Dispersed camping options near Lebanon, New Hampshire span both the White Mountain and Green Mountain National Forests, with many sites located along forest roads and waterways. The area sits at the confluence of the Connecticut and Mascoma Rivers, creating a diverse landscape of river valleys and forested mountains with elevations ranging from 400 to 3,000 feet. Most free camping sites remain snow-covered and inaccessible until late May, with primitive conditions requiring full self-sufficiency.
What to do
Hiking the Osceolas: From Tripoli Road dispersed camping area, access popular trails including Mount Osceola. "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," notes camper Jean C.
River activities: The Pemigewasset River near Tripoli Road offers water recreation opportunities. "The Pemigewassett offers tubing and kayaking put ins. Outfitters one exit south can provide you with transportation and rentals," reports one camper. Kayaking and fishing are popular at many river access points throughout the region.
Waterfall exploration: Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls provides scenic hiking combined with impressive falls. "This area is wonderful, first Texas falls is a great place to stop and explore. Then, if you venture further up into the mountains you come upon the campsites with fire pits," explains Miccal M.
What campers like
Riverside campsites: Patterson Brookside camp offers several water-adjacent options. "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," notes Miccal M.
Mountain views: Green Mountain National Forest FR207 provides panoramic vistas from elevated sites. "In the first large meadow, multiple fire rings/sites. Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests," reports Tim M., while another camper mentions "beautiful fields and views" with "many spots on open fields with beautiful scenic views of the mountains."
Secluded forest spots: Free camping sites range from roadside to deeply wooded. One Tripoli Road camper explains, "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."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many forest roads require high-clearance vehicles. For Elbow Pond Road, "The road in is pretty rough and is not recommended for sedans or lower riding cars," warns Dom L. Similarly, FR207 requires "at least 9 inches of ground clearance" according to one reviewer.
Seasonal closures: Most dispersed camping areas close during winter months. A camper notes about Tripoli Road: "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."
Wildlife awareness: Bear activity can impact camping safety. One camper reports that Tripoli Road "was closed after bears visited campsites and got into food that was left in the open and not secured in vehicles or bear canisters." Always store food properly in bear country.
Site availability: No reservations means planning for alternatives. A typical pattern noted by campers is that "Friday night had the whole place to ourselves. Saturday night all spots filled."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established sites: Austin Brook offers family-friendly riverside camping. "Beautiful little pull off the road right on the river with tables & fire rings," mentions one reviewer, providing amenities that help with family camping.
Pack portable toilets: Most areas lack facilities. "There are port-a-potties near the western entrance, but otherwise you're on your own with cat holes or portable toilet solutions," notes a Tripoli Road camper.
Consider site accessibility: Some sites require difficult access that may challenge families with young children. "There seems to be a little confusion about where restricted day use ends and overnight dispersed sites begin... Past the gate at the end of the Texas Falls recreation area we found several sites with only a fire pit along the brook," explains one camper about navigating dispersed areas.
Weekday camping: For quieter family experiences, avoid weekends. "Great spot for the weekdays, hardly anyone around and got a great site right by the river," reports a Tripoli Road camper. "We left on a Friday morning and a lot more people were coming in."
Tips from RVers
Ground clearance: Small trailers can access some areas, but challenging terrain limits larger rigs. "Had to back my trailer about a quarter mile" reports one RVer who encountered obstacles at Elbow Pond.
Site size limitations: Many dispersed sites accommodate only small rigs. One camper notes camping "in a very small spot, just barely enough room for our SUV and small teardrop to get off the road" with "only a 20 foot by 12 foot space to camp in."
Research before arrival: First-hand accounts suggest Downed Bridge Camp requires advance planning: "If you're looking for the ideal spot to stay a few days make sure you show in daylight so you can explore."
