The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Franconia. Franconia is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Franconia camping trip.
In the heart of Franconia Notch State Park, Lafayette Place Campground is the camping and hiking hub for the park. It provides a great base from which to enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and many attractions in the White Mountains. Information about hiking trails, safety, and the natural and cultural history of the park is available at the cabin near the campground entrance. A lodge houses a registration desk and offers a selection of camping supplies. Each campsite is wooded and has a picnic table, car parking, and an open fireplace. There are coin-operated showers and a camp store. Lafayette Campground provides 97 wooded tent sites - 88 are by reservation only, 1 is for youth group reservations, and 7 are for first-come/first-served campers. Self-service/self-pay camping with limited staffing and facilities is available during the off-season.
$25 / night
___Located at the western end of the scenic Kancamagus Highway, this campground serves as an excellent place to start your White Mountain adventure. The nearby Lincoln Woods Visitor Center is the jumping off point for numerous hiking trails leading into the Pemigewasset Wilderness; the Kancamagus Highway is an extremely popular scenic byway with numerous hiking, picnic, and swimming spots; and the town of Lincoln offers many amenities.__Hancock Campground has 56 wooded sites.
Surrounded on three sides by National Forest and nestled between the banks of Lost River and Walker Brook, our well-maintained and wooded sites offer the utmost in tranquility while remaining so close to many of the region’s most popular attractions. Located at the site of a turn-of-the-century lumber mill, our authentic water wheel continues to churn out history as it beckons vacationers from near and afar. Campers are welcome on a day-to-day basis, when space is available. Reservations are accepted for stays of 1 night or longer between May 1st and June 1st and after Labor Day. This does not include holidays or special events weekends. From June 2nd through Labor Day, it is a 3-night minimum; with a 3-night deposit required. Please navigate our site to learn more about all that we have to offer for your family’s next New Hampshire camping vacation. We hope that you can stay with us sometime this season!
$62 - $209 / night
$25 / night
Crawford Notch Campground is a family-owned and operated campground nestled in the heart of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Scenic Crawford Notch is well known for its awe-inspiring views, majestic mountains, unspoiled wilderness, and miles of hiking trails. Our wooded setting along the banks of the Saco River features secluded campsites and log cabins.
$25 / night
Off the beaten path, Russell Pond Campground is nestled into the hillside overlooking Russell Pond, a popular boating and fishing site (due in part to regular fish stocking by the State Fish and Game Department). The 84 campsites accommodate most any camping desires from tent camping to large RVs. The White Mountains boast pristine forests, clear mountain streams and rivers and the tallest peaks in the Northeast. The forest encompasses nearly 800,000 acres in New Hampshire and western Maine, and is one of the most popular in the country.
The White Mountains are a favorite among hikers. Many miles of hiking and mountain biking trails are within a short drive of the campground. Within the facility, nature programs are available on Saturday nights in July and August. Anglers can cast a line for trout in the pond which averages 33' in depth. Power boats are not permitted on the pond.
The White Mountains are a favorite among hikers. Many miles of hiking and mountain biking trails are within a short drive of the campground. Within the facility, nature programs are available on Saturday nights in July and August. Anglers can cast a line for trout in the pond which averages 33' in depth. Power boats are not permitted on the pond.
The campground lies amidst a beautiful forest of northern hardwoods that provide plenty of shade. The 40-acre spring fed Russell Pond provides many non-motorized, water based recreation opportunities. The White Mountains are home to many species of northern wildlife, including moose, white-tailed deer and black bear. Almost 200 species of birds, including the rare Bicknell's Thrush, live in the forest.
Russell Pond Campground is only a short 6 miles from the famous Kancamagus National Scenic Byway which features many opportunities for scenic viewing, picnicking, hiking, biking and wildlife viewing. Families who need a break from the woods can explore miniature golf, a water sports park, train rides and gondolas in nearby towns. The White Mountains region hosts four alpine and five Nordic ski areas, which provide year-round recreation opportunities such as skiing, hiking, mountain biking, outdoor concerts, interpretive trails, special events and regional and national skiing and snowboarding races. The area also contains 1,200 miles of hiking trails, including 160 miles of the famous Appalachian Trail.
$27 / night
Moose Hillock Camping Resort offers 90 unspoiled acres, surrounded by thousands of acres of White Mountain National Forest. Our private, secluded sites offer you a true camping experience. Our RV sites are large, level and private, with 20 – 30 and 50 amp electrical service with full hookup sites available. Our tent sites are located in a separate, secluded area which is exclusively dedicated to tenters. All sites come equipped with picnic tables and natural stone fireplaces.
If you’re not a camper but would like to try out the camping experience, we offer two different cabin styles available for rental.
$49 - $129 / night
$40 - $55 / night
Country Bumpkins Campground has been a family owned and operated campground vacation spot for 25 years. We are dedicated to providing clean, comfortable and affordable accommodations in the heart of the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire. We have 6 fully equipped cabins, 2 travel trailer rentals and a campground with 67 campsites for both tents and RVs. Our mission is to provide a comfortable, safe, fun yet simple and relaxing camping experience for for every member of your family. We are nestled in a cozy setting along the Pemigewasset River and Bog Brook with a small man made duck and trout pond in the center which we stock for viewing and feeding. The main section of Campground and RV Park offers mostly open (not wooded), riverfront, brook and pond sites for tents and RVs. We can accommodate up to a 40' RV on a few sites. Our RV sites have water and electric, some with full hookups. Our tent sites are primitive - they do not have water or electricity at them. The tent sites are located on the river, brook and the pond, most of the RV sites are not on the water but still just a short walk away. Since 2014: We have expanded the campground northward to the old 'Cold Springs Campground'. This North section of campground has 22 of those 67 sites and another bathhouse. Most of the tent sites in this section are in a wooded area along the river. The sites are wooded but not private. There are 5 full hookup sites (without cable) that can accommodate up to 32' RVs. New for 2017 - we now have 7 full hookup sites for bigger RVs!! These 7 sites now have water, electric, sewer and cable and have been upgraded this year to 50/30/20 amp to accommodate most RVs. Plus 2 of these RV sites are also on the River! We have also upgraded our WiFi so that it reaches throughout the North Section!!!There is also a small beach area at the river.
Surrounded on three sides by National Forest and nestled between the banks of Lost River and Walker Brook, our well-maintained and wooded sites offer the utmost in tranquility while remaining so close to many of the region’s most popular attractions. Located at the site of a turn-of-the-century lumber mill, our authentic water wheel continues to churn out history as it beckons vacationers from near and afar. Campers are welcome on a day-to-day basis, when space is available. Reservations are accepted for stays of 1 night or longer between May 1st and June 1st and after Labor Day. This does not include holidays or special events weekends. From June 2nd through Labor Day, it is a 3-night minimum; with a 3-night deposit required. Please navigate our site to learn more about all that we have to offer for your family’s next New Hampshire camping vacation. We hope that you can stay with us sometime this season!
$62 - $209 / night
$25 / night
Crawford Notch Campground is a family-owned and operated campground nestled in the heart of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Scenic Crawford Notch is well known for its awe-inspiring views, majestic mountains, unspoiled wilderness, and miles of hiking trails. Our wooded setting along the banks of the Saco River features secluded campsites and log cabins.
$25 / night
Off the beaten path, Russell Pond Campground is nestled into the hillside overlooking Russell Pond, a popular boating and fishing site (due in part to regular fish stocking by the State Fish and Game Department). The 84 campsites accommodate most any camping desires from tent camping to large RVs. The White Mountains boast pristine forests, clear mountain streams and rivers and the tallest peaks in the Northeast. The forest encompasses nearly 800,000 acres in New Hampshire and western Maine, and is one of the most popular in the country.
The White Mountains are a favorite among hikers. Many miles of hiking and mountain biking trails are within a short drive of the campground. Within the facility, nature programs are available on Saturday nights in July and August. Anglers can cast a line for trout in the pond which averages 33' in depth. Power boats are not permitted on the pond.
The White Mountains are a favorite among hikers. Many miles of hiking and mountain biking trails are within a short drive of the campground. Within the facility, nature programs are available on Saturday nights in July and August. Anglers can cast a line for trout in the pond which averages 33' in depth. Power boats are not permitted on the pond.
The campground lies amidst a beautiful forest of northern hardwoods that provide plenty of shade. The 40-acre spring fed Russell Pond provides many non-motorized, water based recreation opportunities. The White Mountains are home to many species of northern wildlife, including moose, white-tailed deer and black bear. Almost 200 species of birds, including the rare Bicknell's Thrush, live in the forest.
Russell Pond Campground is only a short 6 miles from the famous Kancamagus National Scenic Byway which features many opportunities for scenic viewing, picnicking, hiking, biking and wildlife viewing. Families who need a break from the woods can explore miniature golf, a water sports park, train rides and gondolas in nearby towns. The White Mountains region hosts four alpine and five Nordic ski areas, which provide year-round recreation opportunities such as skiing, hiking, mountain biking, outdoor concerts, interpretive trails, special events and regional and national skiing and snowboarding races. The area also contains 1,200 miles of hiking trails, including 160 miles of the famous Appalachian Trail.
$27 / night
Moose Hillock Camping Resort offers 90 unspoiled acres, surrounded by thousands of acres of White Mountain National Forest. Our private, secluded sites offer you a true camping experience. Our RV sites are large, level and private, with 20 – 30 and 50 amp electrical service with full hookup sites available. Our tent sites are located in a separate, secluded area which is exclusively dedicated to tenters. All sites come equipped with picnic tables and natural stone fireplaces.
If you’re not a camper but would like to try out the camping experience, we offer two different cabin styles available for rental.
$49 - $129 / night
Owners were very welcoming and helpful. The bathrooms were cleaner than mine at home. Nostalgic feel with playground, pool, and rec hall.
Great spot, especially for families, it is a bit expensive, at $30 for tent spot and $40 for lean to. the staff was helpful and kept the grounds clean. We ended paying more for the lean to because it was more secluded and quiet, the rest of the park was busy.
Our spot was right on the brook which was peaceful and beautiful. It also had a fire pit with a grill grate and they sold firewood at the front gate.
This easy-to-access campground has made it on my list of places to stay.
There are two loops of sites, some deep in the woods with great-looking trees, others in a field, and some in between. There are even sites with stalls if you're into horses.
The bathhouse looks typical and clean.
Not much cell service, but some in places.
Easy access to a lake and a picnic pavilion.
Noticed more than a few sites that I could hang at.
This is a small campground, really it's an extension of Stillwater just up the road. Check-in happens at Stillwater, purchase your firewood and drive the 2 min down to Big Deer.
For Vermont, these sites felt close, but we could still get privacy. We did have to change sites due to our neighbors yelling at their kids and using less-than-appropriate language to do so. We could still hear them on the other side of the campground :(
The site itself was nice, even though it lacked privacy.
Boulder Beach Road is an easy dirt road access to these campgrounds.
We had 1 bar of AT&T service.
The bathrooms were adequate, nothing special
But we made a last-minute decision to camp and this was a decent location for that. I would camp here again, but it wouldn't be my first choice.
We had a great stay at white lake state park. I was surprised that there was only a large log separating our site from the next one but luckily it was just my brothers family so it wasn’t awkward. Our sites (2-11 and 2-11a) survived a 2 hour monsoon with some water running through but other sites had some major flooding so just something to be cognizant of.
We were there June 26-30, 2024 for a Hiker Trailer Campout. We had 17 trailers and 30 people. Lafayette Place was the perfect place for an event like that. The water points and restrooms were placed well throughout the campground. The quarter operated showers were nice and hot and very good pressure and flow. Our campsite (79) was a bit uphill from the road, but easily negotiable. As others have noted, there is a bit of noise from Rt. 93.
The road was not as bad as I anticipated. There was room for my Jeep Grand Cherokee towing a squaredrop camper to pass the very few oncoming vehicles we encountered. There is a good mix of tent and small/medium camper sites. Many of the sites are right on the side of the road.
We went to the end of Town Hall Road and camped at the last site before you leave the WMNF. It was a very spacious site, set back from the road, a little bumpy getting into it.
Great campground! Clean, well maintained, playground and heated pool. The view of the mountains was worth the price alone
This campground is wonderful for camping with kids. It has a great playground and a small but nice and clean pool.
The amenities are clean and well taken care of.
Super nice staff is the finishing touch for this great campground.
Spaces are reasonably spacious and in wooded area.
We would definitely recommend.
great Pool, alot of woods and nature feel
frindly staff
quite
no entry 🚫
We stayed two nights at P-08 and loved both times. The side we stayed at is more for larger campers and is much quieter than the larger side. Paid showers, that’s a bummer, but we make do. Nice camp store, great access to rivers for fishing. Pulled an 8” brook trout out of a 10’ wide stream onsite. Awesome experience
We booked 2 nights and stayed for 3! Nice small campground with very clean bathrooms and showers! Staff was friendly and mountain biking trails were good and easy to get too.
We did not have reservations so our pick of sites was limited. There are several styles of sites here from tucked in/private to open areas and not so private sites. Bathrooms were clean and there is a nice wash station to do dishes. Campground is well maintained. We came for easy access to mountain biking trails!
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. Great hiking nearby as well as some shorter hiking trails straight out from the campground. We would definitely stay there again!
Russell Pond is a really nice find. Unlike most campgrounds there is a good amount of low vegetation between sites for privacy. We also loved that our firepit faced the woods rather than the road or another campsite, which is often how the sites are set up. The pond is small but very pretty and very shallow and sandy. We took our dogs on a romp to swim and wade in the water. The bathrooms are tired, the bathhouse I was closest to had one of three stalls functioning and one of two sinks were operational. However, they were perfectly clean. I didn't check out the shower. I chatted a bit with the camp manager, and she mentioned the bathrooms are slated for updates in the spring. All around the campground is peaceful, well maintained, and you really feel like you are fully in nature!
I am not one to give a Terrible review. However I booked two kayaks and upon arrival at 9am they said it was a first come first serve ordeal. I was not camping there but rented kayaks. They then charged me the rest of the fee then said well there are actually 2 groups ahead of you. Well wait I thought it was first come first serve but now after they take my money they said there were 2 groups ahead and it would be a 1 and half hour wait. At that point I had gone to another place up the rd and called and canceled within 20 minutes I told them to keep my deposit but to re- fund me the charge of the rentals. They wouldn't. I will never recommend or ever use them again. They definitely choose favorites and I am extremely disappointed with them.
I come back to this area every year; I missed my spring trip this year though. A friend was camping and invited me to join them. We had a site on the B loop, I have only camped on the A loop...
The site was nice with some great rock features, the sites have enough space between them to give privacy, but you know you're not alone. The facilities on the B loop are vintage 1950s, simple clean but not new or the same caliber as the facilities on A loop. Plenty of water faucets on the B loop.
Both A & B are easy to get around on, all of the roads are dirt but well maintained. Both loops have their own Trash and Recyling. The access road into the park is a well-maintained dirt road and about 5 miles long. Look for the bears, and other cutouts creatures in the clearings on the way in.
This campground is remote and it's about 45 min. to the nearest town. There is no cell service, even with a booster. The lake is wonderful.
Great campground with a mix of full hookup and tent sites! 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 only negative was a mini-golf course that was falling apart but they still charged for to use.
amazing lil spot, a pull off the wild rocky road. very private. right next to a serene view of the lake. very mild highway traffic sounds in the distance. there was another spot at the posted coordinates for this area but someone got to it before me last night. no fires allowed here. only saw one biker and one truck full of local boys pass by in the last 16 hrs
DO NOT GO HERE! The rudest and most unprofessional management we have ever encountered. Anywhere. Hands down. I Would need a book to adequately warn people. 1) We were accidentally overcharged and were met with total annoyance by owner when attempting to rectify. Ultimately we were refunded the wrong amount, to the wrong account, which I let slide because the management does not appear to be cognitively able to understand how to compute charges. 2) My bf and his son collected some old dead wood at site to burn(didn’t know it was against rules- not in written policy- although they said it is)and when they were not so warmly reprimanded by the owner on her golf cart full of wine coolers(no judgement here, but, it IS an alcohol free campground. just saying…..), and then immediately radioed for husband for back up in his golf cart(no wine coolers there…) to reprimand us even further! Completely unnecessary, as they had already stopped collecting wood when first told- but he did let us in on a fun fact- that they(the Campground)“let people have fires here,without training!” Which we thought was odd, and hysterically funny. It’s a campground!! We’re supposed to feel grateful they allowed campfires- without training?😂 3) Lastly& most importantly, my boyfriend poked his head in the bathroom at 7 am while the lady was cleaning- not their regular scheduled cleaning time- and he REALLY needed to go, and politely, from the door, asked how long she might be. He just wanted know if he should wait or to look for someplace else to go, and he was absolutely chastised by the cleaning lady when she came out! She was absolutely nasty and rude to him! When we mentioned this incident we were told by employee(golf cart man) that we had no right to ask her questions! He told us she was going through a rough time in her life(who isn’t?) and that she having personal issues(kind of agreeing that, yes, can be a bitch), and something about somebody’s pregnant and her husband wants to ring her neck? We couldn’t really follow because we were all still trying to process the“you’re lucky we let you have a campfire without training“comment. Obviously, We had already decided we would never be back, and have already made reservations elsewhere for our fall trip- but when I got home today, I opened a scathing email(sent 2 days ago) from the owner ACCUSING my bf of“HARASSMENT” of the the cleaning lady! Who, she claimed, was very fearful because a male popped his head in the door while she was alone, and asked her a simple question! Cleaning lady can rest assured, that if she was the last woman on this planet, my bf wouldn’t touch her with an 10 foot pole. She was most definitely in no danger. The owner then wrote that we are now banned from their campground!!!😂 She also asked us to leave two days early- which I was not aware of until I read the email after I got home! All because my bf asked somebody a question, I asked to be billed to be correctly, and we tried to burn a dead log. That is INSANE! Let’s just say, it would not have been well received and that they are extremely lucky we were blissfully unaware of her email and finished out our stay, because if we had known then that she was falsely accusing my bf of harassment, it would not have gone well for them. Her accusation of harassment is BOLD FACED LIE!!! All of this has been mind blowing, but she really took my anger to a whole new level when she sent me that nasty email- and then she BLOCKED me from responding! She also blocked me from FB- so I couldn’t leave a review there! She took it way too far…. They have had other similar poor reviews in the past, which they respond to by calling the reviewers liars, and then making up ridiculous lies about them- which I fully anticipate they will do here. DO NOT BELIEVE A WORD OF WHAT THEY SAY.We have NEVER had problems like this with any business! Ever. We are LIVID that my bf is being FALSELY accused of harassment, and we do not take it lightly. THESE PEOPLE ARE NOT RIGHT IN THE HEAD.
Personal Connection
Baker River Campground will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s where I was first introduced to camping as a child. My first visit was in 1969 when I was eight years old. Last year, I returned for the first time in over 50 years. While much has changed, the basic layout of the camp remains the same, and it’s still family-owned, which is wonderful.
Current Stay
I stayed on site#20 with my class B van. Here are some highlights and details of my experience: Site Location: Conveniently near the road going out and to the beach. Amenities: Electrical and water hookup, a well-placed fire pit, and a bathroom/shower house right across from my site. The facilities were very clean, thanks to regular cleaning. Campground Condition: Maintained excellently, largely due to Reno, the full-time staff member who oversees the place. He was outstanding. The only reason I gave it a 5 was because of him. Environment: Located on the Baker River with a cozy beach. Limited amenities(horseshoe pit and a small playground), but both were in excellent condition. The campground is perfect for those who prefer a traditional camping experience without additional frills. During the week, the campground was quiet, but it got crowded on the weekends with seasonal campers and tent setups closer to the river. I appreciate the layout and the ambiance of the campground.
Negative Aspects
Unfortunately, a recent change in ownership to a corporation has brought noticeable changes: Loss of Personal Touch: The campground has lost its personal feel. Reno is still a lifesaver, but he’s the only one maintaining the old charm. Neglect by Management: The focus has shifted to another campground, Riverbrook, which is evident from their social media presence and activities. Baker River is largely neglected, and even basic acknowledgments from the management are lacking. Lack of Engagement: The director of both campgrounds visited but did not engage with campers. When Reno was on vacation, there was no other staff available to assist. Seasonal Campers' Discontent: Long-term campers have noticed the decline and are considering not returning next year. Corporate Focus: The corporation seems more interested in raising prices and saving money rather than maintaining and improving Baker River Campground.
Final Thoughts
I write this review out of a deep passion for Baker River Campground. It’s painful to see the decline in care and attention. I believe each campground should be treated as a separate entity with full-time events and dedicated management. The current corporate approach appears to prioritize profit over the well-being of the campground and its community. It’s a shame to see such a beloved place being neglected. I hope the management will take these concerns seriously and work towards restoring the charm and personal touch that made Baker River Campground special.
Mike Weild
Weild on Wheels
Branch Brook Campground is a true haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Nestled in a serene forest setting, it offers a perfect blend of tranquility and adventure. The campsites are well-spaced, providing privacy while still feeling part of a community of fellow campers. The amenities are superb, with clean and modern facilities that make camping comfortable and convenient. Hot showers and well-maintained restrooms were a pleasant surprise, ensuring that every aspect of the stay was enjoyable. The campground's natural beauty is enhanced by the peaceful sounds of the Pemi River and the gentle rustling of leaves, creating a soothing ambiance that is perfect for relaxation. The staff at Branch Brook Campground are incredibly welcoming and helpful, adding a personal touch that makes you feel right at home. Whether you're hiking the scenic trails, tubing on the Pemi River, or simply lounging by your campfire under the starry sky, every moment spent here feels like a cherished memory in the making. Overall, Branch Brook Campground is a hidden gem that deserves recognition for its exceptional service, beautiful surroundings, and commitment to providing a memorable camping experience. It's a place where you can truly unwind, recharge, and reconnect with nature. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a peaceful and rejuvenating retreat!
Beautiful location with clean amenities in the perfect spot.
Stay in a 45' motorhome for a couple nights. Going up to mt Washington to ride the cog rail
Lafayette Place is a beautiful campground. Restrooms are clean and the camp store is well stocked. Helpful staff.
We went to this campground for the ATV event, and were pleasantly surprised. Our campsite was up in the “back” over looking the mountain. It was great. Quiet and good location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Franconia, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, Franconia, NH offers a wide range of camping options, with 262 campgrounds and RV parks near Franconia, NH and 11 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Franconia, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Franconia, NH is Lafayette Place Campground — Franconia Notch State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 34 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Franconia, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Franconia, NH.
What parks are near Franconia, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Franconia, NH that allow camping, notably Union Village Dam and North Hartland Lake.
