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Best Dispersed Camping near Pittsburg, NH

12 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities surround Pittsburg, New Hampshire along the Connecticut River and nearby forest areas. The Connecticut River Paddlers Trail provides several primitive campsites accessible primarily by water, including the Maine Railroad Trestle and Scott C. Devlin Memorial sites in Vermont. Additional dispersed camping can be found at Hogan Road Pulloff near the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire. Several sites in Maine, including Smudge Cove, Eagle Cove, and Raven, are accessible via boat or hiking trails along the Forest Legacy Trail near Cupsuptic Lake. Trout Brook Campground and Rangeley-Stratton Road Camp offer additional primitive sites in Maine's Dead River region.

Most dispersed sites require specific access methods, with many reachable only by boat, hiking, or high-clearance vehicles. The Hogan Road Pulloff features approximately 0.6 miles of gravel road that most vehicles can handle, though the road becomes rougher beyond the camping area. Sites along the Connecticut River require boats for access, with some featuring wooden steps or docks for loading and unloading. Many locations prohibit campfires or require permits for fires. The Maine sites offer varying amenities—some with tent platforms, picnic tables, and established fire rings. Trout Brook Campground's access road is described as "rough, not for normal street cars," indicating high-clearance vehicles may be necessary. Camping duration is limited to 14 days at some locations.

These remote sites provide varying levels of privacy and natural experiences. The Connecticut River sites offer seclusion and quietude, though one visitor noted: "We did have an ATV almost run over us at 1:00 a.m. that scared the dickens out of us." Wildlife viewing opportunities include loons on Cupsuptic Lake. The Hogan Road Pulloff accommodates several tents and hammocks, with one camper noting it as "very private" with "very mild highway traffic sounds in the distance." Site conditions can vary dramatically with weather—Eagle Cove becomes challenging in rain, with one visitor reporting it was "tough to find a spot to pitch the tent that wasn't going to put us in a puddle." Trout Brook Campground offers multiple sites but limited privacy, with a visitor commenting that "sites are worn in" and the "area is overused."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Pittsburg, New Hampshire (8)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Pittsburg, NH

22 Photos of 8 Pittsburg Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Pittsburg, NH

12 Reviews of 8 Pittsburg Campgrounds

  • Miccal M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Trout Brook Campground

    Primitive Camping at it's most Public

    This location is Beautiful, but it comes at the cost of privacy.  When I first discovered this spot, it wasn't an official campsite, people just came here to swim and there was a fire ring. That was over 20yrs ago.

    There are 4 sites, 3 have no separation between them, 1 is at the entrance, all are on the access road with 0 privacy.  This area is overused, and it shows, sites are warn in and if there was room relocating fire pits and allowing some nature to come back would be nice.  I managed to tuck myself into a private alcove of trees on the #1 site, but still was in full view of headlights and people driving in to see if there was space.  The site I had was big enough that I shared it with a couple that had a small child, and they had their own section. 

    There are no service, no water, no electricity, no to little cell coverage.  There is one pit toilet.  

    The access road in is rough, not for normal street cars.

    Did I mention lack of privacy?

    See pics.

  • Chris T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2023

    Trout Brook Campground

    Dispersed site with lake access

    Very wooded. Road is passable for most any vehicle. Not larger RV friendly but was comfortable enough to get the 27' foot trailer in. Some fire rings and tables available. Cannot be beat for zero dollars. Posted up to 14 days max. Even an out-house.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2023

    Raven

    Super Impacted

    This site, while in a beautiful spot perched above Cupsuptic Lake, it is so impacted that in the rain it was a literal mud pit. While there was a picnic table to get up off the ground, finding a spot to pitch a tent where water wouldn't puddle would be impossible. We hiked in, but you can paddle into the site just know that the exit/entry to the water is a bit tricky and not as easy as some of the other sites available along the way. 

    There is a large fire pit, also a mess in the down pours. The picnic table is in far better shape here than the one in Eagle Cove (rotting) and Cedar Bay (non-existent). The site is quite small and wouldn't be able to accommodate more than two small tents. I wouldn't make a special trip to stay here.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2023

    Scott C. Devlin Memorial

    Secluded and Quiet

    This is another beautiful site along the CT River Paddler's Trail. It is well maintained and tucked on a knoll in a pine forest. There is a picnic table, fire ring and composting toilet box seat. The takeout is easy to miss if you aren't looking as it sits right in the bend of the river. There is a set of wooden steps that go down into the water at a relatively steep angle. Be sure you tie your boat up while unloading as there is a fair amount of current sweeping around the bend. Use caution moving up and down the steps.

    There is a flat area at the top of the steps where you can tie up your boat for the evening. Follow the path along an electric fence (be careful if you have dogs with you) up into the campsite. There you will find a nice shady spot with plenty of flat space for tents. Beware the ticks! They weren't the worse I've seen, but they are definitely around.

    Aside from the tricky loading and unloading on the water, this site is pretty dang perfect!

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2023

    Eagle Cove

    Not good in the rain

    We stayed here during a torrential downpour and it was tough to find a spot to pitch the tent that wasn't going to put us in a puddle. The site has very little clear flat area for an established campsite and it took a little bit of strategy to find a spot where we could actually sleep and stay relatively dry given the circumstances.

    This is a waterfront site but there isn't super easy access to the lake, but the view is pretty amazing! There is a rough fire pit that had a stack of wood next to it that was clearly part of an old picnic table. The picnic table that was in the site was, well...let's call it a "living picnic table." It was not in great shape and was actively rotting. We made it work because we had already traveled through the other available sites and they were in worse shape than this one. It did the trick for an evening but I certainly wouldn't go out of my way to stay here.

  • Laurel P.
    Jul. 28, 2024

    Hogan Road Pulloff near Appalachian Trail

    Quick Saturday Night with my pup

    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 for this area but someone got to it before me last night. no fires allowed here. only saw one biker and one truck full of local boys pass by in the last 16 hrs

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2023

    Smudge Cove

    A Favorite Spot

    This campsite is along the Forest Legacy Trail and while the trail is managed by one entity, the remote campsites are managed by another. The Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust maintains the trails in and out while Cupsuptic Campground manages the campsites.

    There is a tent platform at Smudge Cove but it is in desperate need of repair and it sounds like that's in the plans for next summer. There is a nice picnic table available as well as an established fire ring. The site is just off the water and there is a nice long dock that makes it super easy to boat into and unload. You can also backpack in and enjoy some pretty cool Maine forests along the way. There is also relatively easy access to the water by way of the rocks, beside the dock.

    These sites are secluded and offer a lovely amount of privacy and rest assured, the only sounds you will hear at night are the loons!

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2023

    Maine Railroad Trestle

    Nice site along the CT River Paddlers Trail

    While reservations are not required, there is a registration page on the CT River Paddler's Trail Website that they ask folx to complete just so spots don't get overcrowded. 

    There are several sites available here and a really nice rocky beach with easy access fo loading and unloading. It's also a nice spot to fish from. There is a site perched high on the hill where there is a picnic table and fire ring. There is also a spot lower down that is nice and flat and probably better spots for tents. We did have an ATV almost run over us at 1:00 a.m. that scared the dickens out of us. They were clearly unaware and intoxicated, it was a scary moment. But aside from that, it's a wonderful site. If you walk through the campsite, there is a massive cornfield, just beware that the ticks in the field are insane! They weren't bad in the campsite but in the grass, they were epic. There's nice shade available as well.

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2023

    Rangeley - Stratton Road Camp

    GPS coordinates: 45.004911,-70.578276

    There are three free campsites off Route 16 between Rangeley and Stratton, ME, located on the Dead River. Head northeast out of Rangeley toward Stratton. They are located just after you cross the bridge over the Dead River on the left side of the road. You only need a permit if you plan to have a fire.

Guide to Pittsburg

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Pittsburg, New Hampshire, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations to choose from, you can enjoy the tranquility of the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Raven

  • Located near Cupsuptic Lake, Raven offers a picturesque setting, though it can get muddy during rainy weather.
  • The site features a picnic table and a large fire pit, making it a cozy spot for evening gatherings, despite its small size.
  • Access is available by hiking or paddling, providing a sense of adventure as you reach this secluded area.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Pittsburg, New Hampshire

  • Consider Smudge Cove for its privacy and beautiful surroundings, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • This site has a tent platform and a picnic table, although some repairs are needed, making it a charming option for a peaceful retreat.
  • The easy access to the water and nearby hiking trails enhances the camping experience, allowing for both relaxation and exploration.

Scenic views for dispersed campers at Eagle Cove

  • Eagle Cove provides stunning waterfront views, although finding a dry spot for your tent can be challenging during wet weather.
  • The site lacks amenities like picnic tables and toilets, which encourages a more primitive camping experience.
  • Despite its limitations, the breathtaking scenery and the opportunity to connect with nature make it a worthwhile stop for adventurous campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules for dispersed camping in Pittsburg, New Hampshire?

Dispersed camping in Pittsburg typically has a maximum stay limit of 14 days, as enforced at sites like Maine Railroad Trestle. While reservations aren't usually required, some areas request campers to register online to prevent overcrowding. At Rangeley - Stratton Road Camp, permits are only needed for campfires. Fire regulations vary by location and season - some sites have established fire rings while others prohibit fires entirely. Pack-in/pack-out principles apply for waste, though some dispersed sites do provide basic facilities like composting toilets. Always check local regulations before your trip, as rules can change seasonally or based on fire danger levels.

Where can I find dispersed camping in Pittsburg, NH?

Pittsburg, NH offers several dispersed camping options. Trout Brook Campground provides free dispersed camping with 4 sites, though only one offers real privacy. Some sites include fire rings and tables, and the area is accessible for most vehicles including smaller trailers (up to 27'). Another option is Hogan Road Pulloff near Appalachian Trail, which features a private pull-off area with lake views. This site is accessible via a gravel road that's manageable for most vehicles, but becomes rougher if you venture too far in. The area has plenty of trees for hammocks and space for multiple tents.

Is dispersed camping available year-round in Pittsburg?

Dispersed camping in Pittsburg is technically available year-round, but accessibility and conditions vary significantly by season. Winter access to sites like Scott C. Devlin Memorial and Eagle Cove becomes challenging due to snow and unplowed roads. Spring brings muddy conditions, making many sites difficult to use - reviews note some locations becoming mud pits during rain. Summer and early fall offer the most reliable conditions. Weather impacts site quality significantly; heavy rain can make finding dry tent spots difficult at some locations. For reliable year-round access, stick to sites accessible from maintained roads, and always have backup plans during off-season visits when conditions can change rapidly.

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