Top Free Dispersed Camping near Grantham, NH

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Grantham? Find the best information on dispersed campgrounds near Grantham, including photos, reviews, and tips. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Grantham's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Grantham, NH (10)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Grantham

19 Reviews of 10 Grantham Campgrounds


  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site
    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
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites
    Aug. 19, 2024

    Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites

    Nice setting, simple fire pit only sites

    There seems to be a little confusion about where restricted day use ends and overnight dispersed sites begin. Some folks were camping in the picnic area. Past the gate at the end of the Texas Falls recreation area we found several sites with only a fire pit along the brook. They were well used with some litter. We packed out what we could find. There are posted signs on the opposite bank so we stayed on our side. Brook water filtered fine and was tasty. Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome. Very pretty area.

  • Lisa
    Camper-submitted photo from Tripoli Road
    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

  • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Road's End Dispersed Camp
    Mar. 1, 2024

    Road's End Dispersed Camp

    End of the road hide-away

    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.

  • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Mountain National Forest FR42 Dispersed Site
    Jan. 26, 2024

    Green Mountain National Forest FR42 Dispersed Site

    Busy and small sites

    Every time I've driven up Bingo to find a spot I end up leaving the area and going somewhere else.  The sites are small and close to the road.  Being primitive sites there are no facilities.  You will find fire rings at each site though.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site
    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

  • N
    Camper-submitted photo from Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site
    Oct. 23, 2022

    Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site

    Really nice quiet spot

    Really nice spot, I wouldn’t recommend trying to take a normal sedan or something down there and the sites are a little less spread out than I wanted

  • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites
    Jun. 11, 2021

    Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites

    Some great Primitive sites here

    This area is wonderful, first Texas falls it a great place to stop and explore.  Then, if you venture further up into the mountains you come upon the campsites with fire pits and if your lucky you can get one on the river.

    There is not much to these sites as far as amenities, just a fire pit.  But that is all I need.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Tripoli Road
    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.

  • Ali B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Tripoli Road
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Tripoli Road

    Primitive Car camping

    Great spot for the weekdays, hardly anyone around and got a great site right by the river (mid-sept.). We left on a Friday morning and a lot more people were coming in so I imagine it could get really loud during busy summer weekends/holidays. A lot of sites were right next to each other so if it's crowded, you might not get a lot of privacy. However, there are little camp spots all over this road, too many to count so it's a good bet of getting one, especially on the weekdays. Definitely watch out for bears though, didn't see any but saw plenty of evidence.

  • Kat B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Tripoli Road
    Sep. 26, 2020

    Tripoli Road

    My always camp spot

    Fantastic secluded options, highly recommend getting a good spot by the river. Park staff are great and spots are well maintained. Downsides are there are few bathrooms (and they are Portojohns), and the road can be irritating/cars kick up dust as they drive by. It's also first come first serve, so be sure to get up early on Friday for a weekend campout. But this is by far one of my favorite spots!

  • Kris Z.
    Camper-submitted photo from Tripoli Road
    Sep. 8, 2020

    Tripoli Road

    Came through in the 24th hr...

    Awesome adult spot, pretty much free reign, no quiet time, and, watch out for bears... #kudos

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tripoli Road
    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).

  • Ryan M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Tripoli Road
    Jul. 2, 2019

    Tripoli Road

    Road side camping has never felt so off the grid

    Can be pretty remote. Choose your own site. Some are better than others, some have streams going thru them. Lots of local hiking

  • Beau B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Tripoli Road
    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!

  • Laura
    Camper-submitted photo from Tripoli Road
    Jun. 12, 2018

    Tripoli Road

    great hidden spot

    Would call this a solid car camp spot. Went on a Saturday afternoon after a long hike and there were plenty of spots open. You can pick any spot, each one has a different variety wIth size and how deep into the woods you want to walk. No showers or bathrooms, a porter potty at the entrance but that’s about it. Only complaint I had were a couple cars kept flying back and forth down the road at night. Camp a little further in and you’d be fine

  • Mike M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Tripoli Road
    Jun. 2, 2018

    Tripoli Road

    Primitive

    True primitive sites. First come first serve. Awesome feel. Cool road. Great access to tripyramid hikes. Somewhat isolated.



Guide to Grantham

Camping near Grantham, New Hampshire, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Many campers enjoy the scenic hikes that lead to stunning views. One reviewer from Pawtuckaway State Park Campground mentioned, "So many lovely waterfront sites, clean facilities, camp store and beach are great."
  • Kayaking: Take advantage of the nearby lakes for kayaking. A visitor at Dry River — Crawford Notch State Park noted, "Cool location right on the edge of the Dry River Wilderness. Great Basecamp for lots of hikes in the area."
  • Wildlife Watching: The area is rich in wildlife. Campers at Franconia Notch State Park have spotted deer and great blue herons, making it a great spot for nature lovers.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Bear Brook State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms were very clean!!"
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites that allow for privacy. One visitor at Lost River Valley Campground mentioned, "The sites are large, wooded, and private."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A camper at Lafayette Place Campground remarked, "Helpful staff."

What you should know

  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A visitor at Hancock Campground advised, "Reservation recommended."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have electric hookups or markets nearby. A camper at White Lake State Park Campground noted, "Water from the spigot is absolutely HORRID tasting."
  • Pet Policies: Check the pet policies before you go. A reviewer at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground mentioned, "Pets are NOT permitted in the campground or beach area during the summer season."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. A parent at Jamaica State Park Campground said, "Great playground and fun playing in the river."
  • Safety First: Always supervise children near water. A camper at Crawford Notch Campground mentioned, "Having a general store at the entrance was very helpful."
  • Pack Snacks: Bring plenty of snacks and drinks, as some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. A visitor at Quechee State Park Campground advised, "Make sure you stock up before you get there."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Bear Brook State Park Campground noted, "Brought our dog and she absolutely loved it."
  • Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with dump stations. A camper at Dry River — Crawford Notch State Park mentioned, "This campground has a lot of amenities like showers and washer/dryers."
  • Road Noise: Be aware of potential road noise at some campgrounds. A visitor at Franconia Notch State Park said, "There is a bit of noise from Rt. 93."

Camping near Grantham, New Hampshire, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're with family or friends, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Grantham, NH?

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

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Grantham, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.