278 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campers visiting Lincoln, New Hampshire can access several good camping spots that serve as jumping-off points for White Mountain adventures. The DyrtTentrr Signature Site - Grandmother Maple Camp has large sites near hiking paths that many campers like. Another option is Beverly Beach State Park Campground, which sits close to water and has nice views of the surrounding area. Most camping areas have basic needs covered with toilets and drinking water available. You'll typically find fire rings and picnic tables at the campsites, which works well when camping with family. The summer months fill up fast, so you should reserve your spot early if you're planning to visit then. White Mountain National Forest surrounds the area with plenty of trails to hike on during your stay. If you like fishing, you can try your luck in several streams and ponds near the campgrounds. Lincoln town is close enough for quick trips to grab food or supplies when needed. Mountain weather changes quickly here, so checking the forecast before you go is smart. Lincoln makes a good base camp whether you're there in summer or coming to see the leaves change color in fall.
"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."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"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!"
"This campground is in a fantastic location."
from $62 - $209 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Camp sites are huge and surrounded by trees. The water faucet is all over the loop, but you can't connect a hose. No dump station for the RVs either."
"We had a great time here for fall camping, we were able to drive up and get a site that day."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Great little campground spots for both campers and tents right along the river
ample parking with great surrounding sights of New Hampshire as well as being next door to Clark’s trading post, a New Hampshire"
"Centrally located to Franconia Notch SP, Woodstock and Lincoln. They also have individual anions for rent. This is a great little spot to enjoy all of the amazing outdoor activities in the area."
"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"
from $35 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Both times were very different experiences, but overall very positive. Just because there are a few, I will mention the cons first."
"Plenty of walking for dogs with a natural pool for them to swim in and the large pool with pirate ship is perfect for little kids with the beach entry. easy location to get to with a travel trailer too"
from $49 - $129 / night
Check Availability"You can pick any spot, each one has a different variety wIth size and how deep into the woods you want to walk. No showers or bathrooms, a porter potty at the entrance but that’s about it."
"Great spot for the weekdays, hardly anyone around and got a great site right by the river (mid-sept.)."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"This is a great spot away from crowds. Good location for hiking, and short drive to Lincoln, NH. Sites are nicely wooded and not on top of you neighbor. Camp hosts are very friendly."
"The tent only sites require a short walk from the parking area."
from $24 / night
Check Availability
ScoutAwesome place. Very child oriented, lots of activities, quiet after 10:30. Dogs are welcome just about everywhere except beaches as long as they are leashed which I love. I will definitely return
TravelerSpacious sites variety of types Water electric and sewer large pool clean. Lots of new updates I recommend staying here quite peaceful
LegendCouldn’t ask for better sites, both sites 9 & 12 were very private and only a short walk through the woods to setup camp along the river. Sites are far from each other and we did not hear anyone else the whole time. Mosquitos were not bad either, but did see some large spiders and lots of other insects. No cell service once you get into the forest.
Access - Area was very easy to get to, turn onto Town Hall Road, and follow (about 5 miles) to the National Forest Welcome signage. Don’t need 4WD for get to most of the sites when the roads are dry, but very tight single lane dirt road the whole way. I did see a 5th wheel (probably 30ft long) but not sure I would attempt to bring anything larger than a teardrop here.
There are 24 sites in total, half are on the main road into the forest, and near the end take a left to access the other sites. Pretty much all sites were taken both Friday & Saturday by 7:30, we got lucky on Saturday and a spot opened just as we were leaving to find another place for the night.
ScoutI have not visited there, but I’m trying to and it says it’s free on the app and then it post a $20-$25 fee. Tried calling the contact information and it’s no longer available.
GuideMost of the sites and cabins are just off Route 112 and across the beautiful river. It is heavily wooded in that area, and very damp when it’s been raining. Many of the tent sites are along the river and are really nice. There is a water spicket at every site - tent and camper. We stayed across Route 112, up on the hill. It’s a newer part of the campground - open and light with views of the mountains. The dirt road up is steep with some deep washed out grooves, but we saw some 2 wheel drive cars make it up. The downside of the hillside spots is that the bathrooms (if you need them) are located below, across the river and are a 0.5 mile walk or drive. They are very dated but clean. While we were there, only 1/5 men’s showers were working and 3/5 of the women’s. Some toilets were also out of commission. Showers cost 25 cents for 5 minutes but otherwise were hot and strong.
LegendThis is basically a Stillwater overflow campground. It's small, so I thought it would be quiet and peaceful. We booked at the last minute, and it was Father's Day weekend, so we didn't have many options.
These sites are very close together with no privacy. We booked the Moose lean-to, which faced the campsite next to us, about 15 feet away. Our neighbors were nice, so it wasn't a huge deal, but it got kind of awkward, like we were sitting and watching them go about their business.
For reference, we've stayed in a lot of Vermont State Park lean-tos, and most face the woods, even if the neighbors are close. The water faucet closest to our site was out of order, and the bathrooms were dingy, old, and not very clean.
In case you are planning a trip to Groton State Forest, here are our top picks in order:
1. Waterfront lean-tos at Ricker Pond State Park
2. Waterfront lean-tos at Stillwater State Park
3. Most sites at New Discover State Park (sites are pretty private)
4. Big Deer (we won't stay here again)
We absolutely love this part of Vermont, though. I hope you get to visit!
ScoutPlenty of walking for dogs with a natural pool for them to swim in and the large pool with pirate ship is perfect for little kids with the beach entry. easy location to get to with a travel trailer too.
ScoutI just needed an overnight spot. Found this place. The first site I came to I took. There was a stream in the back, firewood split and stacked. Few bugs. I did not get phone service. However, there was plenty of traffic going up and down the road should I have found myself in a bind. I would go back for sure.
ScoutI highly recommend this place, clean bathrooms, river front camping sites.
Camping opportunities in Lincoln, New Hampshire cluster along the scenic Route 112 corridor and Kancamagus Highway, with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,500 feet. White Mountain National Forest surrounds the area, creating consistently cooler temperatures than lower-elevation regions—often 10-15 degrees lower than southern New Hampshire. Lincoln NH campgrounds typically experience chilly nights even in summer, with overnight temperatures frequently dropping into the 40s.
Hiking Mount Osceola trail: For serious hikers camping at Russell Pond Campground, this campground serves as an ideal base. "This was an ideal location to hike Mt. Osceola the next day, then drive the Kancamagus Highway and camp at the other end of the White Mountain National Forest," notes camper Melissa W.
Waterfall exploration: Multiple waterfall hikes begin near Lincoln area campgrounds. At Dry River Campground, campers can access falls directly from their site. "Hiked the Arethusa Falls and Frankenstein Cliff Trail right from the campground!" shares Michele S., who appreciated the convenient trail access.
Stream and river play: Many Lincoln NH camping options feature water access. At Country Bumpkins Campground, "Most of the sites are along the river which makes it such a relaxing place to be!" according to Angela A., who visits multiple times annually despite the somewhat hard ground for tent camping.
Natural swimming spots: Hancock Campground offers a natural swimming hole that draws praise from campers. "There is also a fabulous swimming hole. Clear, cold and deep just off the car camping area," notes Tara S., who recommends seeking waterfront sites for the best experience.
Private wooded campsites: Many Lincoln area campgrounds offer secluded sites. At Lost River Valley Campground, "Every site is surrounded by trees, most near a creek too. Very friendly and clean facilities," according to Sarah S., who recommends asking about grouped sites when camping with friends.
Year-round access: Unlike many New Hampshire campgrounds that close for winter, some Lincoln area options remain open. "Open year round!! I have stayed here many times, three times in the winter (it is so nice to have an open bathroom in the winter!) and a few times in the summer," explains Kim O. about Hancock Campground.
Limited amenities at national forest sites: Many White Mountain campgrounds offer basic facilities only. At Wildwood Campground, "Fees are now up to $20/night, still a bargain, but it comes with only the most basic amenities, i.e. vault toilets, running water at faucets, picnic tables and fire rings," explains Jean C.
Cell service dead zones: Many Lincoln area campgrounds have limited or no connectivity. At Moose Hillock Camping Resort, "No WiFi or cell service except by the pool which can be hard if you need to be contacted," notes Lauren Q., explaining the challenges of staying connected.
Bear activity requires precautions: Bear activity affects several campgrounds near Lincoln. At Tripoli Road camping area, "You need to be aware that bears are in the area... the camping area was closed after bears visited campsites and got into food that was left in the open," warns Jean C., emphasizing the importance of proper food storage.
Water features for kids: Moose Hillock Camping Resort receives high marks from families for its swimming amenities. "This campground was clean, nice sites, private, amenities galore, friendly staff and AMAZING pool!!!!! Will definitely be back annually," raves Jennifer E.
Playgrounds and activities: Several Lincoln NH campgrounds include play areas for children. At Country Bumpkins, "There is a small arcade game room, WiFi at each site and an outdoor play area for kids," notes Sawyer G., who appreciated the family-friendly atmosphere.
Site selection for families: Some campsites work better for families than others. "If you're looking for easy to strenuous hikes that can be accessed from one place, this is the spot!" advises Chelsea M. about Lafayette Place Campground, noting it has "playground and paved paths, good for families or small groups."
Site leveling challenges: Some Lincoln area campgrounds present leveling difficulties. At Country Bumpkins Campground, "It was slightly uphill, so we had to pull the RV all the way to the front of the site to be able to level," notes camper C.O., who still found the location convenient for accessing nearby attractions.
Limited RV sites at some campgrounds: Not all Lincoln NH campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. At Russell Pond, "Most of campsites are not rv/trailer friendly since they are tucked into the hillside and usually have a few stairs either up or down to the tent sites and the few that are trailer/rv friendly are small, wont fit much more than a pop up," explains J.W.
Hookup availability varies: Many White Mountain National Forest campgrounds lack hookups, while private campgrounds offer more services. "The campground is very hilly and kids are ripping around in pedal and motorized bikes and scooters which is fine but no control at all in regards to speed and helmets," observes Lauren Q. about Moose Hillock, showing that even full-service campgrounds have trade-offs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds in Lincoln, NH?
The Lincoln area boasts several exceptional campgrounds. Big Rock is particularly convenient, located just 8 minutes from Lincoln with 28 wooded sites along the Kancamagus Highway, making it perfect for accessing town amenities. Hancock Campground is another excellent option along the Kancamagus Highway, featuring walk-in tent sites and remaining open year-round with plowed access in winter. For hikers, Sugarloaf 2 Campground offers clean, wooded campsites with access to some of the best hiking trails in New Hampshire. Each campground has its own character, with options ranging from convenient road access to more secluded natural settings.
Are there private campgrounds available in Lincoln, New Hampshire?
Yes, Lincoln offers several private campground options. Private Field and Woods Camping provides a secluded nature experience with beautiful landscapes and comfortable amenities for those seeking privacy. Country Bumpkins Campground and Cabins is another private option located near Clark's Trading Post, a popular New Hampshire attraction. These private campgrounds typically offer more amenities than public sites, including facilities like showers, laundry services, and sometimes hookups for RVs. Many private campgrounds in the Lincoln area stay open longer into the shoulder seasons, providing camping opportunities when public sites may be closed.
Can I find riverside camping options in Lincoln?
Yes, the Lincoln area offers excellent riverside camping opportunities. The Pastures Campground is a charming option situated along a river, with Vermont visible across the water on the north side of the property. This campground features spacious lots with tables and fire rings. Jigger Johnson Campground on the Kancamagus Highway also provides riverside sites with swimming opportunities. Many riverside campgrounds in the area offer the soothing sounds of flowing water right from your campsite, creating a peaceful atmosphere. These waterside locations are particularly popular in summer months, so arriving early or making reservations where available is recommended.
How close is Lafayette campground to Lincoln, NH?
Lafayette Place Campground is approximately 8 miles (about a 15-minute drive) north of Lincoln on I-93 through Franconia Notch State Park. This campground offers spectacular scenery with sites situated next to streams and easy access to the surrounding natural attractions. During winter months, the campground switches to walk-in access only as it isn't plowed. For a different backcountry experience near Lincoln, Garfield Ridge Campsite and Shelter can be accessed by hiking up from Lincoln Woods, offering platform sites and a shelter along the Appalachian Trail. Lafayette's proximity to Lincoln makes it a convenient base for exploring both the town's amenities and the wilderness of Franconia Notch.
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