Tripoli 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.

Tripoli Road

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&amp;T).

Dispersed camping, be bear aware!

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 

great hidden spot

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!  

Tripoli Camp Grounds

Can be pretty remote. Choose your own site. Some are better than others, some have streams going thru them. Lots of local hiking

Road side camping has never felt so off the grid

Awesome adult spot, pretty much free reign, no quiet time, and, watch out for bears... #kudos

Came through in the 24th hr... 

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. 

Awesome 

hiked down a trail and found the most relaxing spot right by the river!