Dispersed camping options near Meriden, New Hampshire include several rustic sites nestled in the surrounding national forests at elevations ranging from 800 to 2,500 feet. These primitive camping areas offer no amenities beyond fire rings and occasional portable toilets. Most sites experience temperature swings of 20-30 degrees between day and night, even in summer months, making proper preparation essential for comfort and safety.
What to do
Hiking to scenic vistas: Access mountain trails directly from Tripoli Road where campers note "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." For shorter options, "Welch-Dickey (great open ledges) and Snow's Mountain (along a river with falls)" provide less challenging alternatives.
River activities: Enjoy water recreation on the Pemigewassett River where "tubing and kayaking put ins" are available with outfitters located "one exit south can provide you with transportation and rentals." The areas around Austin Brook feature "river access" at most sites, perfect for wading or fishing during summer months.
Stargazing: Take advantage of minimal light pollution at higher elevation sites like Green Mountain National Forest FR207, where campers report "beautiful night skies" and one reviewer "woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving." The open meadow sites provide unobstructed views of the night sky.
What campers like
Secluded riverside spots: Campers consistently praise the water proximity at several sites. At Green Mountain National Forest FR25, visitors appreciate the "gorgeous stream/river...love the river sounds." Similarly at Road's End Dispersed Camp, one reviewer noted it's a "great private spot when nothing else is around."
Mountain views: The elevated meadow sites receive high marks for panoramic vistas. One camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207 described "beautiful fields and views" with "many spots on open fields with beautiful scenic views of the mountains." Another mentioned "able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests."
Variety of site options: Each camping area offers different site configurations. Tripoli Road provides options where "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
Vehicle requirements: Many sites require high-clearance vehicles. For Green Mountain National Forest FR207, "this is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance" for upper meadow access. Similarly at Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site, "the road in is pretty rough and is not recommended for sedans or lower riding cars."
Seasonal considerations: Spring access can be problematic. One reviewer advised to "make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season" while another noted most Vermont forest roads become difficult in spring thaw. For Tripoli Road, it's "a seasonal road, opening in late May most years and closing in autumn."
Site competition: Weekends see high demand at most locations. At Elbow Pond, one camper "drove in on a Wednesday afternoon and drove past 4 or 5 sites, which were all occupied." For prime spots, arrive early as most locations operate on first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted.
Tips for camping with families
Best sites for children: Choose locations with natural features for exploration. At Texas Falls Primitive Campsites, "Texas falls is a great place to stop and explore" before heading to the campsites. The falls provide a natural playground for supervised children.
Safety precautions: Be mindful of campsite security. One family at Green Mountain National Forest FR25 cautioned "make sure to lock your valuables. Our Jackery, Solar panels & toilet were stolen." Sites closer to main roads may experience more non-camper traffic.
Water access considerations: Riverside sites offer natural play areas but require supervision. At Austin Brook, reviewers note most sites "have river access" which can be perfect for families, but water levels and current strength can vary seasonally.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Large rigs should avoid most dispersed sites. At Downed Bridge Camp, a reviewer noted "the main area is a walk in and is worth it" but access is limited. Sites generally accommodate smaller trailers and campervans only.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at most locations. One RVer at Elbow Pond reported camping "in a very small spot, just barely enough room for our SUV and small teardrop to get off the road" with limited flat areas for setup.
Setup planning: Arrive during daylight hours to assess sites properly. A camper advised "if you're looking for the ideal spot to stay a few days make sure you show in daylight so you can explore for that." This is especially important for RVs with specific space and leveling requirements.
