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Dispersed camping opportunities abound in the Green Mountain National Forest near West Chesterfield, New Hampshire. Several free primitive sites exist within a short drive across the Vermont border, including George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, Somerset Airfield, and NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot. These areas feature basic amenities with established fire rings but limited facilities. The George D Aiken sites are particularly well-regarded, with campers noting "large, well-organized camping spots along the road" and sites that are "spread out from each other" providing good privacy.
Most dispersed sites in this region require self-sufficiency. No drinking water, trash service, or toilet facilities exist at most locations except Somerset Airfield, which has pit toilets. Fire rings are present at established sites, and fires are generally permitted when no fire restrictions are in effect. Vehicle access varies significantly between locations. Forest Road 71 and NFR 273 can become muddy after rain, with one visitor reporting they "didn't trust their SUV to get through" certain sections. Higher clearance vehicles are recommended for NF83 sites, which require "more than 8 inches of clearance."
Weather conditions can change rapidly in this mountainous region, particularly in spring and fall. Somerset Reservoir provides recreational opportunities including fishing and paddling. Cell service is spotty throughout the area, with some sites offering no coverage. Visitors should be aware that Somerset Vt Dispersed on the Deerfield River now has "no camping signs all along road" as it is private property. The area experiences moderate to heavy use during summer weekends, with several campers reporting they "had to drive miles down dirt roads to find suitable spots" during peak periods. Pack out all trash and practice Leave No Trace principles.
"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."
"Definitely remote and private."
"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."
"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."
"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. "
"Great little dispersed camping area off Forest Road 71 in West Dover, Vermont."
"Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle. "
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.
Primitive camping near West Chesterfield, New Hampshire centers on the Green Mountain National Forest across the Vermont border. This region sits at elevations between 1,000-2,500 feet, creating varied terrain with numerous stream crossings throughout the forest service roads. Winter brings significant snowfall from December through March, with many forest roads becoming accessible only to snowmobiles or high-clearance 4x4 vehicles.
Fishing opportunities: Somerset Reservoir provides excellent fishing spots with easy access from several dispersed camping areas. A camper at Somerset Airfield noted "plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities" at the reservoir.
Winter camping: For those prepared for cold-weather adventures, the area offers unique winter camping experiences. One camper at Stratton Pond Shelter described "Cold, Snow, Wind, full moon in the middle of the woods with only the people I hiked in with. It was great!"
Hiking access: Many dispersed sites connect to popular trails. The Stratton Pond area provides "good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT," according to one visitor at Statton Pond Camp.
Privacy between sites: Despite being free public land, many sites offer good separation. One camper at George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed described finding "a perfect site off the road on the right side. It was large and flat. We were off the road by 100 feet or so. It made it more private."
Well-constructed fire rings: Many dispersed sites feature established, well-built fire pits. A visitor at NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot mentioned "two fire rings set up: a large one and a small cooking one," providing options for different campfire needs.
Dark sky viewing: The remote location offers excellent stargazing. At NF83 Dispersed site 1, a camper appreciated "what a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions," making it ideal for night sky observation.
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to many sites requires careful driving. One camper at NF 83 - riverside warned "The access into this location is a little rough but most cars should make it, I would prefer having a little more clearance though just to be sure."
Campsite maintenance concerns: Previous camper behavior can affect site quality. One visitor to Dispersed site along Forest RD 71 mentioned "2 years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us."
Site availability challenges: During peak seasons, finding an open site can require persistence. A camper at NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot reported they "had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot" even during a weekday in October.
Larger gathering sites: Some areas accommodate group camping. The Statton Pond Camp offers "easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center."
Wildlife awareness: Bears are present in the area. A visitor to Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71 mentioned "I did see a huge blackbear" during their stay, so proper food storage is essential.
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies widely. At Somerset Airfield, a camper reported "AT&T service at bridge prior to camp - short walk. SOS only in camp. Another camper told me Starlink works here," which can be important for families needing emergency contact.
Suitable parking areas: Some sites accommodate larger vehicles better than others. At Hogback Mtn Trailhead, an RVer described "plenty of room for any number of rigs" and called it a "great place to stop for the night."
Clearance requirements: Vehicle ground clearance matters for accessing remote sites. For NF83 Dispersed site 1, a camper warned "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8 inches of clearance under your vehicle."
Late-season considerations: Weather changes rapidly in fall. A visitor to George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed found "it had been raining all day. We just needed a night and it was great. Some sites were really wet but we found a nice dry place."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near West Chesterfield, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near West Chesterfield, NH is George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed with a 4.6-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near West Chesterfield, NH?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 dispersed camping locations near West Chesterfield, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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