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