Dispersed camping areas near Whitefield, New Hampshire provide backcountry access to the White Mountain National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,300 to 4,300 feet. The region experiences significant seasonal variations with winter temperatures often below freezing from November through April. Many primitive tent sites around Whitefield require water filtration systems as natural water sources can be contaminated with bacteria and parasites common to northeastern forests.
What to do
Hike to scenic overlooks: Unknown Pond offers trail access to the Kilkenny/Pilot range with excellent fly fishing opportunities. A reviewer noted, "The pond is beautiful and open to fly fishing for those with a NH fishing license. While I didn't have much luck with the fish, I was certainly surrounded by a multitude of frogs!"
Winter dispersed camping: For experienced winter campers, some sites remain accessible with proper gear. One camper at Ethan Pond Shelter reported, "Only stayed at the shelter. It was late march with over 4' of snow still on the ground. Not sure if tent platforms still available. Shelter is in decent shape. Older but good. Super quiet. No human noise."
Trail connections: Many tent sites serve as connection points for longer hikes. A visitor commented about Ethan Pond, "Great place to set up camp either as a thru hiker or if you're passing through for a weekend in the Whites. About 3mi from the 302, and from there you're 5mi from the AMC Highland Center."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed camping offers seclusion without reservations. A camper observed, "We stayed on site #5 because it was flat, sunny, grassy and had a little brook. Had some passing by traffic but each site is far apart from each other."
Bear protection systems: Many campsites include dedicated food storage. A reviewer at Garfield Ridge Campsite appreciated the "Big group size platform as well smaller platform, cooking and dining area, pivy, Joe boxes for bear protection and pivy plus ice cold spring water and sunrise view point."
Clean facilities: Despite primitive conditions, many sites maintain clean amenities. One visitor to Garfield Ridge mentioned, "Large eating area. Great water source. Clean privy. Helpful staff. Approx 6 platform sites and shelter."
What you should know
Physical demands: Most tent camping near Whitefield requires significant hiking. At Valley Way Tentsite, a camper warned, "I would not call the Valley Way trail from the parking area at Appalachia to the tent sites 'easy' as you'll gain 2800 feet in elevation over the 3+ miles to the camping area."
Site capacity: Some campgrounds have limited space despite map indications. A Valley Way visitor noted, "The map at the tentsite mentioned 6 sites, but I could only locate 2 tent pads and 1 fire pit; now that I'm home, I see the website also only mentions 2."
Weather challenges: Mountain conditions can change rapidly. At Unknown Pond, a camper advised, "Note that there can be snow on north facing slopes into June so be prepared to post hole or carry snowshoes."
Tips for camping with families
Family-friendly backcountry options: Nauman Tentsite offers accessible trails for kids. One parent shared, "This is a beautiful camping area with several tent platforms, in the white mountains. It is an easy 3 mile hike for an adult, I did it with my 5 year old in tow."
Water sources: Most backcountry sites require water treatment. A Nauman visitor noted, "There is a spring that runs past the site that service as the sites water source. There is a ten dollar fee per person per night, no reservation needed."
Dog policies: Many White Mountain sites allow pets with restrictions. A camper at Nauman mentioned, "I stayed with a group of four and our two dogs. Dogs are allowed, but must be on leash if they are not well trained."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most camping near Whitefield is tent-only with few vehicle-accessible options. At Cherry Mountain Road, one camper observed, "There are a string of tent sites on either side of the road with some right up to the intersection with Cherry Mountain trail. A few were small and could just fit a tent and a car, where some offered more space."
Alternative vehicle camping: Some dispersed sites accommodate smaller vehicles. A visitor to Cherry Mountain Road reported, "Came into the area after 7 PM on a Tuesday and found several open sites. We stayed one night in campsite 9. This site is about 90 yards from the fire tower trailhead."
Solar capabilities: Some sites offer adequate sun exposure. A Cherry Mountain camper noted, "We were able to collect sunlight onto our solar panel from the site. The camp site are all disbursed enough that we did not hear any other camping sounds at all."
