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Dispersed camping near Troy, New Hampshire includes several free primitive campsites within a 30-minute drive, extending into nearby Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest. These free dispersed campsites range from secluded forest pull-offs to more open areas near reservoirs, giving campers a choice of solitude or scenery. George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed camping features approximately 10 well-spaced sites along accessible forest roads with established fire rings. Somerset Airfield provides a more developed experience with pit toilets but less privacy. NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot offers multiple pull-offs suitable for both tents and small RVs. Recent visitors report that most sites accommodate 2-3 vehicles or one larger rig.
These primitive sites require self-sufficiency as no services are provided. No drinking water, trash collection, or sanitation facilities exist at most locations except Somerset Airfield, which maintains pit toilets. According to reviews, road conditions vary significantly with weather; several campers noted needing higher clearance vehicles after rain. The NFR 83 riverside site requires at least 8 inches of ground clearance. Fire rings are present at most sites, but visitors must bring their own firewood and pack out all waste.
Weather conditions can change rapidly in this region, particularly at higher elevations. Somerset Airfield experiences significant crowding during summer weekends, while George D Aiken Wilderness typically offers more solitude. Cell service is spotty throughout the area, with limited coverage at George D Aiken. Campers report that Somerset Reservoir provides excellent fishing and paddling opportunities nearby. Be aware that some areas marked as dispersed camping on maps may actually be on private property; recent visitors to the Deerfield River area encountered "No Camping" signs. Always verify land status before setting up camp.
"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."
"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."
"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. "
"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 Troy, New Hampshire offers primitive sites primarily in Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest. The national forest provides numerous no-fee camping opportunities across forest roads with variable terrain and access conditions. Winter campers face temperatures dropping to single digits, while summer visitors should prepare for afternoon thunderstorms common at higher elevations. Most sites require vehicles with adequate clearance, particularly after rainfall.
Fishing and paddling: Somerset Reservoir provides excellent opportunities for water activities. At Somerset Airfield, a camper noted, "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Resevoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities."
Hiking access: Several dispersed sites connect to major trail networks. According to one camper at Stratton Pond Shelter, "Great location at the intersection of AT, LT and Stratton Mountain trail... The lake looks great and is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail."
Stargazing: The remote location offers exceptional night sky viewing. A visitor to NF83 Dispersed site mentioned, "What a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions." Winter camping provides especially clear skies due to cold, dry air.
Vehicle-accessible riverside sites: Several camping areas offer water access with limited development. One camper at NF 83 - riverside described it as "a nice clearing near the river where the road used to cross," though cautioning "the access into this location is a little rough but most cars should make it, I would prefer having a little more clearance."
Large group accommodations: Multiple sites along Forest Road 71 accommodate gatherings. A visitor to Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71 described "Easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center."
Privacy variations: Campsite privacy varies significantly across locations. One reviewer at Dispersed site along Forest RD 71 noted they "chose a more sunny and open spot with less trees" after finding the initially planned site too muddy for their SUV.
Site maintenance concerns: Some areas require cleanup before use. A camper at Dispersed site along Forest RD 71 reported, "2 years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us."
Variable site conditions: Weather impacts camping conditions significantly. A camper at NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot observed, "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."
Seasonal crowds: Expect higher usage during holidays. A Somerset Airfield visitor mentioned, "a neighbor said it was rowdy during the holiday with illegal fireworks set off every night over the dry forest."
Site selection timing: Arrive early for weekends, particularly at Somerset Airfield. A camper reported, "Got up on a Friday with plenty of spots. 10 spaces between the bathrooms/vault toilets with only 3 other 4 in working order."
Wildlife awareness: Bears are present in the area. A reviewer at Stratton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71 shared, "I did see a huge blackbear," suggesting proper food storage is essential.
Bug protection: Insect populations vary by location. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, a camper observed, "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."
Site capacity awareness: Most free camping near Troy allows small to medium rigs. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, a visitor found the site "Large enough for 2-3 vehicles or one large rig/RV."
Road conditions: Access requires appropriate vehicles. A NF 83 - riverside camper advised, "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle."
Alternative parking lots: The Hogback Mountain Trailhead provides overnight options for larger vehicles. A reviewer described it as a "Large open lot at top of paved highway pass. Great place to stop for the night. Not a lot of ambiance, but plenty of room for any number of rigs."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Troy, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Troy, 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 Troy, NH?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 dispersed camping locations near Troy, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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