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