Dispersed camping near Stark, New Hampshire provides access to multiple sections of White Mountain National Forest across three states. Winter temperatures in this area regularly drop below freezing from November through April, with summer highs averaging in the 70s. Many campsites receive limited cell service with spotty coverage, though some areas like White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road have enough signal for basic connectivity with a signal booster.
What to do
Swimming in Little River: At the end of Haystack Road, the Little River offers fishing and swimming options with easy access from nearby campsites. A camper at Haystack Road noted, "The road ends at the Little River, offering fishing and swimming options."
Explore hiking trails: Tripoli Road camping areas provide access to multiple trailheads including Osceolas, Tripyramid, and Tecumseh. A visitor at Tripoli Road reported, "Great hiking trails directly off Tripoli. Hiking the loop trail is amazing."
Paddle CT River Trail: Multiple boat-in camping options exist along the Connecticut River for paddlers. A camper at Scott C. Devlin Memorial shared, "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."
Watch for wildlife: Many campsites offer opportunities for moose and bear sightings. At Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed, a reviewer mentioned it was "Super quiet and lots of privacy" with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed sites offer significant separation from neighboring campers. One reviewer at White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road noted, "It's easy to forget there are other people camping on other sites because they're so far apart."
Stream access: Several camping areas feature nearby water sources for filtering or washing. A visitor reported, "Creek runs through road near sites good for getting water to filter or washing. Trailhead at end of road."
Riverside locations: Many campers appreciate sites positioned near moving water. A reviewer at Town Hall Road Dispersed shared, "We loved this spot. There were plenty of sites to choose from and most (not all) had access to the river as well as a fire ring."
Stargazing opportunities: Clear night skies away from light pollution offer excellent astronomy viewing. One camper reported, "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."
What you should know
Bear safety measures: Bears actively visit campsites in this region, requiring proper food storage. At Hogan Road Pulloff near Appalachian Trail, a visitor shared, "Amazing lil spot, a pull off the wild rocky road. Very private. Right next to a serene view of the lake."
Registration requirements: Some sites require self-registration. A camper noted, "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."
Road conditions: Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles or careful navigation. A reviewer stated, "About 1km (.6 miles) of gravel road, easy enough for a big road bike, but don't go any further as it gets rough."
Tick awareness: Several campsites report tick issues, especially in grassy areas. One visitor warned, "Beware the ticks! They weren't the worse I've seen, but they are definitely around."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites away from steep drops: For families with young children, select flatter sites away from riverbanks. A camper shared, "We stayed on site #5 because it was flat, sunny, grassy and had a little brook."
Look for sites with natural attractions: Features like small brooks or open areas enhance children's experience. One visitor noted, "We found our spot which had some river access and it was gorgeous. It had an above and below spot which hosted our two tents."
Plan for weather changes: The White Mountains experience rapid weather shifts even in summer. A camper at Guyot Shelter shared, "It was a great place for Rainy Camping. We went during a pouring rain storm and our site remained relatively dry."
Research cell coverage: If traveling with children, know which sites maintain emergency communications. A reviewer mentioned, "Sites 4 and 5 get some cell service," which can be crucial for families needing to stay connected.
Tips from RVers
Assess site access before committing: Many dispersed sites have limitations for larger vehicles. A camper reported, "The road was not as bad as I anticipated. There was room for my Jeep Grand Cherokee towing a squaredrop camper to pass the very few oncoming vehicles we encountered."
Solar considerations: Many wooded sites limit solar charging options. One RVer noted, "If all we needed was a campsite with no solar or starlink, this would be 5 star review. Lots of options, great hiking in the area. But if you need solar or starlink, there's only 1 or 2 viable spots."
Site selection for larger rigs: Carefully evaluate site dimensions before attempting access. A camper advised, "We went to the end of Town Hall Road and camped at the last site before you leave the WMNF. It was a very spacious site, set back from the road, a little bumpy getting into it."
Water access planning: With no hookups available, plan for water collection or carrying. One visitor mentioned, "The camp site 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."
