If you love camping, we have both good news and bad news for you. The good news: one of the very best campgrounds in the entire Northeast is right here in New Hampshire. The catch? It’s a true backcountry experience (not glamping)—no bathrooms, no water, and no cell service.
Town Hall Road, nestled in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest near Chatham, New Hampshire, has just been named the No. 1 campground in the Northeast by The Dyrt’s 2025 Best Places to Camp, a ranking based on thousands of real camper reviews. And here’s the kicker: it’s completely free.
Why Town Hall Road Is the Best Campground in the Northeast
Set along a quiet, well-maintained dirt road, Town Hall Road is a dispersed camping area offering 8–10 generously spaced sites. Privacy and seclusion are practically amenities here, with many sites tucked close to Slippery Brook, where the sound of rushing water and the chance to spot wildlife add to the experience.
There are no man-made amenities—no restrooms, no running water, and not even a bar of cell service. But for campers seeking solitude and a classic New England wilderness experience, the pristine setting more than makes up for it. Hiking trails and fishing holes are just steps away, and the White Mountain National Forest offers endless opportunities for exploration.
What Campers Say
“We loved this spot. There were plenty of sites to choose from and most (not all) had access to the river as well as a fire ring. Sites were on a dirt road, but it was quiet for the most part. Sites were also a good distance from each other so it felt pretty private.”
“My first ever dispersed camping experience. So freaking amazing and unbelievable. … beautiful view of the water and even a path down to swim. 10/10 experience and I can’t wait to go back.”
Campground Details
- Price: Free
- Number of sites: 8–10
- RV sites: Yes (smaller RVs recommended)
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
The Rest of the best
The Dyrt’s annual list highlights the diversity of camping in the Northeast, from rugged backcountry to luxury resorts. Rounding out the top five are Schoodic Woods Campground in Acadia National Park, Maine; Normandy Farms Campground in Foxborough, Massachusetts; Mount Desert Campground in Bar Harbor, Maine; and Cherry Hill Park in College Park, Maryland.
Whether you’re after solitude in the forest or a family-friendly spot with all the amenities, the Northeast’s best campgrounds offer something for every kind of camper.
You can see the complete list of Northeast rankings at The Dyrt’s website.