonal crowding patterns: Holiday weekends bring heavy use and sometimes problematic behavior. As one camper at Somerset Airfield observed, "Weekend was interrupted by a domestic violence situation a few sites down that resulted in fights and someone shooting off a handgun. Took state police over 50 minutes to respond."
Limited or no cell service: Connectivity is sparse throughout the region. At Branch Pond on National Forest Hwy, a camper reports, "I personally didn't have service," though other sites may have spotty coverage.
Arrive during daylight: Finding suitable sites can be challenging after dark. A camper at Downed Bridge Camp advises, "If you're looking for the ideal spot to stay a few days make sure you show in daylight so you can explore for that."
Pack extra trash bags: Some sites suffer from previous campers leaving waste. At Somerset Airfield, a visitor noted, "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."
Consider shelter alternatives: The backcountry shelters offer structured camping with basic amenities. At Stratton Pond Shelter, a winter visitor found, "There are 2 tent platforms, 2 outhouses and at least 16 bunk spaces in the shelter."
Locate more spacious sites: For larger rigs, certain areas offer better accommodation. One camper suggests Somerset Airfield is "probably good for people who camp with RVs or trailers that can't get into smaller sites."
Monitor weather forecasts: Rapidly changing conditions impact site accessibility. A Somerset Airfield winter camper reports, "Saturday, we got at least 8" more along with sleet, freezing rain, and rain. Saturday evening, we had 3" more by 11pm."
Bring leveling blocks: Most primitive camping near Goshen, New Hampshire features uneven terrain. At Somerset Airfield, one camper mentioned, "Flat levels it's and people able to fit their campers. Campers near us said there are more sites if you pass the airfield."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Goshen, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Goshen, NH is Downed Bridge Camp with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Goshen, NH?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 dispersed camping locations near Goshen, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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