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Green Mountain National Forest offers several free dispersed camping sites near Surry, New Hampshire, primarily concentrated along Forest Road 71 in Vermont. Multiple primitive sites feature established fire rings but no other amenities—no drinking water, toilets (except at Somerset Airfield), or trash service. Road conditions vary significantly, with some sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. A review noted, "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8 inches of clearance under your vehicle."
The Stratton-Arlington Road area contains several popular dispersed sites, including Statton Pond Camp. This area provides good hiking access to Stratton Pond, Branch Pond, and sections of the Appalachian Trail. Most sites accommodate both tent and small RV camping. Some locations feature riverside camping, particularly along NF 83. Somerset Airfield offers a more open camping area with pit toilets, though a camper mentioned, "This really is just a grass strip next to FR71 with a bunch of sites and a pit house." Bears have been spotted in the area, and cell service is limited to spotty coverage at most sites.
"The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on. There were only about 10 spots along the access road."
"We brought our school bus down the dirt road just fine and backed right in. They also have fireplaces which was nice!"
"It has pit toilets. These sites are close together with little to no shade. Some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park."
"I arrived after the 4th of July and a neighbor said it was rowdy during the holiday with illegal fireworks set off every night over the dry forest. These pics are from a weekday morning."
"A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."
"Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot. After what was very quiet and a peaceful place to be."
"We stayed at one near the creek just over a little bridge. Cute little site, nice fire pit, clean, perfect rock to put a big water jug on. The sound of running water was soothing."
"One of many locations along Forest rd 71, this spot was a good place to pitch a tent for the night while exploring the area even in the rain."
"Easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center. We had this all to ourselves in our Bean teardrop. "
"The site was very flat and could accommodate several small campers. It was quiet during our overnight stay other than a car or two on Stratton-Arlington Rd. There weren't many mosquitoes either. "
"This is a nice clearing near the river where the road used to cross."
"The left side of the drive in is swampy so be sure to not drift to that side."
"The shelter is a 3.75mi hike from the nearest parking lot in winter. There are 2 tent platforms, 2 outhouses and at least 16 bunk spaces in the shelter. "
"Great little dispersed camping area off Forest Road 71 in West Dover, Vermont."
ScoutJust about what you would expect in a national forest. Nice dirt road without too many potholes. As far as I can tell about 10 different sites, maybe more, all spaced out enough you don’t see anyone else. No toilet or water but there is a fire ring.
LegendThe Airfield Campground is a strip of land with several campsites and fire pits. It has pit toilets. These sites are close together with little to no shade. Some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park. The real attraction is the huge Somerset Resevoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities. There are other dispersed sites down the road that are free
RangerOnly the first section of the campground was open due to flooding. As a result, there were puddles everywhere.
Campsites are listed as disbursed but there are only 7 trees to separate 9 camp sites. The campsites are all next to the road and have fire circles.
There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service. Basically a camp site where you can share a fire with the neighbors.
GuideWent with a friend on an impromptu last minute camping trip up in the NF and hoped we could find a spot on a Friday night. Quite a few spots were taken but there were still some free ones. We stayed at one near the creek just over a little bridge. Cute little site, nice fire pit, clean, perfect rock to put a big water jug on. The sound of running water was soothing. In the morning, adorable little red squirrels with big personalities made themselves known and there were wildflowers blooming all over with hummingbirds going about their business. This is dispersed camping so there’s no rest rooms, running water, etc. The particular site we stayed at did have another site on the other side of the creek and we could hear the family during the day and see them as they walked past, so it wasn’t as isolated as some of the other sites. It was a cute spot and I’ll def be back.
TravelerA LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well. A few miles down the road there is another campsite that is more open and also has a fire pit with a lot less bugs flying around and more open space.
ScoutThe camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on. There were only about 10 spots along the access road. Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites.
GuideWent on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot. After what was very quiet and a peaceful place to be. Many pull offs but a lot were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck. The road itself was in great condition though.
TravelerMy 2008 Prius handled the road with ease. Sites were spaced out. There was hiking at the end of the road but not too much space to wander around from the sites given the road’s high speed limit. Sites had fire pits and that was it. Very quiet and fairly accessible from society. Given the lack of free camping in the southern northeast this spot is a gem!
RangerEnjoyed the stunning babbling brook and resevoir- saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping. It's been quiet and peaceful and sometimes generators running all night. I arrived after the 4th of July and a neighbor said it was rowdy during the holiday with illegal fireworks set off every night over the dry forest. These pics are from a weekday morning. It's great to see families camping. There are pit toilets. AT.T service at bridge prior to camp- short walk. SOS only in camp. Another camper told me Starlink works here.
Dispersed camping near Surry, New Hampshire offers primitive sites primarily in the Green Mountain National Forest of neighboring Vermont. Most sites sit at elevations between 1,500-2,500 feet, creating cooler temperatures even in summer months. Winter camping is possible but access becomes challenging with snowfall accumulation typically starting in November and lasting through April.
Hiking to mountain ponds: The area surrounding Stratton Pond Shelter provides access to multiple mountain water bodies. "The shelter is a 3.75mi hike from the nearest parking lot in winter. The lake looks great and is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail."
Stargazing opportunities: Remote sites like NF83 Dispersed site 1 offer exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. "What a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions."
Winter camping: For those prepared for cold weather adventures, the Green Mountain National Forest offers unique winter experiences. "Spent the weekend here on the last weekend of Feb. 2024. Cold, Snow, Wind, full moon in the middle of the woods with only the people I hiked in with. It was great!"
Spacious sites: Many dispersed camping areas provide enough room for group camping. At Statton Pond Camp, one camper noted, "Easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center."
Riverside relaxation: Several camping spots feature river access for cooling off. NF 83 - riverside offers "a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit" where campers can enjoy being "peacefully placed along the bends of the river."
Solitude on weekdays: For a quieter rustic camping experience near Surry, timing matters. "Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot. After what was very quiet and a peaceful place to be."
Variable road conditions: Access to many sites requires careful driving. As one visitor to NF83 Dispersed site 1 warns, "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle."
Site maintenance issues: Some primitive sites may require cleanup upon arrival. "I would have given 5 stars except for the unfortunate fact that 2 years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us."
Limited facilities: Almost all dispersed sites lack basic amenities. "Being a primitive site there is only a fire ring here," notes one camper about NF 83 riverside, highlighting the need to come prepared.
Seasonal considerations: Spring conditions often create access challenges. "I've looked at this spot a few times and it is normally way too wet to camp at, but this time it was frozen."
Wildlife awareness: Bears are active in the Green Mountain National Forest. A camper at Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71 reported, "Easy to get to, had service the whole time, fire pits for every spot. I did see a huge blackbear."
Bug preparation: Dense forest areas can have intense insect activity during summer. "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."
Weekend crowds: Holiday periods can dramatically change the camping experience. At Somerset Airfield, "a neighbor said it was rowdy during the holiday with illegal fireworks set off every night over the dry forest."
Open spaces for larger vehicles: Somerset Airfield offers more room for RVs than other dispersed sites. One camper observed, "It is probably good for people who camp with RVs or Trailers that can't get into smaller sites."
Site selection timing: Arriving early for weekend camping improves your options. "Got up on a Friday with plenty of spots. 10 spaces between the bathrooms/vault toilets with only 3 other 4 in working order."
Road closure awareness: Always check for seasonal closures. "The entrance to the road had a sign that said 'road closed ahead.' We chanced it and was able to find a really nice open spot right before the road closure."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Surry, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Surry, NH is George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed with a 4.7-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Surry, NH?
TheDyrt.com has all 19 dispersed camping locations near Surry, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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