Campsite #5, Haystack Rd, Bethlehem, NH

**Introduction / Overview: Primitive Camping for the Dedicated New Hampshire Adventurer**

For many New Hampshire outdoor enthusiasts, the most rewarding camping experience is one that requires self-reliance and offers maximum proximity to the wilderness. Campsite #5 on Haystack Road is part of a series of designated, primitive, first-come, first-serve camping areas located along a gravel forest road in Bethlehem, NH. This area is known among local hikers and seasoned campers as the ideal no-cost, no-frills basecamp for exploring the northern White Mountains.

Unlike commercial campgrounds with extensive amenities, the Haystack Road sites offer a rugged, back-to-basics experience. These are not RV parks; they are simple, wooded plots maintained by the Forest Service, designed for the self-sufficient camper. The appeal of this location lies in its beautiful setting, its privacy, and its unbeatable access to some of the region's most challenging and popular trail systems. Campers should be prepared for a true primitive car-camping experience, as services are extremely limited. It is a place where nature takes center stage, and your preparation is your comfort. The limited number of sites (approximately 11 numbered spots) ensures a quieter experience, appealing directly to those looking to avoid the crowds of larger, fee-based campgrounds.

**Location and Accessibility: Footsteps from the Franconia Ridge Area**

The location of Campsite #5, Haystack Rd, is one of its primary draws, offering unparalleled access to the White Mountain National Forest.

The general location is: **Haystack Road, Bethlehem, NH 03574, USA**.

Accessibility via Gravel Road: Haystack Road itself is a well-maintained, but unpaved, gravel forest road. It is generally accessible by SUVs and high-clearance vehicles, allowing car campers and smaller campers/RVs (usually under 25 feet) to reach the dispersed sites. The road sees heavy traffic due to its use as a trailhead access point.
Proximity to Trailheads: The road famously ends at the North Twin Trailhead, making this area a superb staging ground for multi-day hikes into the Pemigewasset Wilderness and the Twin Mountains. It offers a strategic starting point for major treks without the early morning commute.
Close to Town: Despite the secluded, wooded feel of the campsites, the area is conveniently located just a five-minute drive from the town of Twin Mountain and slightly further from Bethlehem, where campers can quickly access essential supplies, local restaurants, breweries, and gas stations.
Water Access and Features: Certain campsites along Haystack Road are positioned near the Little River or small brooks, which can provide non-potable water for cleaning and washing (after appropriate filtration or treatment), adding a level of convenience to the primitive setting. The Little River is also known for local swimming holes and fishing opportunities.

**Services Offered: Embrace the Primitive and Self-Sufficient**

The defining characteristic of the Haystack Road sites is the deliberate absence of commercial services. This is not a fee-based campground, and visitors must arrive fully self-contained, embodying the "Leave No Trace" principle.

Designated Dispersed Camping: The sites are numbered and designated, meaning they are specific, recognized locations where camping is permitted, a step above true random dispersed camping but still primitive.
No-Cost, First-Come, First-Serve: These sites are free to use, making them a highly valuable resource for budget-conscious local adventurers. Due to their popularity, especially on weekends and during peak foliage season, they operate strictly on a first-come, first-serve basis. Arriving mid-week is often recommended to secure a spot.
Fire Pits Provided: Each designated site typically includes a basic fire ring, allowing campers to safely enjoy a campfire (always subject to local fire restrictions and burn bans).
Maximum Stay Limit: The sites adhere to the White Mountain National Forest dispersed camping regulations, allowing visitors to stay for up to 14 days within a 30-day period. This is an incredible feature for locals planning extended exploration trips.
No Utilities: It is crucial to note that no facilities are provided. There are no restrooms (vault toilets or flush toilets), no potable drinking water, no electric hookups, no trash disposal, and no showers. Campers must pack out all trash and be prepared to manage all sanitation needs responsibly.

**Features / Highlights: Seclusion, Privacy, and Unbeatable Access**

The true highlights of Campsite #5 and its neighbors on Haystack Road are intangible, focused on the quality of the experience rather than amenities.

Exceptional Privacy: The 11 or so sites are typically well-separated and tucked away in the woods, giving each party a significant degree of privacy and a genuine sense of solitude that is often difficult to find in more developed campgrounds.
Strategic Hiking Base: For serious White Mountain hikers, this location is a game-changer. Being able to wake up and be on a major trailhead (North Twin) in minutes eliminates the stress of finding trailhead parking and allows for much earlier starts on long, strenuous hikes.
Wooded Setting: The sites are surrounded by mature trees, providing natural shade, a quiet buffer, and the authentic ambiance of camping deep within the White Mountain National Forest.
Wildlife Viewing: The secluded nature of the area means that wildlife, including bears and moose, are frequent visitors. Campers must adhere to strict bear-safety protocols, securing all food and scented items in bear-proof containers or locked vehicles.
Proximity to Water: For campers whose site is near a stream or the Little River, the ease of access to non-potable water for routine camp chores is a significant convenience.

**Contact Information**

As this is a primitive, designated dispersed camping area within the White Mountain National Forest, there is no direct management contact for reservations. Camping is first-come, first-serve, and free.

For information regarding local fire conditions, safety alerts, or regulations, please contact the appropriate US Forest Service office for the White Mountain National Forest (Ammonoosuc Ranger District).

General Location Address: Haystack Road, Bethlehem, NH 03574, USA

Phone (US Forest Service): A general administrative phone line can be found through public search, but the sites are unmanaged by a dedicated campground attendant.

**Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals**

For residents of New Hampshire, particularly those who frequent the mountains, Campsite #5 and the entire Haystack Road dispersed camping area represent a critical and valued resource. Its suitability for locals stems from three main factors: cost, convenience, and ethos.

First, the free nature of the sites is invaluable for the frequent visitor. Locals can use this as a cost-effective, spontaneous option for a weekend trip without the planning or expense of a private campground. Second, the location is ideally convenient. As a resident, minimizing time spent driving to a trailhead means maximizing time spent hiking. Haystack Road provides a quick, central jumping-off point for the northernmost section of the Pemi Loop and other Franconia Notch area hikes.

Finally, these primitive sites align with the rugged, self-sufficient ethos of New Hampshire outdoorsmanship. They reward prepared campers who value privacy and quiet over amenities. This is a place for locals who know how to manage a true backcountry experience, including proper food storage and sanitation (pack-in/pack-out), while enjoying the incredible access to the most magnificent parts of the White Mountain National Forest. Campsite #5, though simple, offers an authentic mountain sanctuary.