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A search for horse-friendly campgrounds near Bartlett, New Hampshire reveals limited dedicated equestrian facilities in the immediate area. Gunstock Campground in Gilford offers 250 campsites with options for tent, RV, and cabin camping, though it lacks specific horse corrals or designated equestrian areas. While pets are allowed, the campground does not have specialized facilities for horses such as corrals, wash racks, or designated trailer parking. The campground features full amenities including electric hookups, water, sewer connections, showers, and a dump station, making it suitable for general camping but requiring additional planning for those traveling with horses.
For equestrians looking to camp with their horses in the White Mountains region, alternative options may require traveling beyond the immediate Bartlett area. The surrounding White Mountain National Forest permits horseback riding on many trails, though specific regulations may apply. Riders should contact forest ranger stations for current trail conditions and equestrian-specific regulations before planning a trip. When camping with horses in this region, visitors must bring appropriate containment systems as most standard campgrounds lack horse-specific infrastructure. The Kancamagus Highway area offers several campgrounds including Hancock Campground, which though not equipped with horse corrals, provides spacious sites that may accommodate small horse trailers in certain areas.
"This would be one of few places I find acceptable to camp, that are near other people. I usually don't like camping with 20+ other people in one looped area."
"Used the tent sides a quick hill walk down from the parking lot. River great for splashing around and nearby path to Lincoln Woods trail."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Fairly extensive camp ground associated with Gunstock ski area on central New Hampshire."
"I was lucky to receive a tranquil, secluded spot next to a brook - perfect."
from $35 - $80 / night
Check Availability
GuideFairly extensive camp ground associated with Gunstock ski area on central New Hampshire. We arrived without a reservation a bit after the office closed, but Elena, the manager came out to let us in and allowed us to check in. She was great. Dogs must have proof of rabies vaccine. Very nice showers. Beautiful fall colors.
RangerThis would be one of few places I find acceptable to camp, that are near other people. I usually don't like camping with 20+ other people in one looped area. The sites here are pretty well spread out. Not ALL of them, but look around. We found what I would think is the best. The one we ended up at had stairs leading from the car down to our site. It was further away from the other sites and had the pretty much private stream running by it. The area we had for use was pretty huge, we had a giant tent 10-12 plus a pop up tent to put over the picnic table, and there was still a ton of room for the car, fire pit and general run around area for our dog. I never felt like we had to lock up everything we owned either. A short walk to the toilets from all sites. Bring a headlamp of course. TP is in the outhouses bring a spare hand sanitizer bottle to use after.
FYI there is a pretty awesome hike close by you can do. I mean you have to drive there but it wasn't far. It goes up to Mt Moosilauke. We ended up taking Beaver Brook Trail to the Cascades, checked out the shelter and headed to Moosilauke Summit. A crazy hike pretty much going up the side of a waterfall. The peak was 4,802ft. Worth it! I'd say an 8 mile trek from the car, up, and back. I included just a couple pictures to entice you since its not about the campsite! There are a TON of trails near this campsite, this would just be my favorite of the 6 or 7 we did.
GuideI was lucky to receive a tranquil, secluded spot next to a brook - perfect. This campground has nothing to do, or plenty you can do - walking, hiking, biking, and close access to all Gunstock's adventures.
TravelerMost amazing spot I’ve ever camped and not too many people. Used the tent sides a quick hill walk down from the parking lot. River great for splashing around and nearby path to Lincoln Woods trail.
LegendI haven't stayed here, but I checked it out on Columbus Day weekend because it's one of the few campgrounds open year-round (plowed, unlike Lafayette Place, which is walk-in) in the White Mountains. Most of the reviews talk about the walk-in tent sites, but there's more to this campground that is located along the Kancamagus Highway just before the Lincoln Woods Visitors' Center.
If you're a tent camper and don't mind carrying your gear downhill to a site, drive straight ahead to a parking lot. A few of the sites (3 & 4) are accessible from the far end of the parking lot, but for most of them you'll head down the steps in the middle with sites in two levels branching out on each side. Sites are large, but close together and although you're in the woods, there's not much to separate you from your neighbors. Even sites 10-20 are directly on the water.
Sites 22-55 are suitable for RVs and tents. Those on the back side of the loop are close enough that you can hear the Pemi River running below. A few of the sites are pull-through. There are no hook-ups, but water available via spigots and flush toilets are available - except in winter. I'd recommend sites on the back side of the loop to provide some more distance from traffic noise. I chatted briefly with a host who remarked that sites on the western end of the loop have some cell phone coverage, unlike the rest of the campground.
If you stay here, you're only a few miles from Lincoln where you can pick up any necessary supplies. This end of the Kanc your nearest hiking options are Lincoln Woods and Greeley Pond for family friendly trails, or Lincoln Woods to head into the Pemi wilderness, including peaks in the Pemi loop and Owl's Head. The Hancocks are via a trail at the hairpin on the Kanc. Franconia Notch and its many hiking trails and the multi-use trail are a short drive away.
Bring cash or a check to pay your camping fee in the iron ranger. Fees cover the first vehicle; a second vehicle is an additional $5.
LegendHancock Campground is one of 6 national forest campgrounds along the Kancamagus Highway. Campsites can't be reserved and the campground does fill up on the weekends. We were lucky to score a walk-in tent site on a Saturday in August, and while it did feel a bit like a tent city, we loved that there were no cars at the campsites. It made the tenting area feel more like a community. This is a busy campground, but lovely all the same.
We got site #19, which was one of the last sites available. It had a picnic table, fire pit, and bear box. There were awesome waterfront sites nearby, but they were taken, of course. Cost was reasonable - $22 per night. Pit toilets were near the parking area, but there was a real bathroom with a sink and a flush toilet in the car camping area. There is also a fabulous swimming hole. Clear, cold and deep just off the car camping area.
Hancock Campground is a five-minute drive from Lincoln, NH, and very close to awesome hiking trails in the White Mountain National Forest and Franconia Notch State Park.
ScoutI stayed at Hancock campground in mid April this year. Great clean accessible bathrooms, beautiful grounds and large campgrounds. Leashed dogs are allowed. There are both walk-in and drive up tent sites. The walk-in sites are directly next to the beautiful Pemi River. Great overall would return again.
RangerPros: Beautiful area, not a bad size campground, quiet nights (but this could be because 3 out of the 4 sites right near us were empty), free hot showers that are not dirty, lots of trails on edge of the grounds, lots and lots of tent sites, platform on campsite, pool and playground available, camp store, bike & Segway trails, quick access to some of NH’s most beautiful mountains. Staff is friendly. Cons: So many roots all over the sites, the platform did not fit our tent for 12 on it. More of the sites have very little separation from the neighboring campers near you. We explored the grounds & noted some sites that were a smidge more secluded and plan to return again sometime!
RangerSome pros and lots of cons. We stayed at a walk-in site by the river.
I never fully appreciated just how much camp hosts do. There was no ranger and no host. We arrived early on a Thursday, hopeful we could get a spot by the water. There are only two spots that are truly private in any way. They were both taken- fine. However, one of the groups had not registered and stayed until 4 or 5pm until everyone else had already set up for the day…then they left! So uncool. The site went unused because at that point, no one was going to move all their stuff. Maybe a camp host would’ve noticed that?
The sites were FILTHY with trash, dog poop and food waste. Pretty crazy considering this was supposed to be a bear area. There was also a bad smell wafting around, hmm…maybe because of the trash and dog poop? Stepping in dog poop and trying to clean off your boots is a significant bummer. The site we were stuck at also had ashes and chunks of wood all over the picnic table. Cleaning up this much in order to feel comfortable really sucked.
There was no running water at any of the pumps and the pit toilets were quite full.
There is a bridge nearby but the river covered any vehicle noise very well. It was also nice to be right off the highway and five minutes from town, yet it felt like a proper national forest experience.
There’s an upper loop with drive in sites. They didn’t seem very private and you could see the road. I wouldn’t stay up there.
Being by the river was beautiful. I would stay here again, but with more preparation for the campground’s limitations.
Equestrian camping near Bartlett, New Hampshire requires specific planning due to limited horse-friendly facilities. The region sits in the White Mountain National Forest where elevations range from 700 to 6,288 feet at Mount Washington's peak, creating varied terrain for riders. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F while summer averages 70-80°F, with peak camping season running May through October when trails are most accessible.
Trail riding on Kancamagus Highway: Access multiple trails from Hancock Campground where you can set up base camp for day rides. "We got site #19, which was one of the last sites available. It had a picnic table, fire pit, and bear box. There were awesome waterfront sites nearby, but they were taken, of course. Cost was reasonable - $22 per night," notes Tara S. about Hancock Campground.
Winter horseback adventures: Many trails remain open for winter equestrian use when properly prepared. "Stayed here for two nights in late December. Site #40 along the river was close to the bathroom yet had plenty of privacy from other sites," reports Heather B., highlighting Hancock Campground's year-round accessibility.
Mountain coaster and aerial activities: After securing your horses, enjoy the mountain amenities at Gunstock Campground. "It has pretty spacious sites, they have an aerial obstacle course and a mountain coaster, places to swim, music festivals, hiking, etc.," shares Kasey H., making it suitable for mixed equestrian/non-equestrian family trips.
River access for horse watering: The natural water features provide convenient horse watering spots. "This campground is great! I recommend getting a site in the river side away from the street. Absolutely beautiful!" says Lisa S. about riverside sites at Hancock Campground.
Off-season seclusion: For equestrians seeking quieter conditions with fewer campers, consider non-peak timing. "We came at the end of October to try to hike Franconia Ridge... and we stumbled upon this campground. We were the only ones in it and we picked the site right next to the rambling river," explains Molly G. about Hancock Campground, noting "when we returned this summer-- it was packed out!"
Noise considerations for horses: Some campgrounds offer quieter areas better suited for horses who spook easily. "Very well kept and quiet grounds. The lot I was in was not wooded but still quiet. Check in was quick and friendly," shares Ryan F. about Gunstock Campground, which offers 250 sites across varied terrain types.
Bear safety protocols: Bear boxes are essential for equestrian camping as feed storage requires proper containment. "We appreciated having a bear box on our site, especially since we couldn't keep anything in our car. It was big enough to fit our grill, cooler, trash, and bag of groceries," Lindsey M. explains about Hancock Campground.
Site selection for horse trailers: Arrive early for better site options that accommodate trailers, especially on weekends. "Hancock Campground is one of 6 national forest campgrounds along the Kancamagus Highway. Campsites can't be reserved and the campground does fill up on the weekends," warns Tara S.
Trail conditions vary seasonally: Always check current trail status before bringing horses. "We had a backcountry trip that we sadly underprepared for (ran into about three feet of snow right at the beginning of the trail and finally decided to come back when either it's a little warmer or we're a little more prepared," recounts Molly G., highlighting unpredictable White Mountains conditions.
Insect preparedness: Certain sites experience seasonal insect activity that may affect horses and children. "Our site was completely swarmed with bees. We checked a few vacant sites to see if maybe it was just our site, but we found them all around, including all over the cars in the lot," cautions Lindsey M. about Hancock Campground.
Site privacy considerations: When camping with multiple families and horses, select areas with natural separation. "More of the sites have very little separation from the neighboring campers near you. We explored the grounds & noted some sites that were a smidge more secluded and plan to return again sometime!" advises Sara D. about Gunstock Campground.
Family-friendly amenities beyond riding: Look for campgrounds offering non-equestrian activities for mixed-interest groups. "Campground has a fenced in dog park, playground, showers, clean bathrooms, and laundry facilities," reports Melissa B. about Gunstock Campground.
Site selection for horse trailers: Large equestrian rigs require specific sites with adequate space. "Large campsites, clean amenities, nice dog park, great store with everything you need and located near like Winni," notes Ryan P. about Gunstock Campground, which can accommodate larger rigs.
Wooded vs. open sites: Consider site location carefully when parking horse trailers. "Most of the sites are out in the open though, or very close together. Not so bad if you're camping in trailers or RVs, but if tent camping you won't really have any privacy in those locations. I recommend the sites back in Breezy Knolls (K01-K17 I think?)" suggests Melissa B. about Gunstock Campground.
Campground access control: Some facilities restrict vehicle movement, which affects horse trailer logistics. "The campground is gated so you have to make sure you keep your key card with you whenever leaving in order to get back in," notes Melissa B., an important consideration when planning horse trailer entry/exit times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bartlett, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bartlett, NH is Hancock Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 27 reviews.
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