Primitive camping near Plainfield, New Hampshire primarily centers on the southeastern edge of Green Mountain National Forest, where elevations range from 900 to 2,100 feet. Most dispersed sites in this region require self-sufficiency with no developed facilities, and many areas close seasonally when forest roads become impassable due to snow accumulation or spring mud conditions. Access routes frequently follow river valleys with camping opportunities along brooks that drain the eastern slopes of the Green Mountains.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 3 miles from sites. Texas Falls Primitive campsites offers access to cascading water features and natural pools. "Texas falls is a great place to stop and explore. Then, if you venture further up into the mountains you come upon the campsites with fire pits and if your lucky you can get one on the river," notes reviewer Miccal M.
River swimming: Access in multiple spots. The Mad River corridor near Warren Falls provides natural swimming holes during summer months. One camper mentioned, "Just south of Warren Falls trail head and parking lot and just north of Green Mountains National Forest Road #25, is a small camping and parking area wedged between the Mad River and Vermont Route 100."
Stargazing: Best in meadow sites. Open field camping on forest roads offers unobstructed night sky viewing. At Green Mountain National Forest FR207, a camper experienced "beautiful night skies and scenery. Extremely calm and peaceful. Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving."
What campers like
Riverside camping locations: Natural white noise. Many dispersed sites are positioned directly alongside brooks or streams. At Patterson Brookside camp, campers appreciate that "Mountain road lingers along the river. There's quite a few sites along the road. Be sure to camp at spots with established fire rings!"
Meadow views: Sunrise and sunset opportunities. Some sites feature open fields with panoramic mountain vistas. "In the first large meadow, multiple fire rings/sites. Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests," reports a camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207.
Privacy options: Range of site placements. Campers can choose between roadside accessibility or tucked-away spots. At Road's End Dispersed Camp, one visitor noted it's a "great private spot when nothing else is around. The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles."
What you should know
Vehicle clearance requirements: 9+ inches recommended. Many forest roads leading to dispersed sites have rough sections or water crossings. A camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207 cautions, "This is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance."
Limited seasonal access: Spring and fall closures. Forest service roads typically close during mud season (March-May) and after significant snowfall (November-April). "This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF," reports a camper at Patterson Brookside camp.
Bear activity: Proper food storage essential. Wildlife encounters are possible, especially at Tripoli Road where "bears are in the area. Following the July 4, 2019 holiday, the camping area was closed after bears visited campsites and got into food."
Campsite selection timing: Arrive early. Most sites operate on first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. A visitor to Downed Bridge Camp suggests, "If you're looking for the ideal spot to stay a few days make sure you show in daylight so you can explore."
Tips for camping with families
Water filtration: Plan for stream sources. Most primitive sites near Plainfield have no potable water. At Austin Brook, "Brook water filtered fine and was tasty. Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome."
Multiple site availability: Group options. Several areas offer clustered sites for families camping together. At On the Hill Dispersed Camp, a reviewer notes it's "a nice size primitive site for a small group."
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing. Early mornings offer chances to spot local fauna. One camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207 reported, "Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accessibility: Small rigs only. Most forest service roads accommodate smaller trailers or truck campers, not large motorhomes. A Road's End Dispersed Camp camper advises, "The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles."
Level site scarcity: Scout before committing. Many dispersed sites have uneven terrain requiring leveling blocks. "Some sports have dips in the ground," notes a camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207.
Turn-around space considerations: Plan entry/exit. Forest roads often narrow with limited places to turn around larger vehicles. At Patterson Brookside camp, "The dirt road along the river is an easy drive, though it is single lane in a few locations, so be aware of oncoming traffic."
