Best Dispersed Camping near New London, NH
Dispersed camping options exist within driving distance of New London, New Hampshire, primarily in the White Mountain National Forest. Tripoli Road in Thornton offers numerous primitive sites along a seasonal forest road that typically opens in late May and closes in autumn. Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site provides free camping with drive-in access. Additional dispersed camping can be found across the state border in Vermont, including Downed Bridge Camp and Road's End Dispersed Camp, both offering free primitive camping with minimal amenities.
Road conditions vary significantly between sites. Tripoli Road features a mix of graded and unpaved sections, while Elbow Pond Road is described as rough terrain not recommended for sedans or low-clearance vehicles. Most sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. Tripoli Road requires registration at the ranger station and charges a flat rate fee per vehicle ($20-30 depending on weekday or weekend stays in 2019). Camping is limited to established sites with fire rings. Amenities are minimal, with portable toilets available at some locations but generally no water, electricity, or waste facilities.
These primitive areas attract visitors seeking a more rustic camping experience. Tripoli Road provides access to several hiking trails, including routes to Mount Osceola, Tripyramid, and Tecumseh. Sites near water are particularly popular, with some campers noting the appeal of riverside locations. Bear activity has been reported in the area, requiring proper food storage. A visitor noted, "Great spot for the weekdays, hardly anyone around and got a great site right by the river." Another camper commented on Elbow Pond: "This is an awesome spot for camping. 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." Privacy levels vary, with some sites positioned close together while others offer more seclusion.
