Dispersed camping near North Concord, Vermont provides access to both riverside camping along the Connecticut River and forest camping options in the White Mountain National Forest. Winter temperatures in this region can dip below -20°F, while summer days typically range from 70-85°F with moderate rainfall. Seasonal road closures affect access to many dispersed sites, particularly those along forest roads in the White Mountains.
What to do
Hiking the Pemigewasset Wilderness: Access extensive trail networks from Guyot Shelter, where hikers can reach multiple peaks. "Bond cliff trail wooden platforms and a three sided cabin at 4360 ft. Getting to the sites is pretty strenuous, but totally worth it! We got to the site, claimed our platform and hiked over to West Bond to catch a beautiful sunset," reports one backpacker.
Fishing local waters: At Town Hall Road Dispersed sites, anglers can access riverside camping with trout fishing opportunities. "There are trout in the river and if you cross and go through the woods to the right there's some great spots to explore further," notes a camper who found this peaceful location.
Explore fire tower trails: Cherry Mountain Road campsites provide direct access to the Cherry Mountain trail and fire tower. A visitor explains, "Great location with access to the Cherry Mountain trail, and back down to Ammonoosuc Falls back down near Rt. 302." Sites near the trailhead offer quick morning summit access for optimal photography.
What campers like
Solitude and separation: Haystack Road sites appeal to campers seeking privacy. "There are 11 options, each completely separated from the others," notes one reviewer, while another states, "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."
Riverside locations: Water access ranks high among camper preferences for dispersed sites. "We drove down the road a bit, past a few tent sites just off the road. About the fifth one or so, you pull in and the fire pit is right there. Then walk down a bit and there's a large group site with another pit. Down toward the river there was plenty of open space," explains a Town Hall Road camper.
Proximity to trails: Multiple campsites serve as effective basecamps for hiking. "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," explains a regular visitor.
What you should know
Site security concerns: Never leave valuable gear unattended at your campsite. One Haystack Road visitor warns, "Quiet area not far from the main road and a bunch of trailheads, but beware of people stealing camping gear. I left out gear to claim a spot while out hiking and came back to people having stolen some of it as well as setting up in that spot."
Bear activity: Wildlife encounters require proper food storage. "Wildlife like bear and moose will visit you at night. it's almost a certainty, keep your food locked in a bear tight container," cautions a regular Haystack Road user. Similar warnings appear across multiple campgrounds in the region.
Vehicle limitations: Many forest roads require appropriate clearance. At Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site, "The road in is pretty rough and is not recommended for sedans or lower riding cars," warns one visitor. Cherry Mountain Road similarly features challenging access that may require 4WD during wet conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Guyot Shelter facilities: When backpacking with children, Guyot Shelter offers more amenities than typical dispersed sites. "A outhouse is located at this tent site as well as pump-able water, bear boxes and a shelter," notes a camper. Another adds that there are "bear box, food area, water source, cabin, Privy, and platforms."
Swimming opportunities: During summer months, seek out sites with water features. "There is a nice pond with great views and good fishing," reports a visitor to Elbow Pond. Town Hall Road sites offer similar water access with "a large group site with another pit. Down toward the river there was plenty of open space."
Resource proximity: Plan for supply runs by camping within reasonable distance of towns. For Haystack Road users, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for small trailers: Tripoli Road offers varied terrain for different vehicle types. "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," explains one visitor who camped there.
Satellite and solar access: For those requiring connectivity or solar charging, site selection becomes critical. "If all we needed was a campsite with no solar or starlink, this would be 5 star review. Lots of options, great hiking in the area. But if you need solar or starlink, there's only 1 or 2 viable spots," notes a Town Hall Road camper who stayed in their teardrop trailer.
Road conditions for towing: Town Hall Road presents specific challenges for trailers. "The road was not as bad as I anticipated. There was room for my Jeep Grand Cherokee towing a squaredrop camper to pass the very few oncoming vehicles we encountered. There is a good mix of tent and small/medium camper sites," reports a recent visitor who successfully navigated the road with a small trailer.
