Rustic camping near Intervale, New Hampshire takes place in a region where elevations range from 600 feet in river valleys to over 4,000 feet at mountain peaks, with summer temperatures typically 10-15 degrees cooler than coastal areas. The White Mountain National Forest encompasses over 750,000 acres, providing dispersed camping options that require different levels of vehicle clearance depending on location. Most sites experience higher usage on weekends between Memorial Day and Columbus Day.
What to do
Hiking to summit views: The Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping area connects to trails with panoramic views. "We got to the site, claimed our platform and hiked over to West Bond to catch a beautiful sunset," reports one camper who found the effort worthwhile despite the strenuous approach.
Fishing in local waters: Many sites provide access to streams and ponds for fishing. "There are trout in the river and if you cross and go through the woods to the right there's some great spots to explore further," notes a camper at Town Hall Road. For a more secluded fishing experience, Little Larry Road sites offer "a creek runs through road near sites good for getting water to filter or washing."
Swimming in natural pools: During summer months, several locations offer swimming opportunities. The Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site features "a nice pond with great views and good fishing" according to a recent visitor, providing a refreshing option after hiking.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing between sites at White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road where "it's easy to forget there are other people camping on other sites because they're so far apart." This layout creates a more immersive forest experience even at established sites.
Riverside camping access: Water proximity ranks high among camper preferences. "We loved this spot. There were plenty of sites to choose from and most (not all) had access to the river as well as a fire ring," notes a visitor to Town Hall Road who enjoyed the sound of flowing water during their stay.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear mountain skies away from light pollution create excellent stargazing conditions. At Cherry Mountain Road, one camper mentioned, "We enjoyed a spectacular view of the Blood Super Moon from the campsite. Overall the site was open to the sky near the road yet protected from the wind."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly by location. At Town Hall Road Dispersed, a camper noted: "Zero cell service in this whole area, but some messages popped through while we were hiking. weBoost did not help." Plan communications accordingly.
Road conditions and access: Many access roads require careful navigation. "The road was not as bad as I anticipated. There was room for my Jeep Grand Cherokee towing a squaredrop camper to pass the very few oncoming vehicles we encountered," reports a camper about Town Hall Road, though conditions can change with weather.
Seasonal availability: Most dispersed sites close during winter months. 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."
Tips for camping with families
Flat camping spots: Look for sites that offer level terrain. At Tripoli Road, "Drive up the dirt road and find a nice riverside camp site. 3 miles of seclusion if you want." Sites vary in levelness, so arrive early to secure flatter areas.
Water sources for filtering: Many sites have streams nearby for filtering water. "Town Hall Rd off 302 just keep going past houses until you see the National forest sign. 6-8 spots some big enough for med. camper," with several spots featuring water access.
Noise considerations: Some areas provide more separation from road noise than others. At Cherry Mountain Road, a camper reported: "The camp site are all disbursed 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."
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs only. At Hogan Road Pulloff near Appalachian Trail, "About 1km (.6 miles) of gravel road, easy enough for a big road bike, but don't go any further as it gets rough."
Leveling requirements: Bring leveling blocks as sites can be uneven. "We got lucky and snagged a perfect spot 2 miles in from the entrance sign- completely level (didn't even need our leveling blocks) and big enough for our 26ft class c," noted a Town Hall Road camper.
Turning radius challenges: Many forest roads have limited turning options. "The road is dirt, but it's hard packed and smooth, with a few dips and holes here and there. A little narrow but it's manageable," according to an RVer who successfully navigated Town Hall Road.
