Dispersed camping areas around Piermont, New Hampshire provide access to both White Mountain and Green Mountain National Forests, with elevations ranging from 600 to 4,300 feet. Seasonal road closures typically restrict access from late October through May, with mud season presenting challenges in spring. Most sites require visitors to practice Leave No Trace principles and store food properly.
What to do
Hiking trail access: At Guyot Shelter dispersed sites, campers can access multiple trails including Bond Cliff Trail at 4,360 feet. "Getting to the sites is pretty strenuous, but totally worth it! We got to the site, claimed our platform and hiked over to West Bond to catch a beautiful sunset," notes reviewer Hollie G. The shelter area includes wooden platforms and bear boxes.
Water recreation: Several dispersed sites offer water access. One camper at Tripoli Road mentioned, "The Pemigewassett offers tubing and kayaking put ins. Outfitters one exit south can provide you with transportation and rentals." Fishing opportunities exist at multiple sites, with some campers reporting success catching trout during summer months.
Scenic drives: Green Mountain National Forest features scenic forest roads with mountain views. A visitor to Green Mountain National Forest FR207 reported, "Beautiful meadow campsites overlooking the valley. Firepits and tent platforms are in place although most of the sites are drive-in. If you're looking for a picture perfect campsite with a view this is the place for you!"
What campers like
Secluded riverside spots: Many free camping areas near Piermont feature sites along streams and rivers. A camper at Austin Brook remarked, "There's a few sites here! All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings." These waterside sites provide natural white noise and cooling during summer months.
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse wildlife including moose and bird species. One camper at Cherry Mountain Road noted, "The camp sites 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." Early morning and dusk offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Stargazing conditions: Limited light pollution makes this region excellent for night sky observation. A reviewer noted, "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." Campers should plan around new moon phases for optimal stargazing.
What you should know
Vehicle clearance requirements: Many forest roads require vehicles with higher ground clearance. A reviewer at Green Mountain National Forest FR25 mentioned, "All the sites were full when I visited (6 to 8 sites, approximately, but I didn't go down a couple little gravel paths to check each spot as you couldn't turn around easily)." Consider weather conditions before attempting access.
Camping gear security: Property theft has been reported at some locations. One camper warned, "Make sure to lock you valuables. Our Jackery, Solar panels & toilet were stolen." Never leave valuable equipment unattended, particularly at sites near main roads.
Site availability timing: Weekdays offer better opportunities for securing preferred sites. "We were here on a Friday & Saturday nights. Friday night had the whole place to ourselves. Saturday night all spots filled," reported one camper. Arriving before 2pm on weekdays provides the best chance of finding available sites during peak season.
Tips for camping with families
Best family-friendly sites: Some dispersed areas offer more family-appropriate amenities than others. A visitor to Tripoli Road mentioned, "I've passed through several times while hiking Mt Osceola and have observed that these sites are often filled with groups or families with multiple tents." Sites with level ground and nearby water access work best for families with children.
Swimming holes: Several locations feature swimming opportunities suitable for children. "This site has 3-5 campsites right off of route 100. This is right next to Mad River with a area to walk down into a swimming hole. Great place," wrote a camper at Route 100 Dispersed Camping. Always check water conditions and currents before allowing children to swim.
Seasonal considerations: Timing affects the family camping experience significantly. One visitor noted, "This is an awesome spot for camping. The road in is pretty rough and is not recommended for sedans or lower riding cars." Mud season (typically April-May) should be avoided for family camping trips due to difficult access and buggy conditions.
Tips from RVers
Turning radius limitations: Forest roads often have tight turns unsuitable for larger RVs. A camper at Cherry Mountain Road observed, "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." Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller trailers and campervans under 20 feet.
Solar considerations: Tree cover affects solar charging capabilities. "We were able to collect sunlight onto our solar panel from the site," reported one RVer. Meadow sites in Green Mountain National Forest typically offer better solar exposure than densely forested White Mountain locations.
