White Mountain campgrounds near Gorham, New Hampshire offer year-round camping options at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,700 feet. The area experiences significant seasonal temperature variations with summer highs around 80°F and winter lows frequently dropping below 0°F. Winter camping is available at several locations, though amenities are typically reduced during colder months.
What to do
Hike Mount Hale or Zealand: Both mountains are accessible from Twin Mountain area campgrounds with well-marked trails. "Perfect area for fishing on the river. Hiking Mount Hale or Zealand.... etc," notes a visitor at Ammonoosuc Campground.
Explore local rivers: The Ammonoosuc and Saco Rivers provide excellent fishing, swimming, and tubing opportunities. At Jellystone Park™ Glen Ellis, campers appreciate river activities: "Crystal clear, ice cold and refreshing. Tube, swim or dip your feet it is a great way to spend the afternoon."
Visit Umbagog Wildlife Refuge: Located near Mollidgewock State Park Campground, this refuge offers prime wildlife viewing. "It is also near Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge where you can view moose and loons galore! I've enjoyed kayaking and photography there."
Climb the fire tower: Milan Hill State Park features a historic fire tower with panoramic views. "Lots of hiking trails and a great firetower in the park. Not too busy either!" reports one visitor who enjoyed glamping in the Gorham area.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer well-separated sites even in more developed areas. At Barnes Field Campground, "There's a blend of wooded/open sites located in a loop. So often it seems that group sites are wide open fields with minimal separation. Barnes Field provides clearly defined sites with picnic tables and fire pits."
Riverside camping: Several campgrounds feature direct river access from campsites. "Great campground! Very clean, private showers, working bathrooms. We stayed on campsite 3, which was right by the babbling brook. You can fall asleep to the sound of the rushing water!"
Stargazing opportunities: The relative isolation from major cities creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. One glamping enthusiast at Milan Hill noted, "We did the yurt for 2 nights. Man was it amazing. The north country and wandering back roads to find cool waterfalls and lakes."
Affordable facilities: Campground amenities are reasonably priced compared to other tourism destinations. "Wash and Dry were only $1 each!! That just seems reasonable based on so many campgrounds charging double and triple that," reported a guest at Jefferson Campground.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Coverage varies dramatically throughout the region. "No Verizon and starlink was spotty," notes a Zealand Campground visitor, so download maps and information before arrival.
Wildlife awareness: Black bears are active in the area. "We spent 5 days and wished it was longer. The campground was clean, staff was wonderful and the amenities were great! There were 2 active bears while we were there. They circled our camper at night."
Off-season limitations: Winter camping options exist but with reduced services. "I was here in October and it was COLD, so be prepared for all kinds of weather," advises a Mollidgewock State Park camper.
Limited supplies: Small towns have minimal services with limited hours. "Errol does not have much in the way of grocery stores and there are apparently two restaurants but we didn't check those out. Excellent outdoor gear/supply store!"
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with dedicated play areas: Several locations feature playgrounds and recreation fields. "Perfect for family camping! Fishing, swimming, river walks, biking and movie nights!" reports a visitor to Moose Brook State Park.
Consider noise factors: Road proximity varies significantly between campgrounds and sites. "The main bummer was the proximity to a road -- the road noise was pretty significant (you could also hear ATVs behind the road). I think it would have been less noisy further in the campground."
Book lean-tos for weather protection: Several glamping options near Gorham offer covered structures. "Staff was very helpful. We arrived, after a 3 1/2 hour drive, early for check in but were able to go to our site. The lean-to site was beautifully situated by the incredible river making it easy to take a dip or go fishing."
Look for swimming options: River access points and pools provide cooling opportunities. At Twin Mountain Campground, "This campground is my favorite place. Sites are along a river, it is quiet and family friendly, sites are big and relatively private, bathrooms and showers are clean and easily accessible from all sites, pool and playground."
Tips from RVers
Arrive with full tanks: Limited dump stations and hookup availability require planning. "If you want full hookups, this is the place. If you want close to Washington, there are other options," notes a Jefferson Campground visitor.
Research site size carefully: Many campgrounds have tight turning radiuses. "Stay in a 45' motorhome for a couple nights. Going up to mt Washington to ride the cog rail," reports an RVer who found Jefferson Campground manageable for larger rigs.
Consider seasonal stays: Many campgrounds offer extended-stay options. "We booked late so we ended up here. It's fine, full hookups, decent in and out, probably great views when it isn't foggy."
Select weather-appropriate sites: Gravel sites drain better in wet conditions. "Open field camping in the middle with wooded sites on the edges of the park. I originally chose a site that was a bit too small to properly unhook the trailer but staff helped me get a better location."
