Camping sites near Bretton Woods, New Hampshire sit within the northern section of the White Mountain National Forest, an area characterized by 4,000-foot peaks and dense northern hardwood forests. The area receives approximately 200 inches of snow annually, with camping season typically running from mid-May through mid-October. Many campgrounds in this region close their access roads after fall foliage season concludes due to mountain snow accumulation and spring mud conditions.
What to do
Hiking to Arethusa Falls: The trails near Dry River Campground provide access to popular waterfall hikes. "Hiked the Arethusa Falls and Frankenstein Cliff Trail right from the campground!" notes Michele S., who appreciated the direct trail access from her campsite.
Sugarloaf Mountain hikes: Short family-friendly trails accessible from Zealand Road lead to excellent viewpoints. The Sugarloaf trail "hits a saddle and you can bag both middle and north sugarloaf in turn," making it ideal for beginners or families seeking summit views without difficult terrain.
Mt. Washington access: Multiple options exist for exploring the highest peak in the Northeast. The campgrounds provide convenient baselines for tackling different routes. "We base camped out of here and explored nearby trails, as well as Mt. Washington," explains Nathan S., highlighting how central Crawford Notch locations work well for day trips.
Swim in natural pools: The Pemigewasset River offers several swimming spots during summer months. "There is a fabulous swimming hole. Clear, cold and deep just off the car camping area," writes Tara S. about Hancock Campground, noting how convenient water access enhances summer camping experiences.
What campers like
Secluded campsites: Many campers value privacy at Sugarloaf 1 Campground, where "sites are spread out and you do not feel crowded or exposed like some other campgrounds." Rebekah C. notes the "easy access to all of what the white mountains have to offer" while maintaining a sense of seclusion.
River frontage sites: Multiple campgrounds offer sites directly alongside mountain streams. "Site #55. You don't feel like you're at a campground here, and that's what I love about this place," writes Jamie C. about Crawford Notch Campground, describing a site "right on the Saco river, views of the 'Texaco Slab' directly across, and beautiful White Mountains to your left and right."
Fall foliage viewing: The area transforms during autumn with brilliant colors. "We were pleasantly surprised by this campground, booking 3 nights sight unseen. You could hear the river babbling at night and had incredible views of Frankenstein Cliffs as you walked to the wash house," writes Nathan S., highlighting the seasonal beauty.
Clean facilities: Despite their rustic nature, most campgrounds maintain good standards. "The bathroom facilities are so clean! There are great hiking trails right on the campsite. Chipmunks surround you at all times, which was pretty epic and magical!" reports Michelle K. about her experience.
What you should know
Road closures affect access: Seasonal road closures impact several campgrounds. Zealand Road, which provides access to Sugarloaf campgrounds, remains closed during winter and spring mud season, typically reopening in late May once conditions permit.
Bear safety protocols: Black bears are active throughout the White Mountain region. "Upon entering campground we saw many 'beware of bear signs'. The campground ranger station confirmed that black bear are prominent and will venture across picnic tables and sites, so be certain to store food & toiletries safely per rules!" warns Whitney W. about Dolly Copp Campground.
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds have minimal or no cell reception. "No cell service, but if you need it I had ample (Verizon) service at the bottom of the hill by Rte. 302," notes Jamie D., providing a practical tip for staying connected while camping.
Shower facilities vary: Not all campgrounds offer showers. Sugarloaf campgrounds provide only basic facilities with vault toilets and water pumps, while other locations offer coin-operated shower options. "Half of the showers didn't work upon inserting coins, so that wasn't ideal, but they were clean facilities, so my advice would be to check the shower is functioning before stripping down!" recommends Whitney W.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Twin Mountain-Mt. Washington KOA offers organized activities for children. "Perfect for family camping! Fishing, swimming, river walks, biking and movie nights!" writes J L., highlighting the structured entertainment options that keep children engaged.
Swimming ponds: Several state parks feature swimming areas specifically designed for families. "There are facilities, a fishing pond and separate swimming pond where the water is quite chilly and refreshing on a summer's afternoon," explains Sarah C. about Moose Brook State Park Campground.
Theme park proximity: Family attractions operate within driving distance of most campgrounds. "Less than 40 minutes in either direction are Story Land and Santa's Village, NH family destinations for generations," notes Jean C., mentioning popular children's theme parks that work well for day trips from local campgrounds.
Pet-friendly options: Many families travel with pets and appreciate accommodating sites. "We chose this campground because it was dog friendly. Our site was very private and secluded, but close to bathrooms and showers. Facilities very clean!" reports Josh R. about his stay at Moose Brook State Park.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most White Mountain National Forest campgrounds lack electrical and water hookups. Dolly Copp Campground is an exception, with a caretaker noting "sites with and without electric hookups" following recent renovations.
Site selection for larger vehicles: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. "Very tight sites if you are not in the 100 section," warns Bill B. about Twin Mountain-Mt. Washington KOA, suggesting specific areas for bigger rigs.
Road access considerations: Mountainous terrain creates challenges for larger vehicles. The winding roads through Crawford Notch and Franconia Notch require careful driving for RVs, with some campgrounds accessible only via narrower forest roads.
Water access points: Campgrounds with water hookups provide convenience for RVers. "Water and electricity have been added to many sites as well," notes Russell C. about updated facilities at Dolly Copp that improve the RV camping experience while maintaining the natural setting.
