Tent camping near North Concord, Vermont ranges in elevation from riverfront sites below 800 feet to mountain locations exceeding 4,000 feet, with local watersheds feeding the Connecticut River. Many campgrounds and dispersed sites require a quarter-mile or more walking distance from parking areas, especially in primitive zones. Overnight temperatures in fall can drop below 40°F even when daytime temperatures remain comfortable.
What to do
Fishing at multiple locations: The Connecticut River Paddlers Trail includes Maine Railroad Trestle, which offers "a really nice rocky beach with easy access for loading and unloading. It's also a nice spot to fish from," according to one camper. This free site requires boat access and provides picnic tables.
Hiking to mountain vistas: From Unknown Pond, hikers can access trails connecting to the Kilkenny/Pilot range. A camper notes, "You can hike in to this site from either the trailhead on Mill Brook Road (gated in winter) or from the Berlin Fish Hatchery on York Pond Road." The pond itself allows fly fishing for those with a NH fishing license.
Early morning wildlife viewing: Many sites report regular moose sightings, particularly near ponds and wetlands. At Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed camping, one visitor reported the area was "so quiet I could hear the sound of crow wings flapping as they flew by," making it ideal for early morning wildlife observation.
What campers like
Access to trail networks: Serenity Field provides "semi private tent only camping in a beautiful field! Can pull your car right up to the site. Super quiet and secluded. Literally feet away from kingdom trails," reports one reviewer. This established campground offers drinking water, showers, and toilets.
Secluded boat-in sites: Scott C. Devlin Memorial campsite sits "tucked on a knoll in a pine forest" and features "a picnic table, fire ring and composting toilet box seat," according to a visitor. The site requires boat access via the Connecticut River with a wooden step entry that can be "relatively steep."
Sunrise viewing opportunities: At Guyot Shelter, campers recommend taking advantage of mountain vistas. As one camper suggests, "I highly suggest a sunrise peak if you have the energy to get up early!" Many platforms offer panoramic views at elevations above 4,000 feet.
What you should know
Water access challenges: Many sites require campers to filter water from streams or ponds. At Unknown Pond, "The pond provides drinking water so be sure to carry in a water filtration system, chemical treatment or plan to boil water."
Insect preparation: Ticks are commonly reported at river sites. At Scott C. Devlin Memorial, one camper warns, "Beware the ticks! They weren't the worst I've seen, but they are definitely around." Maine Railroad Trestle similarly reports that "ticks in the field are insane!"
Platform sizing constraints: Garfield Ridge Campsite and Shelter has "approx 6 platform sites and shelter" with varying sizes. One visitor notes there are "big group size platforms as well smaller platforms," allowing for different tent configurations but potentially limiting options for larger groups.
Tips for camping with families
Easier access tent sites: Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed camping offers site #9 which "goes back about 70 to 80 feet back off the road" with "a large fire circle with room for 6 to 8 campers to sit around the fire," making it suitable for families wanting distance from road noise.
Swimming locations: Multiple pond sites offer swimming access for children. Molly's Falls Pond State Park Campground features a 411-acre lake that "is an excellent spot for swimming, boating and fishing" with designated swimming areas away from the boat launch.
Wildlife education opportunities: Kinsman Pond Shelter offers a nature immersion experience with "no signs of society (airplanes/cars/phone service)," according to one visitor. The raised toilet facility and shelter structure make this backcountry experience more accessible for families with older children.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent camping near North Concord is designated for tent-only use or requires significant hiking distance. Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed camping does allow some smaller vehicles with one camper noting "the Forest Service placed boulders blocking vehicles from going further" at certain sites.
Solar considerations: For campers using portable power, site selection matters. At Cherry Mountain Road, one visitor noted, "We were able to collect sunlight onto our solar panel from the site," as the area was "open to the sky near the road yet protected from the wind."
Generator restrictions: Most tent sites strictly prohibit generators to maintain the wilderness experience. When selecting tent sites near RV camping areas, choose locations separated by natural features to minimize noise intrusion.
