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Dispersed campsites near Nelson, New Hampshire are spread across several areas in Green Mountain National Forest, with many sites concentrated along Forest Road 71 in Vermont. These primitive sites typically feature only basic fire rings and flat areas for tents or small vehicles. Most locations allow fires and permit both tent and RV camping, though amenities are non-existent—no drinking water, toilets, or hookups are available at most sites.
Somerset Airfield provides one of the few dispersed areas with vault toilets, consisting of a grass strip with multiple campsites. According to one visitor, "There are pit toilets. No garbage service, no water, no cell service." Access to many sites requires consideration of vehicle clearance, particularly at locations like NF 83-riverside where a visitor noted, "The access into this location is a little rough but most cars should make it, I would prefer having a little more clearance though." Winter brings additional challenges, with sites often becoming muddy during spring thaw or after rain. Most areas enforce typical national forest dispersed camping rules, including 14-day stay limits and pack-in, pack-out requirements for all trash.
"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."
"We brought our school bus down the dirt road just fine and backed right in. They also have fireplaces which was nice!"
"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."
"We stayed at one near the creek just over a little bridge. Cute little site, nice fire pit, clean, perfect rock to put a big water jug on. The sound of running water was soothing."
"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."
"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. "
"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."
"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. "
"But don't worry there is primitive camping starting about a mile down fire road 10... You don't even have to go to fire road 30."
"Great location for a small group to camp at. Can't wait to go back. The main area is a walk in and is worth it. The road into here was easy to drive. "
"No public bathrooms, no hookups, I personally didn’t have service."
ScoutJust about what you would expect in a national forest. Nice dirt road without too many potholes. As far as I can tell about 10 different sites, maybe more, all spaced out enough you don’t see anyone else. No toilet or water but there is a fire ring.
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.
GuideWent with a friend on an impromptu last minute camping trip up in the NF and hoped we could find a spot on a Friday night. Quite a few spots were taken but there were still some free ones. We stayed at one near the creek just over a little bridge. Cute little site, nice fire pit, clean, perfect rock to put a big water jug on. The sound of running water was soothing. In the morning, adorable little red squirrels with big personalities made themselves known and there were wildflowers blooming all over with hummingbirds going about their business. This is dispersed camping so there’s no rest rooms, running water, etc. The particular site we stayed at did have another site on the other side of the creek and we could hear the family during the day and see them as they walked past, so it wasn’t as isolated as some of the other sites. It was a cute spot and I’ll def be back.
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.
TravelerMy 2008 Prius handled the road with ease. Sites were spaced out. There was hiking at the end of the road but not too much space to wander around from the sites given the road’s high speed limit. Sites had fire pits and that was it. Very quiet and fairly accessible from society. Given the lack of free camping in the southern northeast this spot is a gem!
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.
Dispersed camping near Nelson, New Hampshire offers multiple primitive sites within the Green Mountain National Forest, particularly in Vermont just across the state border. Most sites sit at elevations between 1,800-2,500 feet, making for cool summer nights even when daytime temperatures climb. Winter campers should prepare for temperatures frequently dropping below 20°F, with forest roads becoming challenging after snowfall.
Hiking access: Several dispersed sites provide convenient trail access, including to Stratton Pond. One camper at Stratton Pond Shelter noted, "The shelter is a 3.75mi hike from the nearest parking lot in winter. The lake looks great and is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail."
Water activities: Somerset Reservoir offers swimming, fishing and paddling opportunities within 15 minutes of several camping areas. A visitor at Somerset Airfield described "Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and reservoir- saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping."
Winter recreation: Forest roads double as snowmobile trails during winter months, with some sites remaining accessible for cold-weather camping. A winter camper at Somerset Airfield reported, "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."
Solitude and space: Many sites along Forest Road 71 provide ample space between campers. At Downed Bridge Camp, a reviewer shared: "If you're lucky enough to get the last spot on the road it's epic. Note that fills quickly on a weekend. But don't worry there is primitive camping starting about a mile down fire road 10."
Established fire rings: Most dispersed sites feature fire rings, though their condition varies. A camper at George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed observed, "Large, well organized camping spots along the road. The spot I chose had a beautifully built fire pit."
Proximity to attractions: Many sites offer quick access to local amenities despite their remote feeling. One visitor noted about George D Aiken: "Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites."
Access challenges: Many forest roads require higher-clearance vehicles, especially after rain. A reviewer at NF 83 - riverside cautioned, "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!"
Site conditions vary seasonally: Spring thaw and heavy rains can make many sites inaccessible. A camper at Dispersed site along Forest Road 71 warned, "This particular campsite is very muddy. Well, at least today it is. I have an SUV and I didn't trust it to get through, and I didn't want to get stuck."
Site cleanliness concerns: Previous campers sometimes leave trash. One reviewer at Dispersed site along Forest Road 71 mentioned, "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."
More developed options: Families might prefer Somerset Airfield for its minimal amenities. A visitor explained, "The 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."
Consider weekend crowds: Holiday weekends can be rowdy at some locations. One Somerset Airfield camper noted, "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."
Bring insect protection: Dense forest areas can have significant bug problems. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, a visitor reported, "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."
Best sites for larger vehicles: Somerset Airfield works well for RVs needing more space. A reviewer stated, "This really is just a grass strip next to FR71 with a bunch of sites and a pit house. It is probably good for people who camp with RVs or Trailor's that can't get into smaller sites."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly by carrier and location. One Somerset Airfield camper noted, "AT.T service at bridge prior to camp- short walk. SOS only in camp. Another camper told me Starlink works here."
Parking alternatives: Hogback Mountain Trailhead offers overnight parking for larger rigs. A visitor described it as a "Large open lot at top of paved highway pass. Great place to stop for the night. Not a lot of ambiance, but plenty of room for any number of rigs."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Nelson, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Nelson, NH is George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed with a 4.7-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Nelson, NH?
TheDyrt.com has all 19 dispersed camping locations near Nelson, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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