Several dispersed camping options exist in the Vermont and New Hampshire areas west of Newport, offering free primitive sites with fire rings and direct access to forests, streams, and reservoirs. The Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont contains multiple free primitive sites, particularly along Forest Road 71 and around the Somerset Reservoir area. Most sites consist of simple clearings with fire rings and no other amenities. Additional dispersed camping can be found near Michigan Brook, at locations such as Downed Bridge Camp and Road's End Dispersed Camp.
Access to these dispersed sites varies significantly by location. Many require travel on unpaved forest roads with conditions that change seasonally. Several reviewers note high-clearance vehicles are necessary for certain areas, particularly Elbow Pond Road in New Hampshire where one camper reported, "The road in is pretty rough and is not recommended for sedans or lower riding cars." Most primitive sites lack drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Fire restrictions vary by site and season, with some locations permitting campfires while others prohibit them. Somerset Airfield is one of the few areas with vault toilets.
These dispersed campsites near Newport offer seclusion and direct access to natural surroundings, though site availability can be limited during peak periods. Somerset Reservoir offers opportunities for paddling and fishing near the camping areas. Some sites feature river or stream access, adding to their appeal. Winter camping is possible but challenging, as described by one camper at Somerset Airfield: "We endured snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8 inches of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday." Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most locations. Campers frequently mention the importance of leaving sites cleaner than found, with one noting, "Two years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us."
"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."
"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. "
"great private spot when nothing else is around. The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles. The only thing you will find here is a fire ring."
"No toilet, no showers, no Wi-Fi, no electricity Love it I’ve been primitive camping since before I could walk and def glad this app exist First use of the app and found the perfect spot away from my"
"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. Some of the camping spots have fire pits but not all."
"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."
"We have a low clearance car and it was a bit bumpy. This site was amazing, clean and easy pull in pull out."
"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. "
ScoutIt was dark. I arrived after 7p. There were 3 rv camps already going on. All 3 had camp fires. Many fire rings for many groups. No hassles at all. It's off the beaten path but worth it. The first 4 camp sites were open. Made a fire. Ate some food. I got a good night sleep. Nothing ate me or attacked me so that's 5 star in my book.
TravelerHad a great time camping here this weekend! There are quite a few small sites spread throughout the area, with a decent amount of space between them, especially for New England. Some of the sites are easily accessible, while others require navigating some more technical terrain, which is a nice bonus if you’re looking for a little off-roading. Not every site is fully surrounded by woods, so privacy definitely varies depending on which one you choose. Luckily, the spot we stayed at was pretty secluded and gave us the privacy we were looking for. The fire pit was in good shape, and the area was relatively clean. Overall, a great spot with a nice variety of sites depending on your vehicle and how much privacy you’re looking for. Would definitely camp here again!
ScoutWe arrived on a Wednesday in early October with intentions of enjoying the foliage, which we did. We found the campsites easily and the access road is in good condition so the local speed through all day long.
I am not sure how many sites there are, we took the first one we would fit into. We travel with a Lance camper mounted on a Silverado.
My travel companions are cats and they are accustomed to the typical noises of RV life; truck stops, rest stops, neighboring campers and the occasional disrespectful loud jerks. At this spot we were serenaded by gun fire. I served in the military and grew up on a farm; guns don’t bother me in the least. I think of range fire as the sound of freedom, however, this started at dawn and did not stop until after the sun went down. The gunfire was so loud and consistent that the cats got spooked and took to hiding inside the camper.
We were going to stay for the weekend but left after our second night.
Not a bad spot (there is a small stream across the access road, not deep enough for true swimming but good enough for paddling around), surrounded by beautiful woods and no true neighbors, but between the never ending line of fast moving cars and the gun fire we decided to leave.
TravelerNo toilet, no showers, no Wi-Fi, no electricity Love it I’ve been primitive camping since before I could walk and def glad this app exist
First use of the app and found the perfect spot away from my friends Airbnb and still close enough to go hangout with them. The site is the perfect size for a single or couple and it gives off the right kind of privacy
Thanks Dyrt
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.
TravelerThis is a good spot if you don’t mind being social. The main camping area is a large grassy opening where multiple people park and camp together, and there is a bathroom, but there isn’t much privacy between sites. If you continue farther down the forest road, there are several smaller pull-offs with much more private dispersed camping spots. I’d recommend checking those out if you’re looking for a quieter experience.
TravelerPrivate, large site. This was the first site in the road. We have a low clearance car and it was a bit bumpy. This site was amazing, clean and easy pull in pull out.
GuideMade the trip on a Friday evening. Set up in freezing drizzle. Not a bad weekend all things considered. Lots of snowmobile traffic, which didn’t bother me. Saturday was the best day by far. Was only one other couple that weekend. Bathrooms were open, but very basic and no water. But grateful nonetheless.
GuideTons of different styles of camping spots (if you get there while its still sunlight you can pick a spot by a flowing stream/river). No public bathrooms, no hookups, I personally didn’t have service.
Dispersed camping near Newport, New Hampshire offers multiple free sites across the Connecticut River in Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest. Sites cluster around forest roads at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 feet, creating varied camping conditions dependent on seasonal weather patterns. Many locations require traveling washboard dirt roads that become particularly challenging after rainfall or during spring thaw.
Paddling and fishing on Somerset Reservoir: Somerset Airfield provides convenient access to water recreation. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Resevoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," notes one camper.
Stream access for cooling off: At NF 83 - riverside, campers enjoy water access right at their site. "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!" reports a visitor who appreciated the waterfront location.
Hiking trail connections: Forest Road 71 sites offer connections to regional trail systems. One camper staying at Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71 noted, "Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT."
Solitude on weekdays: Free camping near Newport often means different experiences depending on timing. "I couldn't believe that the site was not being used at all, especially just a couple of days before Fourth of July weekend. Many other sites further south on 71 were filled and some were just TTs holding the space," reports a Statton Pond Camp visitor.
Winter camping experiences: For adventurous campers, Somerset Airfield offers four-season camping. One winter camper noted, "Everything crusted was over with a good inch of ice. I have never endured such winds camping, I was sure camp was going to be blown apart."
Riverside settings: Many sites feature waterfront locations. A visitor to Last light on Michigan Brook advised, "Love this site! The very last spot on the right hand side. If you've reached the closed gate you've missed the site!"
Site cleanliness varies: Pack out trash bags and possibly cleaning supplies. At Dispersed site along Forest RD 71, one regular camper explained, "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."
Vehicle clearance matters: Low-clearance vehicles struggle at many sites. A NF 83 - riverside camper warned, "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!"
Cell service limitations: Communication options vary by site. A Statton Pond camper reported, "2 bars of USCellular LTE," but most locations have minimal or no service, requiring planning for emergency communication.
Look for flat, open sites: Some locations offer better setup for families with multiple tents. At On the Hill Dispersed Camp, a camper noted, "It's a nice size primitive site for a small group."
Consider vault toilet availability: Somerset Airfield provides bathroom facilities. "There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service," explains a visitor, making it more suitable for families than completely undeveloped sites.
Arrival timing matters: Secure family-friendly spots by arriving early. A Downed Bridge Camp visitor 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."
Space constraints at some sites: Several dispersed sites have limited turning radius. "OK for an overnight stay but not a desirable camping location overall," notes a visitor to Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site who struggled with a small teardrop trailer.
Airfield sites offer more space: Somerset Airfield works better for larger setups. A camper observed, "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 Trailers that can't get into smaller sites."
Road conditions change seasonally: Forest roads deteriorate after rain. An Elbow Pond visitor warned, "The road in is pretty rough and is not recommended for sedans or lower riding cars," which applies even more to vehicles towing RVs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Newport, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Newport, NH is Somerset Airfield with a 4-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Newport, NH?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 dispersed camping locations near Newport, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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