Campgrounds near Randolph, New Hampshire sit within the eastern White Mountain region at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,400 feet. The area experiences dramatic temperature changes between seasons, with summer highs around 80°F and winter lows frequently below 0°F. Tent campers often report condensation issues in sites located in valley bottoms, where cooler air settles overnight.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: 18+ miles accessible from Moose Brook State Park Campground: The local Coos Cycling Club maintains an extensive trail network. "There are many hiking trails in the vicinity. Great shaded sites, very clean! Sites were private and staff were friendly and welcoming," notes Hollie G.
Winter recreation access: Open trails year-round at Barnes Field: While most campgrounds close for winter, some areas maintain winter access. "This campground just before the entrance to the larger Dolly Copp campground in Gorham is one of them. During the summer, it offers 11 sites for groups only with reservations required," explains a visitor.
Family fishing spots: Stocked ponds at multiple locations: Moose Brook offers fishing ponds separate from swimming areas. "Perfect for family camping! Fishing, swimming, river walks, biking and movie nights!" reports J L.
Presidential Rail Trail access: 18-mile moderate grade trail: Several campgrounds provide direct access to this crushed gravel path. "Also accessible from the park is the Presidential Rail Trail and several other ATV/Snowmobile trails. FYI, the Rail Trail is NOT open to ATVs. So hop on the moderate grade crushed gravel trail and head all the way to Pondicherry," explains Sarah C.
What campers like
Private, wooded campsites: Extra space between neighbors at Dry River Campground: Sites are set back from access roads with natural buffers. "With very few sites, the Dry River Campground is one of our favorite places to camp. The location is the White Mountain National Forest is spectacular and allows easy access to the trails," says Gary G.
Free dispersed camping: No fees at Town Hall Road Dispersed: These primitive sites require self-sufficiency but offer riverside locations. "Town Hall Rd off 302 just keep going past houses until you see the National forest sign. 6-8 spots some big enough for med. camper," explains Candice J.
Hiking-oriented base camps: Proximity to multiple trail networks: Campgrounds throughout the region provide access to diverse hiking options. "We could hear the river babbling at night and had incredible views of Frankenstein Cliffs as you walked to the wash house. Very private sites, clean bathrooms and coin operated showers ($0.25 for 3 minutes) and laundry," notes Nathan S.
Clean, modern facilities: Recently renovated shower buildings: Many state-operated campgrounds have updated bathrooms. "New shower and bathroom building was clean. Campsites were well spaced," reports Stephen at Moose Brook State Park.
What you should know
Bear activity management: Required food storage at all sites: Black bears frequent campgrounds throughout the White Mountains. "Upon entering campground we saw many 'beware of bear signs'. The campground ranger station confirmed that black bear are prominent and will venture across picnic tables and sites, so be certain to store food & toiletries safely per rules!" reports Whitney W.
Limited winter camping: Restricted access November through April: Snow accumulation closes most forest roads. One of the few exceptions is Barnes Field Campground which offers winter camping on a first-come basis with a $15 per vehicle fee.
Cell service limitations: No coverage in valleys: Coverage varies dramatically across short distances. "Next to zero cell phone service," notes Joshua M. from Dolly Copp Campground.
Variable water access at dispersed sites: Plan for filtration: Free camping areas require water management. "We followed directions exactly as listed below. It does take about 10 minutes to reach the campsites but it's so worth it. We passed up a couple on the left as you first drive in as they were too steep. We found our spot which had some river access and it was gorgeous," says Alex S.
Tips for camping with families
River play spots: Shallow areas with natural features: Several campgrounds feature safe water access. "The river is great for exploring! But it's extremely cold, swift, shallow, so it's not ideal for swimming," notes Brian J. at Crawford Notch Campground.
Nature programs: Ranger-led activities in season: State parks often offer interpretive programs. "There was an interpretive ranger staying there that held a fun night of scores and spooky stories. Hiked the Arethusa Falls and Frankenstein Cliff Trail right from the campground!" reports Michele S.
Campground recreation: On-site activities at larger facilities: Some private campgrounds offer additional amenities. "Great place! You do have to pay for showers and laundry, however it was worth it. The bathroom facilities are so clean! There are great hiking trails right on the campsite. Chipmunks surround you at all times, which was pretty epic and magical!" shares Michelle K.
Short hiking trails: Family-appropriate options under 2 miles: Several campgrounds feature on-site walking paths. "They have a private trail about 1.6 miles there and back that leads to a swimming basin, it's absolutely gorgeous and a must see," notes Mallory P.
Tips from RVers
Electrical capacity concerns: Voltage drop during peak usage: Some private campgrounds experience infrastructure limitations. "The power at this place is clearly overloaded. On the weekend I was getting warnings that the voltage was in the 95v range(120v) The National Electric Code states that the lowest permissible voltage is 114 to national code," warns Adam A.
Pull-through site availability: Limited options for larger rigs at Jefferson Campground: Most White Mountain campgrounds have size restrictions. "Nice campground in a beautiful location. This place is a bit off the beaten path of White Mountain tourist areas but is still within easy drive to all the major attractions. We picked this spot for that exact reason. Open field camping in the middle with wooded sites on the edges of the park," says John L.
Site leveling challenges: Terrain varies significantly: Many campsites require leveling blocks. "I originally chose a site that was a bit too small to properly unhook the trailer but staff helped me get a better location. Site 17 was too tight for 44 ft total length. Switched to site 5 pull through."
Seasonal campground openings: Limited shoulder season availability: Most campgrounds operate from mid-May through mid-October. "This spot was located near Mt. Washington, which was what we needed, 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," shares Grant M.
