Dispersed camping options around Groveton, New Hampshire extend beyond the main White Mountain National Forest boundaries, with sites available at elevations ranging from 700 to 3,000 feet. The Connecticut River Paddlers Trail includes over 15 tent sites within 20 miles of Groveton, most accessible only by water. Winter camping is possible at lower elevations, though snow can persist at higher sites until late May.
What to do
Canoe trip planning: The Connecticut River Paddlers Trail offers multiple access points for multi-day trips. At Maine Railroad Trestle, campers can register online to prevent overcrowding. As one paddler notes, "There is a site perched high on the hill where there is a picnic table and fire ring. There is also a spot lower down that is nice and flat and probably better spots for tents."
Fly fishing: Many of the best tent camping near Groveton, New Hampshire sites provide fishing access. Remote Sites — Umbagog Lake State Park offers excellent fishing opportunities, with one camper reporting: "The remote campsites at the norther end or Umbagog Lake are wonderful... While there were plenty of eagles, loons, and fish we only saw two other boats the entire weekend."
Hiking connections: From Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed, campers can access multiple trails. One visitor explains: "Great location with access to the Cherry Mountain trail, and back down to Ammonoosuc Falls back down near Rt. 302. There are a string of tent sites on either side of the road with some right up to the intersection with Cherry Mountain trail."
What campers like
Secluded island camping: At Umbagog Lake, boat-in sites provide true wilderness. A camper explains: "We load everything (and everyone) into our canoe and head out for a long weekend at the start of each season. We like going the first weekend the campground opens, as it can get super busy as the summer unfolds."
Riverside locations: Many tent camping sites near Groveton feature water access. At Scott C. Devlin Memorial, "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."
Wildlife viewing: The Groveton area supports diverse wildlife. At Umbagog Lake, one camper reported: "Be sure you take plenty of fresh water or enough to treat water from the lake. The bugs aren't bad if you can find a campsite with a point, the wind certainly helps. Be prepared to fall asleep to the sound of loons and begin and end each day with incredible sun rises and sets."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most tent sites have minimal amenities. At Cherry Mountain Road, "There are no facilities here, and most sites showed some significant signs of use. There were plenty of sites available on the weekend in October."
Water access challenges: Some river sites require careful boat handling. At Scott C. Devlin Memorial, "The takeout is easy to miss if you aren't looking as it sits right in the bend of the river. There is a set of wooden steps that go down into the water at a relatively steep angle. Be sure you tie your boat up while unloading as there is a fair amount of current sweeping around the bend."
Winter closures: Many campgrounds have seasonal restrictions. For Unknown Pond, a camper advises: "Check the White Mountain National Forest website prior to hiking in. As of June 1, 2020 this tentsite was closed due to COVID-19. You can hike in to this site from either the site can be reached from either the trailhead on Mill Brook Road (gated in winter) or from the Berlin Fish Hathcery on York Pond Road."
Tips for camping with families
Pack for changing conditions: Weather near Groveton can shift rapidly. At Unknown Pond, "Note that there can be snow on north facing slopes into June so be prepared to post hole or carry snowshoes."
Consider bugs when planning: Insects can be intense in certain locations. One camper at Maine Railroad Trestle observed: "If you walk through the campsite, there is a massive cornfield, just beware that the ticks in the field are insane! They weren't bad in the campsite but in the grass, they were epic."
Select campsites with facilities: Lyman Falls State Park Campground offers better infrastructure for families: "We started a multi day canoeing trip from this spot. While close to the road, it's not highly trafficked and the road noise is almost non-existent which was a nice surprise. The riverbank is a great spot to fish from and enjoy the afternoon sun."
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Most quality tent camping sites near Groveton are not RV-accessible. At Northern Waters Base Camp, "Blink and you'll miss this campground! It's just down the road from Umbagog State Park in Eroll, New Hampshire. Situated right on the Androscoggin River this small stretch of Class II whitewater is popular with all the area rafting companies."
Limited hookups: Even at established sites, services are minimal. A Northern Waters camper notes: "We had a large group and a site right on the river. Sites are small but you can fit comfortably. Staff was extremely friendly and helpful."
Use smaller vehicles: For Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed, one visitor explained: "Stopped by on the Cohos Trail. A few were small and could just fit a tent and a car, where some offered more space. Some offered a bit of privacy into the woods while most were right along the road."
