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.