Best Dispersed Camping in New Hampshire

White Mountain National Forest offers several dispersed camping options near New Hampshire, with varying levels of amenities and accessibility. Town Hall Road Dispersed features multiple free sites along a dirt road, many with river access and established fire rings. Tripoli Road provides roadside camping with sites that range from riverside locations to more secluded wooded areas. Cherry Mountain Road and Haystack Road offer primitive camping opportunities with basic fire pits and access to hiking trails. For backcountry enthusiasts, Guyot Shelter provides wooden platforms, a three-sided shelter, and bear boxes at 4,360 feet elevation.

Most dispersed sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. According to reviews, Tripoli Road requires registration at the ranger station on the western end, with flat rates charged per car for weekday or weekend periods. Several campers noted that bears are active in the area, particularly at Tripoli Road where camping was temporarily closed in 2019 after bears visited campsites and accessed improperly stored food. Proper food storage in vehicles or bear canisters is essential at all sites.

Road conditions vary significantly between locations. Town Hall Road features hard-packed dirt with occasional dips but remains passable for medium-sized RVs. Elbow Pond Road is described as rough and not recommended for sedans or low-clearance vehicles. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most sites, though Haystack Road reportedly has reception at some sites. Most locations are seasonal, with roads typically opening in late May and closing in autumn. Visitors should check the White Mountain National Forest Facebook page for current road status and closures before planning their trip.

Best Dispersed Sites in New Hampshire (9)

    1. Town Hall Road Dispersed

    18 Reviews
    Chatham, NH

    "Awesome boondocking in New Hampshire, what a treat in the east coast! Just beautiful scenery, with trees, rivers, creeks, hiking trails with a pond- we absolutely loved our time here. "

    "My first ever dispersed camping experience. So freaking amazing and unbelievable. It was pouring rain when we came to NH so we tried to wait out the rain, but it was getting dark."

    2. Tripoli Road

    11 Reviews
    North Woodstock, NH
    Website
    +1 (603) 528-8721

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Easy access to trailhead for Tecumseh Mountain. Rustic sites with no water or electric."

    "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"

    3. Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Deerfield, NH
    Website

    $15 / night

    "Sufficient amount of platform, water source, bear proof Joe box, pivy and springs all at one spot"

    "Step walk in and out though most of the tent plat forms have amazing views. I have stayed here twice and had great experiences."

    4. Haystack Road

    5 Reviews
    Twin Mountain, NH

    "They have a fire pit, plenty of woods around, and are free."

    "It is next to the Highway on a paved fire road. So you can hear traffic. And it is paved (which is good if it’s wet and muddy elsewhere). The other spots looked amazing."

    5. Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Bretton Woods, NH
    Website
    +1 (603) 466-2713

    "This site is about 90 yards from the fire tower trailhead.

    Site #9 goes back about 70 to 80 feet back off the road."

    "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."

    6. Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site

    3 Reviews
    North Woodstock, NH
    Website
    +1 (603) 536-6100

    "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."

    7. Hogan Road Pulloff near Appalachian Trail

    2 Reviews
    Gorham, NH

    "amazing lil spot, a pull off the wild rocky road. very private. right next to a serene view of the lake. very mild highway traffic sounds in the distance. there was another spot at the posted coordinates"

    "Would be really quiet if not for the road across the lake. I saw one truck in the evening and one in the morning."

    8. Haystack Road

    2 Reviews
    Deerfield, NH
    Website
    +1 (603) 528-8721

    "Right near a great swimming hole and the twin mountains. It is quiet, the sites are far apart."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews in New Hampshire

51 Reviews of 9 New Hampshire Campgrounds



Guide to New Hampshire

New Hampshire offers a wealth of opportunities for those seeking the tranquility of dispersed camping, where nature takes center stage and amenities are minimal. Whether you're a seasoned camper or just starting out, the state's diverse landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for your outdoor adventures.

Tips for free and dispersed camping in New Hampshire

  • Town Hall Road Dispersed: This spot allows for both tent and RV camping, with no permits required and fires permitted, making it a great choice for a spontaneous getaway.
  • Tripoli Road: Known for its beautiful riverside sites, this area is first-come, first-served, so arriving early can help secure a prime location.
  • Haystack Road: With multiple secluded sites, this area is ideal for those looking to escape the crowds while still being close to hiking trails.

Activities for dispersed campers

  • Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping: Perfect for hikers, this site offers easy access to trails and features amenities like a water source and picnic tables, making it a comfortable stop on your journey.
  • Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site: Enjoy fishing and scenic views at this location, which provides a peaceful environment for both relaxation and outdoor activities.
  • Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed: This area is great for those looking to explore nearby trails while enjoying the privacy of well-spaced camping spots.

Unique features of New Hampshire's dispersed camping

  • Hogan Road Pulloff near Appalachian Trail: This secluded spot offers a serene view of the lake and plenty of trees for hanging hammocks, perfect for a quiet retreat.
  • Haystack Road: Known for its spacious sites and proximity to the Twin Mountain trailhead, this area is a favorite for those seeking adventure and natural beauty.
  • CherryMountain Rd Dispersed Pull Off: While amenities are limited, the privacy and natural surroundings make this a worthwhile stop for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.