Top Free Dispersed Camping near Wilmot, NH
Looking for dispersed camping near Wilmot? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Wilmot, NH (2)
1. Tripoli Road
11 Reviews•54 Photos•152 SavesTripoli Road is a very popular area for those seeking a roadside camping experience. This is not an area you would choose if looking for that tranquil out of the way spot.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
$20 - $30 / night
2. Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site
3 Reviews•6 Photos•199 SavesWhen camping in the backcountry - camping and fires are prohibited: Within 200 feet of trails and water bodies. Within 1/4 mile of backcountry facilities (shelters, huts). In the alpine zone - where trees are 8 feet or less. Please consult the Forest's Backcountry Camping Rules: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5363715.pdf Be certain to view the Recreation Conditions Report for the most current trail and camping information. Forest Protection Area - Know Before You Go Forest Protection Area (FPA) are potentially overused or fragile areas of the Forest where use restrictions are applied. Restrictions may include limits on camping use, use of wood or charcoal fires, and limits on party size.
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Wilmot
14 Reviews of 2 Wilmot Campgrounds
Kevin C.
Ranger
Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site
Small campsites/No amenities
Drove in on a Wednesday afternoon and drove past 4 or 5 sites, which were all occupied.
Then saw a car ahead that was backing up. Long story short, they were afraid to drive across a dry wash in their new Jeep. No place to get by. Had to back my trailer about a quarter mile, so they could get out.
Camped in a very small spot, just barely enough room for our SUV and small teardrop to get off the road.
There was only a 20 foot by 12 foot space to camp jn with no water, no dumpster, no toilet, no view of anything and lots of other campers that appear to be long term residents.
OK for an overnight stay but not a desirable camping location overall.
Lisa
Traveler
Tripoli Road
Love Tripoli
Love everything about Tripoli. 1st come 1st serve. We have out favorite sites but have had to venture out and take other sites often times. No electricity, no showers. Portta potties every so often. Always close enough to walk to. Love the sites on the water. Have been going here for over 10 years. My kids now love it too
- DDom L.
ScoutElbow Pond Road Dispersed Site
Car camping at elbow pond
This is an awesome spot for camping. They have a couple different spots where you can park and walk up to your site or they have sites you can pull right up next to them. Some of the camping spots have fire pits but not all. Theres a nice pond with great views and good fishing. Some of the sites are close together but there are some that are a good distance apart. The road in is pretty rough and is not recommended for sedans or lower riding cars. Overall this is a great place to camp if you’re looking for free camping spots. Also it is first come first serve
- NNels M.Scout
Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site
Really nice quiet spot
Really nice spot, I wouldn’t recommend trying to take a normal sedan or something down there and the sites are a little less spread out than I wanted
- Danielle B.Scout
Tripoli Road
Real hiking experience
hiked down a trail and found the most relaxing spot right by the river!
- JJoseph A.Scout
Tripoli Road
Awesome
This is a great spot to start getting into camping with less amenities and more outdoors. 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. 3 miles of seclusion if you want. Great hiking trails directly off Tripoli . Hiking the loop trail is amazing.
Ali B.TravelerTripoli Road
Primitive Car camping
Great spot for the weekdays, hardly anyone around and got a great site right by the river (mid-sept.). We left on a Friday morning and a lot more people were coming in so I imagine it could get really loud during busy summer weekends/holidays. A lot of sites were right next to each other so if it's crowded, you might not get a lot of privacy. However, there are little camp spots all over this road, too many to count so it's a good bet of getting one, especially on the weekdays. Definitely watch out for bears though, didn't see any but saw plenty of evidence.
Kat B.ScoutTripoli Road
My always camp spot
Fantastic secluded options, highly recommend getting a good spot by the river. Park staff are great and spots are well maintained. Downsides are there are few bathrooms (and they are Portojohns), and the road can be irritating/cars kick up dust as they drive by. It's also first come first serve, so be sure to get up early on Friday for a weekend campout. But this is by far one of my favorite spots!
Kris Z.TravelerTripoli Road
Came through in the 24th hr...
Awesome adult spot, pretty much free reign, no quiet time, and, watch out for bears... #kudos
Jean C.
LegendTripoli Road
Dispersed camping, be bear aware!
Tripoli Road is a seasonal road, opening in late May most years and closing in autumn. Check the White Mountain National Forest Facebook page for up to date road closures/status. The section before Russell Pond often opens before the rest of it, which is graded, not paved. The road runs between the Waterville Valley area and I-93 exit 31. This is roadside camping, no frills, first come, first served. You must stay at a site with a fire ring, but sites are not numbered. Road signs demarcate no camping zones; some areas look like they could be campsites, but will also be marked with no camping signs.
You must register at the ranger station on the western end of the road, shortly past the entrance to the Russell Pond campground. Rates are a flat rate set per car and per weekends or weekday period. In other words, you pay one rate for 1-5 weekdays ($20 in 2019) and another fee for a weekend($25-30 - holidays). It’s self service most of the time, with the ranger available Friday and Saturday evenings.
The sites vary from sites near and level with the road to ones set above or well below the road. Some are near a river, most are wooded. Some are isolated, others are close together. There are no reservations, so you'll be choosing your own when you arrive. Downhill sites closest to the Russell Pond area seem to be most popular. Most of these were occupied on a late June weekend, while those farther down the road remained empty.
There are port-a-potties near the western entrance, but otherwise you’re on your own with cat holes or portable toilet solutions. Nearest showers are at Russell Pond. Please keep it clean and protect the area. I’ve passed through several times while hiking My Osceola and have observed that these sites are often filled with groups or families with multiple tents. On a late June weekend there are numerous empty sites, so they seem to be more available than the dispersed sites along Gale River Rd and Haystack Rd (farther north in Twin Mountain). Excessive drinking and noise can be an issue.
You need to be aware that bears are in the area. Following the July 4, 2019 holiday, the camping area was closed after bears visited campsites and got into food that was left in the open and not secured in vehicles or bear canisters. The camping area re-opened July 19, but check the White Mountain National Forest FB page before heading up there. If the issue recurs, I wouldn't be surprised if they close it again.
Hiking in the region include the Osceolas (moderate hike with beautiful views, exceedingly popular and crowded on autumn weekends - get there early!), Tripyramid, and Tecumseh. Shorter treks include Welch-Dickey (great open ledges) and Snow's Mountain (along a river with falls). Nearby Russell Pond offers ranger programs, fishing, and you can put a kayak or canoe in. The Pemigewassett offers tubing and kayaking put ins. Outfitters one exit south can provide you with transportation and rentals. Exit 32 for Lincoln, Woodstock, and the Kanc is less than 5 miles north.
Cell service is decent at nearby Russell Pond (Verizon seemed to offer better service than AT&T).
Ryan M.RangerTripoli Road
Road side camping has never felt so off the grid
Can be pretty remote. Choose your own site. Some are better than others, some have streams going thru them. Lots of local hiking
- Beau B.
GuideTripoli Road
Tripoli Camp Grounds
Easy access to trailhead for Tecumseh Mountain. Rustic sites with no water or electric. We found there to be a couple of large group camping areas but they were spread out enough not to bother each other. Port-a-Johns right as you get in but not much more after that. Several areas on the road are labeled as “no parking” just watch the signs. All in all a great get away!
LauraScoutTripoli Road
great hidden spot
Would call this a solid car camp spot. Went on a Saturday afternoon after a long hike and there were plenty of spots open. You can pick any spot, each one has a different variety wIth size and how deep into the woods you want to walk. No showers or bathrooms, a porter potty at the entrance but that’s about it. Only complaint I had were a couple cars kept flying back and forth down the road at night. Camp a little further in and you’d be fine
- Mike M.Guide
Tripoli Road
Primitive
True primitive sites. First come first serve. Awesome feel. Cool road. Great access to tripyramid hikes. Somewhat isolated.
Guide to Wilmot
Camping near Wilmot, New Hampshire, offers a fantastic escape into nature with a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.
What to do
- Hiking: Explore the numerous trails around the campgrounds. For example, at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "So many lovely waterfront sites, clean facilities, camp store and beach are great."
- Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking or canoeing at Dry River — Crawford Notch State Park. A visitor noted, "Cool location right on the edge of the Dry River Wilderness. Great Basecamp for lots of hikes in the area."
- Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Franconia Notch State Park shared, "The park includes a large family beach on the lake... many special points of interest, including a mountaintop fire tower."
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Bear Brook State Park Campground said, "The campground has a beach, a playground, a ball field, and a store."
- Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One visitor at Lost River Valley Campground mentioned, "The sites are large, wooded, and private."
- Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. A guest at Lafayette Place Campground noted, "Restrooms are clean and the camp store is well stocked. Helpful staff."
What you should know
- Pet Policies: Some campgrounds have strict pet policies. At Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, pets are allowed on trails but not in the campground or beach area during summer.
- Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise, especially near roads. A camper at Crawford Notch Campground mentioned, "The sites are all nice... but the noise from cars and trucks zipping by on route 302 is loud."
- Reservation System: Some sites can be hard to book due to high demand. A visitor at Dry River — Crawford Notch State Park expressed frustration with the reservation system, saying, "The nicest sites were reserved the entire time we were there and they were total no-shows."
Tips for camping with families
- Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. One reviewer at Jamaica State Park Campground said, "Great playground and fun playing in the river."
- Safety: Ensure the kids can ride bikes safely. A camper at Quechee State Park Campground noted, "The kids were able to safely ride bikes on the camp roads."
- Activities: Check for ranger-led programs. A visitor at Jamaica State Park Campground mentioned, "Amazing programming options from the ranger staff each day."
Tips from RVers
- Site Selection: Choose sites that accommodate larger rigs. A camper at Lost River Valley Campground shared, "The ground was level and the hookups look new."
- Amenities: Look for campgrounds with essential amenities like showers and dump stations. One reviewer at Bear Brook State Park Campground said, "The campground has a beach, a playground, a ball field, and a store."
- Quiet Spots: Seek out quieter areas away from busy roads. A visitor at Crawford Notch Campground noted, "The tent sites are all further in, nestled in the forest and along the stream."
Camping near Wilmot, New Hampshire, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Wilmot, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Wilmot, NH is Tripoli Road with a 4.3-star rating from 11 reviews.