Best Campgrounds near Deerfield, NH

The White Mountains region surrounding Deerfield, New Hampshire encompasses diverse camping opportunities ranging from developed state park campgrounds to remote backcountry sites. Within driving distance, campers can access established facilities like Lafayette Place Campground in Franconia Notch State Park and Dry River Campground in Crawford Notch State Park, both offering tent and RV camping with varying amenity levels. The area features a mix of federal, state, and private camping options, with the White Mountain National Forest providing both developed campgrounds and dispersed camping areas. Proximity to natural features like the Kancamagus Highway, Presidential Range, and numerous hiking trails makes this region particularly appealing for outdoor enthusiasts.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability, with most campgrounds operating from May through October. As one camper noted about Lafayette Place, "The whole area is spectacular and I felt lucky to find a spot in this campground next to the stream." Weather patterns can change rapidly, particularly at higher elevations where microbursts and sudden storms occur even in summer months. Cell service remains limited or nonexistent in many camping areas, especially those deeper in the national forest. Advance reservations are strongly recommended for summer weekends and holiday periods, as popular campgrounds like Sugarloaf and Hancock fill quickly. Winter camping options are limited but available at select locations like Ammonoosuc Campground, which operates year-round.

Riverside camping locations receive consistently positive reviews from visitors, with many highlighting the peaceful settings along the Pemigewasset, Swift, and Wild Rivers. Road noise can be problematic at some campgrounds situated near highways, with one reviewer recommending "getting a site as far away from the road as possible" at Lafayette Place. Privacy varies considerably between campgrounds, with some offering well-spaced, wooded sites while others have more open layouts. Hikers appreciate the strategic locations of many campgrounds as access points to popular trails. As one visitor to Sugarloaf Campground noted, it provides "access to some of the best hiking in New Hampshire" with "wooded, private campsites" that serve as excellent basecamps for exploring the surrounding mountains.

Best Camping Sites Near Deerfield, New Hampshire (271)

    1. Lafayette Place Campground — Franconia Notch State Park

    36 Reviews
    Lincoln, NH
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 823-9513

    $35 / night

    "My first time in camping in New Hampshire, the whole area is spectacular and I felt lucky to find a spot in this campground next to the stream."

    "The White Mountains stretch quite some distance. While the Presidential peaks are often considered the jewel of this range, I find the Franconia Ridge just as beautiful and stunning."

    2. Hancock Campground

    28 Reviews
    Lincoln, NH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 536-6100

    $30 / night

    "Luckily -- we were only about ten minutes from one of our favorite campgrounds in New Hampshire. Let me tell you why we like it so much."

    "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."

    3. Dry River Campground — Crawford Notch State Park

    31 Reviews
    Bartlett, NH
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 374-2272

    $35 - $40 / night

    "Cool location right on the edge of the Dry River Wilderness. Great Basecamp for lots of hikes in the area. Some spots are right on the highway with not much tree cover in between so can be loud."

    "This state park campground located between Rte 302 and the Dry River in Crawford Notch is a great location for exploring family friendly trails to (Sawyer Pond, Arethusa Falls, Willard Cliffs to name a"

    4. Crawford Notch Campground

    24 Reviews
    Bartlett, NH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 374-2272

    $25 / night

    "-Our site was big and walking around the grounds the other sites appeared to all be pretty good sized as well. They are not lying when they call their sites secluded either!"

    "Cabins and RV sites with hookups are closer yo the entrance, store and road. That latter feature is a bit if a bummer bc the noise from cars and trucks zipping by on route 302 is loud."

    5. Lost River Valley Campground

    32 Reviews
    North Woodstock, NH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 745-8321

    $62 - $209 / night

    "The last few years, they’ve added a light display near the entrance at night, which make that last trip to the bathroom before bedtime fun!"

    "Nice campground located in the valley of mountains. Wooded sites but close to your neighbors."

    6. Sugarloaf 1 Campground

    11 Reviews
    Twin Mountain, NH
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 536-6100

    $24 / night

    "If you need help or have any questions the Hosts (Located in Sugarloaf 2) are very friendly and offer a wealth of knowledge of the area.

     "

    "Definitely a step above primitive campsites (there’s a flushing toilet and water), but this site doesn’t have some of the other features you find at some larger campgrounds (no sinks, washbasins, or showers"

    7. Twin Mountain-Mt. Washington KOA

    10 Reviews
    Twin Mountain, NH
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 846-5559

    "There are tons of hiking trails in and close by the site. And other activities close by for family or adult fun like Story Land? Santa's Village, and more."

    "The trail is right outside the lip of the campsite. Totally had a fun time."

    8. Fransted Family Campground

    9 Reviews
    Franconia, NH
    6 miles
    Website

    $40 - $55 / night

    "Many sites along the river and nice grassy sites near the front. Sites were spacious and well maintained. The campground is perfectly located for access to Franconia Notch. Highly recommend."

    "The location could not be any better for access to attractions in the area!"

    9. Sugarloaf 2 Campground

    9 Reviews
    Twin Mountain, NH
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 536-6100

    $24 / night

    "Access to some of the best hiking in New Hampshire!"

    "Feels like you are away from other campers even when full. Easy access to beautiful Zeacliff trails and sugarloaf mountains as well as easy access to what the white mountains have to offer."

    10. Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Deerfield, NH
    6 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "Step walk in and out though most of the tent plat forms have amazing views. I have stayed here twice and had great experiences."

    "Privy is a bit of a walk. And the eating area is very small. X3 bear boxes.

    Great Water source right near the eating area.

    Loved this site!"

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Recent Reviews near Deerfield, NH

1210 Reviews of 271 Deerfield Campgrounds


  • Erin D.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lost River Valley Campground

    Dirty and Disappointing

    Here’s the revised version of your review with the laundry issue added in seamlessly:⸻ I came to this campground after seeing it advertised in a New Hampshire magazine, noting that it had once been recommended by Yankee Magazine. Unfortunately, it seems that recommendation must have been from many years ago, because what we experienced was nothing like what was promised. From the moment we arrived, it was clear the property was extremely rundown. The entrance and camp store were full of broken wood, broken signs, and musty smells. The bathrooms were absolutely atrocious—filthy, smelly, and clearly not maintained. They may not have been updated in years, but they could at least be kept clean, and they were not. The playgrounds—despite this being advertised as a family-friendly campground—were unsafe and neglected. Structures were practically falling down, weeds were everywhere, and one so-called playground was nothing more than a tarp on the ground with a tiny jungle gym. The game room was equally disappointing: dirty, moldy, and unusable. We had also looked forward to using the laundry facilities, but they were completely out of order and appeared to have been that way for quite some time. This was extremely disappointing and added to the sense that the entire campground is neglected. The swimming area was also a major letdown. The water was murky and uninviting—I wouldn’t even consider kayaking or putting my feet in it. Calling it a“beach” is misleading; it was unkempt and unpleasant. Overall, this campground was an extreme disappointment. It felt neglected, unsafe, and unhygienic in every way. I will not be returning, and I would strongly caution others to look elsewhere for a true family-friendly New Hampshire camping experience.⸻ Would you like me to shorten this into a punchier version(since some review sites have word limits), or keep it as a full detailed account for maximum impact?

  • Josh S.
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Mountain Lake Camping Resort

    Great campground for families!

    If you're looking for a safe, family friendly, quiet campground this is it.

    Pool with water slides for kids, Kayaks, paddle boats, canoes, playground with slides and a pirate ship.

    Strict quiet hours at 1030 make it very quiet in the evening with no worry of loud parties keeping you up.

    Super clean restrooms and sites and a camp store with about everything in it.

    10 minute drive to the cute town of Lancaster which has coffee shops, brewery, restaurants, bakery and groceries.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road

    Chill spots with nearby creek and river

    Highwater trail with bridge close by. Great stars. Creek runs through road near sites good for getting water to filter or washing. Trailhead at end of road.

  • Dale S.
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Nauman Tentsite

    Perfect Camping Adventure in White Mountains

    This campsite sounds like a perfect spot for nature lovers who enjoy rugged terrain and peaceful surroundings. The mix of wooden platforms, nearby water sources, and bear protection measures shows how well-prepared it is for group camping. Exploring trails like the Appalachian or enjoying the views from Mount Washington would make the trip even more memorable— almost like the adventure and excitement you find in an android game.

  • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Lazy Lions Campground

    Nice quiet place

    Nice campground with plenty of shade, well maintained and decent restrooms. The showers are ok and cost a quarter for 4 minutes. Our site was level and along with a picnic table, they also provide two Adirondack chairs (plastic) and a fire ring.

  • Amanda B.
    Aug. 21, 2025

    White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road

    Fabulous Front Backcountry Camping

    8 huge, beautiful campsites in the heavily wooded Evans Notch section of The White Mountains National Forest. It's easy to forget there are other people camping on other sites because they're so far apart. It's wonderfully relaxing and quiet. The only thing I regret not bringing with me is a table to put my camp stove on.

  • J
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Plymouth Sands Camping Area

    Nice campground with amenities and friendly owners

    The campground is in a convenient location near lots of hiking trails and attractions. The sites are decently spacious and have various configurations for utilities. There is a nice beach on the river with a rope swing and ability to swim. We were there while the water was fairly low, so it was great for kids. Firewood is available on site. There is a bathroom with a few stalls and sinks that is well kept and clean. The showers are quarter operated with a coin heat lamp as well for the colder seasons. The office has a lending library of games available. The couple that owns the campground are very friendly and have owned it for 3 seasons now and they have done a great job making sure that amenities are kept up and upgrades are being made.

  • bwillz1986 W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Crocker Pond

    Gem

    Nice gem. Toilets were pristine. Very peaceful. Not all sights have drive in access so get here early


Guide to Deerfield

The White Mountains region near Deerfield offers camping opportunities at elevations ranging from 800 to 4,000+ feet, creating distinct microclimates and temperature variations of up to 15°F between valley campsites and mountain sites. Despite the proximity to developed areas, many campgrounds maintain wilderness character with limited cell service and primitive facilities. Weather conditions often shift rapidly in this region, with temperature swings of 30-40°F possible in a single day even during summer months.

What to do

Trail connections from campsites: At Sugarloaf 1 Campground, you can access multiple hiking trails directly from your site. "Zeacliff trail is also just up the road and that is worth a hike as it is one of the best views in the whites," notes one camper. The trail to Sugarloaf Mountains is just a short distance from the campground entrance.

River activities during summer: Cool off in the Swift River at Crawford Notch Campground where the water is "extremely cold, swift, shallow, so it's not ideal for swimming" but perfect for exploring. Another camper mentions the area is great for "tubing, swimming, playing in the river that runs along the campground."

Winter accessibility options: Some campgrounds remain open year-round, like Hancock Campground. One winter visitor reported, "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... There are some nice looking tent only sites we plan to experience come springtime."

Dog-friendly hiking: Many trails allow dogs, and campgrounds like Twin Mountain-Mt. Washington KOA feature dedicated pet areas. "We enjoyed our stay here and our dog loved the dog park! We would highly recommend this campground," shares one reviewer.

What campers like

Stream-side camping spots: The Hancock Campground offers prime riverside sites. "We camped here Wednesday-Friday on one of the riverfront tent sites. We arrived around 11:15 am and got the last site on the river, which had a nice little opening to the water and had a bit more tree coverage to separate us from our neighbors," one camper explains.

Forest separation between sites: Privacy levels vary significantly between campgrounds. At Fransted Family Campground, sites feature natural buffers. "The campsites are very nice, with firepits and bathrooms nearby... There is also a little river that runs right beside some campsites which is swimable and very beautiful."

Quiet backwoods sites: For those seeking seclusion, Sugarloaf 2 Campground provides remote camping without crowds. "This is an old style campground which we love. Pit toilets are clean and stocked. Campground was very quiet even though most sites were occupied," reports one visitor. Several campers noted the "wooded/private campsites" and spacious layout.

Night sky visibility: Without light pollution, many campgrounds offer excellent stargazing. At Sugarloaf 2, one camper mentioned "a nice field for kids to run around in or to star gaze," while others noted the tall trees still provide decent sky views from clearings in the campground.

What you should know

Bear protection requirements: Several backcountry sites like Guyot Shelter provide bear boxes. "Bear box located at a communal 'cooking area' and cold spring water located at the site," notes one hiker. Most established campgrounds require proper food storage as bears are common in the region.

Water source reliability: Water availability differs between campgrounds. At Guyot Shelter, one reviewer mentioned "Great Water source right near the eating area," while at Hancock Campground, a visitor reported, "I walked to 3 of the nearest water stations carrying dishes and had to walk all the way back with the dishes still dirty."

Insect conditions: Bugs can be problematic, especially in early summer. One camper at Crawford Notch Campground noted, "because it's between two rivers (one is pretty swampy), it was very buggy." Sites with more airflow tend to have fewer insect issues.

Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds sit close to highways. A visitor to Lost River Valley Campground mentioned that "some sites (my site) rite next to a busy road (noisy)," suggesting requesting sites further from main roads when making reservations.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly water access: Many campgrounds offer safe river access for children. At Crawford Notch Campground, "The river is great for exploring! But it's extremely cold, swift, shallow, so it's not ideal for swimming." For safer swimming options, look for designated beach areas at larger campgrounds.

Camp playgrounds and fields: Twin Mountain-Mt. Washington KOA features "a great playground and a small but nice and clean pool." Another camper noted this campground "is wonderful for camping with kids. It has a great playground and a small but nice and clean pool."

Educational ranger programs: During peak season, many campgrounds offer nature programs. One visitor to Dry River Campground mentioned, "There was an interpretive ranger staying there that held a fun night of scores and spooky stories."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy the abundant wildlife. At Lafayette Place Campground, one camper mentioned "Chipmunks surround you at all times, which was pretty epic and magical!" Look for designated wildlife viewing areas within short driving distance of campgrounds.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in this mountainous region have uneven sites. At Dry River Campground, "The ranger at this campground was so helpful. The spots are nice and secluded. The ranger made a point to find me a level site."

Limited hookup availability: Full hookups are rare at forest service campgrounds. A visitor to Twin Mountain KOA noted, "Very tight sites if you are not in the 100 section. Manager and employees were awesome. Lots of shade and close to everything."

Late arrival policies: Strict arrival rules apply at some private campgrounds. At Lost River Valley Campground, one camper reported, "Staff was extremely friendly and helpful," suggesting contacting management if you'll arrive after office hours.

Winter camping options: Some RV sites remain open year-round with limited services. A winter camper at Hancock noted, "Site #40 along the river was close to the bathroom yet had plenty of privacy from other sites. The campgrounds were well cared for and the staff was friendly. Water would have earned it five stars."

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Deerfield Campground?

Deerfield Campground likely offers standard New Hampshire campground amenities. For comparison, Pastures Campground The provides clean bathrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and a library, plus spacious sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Similarly, Jigger Johnson Campground on the Kancamagus Highway offers wooded sites with convenient access to hiking, swimming, and exploration opportunities while still being within reasonable distance to town amenities. Most New Hampshire campgrounds feature potable water, restroom facilities, and designated camping sites in natural settings.

Do I need reservations for Deerfield Campground and what are the fees?

While specific reservation policies for Deerfield Campground aren't detailed in available information, New Hampshire campgrounds typically recommend reservations, especially during peak seasons. For reference, Country Bumpkins Campground and Cabins offers both camper and tent sites along the river with ample parking. At Sugarloaf 2 Campground, the registration and payment process is straightforward, with clean, wooded, and private campsites available. Fees for New Hampshire campgrounds typically range from $20-35 per night for standard sites, with potential additional charges for amenities like electric hookups or premium locations.

Where is Deerfield Campground located and how do I access it?

Deerfield Campground is located in New Hampshire's scenic White Mountain region. While specific information about Deerfield is limited, nearby Big Rock campground is situated just off the Kancamagus Highway, offering easy access and only an 8-minute drive from the town of Lincoln where you can find supplies and amenities. Similarly, the popular Lafayette Place Campground — Franconia Notch State Park is centrally located within Franconia Notch State Park, making it an excellent base for exploring the White Mountains region.