Best Dispersed Camping near Plymouth, NH

The White Mountain National Forest surrounding Plymouth, New Hampshire features numerous dispersed camping options within a 30-minute drive. Popular areas include Tripoli Road in Thornton, offering roadside camping with fire rings and limited facilities, and Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site with its mix of pull-in and walk-in sites. These primitive camping areas typically operate seasonally, with most roads opening in late May and closing in autumn due to weather conditions. The region's camping landscape ranges from accessible car camping spots to remote backcountry sites like Guyot Shelter, which requires a strenuous hike but rewards with platform camping at 4,360 feet elevation.

Seasonal road closures significantly impact camping availability throughout the White Mountains. As one camper noted, "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." Many dispersed sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with varying registration requirements. Bear activity presents a consistent concern, with some areas experiencing temporary closures when proper food storage practices aren't followed. Cell service varies dramatically across the region, with reception typically better at higher elevations or near developed areas. Most roads to camping areas are unpaved, with conditions ranging from well-maintained gravel to rough terrain requiring high-clearance vehicles.

Campers consistently praise the privacy and natural settings of dispersed sites in the region. Town Hall Road receives particularly high ratings, with one visitor describing it as "a long road with many designated dispersed sites, all far apart from each other and all varying in levelness and size." Riverside sites are especially coveted, offering both scenic value and practical water access. Wildlife encounters, including bears and moose, are commonly reported near Haystack Road and other areas. While most sites provide fire rings, additional amenities are minimal to nonexistent. Weekends see significantly higher occupancy rates, particularly during summer and fall foliage season, with midweek visits offering the best chance of securing preferred locations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Plymouth, New Hampshire (8)

    1. Tripoli Road

    11 Reviews
    North Woodstock, NH
    17 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. Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site

    3 Reviews
    North Woodstock, NH
    17 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."

    3. Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Deerfield, NH
    30 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."

    4. Town Hall Road Dispersed

    18 Reviews
    Chatham, NH
    41 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."

    5. Haystack Road

    5 Reviews
    Twin Mountain, NH
    36 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."

    6. Haystack Road

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

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

    7. Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Bretton Woods, NH
    40 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."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Plymouth, NH

49 Reviews of 8 Plymouth Campgrounds



Guide to Plymouth

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Plymouth, New Hampshire, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy a more rustic and secluded outdoor experience. With a variety of options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Plymouth, New Hampshire

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially at popular locations like Tripoli Road, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; many sites, such as Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site, do not offer drinking water or toilets, so plan accordingly.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife, particularly at Haystack Road, where bears and moose are known to roam, and ensure your food is stored securely.

Scenic riverside spots for dispersed campers

  • For a tranquil experience by the water, Tripoli Road offers beautiful riverside sites that are perfect for families and those looking to relax.
  • If you prefer fishing, Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site features a lovely pond with great views and fishing opportunities.
  • Campers at Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping can enjoy a peaceful setting with access to a water source and scenic views of the surrounding mountains.

Dispersed campers should check out Tripoli Road

  • Known for its stunning natural beauty, Tripoli Road is a favorite among seasoned campers who appreciate a more primitive experience.
  • The area is well-maintained, with sites that are close to hiking trails, making it an ideal base for outdoor adventures.
  • Be mindful of the lack of amenities; while there are port-a-potties available, campers should be prepared for a more rugged experience without showers or electric hookups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Plymouth, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Plymouth, NH is Tripoli Road with a 4.3-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Plymouth, NH?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Plymouth, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.