Primitive camping near Lempster, New Hampshire primarily centers around the Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont, located approximately 20 miles west. The region sits at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 feet, with forest roads that can become difficult during spring thaw. Many dispersed sites become inaccessible during winter months when snowfall averages 80-90 inches annually in higher elevations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Somerset Airfield provides access to Somerset Reservoir, one of the largest bodies of water in the region. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Resevoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," notes one visitor who appreciated the diverse water recreation options.
Hiking trails: The area surrounding Stratton Pond Shelter offers multiple trail connections. "Great location at the intersection of AT, LT and Stratton Mountain trail," reports a winter camper who adds, "The lake looks great and is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail."
Seasonal considerations: Winter activities require preparation but offer unique experiences. A winter camper at Somerset Airfield explains: "We endured Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday, and our main Roadhouse down from the weight of the snow. The stakes didn't hold in the frozen ground. So, we tied them to the trees and our cars."
What campers like
Quiet natural settings: NF 83 - riverside offers secluded spots along the water. "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit," reports one camper who found the location particularly appealing.
Late arrivals welcome: Some sites accommodate after-dark arrivals. At Downed Bridge Camp, one camper notes, "But ours was a night stop on a trip so showing up in the dark and waking up in the forest was a little magical."
Well-maintained fire rings: Multiple sites feature established fire areas. At George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed camping, a visitor mentioned, "The spot I chose had a beautifully built fire pit. It was a little muddy from rain."
What you should know
Site conditions vary seasonally: Weather significantly impacts ground conditions. At Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71, a camper described finding "Easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is spotty throughout the region. At Green Mountain National Forest FR71, a camper simply noted "Spotty service," while another mentioned getting "2 bars of USCellular LTE" at Statton Pond Camp.
Variable site cleanliness: Previous campers don't always follow leave-no-trace principles. One camper at Green Mountain National Forest observed, "I would have given 5 stars except for the unfortunate fact that 2 years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with flat terrain: Road's End Dispersed Camp provides accessible options for family setups. "The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles. The only thing you will find here is a fire ring," reports one visitor who found the location suitable despite minimal amenities.
Consider spacing between sites: Some areas offer better privacy than others. At George D Aiken Wilderness, a camper noted, "I found a perfect site off the road on the right side. It was large and flat. We were off the road by 100 feet or so. It made it more private."
Prepare for crowds during holidays: Holiday weekends can change the camping experience drastically. A visitor to Somerset Airfield reported, "Weekend was interrupted by a domestic violence situation a few sites downbeat resulted in fights and someone shooting off a handgun. Took state police over 50 minutes to respond and multiple families left."
Tips from RVers
Vehicle clearance considerations: Access roads can challenge lower vehicles. At NF 83 riverside, a camper warns, "The beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks we have substantial ground clearance so no issues there but smaller ground clearances may feel a bump or two!"
Overnight parking options: For those seeking simple overnight stops, Hogback Mtn Trailhead provides a practical solution. "Great place to stop for the night. Not a lot of ambiance, but plenty of room for any number of rigs," notes a reviewer who found it suitable for a quick rest.
Site selection timing: Arriving early improves your chances of securing preferred spots. "If you're lucky enough to get the last spot on the road it's epic. Note that fills quickly on a weekend," cautions a camper about Downed Bridge Camp, suggesting weekday arrivals for better options.
