Best Dispersed Camping near North Woodstock, NH

Several dispersed camping areas surround North Woodstock, New Hampshire within White Mountain National Forest, with popular free sites along Tripoli Road, Haystack Road, and Cherry Mountain Road. These primitive camping zones typically feature established fire rings and minimal amenities, allowing campers to stay for up to 14 days at no cost. The region also includes backcountry options like Guyot Shelter for hikers accessing the Appalachian Trail system.

Most forest service roads in the area are seasonal, with closures during winter months and spring mud season. Tripoli Road typically opens in late May and closes in autumn, with similar patterns for other dispersed camping roads. Sites vary from roadside pull-offs to more secluded spots set back in the woods. No drinking water, electricity, or sanitation facilities exist at most locations, though some areas like Tripoli Road have portable toilets near entrance points. According to one visitor, "You must register at the ranger station on the western end of the road, shortly past the entrance to the Russell Pond campground" for Tripoli Road sites.

These primitive camping areas provide excellent access to White Mountain hiking trails and natural features. Many sites along Tripoli Road offer riverside camping, while Haystack Road ends at North Twin Trailhead, connecting to the Pemigewasset Wilderness. Wildlife encounters are common, with one camper noting, "Wildlife like bear and moose will visit you at night. It's almost a certainty, keep your food locked in a bear tight container." Town Hall Road dispersed sites, though farther from North Woodstock, receive high ratings for privacy, with a visitor commenting that sites are "all far apart from each other and all varying in levelness and size." Cherry Mountain Road offers smaller, quieter sites with easy access to the Cherry Mountain trail system.

Best Dispersed Sites Near North Woodstock, New Hampshire (12)

    1. Tripoli Road

    11 Reviews
    North Woodstock, NH
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 528-8721

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Easy access to trailhead for Tecumseh Mountain. Rustic sites with no water or electric."

    "No electricity, no showers. Portta potties every so often. Always close enough to walk to. Love the sites on the water. Have been going here for over 10 years. My kids now love it too"

    2. Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Deerfield, NH
    11 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "Sufficient amount of platform, water source, bear proof Joe box, pivy and springs all at one spot"

    "Step walk in and out though most of the tent plat forms have amazing views. I have stayed here twice and had great experiences."

    3. Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site

    3 Reviews
    North Woodstock, NH
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 536-6100

    "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."

    4. Haystack Road

    5 Reviews
    Twin Mountain, NH
    16 miles

    "They have a fire pit, plenty of woods around, and are free."

    "It is next to the Highway on a paved fire road. So you can hear traffic. And it is paved (which is good if it’s wet and muddy elsewhere). The other spots looked amazing."

    5. Haystack Road

    2 Reviews
    Deerfield, NH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 528-8721

    "Right near a great swimming hole and the twin mountains. It is quiet, the sites are far apart."

    6. Town Hall Road Dispersed

    19 Reviews
    Chatham, NH
    31 miles

    "Awesome boondocking in New Hampshire, what a treat in the east coast! Just beautiful scenery, with trees, rivers, creeks, hiking trails with a pond- we absolutely loved our time here. "

    "My first ever dispersed camping experience. So freaking amazing and unbelievable. It was pouring rain when we came to NH so we tried to wait out the rain, but it was getting dark."

    7. Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Bretton Woods, NH
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 466-2713

    "This site is about 90 yards from the fire tower trailhead.

    Site #9 goes back about 70 to 80 feet back off the road."

    "We stayed on site #5 because it was flat, sunny, grassy and had a little brook. Had some passing by traffic but each site is far apart from each other."

    9. White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road

    6 Reviews
    Gilead, ME
    41 miles

    "We pulled in around 7:30 pm on a Sunday night and there were plenty of open spots. We took a huge one. Found a fairly flat area and stayed for the night."

    "8 huge, beautiful campsites in the heavily wooded Evans Notch section of The White Mountains National Forest."

    10. Hogan Road Pulloff near Appalachian Trail

    2 Reviews
    Gorham, NH
    37 miles

    "amazing lil spot, a pull off the wild rocky road. very private. right next to a serene view of the lake. very mild highway traffic sounds in the distance. there was another spot at the posted coordinates"

    "Would be really quiet if not for the road across the lake. I saw one truck in the evening and one in the morning."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near North Woodstock, NH

58 Reviews of 12 North Woodstock Campgrounds


  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2019

    Tripoli Road

    Dispersed camping, be bear aware!

    Tripoli Road is a seasonal road, opening in late May most years and closing in autumn. Check the White Mountain National Forest Facebook page for up to date road closures/status. The section before Russell Pond often opens before the rest of it, which is graded, not paved. The road runs between the Waterville Valley area and I-93 exit 31. This is roadside camping, no frills, first come, first served. You must stay at a site with a fire ring, but sites are not numbered. Road signs demarcate no camping zones; some areas look like they could be campsites, but will also be marked with no camping signs. 

    You must register at the ranger station on the western end of the road, shortly past the entrance to the Russell Pond campground. Rates are a flat rate set per car and per weekends or weekday period. In other words, you pay one rate for 1-5 weekdays ($20 in 2019) and another fee for a weekend($25-30 - holidays). It’s self service most of the time, with the ranger available Friday and Saturday evenings. 

    The 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. There are no reservations, so you'll be choosing your own when you arrive. Downhill sites closest to the Russell Pond area seem to be most popular. Most of these were occupied on a late June weekend, while those farther down the road remained empty.

    There are port-a-potties near the western entrance, but otherwise you’re on your own with cat holes or portable toilet solutions. Nearest showers are at Russell Pond. Please keep it clean and protect the area. I’ve passed through several times while hiking My Osceola and have observed that these sites are often filled with groups or families with multiple tents. On a late June weekend there are numerous empty sites, so they seem to be more available than the dispersed sites along Gale River Rd and Haystack Rd (farther north in Twin Mountain). Excessive drinking and noise can be an issue. 

    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. The camping area re-opened July 19, but check the White Mountain National Forest FB page before heading up there. If the issue recurs, I wouldn't be surprised if they close it again.

    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). Nearby Russell Pond offers ranger programs, fishing, and you can put a kayak or canoe in. The Pemigewassett offers tubing and kayaking put ins. Outfitters one exit south can provide you with transportation and rentals. Exit 32 for Lincoln, Woodstock, and the Kanc is less than 5 miles north.

    Cell service is decent at nearby Russell Pond (Verizon seemed to offer better service than AT&T).

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed

    Super quiet and lots of privacy

    Came into the area after 7 PM on a Tuesday and found several open sites. We stayed one night in campsite 9. This site is about 90 yards from the fire tower trailhead.

    Site #9 goes back about 70 to 80 feet back off the road. There appears to have been a longer site, but the Forest Service placed boulders blacking vehicles from going further. Just past the boulders is a large fire circle with room for 6 to 8 campers to sit around the fire.

    We were able to collect sunlight onto our solar panel from the site.

    The camp site are all disbursed enough that we did not hear any other camping sounds at all. It was so quiet I could hear the sound of crow wings flapping as they flew by.

    We enjoyed a spectacular view of the Blood Super Moon from the campsite. Overall the site was open to the sky nea3 the road yet protected from the wind.

    The only downside was the lack of any other amenities. As far as disbursed camping in the national forest, this place is not a decent unpaved road and our campsite was only about 3 miles from the highway.

  • G
    Apr. 14, 2020

    Haystack Road

    Secluded, yet centrally located.

    These are my go to sites when I am in the Franconia Notch area. They have a fire pit, plenty of woods around, and are free. The North Twin Trailhead is at the end of Haystack Rd., these trails connect to the Twin Mountain peaks and the Pemigewasset Wilderness area. Its is a great staging ground for weeks worth of adventures, and you're allowed to stay for two weeks. They do get crowded during the season, so you'll have better luck showing up mid-week. Leave your tent set up, or your site could be taken when you get back. There is cell reception at most of the sites. Do not rely on cell phone trail maps, there is little to no reception trail on the trails. Use a downloadable GPS map like a Gaia GPS, or a Garmin type device. Also, wildlife like bear and moose will visit you at night. it's almost a certainty, keep your food locked in a bear tight container. *** The first few sites on the left have a small stream behind them, it'll make your stay a little easier. Bathing, dishes, etc.***

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 28, 2023

    Town Hall Road Dispersed

    Awesome Boondocking

    Awesome boondocking in New Hampshire, what a treat in the east coast! Just beautiful scenery, with trees, rivers, creeks, hiking trails with a pond- we absolutely loved our time here. 

    Town Hall Rd is a long road with many designated dispersed sites, all far apart from each other and all varying in levelness and size. We got lucky and snagged a perfect spot 2 miles in from the entrance sign- completely level (didn’t even need our leveling blocks) and big enough for our 26ft class c. Each site is different, but there were plenty that could fit a medium sized RV like ours. I wouldn’t recommend a giant 5th wheel or class A to come here looking for a spot. The road is dirt, but it’s hard packed and smooth, with a few dips and holes here and there. A little narrow but it’s manageable. The downside of a great road is the speeding cars and trucks- very annoying but thankfully there wasn’t much traffic in early October. I’d say more than half the sites were open when we stayed there mid-week. 

     No amenities here, just a rock fire pit to designate that it’s a spot. Please pack out your trash. Zero cell service in this whole area, but some messages popped through while we were hiking. weBoost did not help. Heavily wooded area, so it’s not so great for solar panels and probably not starlink either (we don’t have starlink so I can’t report on that).

  • Raj T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2021

    Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping

    Gayut Tentsite

    Sufficient amount of platform, water source, bear proof Joe box, pivy and springs all at one spot

  • Atlas W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2023

    Town Hall Road Dispersed

    SO AMAZING!!

    My first ever dispersed camping experience. So freaking amazing and unbelievable. It was pouring rain when we came to NH so we tried to wait out the rain, but it was getting dark. We followed the directions given by previous reviews. Turn onto town hall rd. and keep going past the residential area until you get to gravel road. keep going straight until you see the national forest sign. about a mile later us when campsites started popping up. the first few were full since it was 7pm but we came across one right around where the pin is dropped for this location. the cliff wasn’t too steep here (i passed up a campsite before this one bc it seemed too steep for my liking) and pretty large. beautiful view of the water and even a path down to swim. 10/10 experience and i cant wait to go back.

  • Justin P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 16, 2021

    Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed

    Smaller car and tent sites

    Stopped by on the Cohos Trail. Great location with access to the Cherry Mountain trail, and back down to Ammonoosuc Falls back down near Rt. 302.

    There are a string of tent sites on either side of the road with some right up to the intersection with Cherry Mountain trail.

    A few were small and could just fit a tent and a car, where some offered more space. Some offered a bit of privacy into the woods while most were right along the road.

    There are no facilities here, and most sites showed some significant signs of use. 

    There were plenty of sites available on the weekend in October.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 11, 2019

    Haystack Road

    Dispersed roadside camping near Twin Mountain Trailhead & Franconia Notch

    If you can't snag a site along Gale River Rd or you are looking to hike the Twin Mountains, then continue a little farther north on US 3 near Twin Mountain (a little north of the Beaver Brook Picnic Area) and try your luck on Haystack Rd. This road is closed in winter and will open in late spring after the road has dried out and any repairs have been made. In 2019, it opened in mid-June. Check the the White Mountain National Forest FB page or website (FB is usually more up-to-date) for road status, including closures in the autumn.

    When open, you can drive in to one of 11 numbered, wooded sites and camp up to 14 nights for free. You may have up to 3 vehicles and 15 people on a site. The only amenity is a fire pit, but the road ends at the Little River, offering fishing and swimming options. The parking lot at the end of Haystack Rd serves as the Twin Mountain trail head. You may see moose or bears in the area.

    Franconia Notch State Park is just south of here, with its hikes, recreation trail, echo lake, and the Flume. Head east on 302 and you'll find yourself in Crawford Notch State Park with waterfalls and hikes.

    Forgot something? Fosters Corners just a few miles north has an eclectic selection of essentials as well as gas. Or take I-93 north to Littleton to a wider variety of shops.

  • Beau B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2018

    Tripoli Road

    Tripoli Camp Grounds

    Easy access to trailhead for Tecumseh Mountain. Rustic sites with no water or electric. We found there to be a couple of large group camping areas but they were spread out enough not to bother each other. Port-a-Johns right as you get in but not much more after that. Several areas on the road are labeled as “no parking” just watch the signs. All in all a great get away!


Guide to North Woodstock

The White Mountains National Forest region near North Woodstock sits at elevations ranging from 700 to over 6,000 feet, creating diverse microclimates throughout the camping areas. Seasonal temperature fluctuations can be dramatic, with summer nights dropping into the 40s even when days reach the 80s. Most dispersed camping areas require visitors to practice "leave no trace" principles with complete pack-in, pack-out responsibility.

What to do

Riverside recreation access: At Town Hall Road Dispersed sites, campers can enjoy swimming and fishing right from their campsite. "We found our spot which had some river access and it was gorgeous. It had an above and below spot which hosted our two tents," shares Alex S. The nearby East Branch of the Saco River provides trout fishing opportunities throughout the warmer months.

Day hiking options: Many dispersed sites provide direct trail access without having to relocate your vehicle. Guyot Shelter makes an excellent base for summiting nearby peaks. "We got to the site, claimed our platform and hiked over to West Bond to catch a beautiful sunset," explains Hollie G. The shelter area connects to numerous trails in the Pemigewasset Wilderness.

Paddling and floating: Several dispersed camping areas offer water access suitable for kayaking, canoeing or tubing. "There are trout in the river and if you cross and go through the woods to the right there's some great spots to explore further," notes Erin H. about the Town Hall Road area. The upper portions of various rivers in the region provide class I-II conditions suitable for beginners with proper safety equipment.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Campers consistently appreciate the spacing and layout at most free camping areas near North Woodstock. At White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road, Amanda B. comments, "It's easy to forget there are other people camping on other sites because they're so far apart." Most sites offer natural vegetation screening between campsites.

Stargazing opportunities: Many dispersed sites provide excellent night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. "We enjoyed a spectacular view of the Blood Super Moon from the campsite. Overall the site was open to the sky near the road yet protected from the wind," notes Kevin C. about Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed camping area. Clear nights offer visibility of the Milky Way and numerous constellations.

Simple rustic experience: The basic nature of free camping appeals to many visitors seeking a more authentic outdoor experience. "True primitive sites. First come first serve. Awesome feel. Cool road. Great access to tripyramid hikes. Somewhat isolated," writes Mike M. about dispersed camping options. Most sites provide nothing more than a previously-used fire ring and flat tent space.

What you should know

Site availability patterns: Free sites fill quickly during peak periods with predictable patterns. "It does take about 10 minutes to reach the campsites but it's so worth it. We passed up a couple on the left as you first drive in as they were too steep," reports Alex S. On Tripoli Road, Laura notes, "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."

Road conditions: Access roads to many dispersed sites have variable conditions depending on recent weather and maintenance schedules. For Elbow Pond Recreation Area, Nels M. advises, "Really nice spot, I wouldn't recommend trying to take a normal sedan or something down there and the sites are a little less spread out than I wanted." Many forest roads require high-clearance vehicles, especially after rain.

Equipment theft concerns: Some campers have reported security issues when leaving gear unattended. Sean L. cautions, "Quiet area not far from the main road and a bunch of trailheads, but beware of people stealing camping gear. I left out gear to claim a spot while out hiking and came back to people having stolen some of it as well as setting up in that spot."

Tips for camping with families

Water source proximity: When camping with children, sites with nearby water access provide both practical benefits and entertainment. At Elbow Pond Recreation Area, Dom L. mentions, "Theres a nice pond with great views and good fishing." Many riverside sites along Town Hall Road offer shallow areas suitable for supervised play during summer months.

Site selection for safety: Families should prioritize sites that balance privacy with safety considerations. At Cherry Mountain Road, Aimee L. shares, "We stayed on site #5 because it was flat, sunny, grassy and had a little brook." Sites with natural boundaries like small streams can help define safe play areas for younger children.

Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies dramatically across dispersed camping areas. Laura M. notes about Town Hall Road, "Zero cell service in this whole area, but some messages popped through while we were hiking. weBoost did not help." At Little Larry Road, Kevin H. found, "Just enough t-mobile / starlink signal to watch streaming and message, but wouldn't be enough for remote work."

Tips from RVers

Level site availability: Finding suitable level sites for RVs requires advance planning and flexibility. Laura M. shares about Hogan Road Pulloff, "We got lucky and snagged a perfect spot 2 miles in from the entrance sign- completely level (didn't even need our leveling blocks) and big enough for our 26ft class c." Most dispersed areas contain only a few sites suitable for vehicles larger than truck campers.

Access road limitations: RV drivers must carefully research road conditions before attempting to reach dispersed sites. Bob G. reports, "The road was not as bad as I anticipated. There was room for my Jeep Grand Cherokee towing a squaredrop camper to pass the very few oncoming vehicles we encountered." Arriving midweek provides better opportunities to secure suitable sites for larger vehicles.

Limited turnaround space: Many forest service roads lack adequate turning areas for larger rigs. Kevin C. observed at Elbow Pond, "Camped in a very small spot, just barely enough room for our SUV and small teardrop to get off the road." Backing skills are essential as most sites require reverse entry from narrow forest roads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dispersed camping allowed at Elbow Pond in North Woodstock, NH?

Yes, dispersed camping is allowed at Elbow Pond Recreation Area in North Woodstock, NH. The area is part of the White Mountain National Forest and offers primitive camping opportunities. While there aren't designated sites directly at the pond, there are several dispersed camping spots in the surrounding area. As with all White Mountain National Forest dispersed camping, follow the 200-foot rule (camp at least 200 feet from water sources, trails, and roads) and practice Leave No Trace principles. Always check for any seasonal restrictions or closures before planning your trip.

What amenities are available at Elbow Pond dispersed camping areas in North Woodstock?

Elbow Pond dispersed camping areas offer minimal amenities, as is typical with primitive camping. You'll find natural features like the pond itself and surrounding forest, but no developed facilities. For a comparison, nearby Tripoli Road dispersed camping has basic amenities like portable toilets at the entrance area, but few services beyond that. Similarly, Haystack Road dispersed sites typically only offer fire rings. At Elbow Pond, expect to be fully self-sufficient with no running water, electricity, toilets, or trash service. Pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.

Are there free dispersed camping options near North Woodstock, New Hampshire?

Yes, several free dispersed camping options exist near North Woodstock. Town Hall Road Dispersed offers beautiful secluded sites with varied terrain and easy access to natural features like rivers and creeks. The sites are generously spaced, providing privacy. Another option is Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed, which features multiple tent sites along the road with good access to hiking trails, including the Cherry Mountain trail. These areas follow standard White Mountain National Forest dispersed camping regulations: camp at least 200 feet from water sources, stay maximum 14 days, and practice Leave No Trace principles.