Keene, NH is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Keene. Find the best campgrounds near Keene, NH. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
"The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on. There were only about 10 spots along the access road."
"Some sites were really wet but we found a nice dry place."
"It has pit toilets. These sites are close together with little to no shade. Some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park."
"I arrived after the 4th of July and a neighbor said it was rowdy during the holiday with illegal fireworks set off every night over the dry forest. These pics are from a weekday morning."
"A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."
"Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot. After what was very quiet and a peaceful place to be."
"One of many locations along Forest rd 71, this spot was a good place to pitch a tent for the night while exploring the area even in the rain."
"There are a few spots around you can park at. I chose a more sunny and open spot with less trees. So there's more options. It's very quiet definitely check it out."
"This is a nice clearing near the river where the road used to cross."
"The left side of the drive in is swampy so be sure to not drift to that side."
"Easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center. We had this all to ourselves in our Bean teardrop. "
"The site was very flat and could accommodate several small campers. It was quiet during our overnight stay other than a car or two on Stratton-Arlington Rd. There weren't many mosquitoes either. "
"Free camping"
"The shelter is a 3.75mi hike from the nearest parking lot in winter. There are 2 tent platforms, 2 outhouses and at least 16 bunk spaces in the shelter. "
"Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle. "
LegendThe Airfield Campground is a strip of land with several campsites and fire pits. It has pit toilets. These sites are close together with little to no shade. Some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park. The real attraction is the huge Somerset Resevoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities. There are other dispersed sites down the road that are free
RangerOnly the first section of the campground was open due to flooding. As a result, there were puddles everywhere.
Campsites are listed as disbursed but there are only 7 trees to separate 9 camp sites. The campsites are all next to the road and have fire circles.
There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service. Basically a camp site where you can share a fire with the neighbors.
TravelerA LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well. A few miles down the road there is another campsite that is more open and also has a fire pit with a lot less bugs flying around and more open space.
ScoutThe camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on. There were only about 10 spots along the access road. Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites.
GuideWent on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot. After what was very quiet and a peaceful place to be. Many pull offs but a lot were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck. The road itself was in great condition though.
RangerEnjoyed the stunning babbling brook and resevoir- saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping. It's been quiet and peaceful and sometimes generators running all night. I arrived after the 4th of July and a neighbor said it was rowdy during the holiday with illegal fireworks set off every night over the dry forest. These pics are from a weekday morning. It's great to see families camping. There are pit toilets. AT.T service at bridge prior to camp- short walk. SOS only in camp. Another camper told me Starlink works here.
LegendI've looked at this spot a few times and it is normally way to wet to camp at, but this time it was frozen. This is a nice clearing near the river where the road used to cross.
The access into this location is a little rough but most cars should make it, I would prefer having a little more clearance though just to be sure.
Being a primitive site there is only a fire ring here.
GuideEasy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center. We had this all to ourselves in our Bean teardrop.
Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT.
Pretty quiet during our stay, plenty of dispersed sites along 71 further south.
Only reason for 4 stars is the lack of any long distance views from the site itself.
2 bars of USCellular LTE
TravelerSite was littered with places previous campers had left human excrement. While not in the site directly, it was all around it. Also had someone who decided to use the area to sight in his rifle. Which was very unexpected as it was incredibly loud with no warning at all. Was not aware this was a gun range. Tried to flag down a park ranger, but he just drove on by.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Keene, New Hampshire, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, campers can enjoy the great outdoors while embracing the freedom of primitive camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is boondocking allowed in the Keene, NH area?
Boondocking options directly in Keene, NH are limited, but you can find opportunities in the nearby Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont, approximately 30-40 miles west. NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot offers primitive boondocking with several pull-offs along a dirt road. The area features dense wooded surroundings, though be prepared for bugs. For better road conditions, NF 83 - riverside provides clearing near a river, though access can be rough at times and conditions vary seasonally. Most sites don't offer facilities, so come prepared with water, waste disposal plans, and follow Leave No Trace principles. Always check for signage as some areas may have restrictions or be on private property.
What public land is available for dispersed camping around Keene, NH?
The primary public land available for dispersed camping near Keene is Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont, about 35-45 minutes west. Green Mountain National Forest FR71 offers free camping opportunities with access to hiking trails. George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed provides more secluded spots with approximately 10 campsites spread out along the access road. These sites are within 15 minutes of breweries, distilleries, beautiful lakes, and scenic towns. Be aware that National Forest regulations apply: typically camping is permitted 150-200 feet from roads and water sources, stays are limited to 14 days, and you should use existing fire rings when available.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Keene, NH?
Free dispersed camping can be found about 40 minutes west of Keene in Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest. Somerset Airfield offers several established sites with fire pits and access to pit toilets. Some sites have stream access, and the beautiful Somerset Reservoir is nearby for swimming and kayaking. For a more secluded experience, Downed Bridge Camp provides primitive camping along fire roads. The last spot on the road is particularly desirable but fills quickly on weekends. Additional options extend about a mile down fire road 10. Be prepared with your own water, waste disposal plans, and expect limited to no cell service in most areas.
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