Tripoli Road and Elbow Pond Road offer primitive camping near Wilmot, New Hampshire in White Mountain National Forest. The elevation in this region ranges from approximately 650 to 1,200 feet, with seasonal weather patterns that include heavy spring runoff and frequent summer thunderstorms. Camping areas follow US Forest Service dispersed camping regulations, with sites located at least 200 feet from water sources.
What to do
Riverside relaxation: Multiple sites along Tripoli Road provide direct access to waterways. "Would call this a solid car camp spot. Went on a Saturday afternoon after a long hike and there were plenty of spots open," notes one Tripoli Road visitor. The Pemigewassett River offers opportunities for both fishing and paddling.
Mountain hiking: The region provides access to several notable White Mountain peaks. "Great access to tripyramid hikes. Somewhat isolated," reports a Tripoli Road camper. Trails range from moderate family hikes to challenging mountain ascents, with most trailheads accessible within a 15-minute drive from camping areas.
Loop trail exploration: For day hikes directly from camp, several options exist. "Great hiking trails directly off Tripoli. Hiking the loop trail is amazing," explains a regular Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site visitor. Many trails interconnect, allowing hikers to create routes ranging from 2 to 10+ miles.
What campers like
Site variety: Campsites offer different terrain and privacy levels. "You can pick any spot, each one has a different variety with size and how deep into the woods you want to walk," explains a Tripoli Road reviewer. Sites range from road-adjacent to more secluded spots requiring short walks.
Weekday availability: While weekends can fill quickly, midweek visits often provide more options. "Great spot for the weekdays, hardly anyone around and got a great site right by the river (mid-Sept)," reports one camper. Arriving Monday through Thursday significantly increases your chances of securing preferred sites.
Fishing access: Ponds and streams in the area support various fish species. "Theres a nice pond with great views and good fishing," notes a visitor to Elbow Pond. Anglers should check New Hampshire fishing regulations as licenses are required for visitors 16 and older.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Road conditions vary significantly by location and season. "The road in is pretty rough and is not recommended for sedans or lower riding cars," warns one Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site camper. High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended, especially after rainfall.
Wildlife precautions: Beyond standard food storage practices, extra vigilance is required. "Definitely watch out for bears though, didn't see any but saw plenty of evidence," notes a Tripoli Road visitor. Proper food storage in vehicles or bear canisters is essential throughout the camping season.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies dramatically by location and carrier. "Cell service is decent at nearby Russell Pond (Verizon seemed to offer better service than AT&T)," reports one camper. Emergency communications may require driving to higher elevation points or nearby towns.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategies: Arriving early provides more options for family-friendly locations. "I have been going there for 20 years and I still recommend it. Drive up the dirt road and find a nice riverside camp site," suggests a long-time Tripoli Road visitor. Sites near water features often provide natural play areas.
Noise considerations: Proximity to other campers varies widely. "A lot of sites were right next to each other so if it's crowded, you might not get a lot of privacy," notes one camper. For quieter family experiences, sites further along access roads typically offer more separation from neighbors.
Water access planning: No potable water exists at these dispersed sites. "No water, no dumpster, no toilet, no view of anything," reports an Elbow Pond camper. Families should bring 1-2 gallons of water per person per day, depending on activities and weather conditions.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller recreational vehicles only. "Camped in a very small spot, just barely enough room for our SUV and small teardrop to get off the road," explains a visitor to Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site. RVs longer than 20 feet will find extremely limited options.
Road navigation challenges: Narrow forest roads can create difficult situations. "Had to back my trailer about a quarter mile, so they could get out," reports an RVer who encountered problems. Avoiding holiday weekends and arriving midweek significantly improves the experience for those with trailers.
Self-containment requirements: The primitive nature of these sites demands complete self-sufficiency. "Rustic sites with no water or electric. Port-a-Johns right as you get in but not much more after that," notes a Tripoli Road camper. RVers should arrive with full water tanks and empty waste tanks.
