Dispersed camping sites near Littleton, New Hampshire offer primitive outdoor experiences in the northern White Mountains region. The area sits at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,500 feet, with summer temperatures typically reaching 70-85°F during the day and cooling to 45-55°F at night. Most dispersed sites in this region require high-clearance vehicles due to unpaved access roads that deteriorate after heavy rainfall.
What to do
Hiking the Cohos Trail: Cherry Mountain Road dispersed sites provide strategic access to this long-distance trail. "Great location with access to the Cherry Mountain trail, and back down to Ammonoosuc Falls back down near Rt. 302," notes one Cherry Mountain Road visitor.
Fishing in local waters: Multiple dispersed sites offer fishing opportunities. At Elbow Pond dispersed sites, "There's a nice pond with great views and good fishing," according to a camper who stayed there in 2023. The primitive sites along rivers provide additional angling options.
Winter exploration: While most dispersed sites close seasonally, nearby areas remain accessible for cold-weather activities. "You'll find plenty of woods around," explains one winter visitor, noting the abundant opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on forest service land when roads reopen after spring thaws.
What campers like
Spacious, separated sites: Unlike crowded campgrounds, dispersed sites offer privacy. "The sites are far apart," mentions a camper at Haystack Road, making them ideal for those seeking solitude. Another adds, "There are 11 options, each completely separated from the others."
Natural water features: Campers consistently highlight the streams and rivers near many sites. A Town Hall Road visitor explains, "We found our spot which had some river access and it was gorgeous. It had an above and below spot which hosted our two tents." The sound of running water enhances the primitive camping experience.
Night sky viewing: The remote location of Town Hall Road Dispersed sites creates excellent stargazing conditions. "We enjoyed a spectacular view of the Blood Super Moon from the campsite," writes one camper. The minimal light pollution throughout the region makes astronomical observation particularly rewarding.
What you should know
Vehicle clearance requirements: Many roads to dispersed sites require appropriate vehicles. A camper at Elbow Pond warns, "I wouldn't recommend trying to take a normal sedan or something down there," while another notes the road is "pretty rough and is not recommended for sedans or lower riding cars."
Site occupation patterns: Weekdays offer better chances for securing desired spots. "We were lucky to snag one on a Monday afternoon and stayed all week," reports one Tripoli Road camper. Another advises, "You'll have better luck showing up mid-week."
Wildlife considerations: Bear activity remains a consistent concern. "Wildlife like bear and moose will visit you at night. It's almost a certainty, keep your food locked in a bear tight container," cautions an experienced dispersed camper. Bear boxes are not provided at most sites.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for children: Choose locations with natural features for exploration. One visitor to Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site recommends sites near the pond where "They have a couple different spots where you can park and walk up to your site or they have sites you can pull right up next to them."
Water safety planning: Sites near streams require supervision. A Town Hall Road camper notes, "We stayed two nights at two different sites; enjoyed both," but cautions that river access points vary in steepness and current strength, necessitating close monitoring of children.
Communication preparation: Cell service varies significantly. "There is cell reception at most sites," reports one camper about the Haystack Road area, but cautions, "Do not rely on cell phone trail maps, there is little to no reception on the trails."
Tips from RVers
Length limitations: Small to medium campers fit best at most sites. A visitor to Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed observed sites where "A few were small and could just fit a tent and a car, where some offered more space."
Road condition awareness: Town Hall Road accommodates smaller trailers with proper planning. "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 one RVer who navigated to the end of the road.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at most sites. "Camped in a very small spot, just barely enough room for our SUV and small teardrop to get off the road," notes one camper who found limited level ground for setup.
