Best Dispersed Camping near Washington, NH
The western New Hampshire region surrounding Washington features primarily dispersed camping options, with many sites located across the nearby Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont. Somerset Airfield provides a central hub for campers seeking basic amenities, offering a strip of land with several established sites and pit toilets. Forest Road 71 hosts numerous primitive camping spots with varying degrees of privacy and access. Most sites in this area are free and accommodate both tent and RV camping, though amenities are minimal, typically limited to fire rings and occasional vault toilets.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many dispersed sites requiring vehicles with higher clearance. As one camper noted, "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8 inches of clearance under your vehicle." Weather impacts accessibility substantially, particularly during winter months and spring thaw when mud can make roads impassable. Several riverside locations experience seasonal flooding, with campers reporting that some spots are "normally way too wet to camp at" except during frozen conditions. Cell service remains spotty throughout the area, with limited coverage on most forest roads. Campers should verify land ownership before setting up, as some areas marked as dispersed camping on maps may actually be private property with "no camping" signs.
Water access represents a significant draw for many campers in the region. Somerset Reservoir provides opportunities for fishing, paddling, and picnicking near the airfield campground. Riverside sites along Forest Roads 71 and 83 offer peaceful settings with direct water access, though these locations can become swampy during wet periods. Winter camping presents unique challenges but rewards adventurous visitors. One camper described enduring "snow and mid-20s Friday night with 8 inches of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday," followed by high winds and temperatures dropping to 8°F. Hikers seeking backcountry experiences can access the Stratton Pond Shelter, which intersects with the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail, offering tent platforms and bunk spaces approximately 3.75 miles from the nearest parking area.
