Best Dispersed Camping near Jaffrey, NH
Dispersed camping options near Jaffrey, New Hampshire require travel to neighboring Vermont, where several primitive sites are available. Somerset Airfield offers basic facilities with designated campsites and fire rings. The site features pit toilets, though recent reports indicate only 3-4 are in working condition. According to reviews, the campground consists of a grass strip along Forest Road 71 with minimal shade and sites positioned close together.
Green Mountain National Forest FR71 provides free primitive camping opportunities with no amenities. Campers must be fully self-sufficient as no drinking water, toilets, or trash service is available. The area permits fires but requires visitors to follow strict leave-no-trace principles. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, so travelers should plan accordingly.
Somerset Reservoir serves as the main attraction near these camping areas. The large body of water supports fishing, paddling, and other recreational activities. Several campers noted that additional dispersed sites can be found past the airfield that offer more privacy and river access. Winter camping is possible but challenging; a recent visitor documented temperatures dropping to 8°F with significant snowfall and high winds.
Visitors should be aware that Somerset Vt Dispersed on the Deerfield River has been marked with "No Camping" signs. A September 2024 review confirms this area is now private property and no longer available for public use. Weather conditions can change rapidly in this mountainous region, particularly during winter months when snowmobiles frequent the area. The dirt road access makes these sites popular with RV campers, though tent camping is also common throughout the warmer seasons.
