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.
What to do
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!"
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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."
