The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Hanover, NH

59 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Hanover, New Hampshire centers primarily in the Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont and White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. Several primitive sites exist along forest roads and near waterways, with notable locations including Green Mountain National Forest FR207, Tripoli Road, and Austin Brook. These areas provide free camping opportunities on public land with minimal development and no reservation systems. Most sites feature only basic fire rings and occasional picnic tables, following true dispersed camping principles where campers must be self-sufficient.

Access to many dispersed sites requires careful navigation of unpaved forest roads that can become challenging during wet conditions. Several reviews note that high-clearance vehicles are necessary for certain areas, particularly after flooding or during mud season. The Green Mountain National Forest FR207 area features meadow camping with mountain views but requires 4WD vehicles for upper sections. Tripoli Road, a seasonal road that typically opens in late May and closes in autumn, requires self-registration at a ranger station with flat-rate fees ($20-30 depending on weekday/weekend). Most areas have no facilities beyond occasional portable toilets, requiring visitors to pack out all waste and bring their own water. "Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in," notes one camper about Patterson Brookside camp.

The region's dispersed camping areas provide varying experiences from riverside sites to mountain meadows with panoramic views. Campers at FR207 appreciate the "sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests." Wildlife encounters are common, with bears being a particular concern along Tripoli Road, which temporarily closed in 2019 after bears visited campsites. Sites along Austin Brook offer proximity to water, while Elbow Pond provides fishing opportunities. Cell service varies significantly by location, with some areas offering limited connectivity. "There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area," reports a reviewer about Patterson Brookside. Many sites experience high weekend usage during summer months, with several reviews noting concerns about overuse and site closures due to abuse.

Map showing campgrounds near Hanover, New HampshireExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Hanover, New Hampshire (19)

    1. Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    8 Reviews
    Granville, VT
    36 miles
    Website

    "Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests. 

    Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles."

    "About 12 sites off National Forest Road 71. Beautiful area and very secluded. All have fire rings but that’s about it."

    2. Tripoli Road

    11 Reviews
    North Woodstock, NH
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 528-8721

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Easy access to trailhead for Tecumseh Mountain. Rustic sites with no water or electric."

    "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"

    3. On the Hill Dispersed Camp

    1 Review
    Pittsfield, VT
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    4. Last light on Michigan Brook

    1 Review
    Pittsfield, VT
    32 miles

    5. Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site

    3 Reviews
    North Woodstock, NH
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 536-6100

    "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."

    6. Austin Brook

    6 Reviews
    Warren, VT
    40 miles
    Website

    "When driving in on the right there’s a culdesac type set up of sites. Pretty sure these sites all have river access. Road is short dead ends with a decent amount of turn around space."

    "Great location, easy access, on a nice brook. Fire ring only, no facilities and minimal parking."

    7. Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites

    2 Reviews
    Hancock, VT
    35 miles
    Website

    "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."

    8. Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road

    2 Reviews
    Granville, VT
    35 miles

    "The dirt road along the river is an easy drive, though it is single lane in a few locations, so be aware of oncoming traffic. "

    "There is no services of any sorts at this location. Mostly local traffic. Peaceful! Gorgeous rock river 💜"

    9. Green Mountain National Forest FR25 - Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Warren, VT
    38 miles
    Website

    "Beautiful sites on the River but with the wet summer, we just couldn’t dry out. Make sure to lock you valuables. Our Jackery, Solar panels & toilet were stolen."

    "All the sites were full when I visited (6 to 8 sites, approximately, but i didn't go down a couple little gravel paths to check each spot as you couldn't turn around easily) , so I didn't get to camp there"

    10. Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Deerfield, NH
    48 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 19 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Hanover Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Hanover, NH

53 Photos of 19 Hanover Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Hanover, NH

59 Reviews of 19 Hanover Campgrounds

  • Miccal M.
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road

    This is a wonderful place to camp

    There are a handful of sites to camp at along the river here, each offering a slightly different experience.  The dirt road along the river is an easy drive, though it is single lane in a few locations, so be aware of oncoming traffic.  Some of the sites are drive in, some are walk in, but all are primitive. 

    There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area.  Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in.

    This area is being heavily use and some spots are being shut down from abuse, please be aware that you have a lot of impact, and that impact can be positive or negative. Choose Positive!

    This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    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).

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2023

    Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    NFR 207 Meadows, with great views!

    In the first large meadow, multiple fire rings / sites. Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests. 

    Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles.
    Nearby Clark Brook Trail is a 3 mile hike connecting with the AT/LT.
    2 bars USCellular LTE.

  • Thomas and James S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Austin Brook

    Nice sites

    Smaller area roughly 1-6 sites. When driving in on the right there’s a culdesac type set up of sites. Pretty sure these sites all have river access. Road is short dead ends with a decent amount of turn around space.

  • Raj T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2021

    Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping

    Gayut Tentsite

    Sufficient amount of platform, water source, bear proof Joe box, pivy and springs all at one spot

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Chris D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 10, 2024

    Route 100 Dispersed Camping

    Great little spot right off RT-100

    I was looking for the Austin Brook campsite north of this one, but someone on here gave directions to this site, which turns out has its own page on here. Right off the road, a small handful of camp sites, some picnic tables, presumably some fire rings although with snow coverage I didn’t see any. Main lot has plenty of parking, perfect for car camping. Pull through the trees has some spots for tents and smaller setups. Entrance and exit are a little steep and tricky in the winter, lot wasn’t plowed so AWD/4x4 and good ground clearance are recommended.

  • Joann&WellsThePup I.
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    NF-71

    About 12 sites off National Forest Road 71. Beautiful area and very secluded. All have fire rings but that’s about it. Make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season and treat your skin and clothes during black fly season

  • Miccal M.
    Jun. 2, 2021

    Austin Brook

    Great Primative Location

    I didn't get the chance to camp here, it was full when I drove through looking for a place. So I came back later in the weekend for pictures. Great location, easy access, on a nice brook. Fire ring only, no facilities and minimal parking.

Guide to Hanover

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Hanover, New Hampshire, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. With various options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

Outdoor Activities While Free Camping Near Hanover

Unique Experiences for Dispersed Campers

  • The Kettle Brook area is perfect for those looking for a remote experience, providing a sense of solitude away from the crowds.
  • Campers at the Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 can enjoy wide-open views of multiple mountain ranges, making it an ideal spot for photography and relaxation.
  • The North Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 offers a rustic experience, but access may require a vehicle with higher clearance due to road conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hanover?

Free dispersed camping options near Hanover include Tripoli Road, a seasonal road in White Mountain National Forest with multiple primitive sites along its length. The road typically opens in late May and closes in autumn, with the section near Russell Pond often opening first. Another option is Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road, which offers several sites along a river with both drive-in and walk-in options. The dirt road is easily accessible, though it narrows in some sections, so watch for oncoming traffic.

What amenities are available at Hanover dispersed camping sites?

Dispersed camping sites near Hanover are generally primitive with minimal amenities. At Austin Brook, you'll find basic fire rings and possibly picnic tables at some sites, with nice access to the brook or river. Green Mountain National Forest FR207 offers about 12 secluded sites, each with fire rings but no other facilities. Most dispersed sites in the region don't provide drinking water, toilets, or trash service, so come prepared with everything you need and plan to pack out all waste.

Are there any regulations or permits needed for dispersed camping in Hanover?

Dispersed camping in the Hanover area generally follows White Mountain National Forest and Green Mountain National Forest regulations. At Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primitive campsites, camping is only allowed in designated dispersed sites with established fire rings beyond the day-use area. Guyot Shelter and similar backcountry sites require proper food storage using bear boxes where provided. No specific permits are typically needed for dispersed camping, but seasonal road closures affect accessibility, particularly in spring mud season and winter. Always practice Leave No Trace principles, use existing fire rings, and camp at least 200 feet from water sources.

Keep Exploring