Searching for the best camping near Island Pond, VT? Island Pond is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Vermont camping adventure.
"While reservations are not required, there is a registration page on the CT River Paddler's Trail Website that they ask folx to complete just so spots don't get overcrowded. "
"This is another beautiful site along the CT River Paddler's Trail. It is well maintained and tucked on a knoll in a pine forest. There is a picnic table, fire ring and composting toilet box seat."
$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."
"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."
"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."
"Right near a great swimming hole and the twin mountains. It is quiet, the sites are far apart."
"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."
RangerCame 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.
ScoutThese 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.***
GuideSufficient amount of platform, water source, bear proof Joe box, pivy and springs all at one spot
LegendIf you can't snag a site along Gale River Rd or you are looking to hike the Twin Mountains, then continue a little farther north on US 3 near Twin Mountain (a little north of the Beaver Brook Picnic Area) and try your luck on Haystack Rd. This road is closed in winter and will open in late spring after the road has dried out and any repairs have been made. In 2019, it opened in mid-June. Check the the White Mountain National Forest FB page or website (FB is usually more up-to-date) for road status, including closures in the autumn.
When open, you can drive in to one of 11 numbered, wooded sites and camp up to 14 nights for free. You may have up to 3 vehicles and 15 people on a site. The only amenity is a fire pit, but the road ends at the Little River, offering fishing and swimming options. The parking lot at the end of Haystack Rd serves as the Twin Mountain trail head. You may see moose or bears in the area.
Franconia Notch State Park is just south of here, with its hikes, recreation trail, echo lake, and the Flume. Head east on 302 and you'll find yourself in Crawford Notch State Park with waterfalls and hikes.
Forgot something? Fosters Corners just a few miles north has an eclectic selection of essentials as well as gas. Or take I-93 north to Littleton to a wider variety of shops.
LegendStopped by on the Cohos Trail. Great location with access to the Cherry Mountain trail, and back down to Ammonoosuc Falls back down near Rt. 302.
There are a string of tent sites on either side of the road with some right up to the intersection with Cherry Mountain trail.
A few were small and could just fit a tent and a car, where some offered more space. Some offered a bit of privacy into the woods while most were right along the road.
There are no facilities here, and most sites showed some significant signs of use.
There were plenty of sites available on the weekend in October.
GuideStep walk in and out though most of the tent plat forms have amazing views. I have stayed here twice and had great experiences. A outhouse is located at this tent site as well as pump-able water, bear boxes and a shelter. Great place to stay on the Pemi Loop. It is a carry in carry out campsite.
Travelerthese sites are in a frat location for hiking the northern white mountains. very primitive car camping with only a fire pit at the site. as a backpacker this suits me fine. great place to enjoy with friends for a few daya or use as a base camp for hiking. it’s close to fosters if you need supplies and a restroom. these sites are heavily used and there is a bit of trash left behind.
GuideDespite being so remote, one of the busiest back country camps in the Whites.
Has a nice shelter, spring, privy, platforms, some sites have somewhat of a view of far away mountain tops.
No space for non-free standing tents. Quite a hike dropping down from the main trail to the campsite, 15-20 min straight up to hike out in the morning
LegendThis is a classic AMC shelter in the backcountry of the white mountains. Stayed here while doing a one night trip with friends in the area. We actually stayed on one of the wood platforms since the hut was already full. It is a great site and worth staying at to see all the peaks in the area. Though be aware that the hut itself fills up quick and it only 3 sided so its still probably a good idea to bring a tent. There is a small stream to pump water from but it is seasonal. I highly suggest a sunrise peak if you have the energy to get up early!
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Island Pond, Vermont, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll be able to enjoy the great outdoors in a peaceful setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Island Pond, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Island Pond, VT is Maine Railroad Trestle with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
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TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Island Pond, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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