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Best Dispersed Camping near Groton, VT

69 Reviews

Multiple dispersed camping areas are accessible within 25-30 miles of Groton, Vermont, primarily in New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest and Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest. Sites cluster along forest roads such as Tripoli Road, Haystack Road, and several forest routes in the Green Mountains. These free primitive camping spots typically feature only basic fire rings with no developed facilities, allowing campers to experience backcountry conditions while still maintaining vehicle access.

Access roads to most dispersed sites require careful navigation, with several locations specifying the need for high-clearance vehicles. Elbow Pond Road is described as "pretty rough and not recommended for sedans or lower riding cars." Similarly, Forest Roads in the Green Mountains may present challenges during wet weather. Most sites follow a 14-day stay limit and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with some areas permitting campfires in established rings while others prohibit them entirely. Very few sites offer drinking water, with Guyot Shelter being a notable exception for backcountry hikers.

The dispersed camping experience near Groton rewards those willing to venture beyond established campgrounds. Sites along Haystack Road provide access to hiking trails and swimming holes, with one reviewer noting they are "quiet, the sites are far apart" and another mentioning "a small stream behind some sites" that helps with "bathing, dishes, etc." Tripoli Road sites offer similar advantages with riverside locations. Campers should be prepared for wildlife encounters, as reviews caution: "watch out for bears" and "saw plenty of evidence" of bear activity. Weekend crowding can be an issue in summer months, with reviewers recommending "weekdays, hardly anyone around" for those seeking solitude.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Groton, Vermont (23)

    1. Tripoli Road

    11 Reviews
    North Woodstock, NH
    32 miles
    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"

    2. Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Deerfield, NH
    33 miles
    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."

    3. Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site

    3 Reviews
    North Woodstock, NH
    27 miles
    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."

    4. Haystack Road

    5 Reviews
    Twin Mountain, NH
    31 miles

    "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. Austin Brook

    6 Reviews
    Warren, VT
    34 miles
    Website

    "When driving in on the right there’s a culdesac type set up of sites. Pretty sure these sites all have river access. Road is short dead ends with a decent amount of turn around space."

    "Great location, easy access, on a nice brook. Fire ring only, no facilities and minimal parking."

    6. Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    8 Reviews
    Granville, VT
    37 miles
    Website

    "Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests. 

    Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles."

    "About 12 sites off National Forest Road 71. Beautiful area and very secluded. All have fire rings but that’s about it."

    7. Haystack Road

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

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

    8. Green Mountain National Forest FR25 - Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Warren, VT
    34 miles
    Website

    "Beautiful sites on the River but with the wet summer, we just couldn’t dry out. Make sure to lock you valuables. Our Jackery, Solar panels & toilet were stolen."

    "All the sites were full when I visited (6 to 8 sites, approximately, but i didn't go down a couple little gravel paths to check each spot as you couldn't turn around easily) , so I didn't get to camp there"

    9. Route 100 Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Warren, VT
    34 miles

    "Main lot has plenty of parking, perfect for car camping. Pull through the trees has some spots for tents and smaller setups."

    "This is right next to Mad River with a area to walk down into a swimming hole. Great place."

    10. Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Bretton Woods, NH
    37 miles
    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."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Groton, VT

58 Photos of 23 Groton Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Groton, VT

69 Reviews of 23 Groton Campgrounds

  • Miccal M.
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road

    This is a wonderful place to camp

    There are a handful of sites to camp at along the river here, each offering a slightly different experience.  The dirt road along the river is an easy drive, though it is single lane in a few locations, so be aware of oncoming traffic.  Some of the sites are drive in, some are walk in, but all are primitive. 

    There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area.  Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in.

    This area is being heavily use and some spots are being shut down from abuse, please be aware that you have a lot of impact, and that impact can be positive or negative. Choose Positive!

    This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2019

    Tripoli 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).

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed

    Super quiet and lots of privacy

    Came into the area after 7 PM on a Tuesday and found several open sites. We stayed one night in campsite 9. This site is about 90 yards from the fire tower trailhead.

    Site #9 goes back about 70 to 80 feet back off the road. There appears to have been a longer site, but the Forest Service placed boulders blacking vehicles from going further. Just past the boulders is a large fire circle with room for 6 to 8 campers to sit around the fire.

    We were able to collect sunlight onto our solar panel from the site.

    The camp site are all disbursed enough that we did not hear any other camping sounds at all. It was so quiet I could hear the sound of crow wings flapping as they flew by.

    We enjoyed a spectacular view of the Blood Super Moon from the campsite. Overall the site was open to the sky nea3 the road yet protected from the wind.

    The only downside was the lack of any other amenities. As far as disbursed camping in the national forest, this place is not a decent unpaved road and our campsite was only about 3 miles from the highway.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2023

    Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    NFR 207 Meadows, with great views!

    In the first large meadow, multiple fire rings / sites. Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests. 

    Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles.
    Nearby Clark Brook Trail is a 3 mile hike connecting with the AT/LT.
    2 bars USCellular LTE.

  • G
    Apr. 14, 2020

    Haystack Road

    Secluded, yet centrally located.

    These are my go to sites when I am in the Franconia Notch area. They have a fire pit, plenty of woods around, and are free. The North Twin Trailhead is at the end of Haystack Rd., these trails connect to the Twin Mountain peaks and the Pemigewasset Wilderness area. Its is a great staging ground for weeks worth of adventures, and you're allowed to stay for two weeks. They do get crowded during the season, so you'll have better luck showing up mid-week. Leave your tent set up, or your site could be taken when you get back. There is cell reception at most of the sites. Do not rely on cell phone trail maps, there is little to no reception trail on the trails. Use a downloadable GPS map like a Gaia GPS, or a Garmin type device. Also, wildlife like bear and moose will visit you at night. it's almost a certainty, keep your food locked in a bear tight container. *** The first few sites on the left have a small stream behind them, it'll make your stay a little easier. Bathing, dishes, etc.***

  • Thomas and James S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Austin Brook

    Nice sites

    Smaller area roughly 1-6 sites. When driving in on the right there’s a culdesac type set up of sites. Pretty sure these sites all have river access. Road is short dead ends with a decent amount of turn around space.

  • Raj T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2021

    Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping

    Gayut Tentsite

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

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2024

    Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites

    Nice setting, simple fire pit only sites

    There seems to be a little confusion about where restricted day use ends and overnight dispersed sites begin. Some folks were camping in the picnic area. Past the gate at the end of the Texas Falls recreation area we found several sites with only a fire pit along the brook. They were well used with some litter. We packed out what we could find. There are posted signs on the opposite bank so we stayed on our side. Brook water filtered fine and was tasty. Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome. Very pretty area.

  • Michelle R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Austin Brook

    Green Mountain National Forest Warren Falls

    Just south of Warren Falls trail head and parking lot and just north of Green Mountains National Forest Road #25, is a small (4-5 sites, 3 picnic tables) camping and parking area wedged between the Mad River and Vermont Route 100. Grassy and Rocky sites, 4 fire rings, 3 porta-potties, and stream side (river) camping close to trails, Warren Falls swimming hole, the Lincoln Gap Road and hiking, and the "famous" Warren General Store, and covered bridge. There aren't any reservation or use instructions or signs posted.

Guide to Groton

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Groton, Vermont, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. With various options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Haystack Road

  • Nestled in Bethlehem, Haystack Road offers a selection of secluded sites surrounded by woods, making it an ideal base for hiking adventures in the Franconia Notch area.
  • Each site is equipped with a fire pit, allowing for cozy evenings under the stars, while the nearby North Twin Trailhead provides access to stunning hiking trails.
  • Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to spot bears and moose, so it's essential to secure food in bear-proof containers during your stay.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Groton, Vermont

  • When visiting Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site, be prepared for limited amenities, as there are no toilets or drinking water available, making it crucial to pack out all waste.
  • Arriving early in the week can increase your chances of finding an available spot, as these areas can get crowded during weekends, especially in peak season.
  • Keep in mind that some roads leading to dispersed sites may be rough, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended for accessing places like Green Mountain National Forest FR207.

Enjoy fishing and swimming while free camping near Groton

  • The Austin Brook area is perfect for those looking to enjoy fishing and swimming, with several sites located near the brook for easy access to water activities.
  • Campers can find a mix of drive-in and walk-in sites, allowing for flexibility depending on your camping style and equipment.
  • Be mindful of the local wildlife and ensure that all food is stored securely to avoid attracting animals during your stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping sites in Groton State Forest?

Dispersed camping sites in Groton State Forest are available along various roads and water features. Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road offers several riverside sites with both drive-in and walk-in options along a dirt road. The sites provide different experiences, though you'll need to navigate single-lane sections carefully. Another option is Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11, set on former Vermont farmland with good accessibility. Look for cleared areas maintained by the US National Forest Service. These dispersed sites are typically marked by existing fire rings and cleared tent spaces.

What are the rules and permits required for dispersed camping in Groton?

Dispersed camping in Groton follows Green Mountain National Forest regulations. Sites like Green Mountain National Forest FR207 operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no formal reservation system. Typically, no permits are required for basic dispersed camping, though you should observe the 14-day stay limit. Always use existing fire rings, practice Leave No Trace principles, and camp at least 200 feet from water sources. For seasonal access information, check with the Forest Service as roads like Tripoli Road often open in late May and close in autumn. The Forest Service Facebook page provides up-to-date road closure information.

What amenities are available at Groton dispersed camping areas?

Groton dispersed camping areas offer minimal amenities by design. At Austin Brook, you'll find basic facilities including 4-5 sites with fire rings, and some sites feature picnic tables and river access. Three porta-potties are available for sanitation. Similarly, Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites provide only fire pits along the brook. Most dispersed sites in the area offer natural features like water access but lack developed facilities. Bring your own water or purification methods, pack-out all trash, and prepare for primitive camping conditions with no electricity, showers, or garbage service.

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