Primitive camping options surround New London, New Hampshire at elevations ranging from 700 to 1,500 feet in the foothills of the White Mountains. The National Forest lands feature predominantly mixed hardwood and conifer forests with numerous small streams and ponds scattered throughout. Dispersed sites typically open in May when snow melt and mud season conclude, though access roads remain unplowed through winter months.
What to do
Mountain biking access: Several trails near Tripoli Road connect to larger networks. "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. Shorter treks include Welch-Dickey (great open ledges) and Snow's Mountain (along a river with falls)," notes Jean C.
Water recreation: Nearby rivers and ponds provide multiple activity options during summer months. Joseph A. shares, "This is a great spot to start getting into camping with less amenities and more outdoors. Drive up the dirt road and find a nice riverside camp site. The Pemigewassett offers tubing and kayaking put ins."
Fishing opportunities: Local ponds hold trout and bass populations for anglers. At Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site, Dom L. mentions "Theres a nice pond with great views and good fishing. Some of the sites are close together but there are some that are a good distance apart."
What campers like
Riverside sites: Prime camping spots often feature water proximity. "Fantastic secluded options, highly recommend getting a good spot by the river. Park staff are great and spots are well maintained," explains Kat B. about her experiences at Tripoli Road.
Weekday solitude: Visitor numbers decrease significantly Monday through Thursday. Ali B. reports, "Great spot for the weekdays, hardly anyone around and got a great site right by the river (mid-sept). We left on a Friday morning and a lot more people were coming in so I imagine it could get really loud during busy summer weekends/holidays."
Flexible site selection: Campers appreciate the ability to choose their exact location. At Downed Bridge Camp, Caitlin K. advises, "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. 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."
What you should know
Bear awareness: Wildlife encounters require proper preparation. Jean C. cautions, "You need to be aware that bears are in the area. Following the July 4, 2019 holiday, the camping area was closed after bears visited campsites and got into food that was left in the open and not secured in vehicles or bear canisters."
Vehicle access limitations: Many rustic camping areas near New London require appropriate vehicles. Nels M. advises about Road's End Dispersed Camp: "The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles. The only thing you will find here is a fire ring."
Cell service variability: Connectivity ranges from non-existent to moderate across sites. "Cell service is decent at nearby Russell Pond (Verizon seemed to offer better service than AT&T)," reports Jean C. about the Tripoli Road area.
Tips for camping with families
Site arrival timing: Secure family-friendly spots by arriving early. "It's also first come first serve, so be sure to get up early on Friday for a weekend campout," recommends Kat B. regarding rustic camping near New London.
Distance between sites: Consider spacing when camping with children. Dom L. explains, "Some of the sites are close together but there are some that are a good distance apart. The road in is pretty rough and is not recommended for sedans or lower riding cars."
Trail accessibility: Several Elbow Pond Recreation Area sites offer easier hiking options for families. "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," notes Dom L.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller trailers only. Kevin C. shares his experience: "Camped in a very small spot, just barely enough room for our SUV and small teardrop to get off the road. There was only a 20 foot by 12 foot space to camp in with no water, no dumpster, no toilet, no view of anything."
Limited turn-around space: Plan your approach carefully with trailers. Beau B. notes about Tripoli Road, "Several areas on the road are labeled as 'no parking' just watch the signs. All in all a great get away!"
Site selection priority: RVers should scout locations before committing. "If you're lucky enough to get the last spot on the road it's epic. Note that fills quickly on a weekend," advises Caitlin K. about primitive camping options.
