Camping near North Woodstock ranges from primitive sites to full-service campgrounds across elevations from 800 to 2,600 feet. The region receives approximately 40 inches of rainfall annually, creating ideal conditions for the dense forest that provides natural shade at most campsites. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from November through March, making most camping seasonal except for a few year-round options.
What to do
Hiking accessible from camp: At Dry River Campground, trails lead directly from your site. "We hiked a trail right from the campground to Wiley's house it was 6 miles round trip with the dogs and the trail was well marked and we had ice cream at Wiley's house which was great," reports Somer F.
Swimming in natural settings: The Pemigewasset River offers cooling relief during summer months when temperatures reach the mid-80s. The river has multiple access points with varying water depths. "There is also a fabulous swimming hole. Clear, cold and deep just off the car camping area," notes Tara S. about Hancock Campground.
Fall foliage viewing: Mid-September through early October brings vibrant color changes, with peak foliage typically occurring the first week of October. "I got there on Thursday during the peak fall foliage season but I was able to snag a first-come first-serve spot next to the pond. Waking up for a sunrise was never easier than this," writes Janet B. about Russell Pond Campground.
Kayaking and tubing: Several local rivers provide water recreation opportunities. "The Pemigewassett offers tubing and kayaking put ins. Outfitters one exit south can provide you with transportation and rentals," explains Jean C. about areas near Tripoli Road camping.
What campers like
Riverfront sites: Many campgrounds feature sites adjacent to flowing water. At Hancock Campground, "the best part of this camping ground is its views. On a clear night, you can see a ton of stars encompassing around you - the only light pollution coming from you and your fellow campers fire. The river flows right through the campground and makes for some excellent ambiance," shares Molly G.
Natural privacy barriers: Tree coverage provides separation between sites at many campgrounds. "Large sites with shade. There was an interpretive ranger staying there that held a fun night of scores and spooky stories," mentions Michele S. about Dry River Campground.
Variable site options: From elevated to waterfront locations, the region offers diverse terrain. "The sites are huge and have a great amount of space between them. All of them have leveled areas for the picnic tables and tent pads," notes Melissa W. about Russell Pond Campground.
Bear boxes at primitive sites: Safety features for food storage are provided at many locations. "We appreciated having a bear box on our site, especially since we couldn't keep anything in our car. It was big enough to fit our grill, cooler, trash, and bag of groceries," explains Lindsey M. about her stay at Hancock Campground.
What you should know
Bear activity: Black bears are common throughout the region, requiring proper food management. "You need to be aware that bears are in the area. Following the July 4, 2019 holiday, the Tripoli Road camping area was closed after bears visited campsites and got into food that was left in the open," warns Jean C.
Water quality varies: Some campgrounds have questionable drinking water. "We tried to fill up from the taps the water was very cloudy, almost white, we chose not to drink it," reports J.W. about Russell Pond Campground.
Weather shifts rapidly: Mountain terrain creates unpredictable conditions, especially at higher elevations. "The sky above is beautiful if you're in the north section or toward the river/middle area in the main section," notes Jean C. about Country Bumpkins Campground.
Limited cell service: Many areas have no connectivity. "No WiFi or cell service except by the pool which can be hard if you need to be contacted," reports Lauren Q. about Moose Hillock.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Moose Hillock Camping Resort, "The playground is amazing," says Jessica W., though she cautions, "The hilly terrain is insaneeee! If you have never been before, book a sight as close as possible to the pool and office, because the further you get, the higher the altitude."
Kid-friendly water features: Pools and swimming areas provide entertainment for children. "Great pool and Campground! What we loved about this campground was that they had a huge pool and water slides," shares Diana A. about Moose Hillock.
Ranger programs: Educational activities are available at select locations. "There was an interpretive ranger staying there that held a fun night of scores and spooky stories," recalls Michele S. about her stay at Dry River Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer chances to see local animals. "Chipmunks surround you at all times, which was pretty epic and magical!" exclaims Michelle K. about Dry River Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for leveling: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring careful selection. At Country Bumpkins Campground, "Our site #60 was gravel, back in, 30 amp, full hookup. 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," explains C.O.
Road noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. "Although sites 2-7 appear to be far from the river, it's still just a short walk. Sites 27-31 are particularly close to the main road," advises Jean C. about Dry River Campground.
Limited big rig access: Many White Mountain campgrounds cannot accommodate larger RVs. "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," warns J.W. about Russell Pond Campground.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited in the region. "The river very shallow" and "River sites have water & electric hook-up," notes Jackie L. about Lost River Valley Campground.
