Best Dispersed Camping near Springfield, NH

Looking for the best campgrounds near Springfield, NH? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Springfield is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Springfield camping trip.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Springfield, New Hampshire (6)

    1. Tripoli Road

    11 Reviews
    North Woodstock, NH
    40 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
    37 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. Downed Bridge Camp

    2 Reviews
    Danby, VT
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "But don't worry there is primitive camping starting about a mile down fire road 10... You don't even have to go to fire road 30."

    "Great location for a small group to camp at.  Can't wait to go back.  The main area is a walk in and is worth it.  The road into here was easy to drive. "

    4. Road's End Dispersed Camp

    1 Review
    Belmont, VT
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "great private spot when nothing else is around.  The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles.  The only thing you will find here is a fire ring."

    5. On the Hill Dispersed Camp

    1 Review
    Pittsfield, VT
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Springfield, NH

19 Photos of 6 Springfield Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Springfield, NH

16 Reviews of 6 Springfield 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).

  • 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!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2023

    Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site

    Car camping at elbow pond

    This is an awesome spot for camping. 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. Theres a nice pond with great views and good fishing. Some of the sites are close together but there are some that are a good distance apart. The road in is pretty rough and is not recommended for sedans or lower riding cars. Overall this is a great place to camp if you’re looking for free camping spots. Also it is first come first serve

  • Lisa The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Tripoli Road

    Love Tripoli

    Love everything about Tripoli. 1st come 1st serve. We have out favorite sites but have had to venture out and take other sites often times. 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

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2024

    Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site

    Small campsites/No amenities

    Drove in on a Wednesday afternoon and drove past 4 or 5 sites, which were all occupied.

    Then saw a car ahead that was backing up. Long story short, they were afraid to drive across a dry wash in their new Jeep. No place to get by. Had to back my trailer about a quarter mile, so they could get out.

    Camped in a very small spot, just barely enough room for our SUV and small teardrop to get off the road.

    There was only a 20 foot by 12 foot space to camp jn with no water, no dumpster, no toilet, no view of anything and lots of other campers that appear to be long term residents.

    OK for an overnight stay but not a desirable camping location overall.

  • J
    Apr. 13, 2021

    Tripoli Road

    Awesome

    This is a great spot to start getting into camping with less amenities and more outdoors. I have been going there for 20 years and I still recommend it. Drive up the dirt road and find a nice riverside camp site. 3 miles of seclusion if you want. Great hiking trails directly off Tripoli . Hiking the loop trail is amazing.

  • Laura
    Jun. 12, 2018

    Tripoli Road

    great hidden spot

    Would call this a solid car camp spot. Went on a Saturday afternoon after a long hike and there were plenty of spots open. You can pick any spot, each one has a different variety wIth size and how deep into the woods you want to walk. No showers or bathrooms, a porter potty at the entrance but that’s about it. Only complaint I had were a couple cars kept flying back and forth down the road at night. Camp a little further in and you’d be fine

  • Ryan M.
    Jul. 2, 2019

    Tripoli Road

    Road side camping has never felt so off the grid

    Can be pretty remote. Choose your own site. Some are better than others, some have streams going thru them. Lots of local hiking

  • Mike M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2018

    Tripoli Road

    Primitive

    True primitive sites. First come first serve. Awesome feel. Cool road. Great access to tripyramid hikes. Somewhat isolated.


Guide to Springfield

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Springfield, New Hampshire, where nature meets adventure. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, campers can enjoy the great outdoors without the hassle of traditional campgrounds.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Springfield, New Hampshire

  • Many spots, like Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site, offer free camping options, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious adventurers.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, Tripoli Road has no drinking water or electric hookups, so bring your supplies.
  • Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a good spot, as many areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Scenic views and fishing opportunities for dispersed campers

  • The Tripoli Road area features beautiful riverside sites that are perfect for fishing and enjoying the serene landscape.
  • Campers at Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site can appreciate the tranquil pond views while relaxing by the fire.
  • For those seeking a more secluded experience, Last light on Michigan Brook offers a peaceful setting right by the water, ideal for unwinding after a day of hiking.

Dispersed campers should check out Elbow Pond Road

  • Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site is known for its big rig-friendly access, making it suitable for larger vehicles.
  • While amenities are minimal, the site allows for campfires, providing a cozy atmosphere for evening gatherings.
  • The area is pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along to enjoy the great outdoors with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Springfield, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.