The White Mountains region surrounding Stark, New Hampshire accommodates various camping styles across multiple campgrounds and public lands. Established sites at Moose Brook State Park Campground, Milan Hill State Park, and Jericho Mountain State Park provide options for tent campers, RV travelers, and those seeking cabin accommodations. Several locations including Milan Hill feature yurt camping while more basic tent sites can be found at Rogers Ledge and other backcountry areas. State parks in the area typically operate seasonally, with most open from May through October when weather conditions permit camping.
Road access varies significantly throughout the region, with some campgrounds easily accessible from Route 16 and others requiring navigation on forest service roads. "The remoteness of this campsite being the case, I actually expected it to feel more remote than it did," noted one visitor about Basin Campground on the New Hampshire-Maine border. Winter closures affect most campgrounds, though limited year-round camping exists at locations like Ammonoosuc Campground. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during summer and fall foliage seasons when visitation peaks. Cell service remains limited or non-existent at more remote locations, with visitors reporting no coverage at campgrounds like Big Rock.
Campers consistently highlight the natural water features as standout experiences in the area. The region contains numerous sites situated along rivers and ponds, including Percy Lodge and Campground on the Androscoggin River and Basin Campground by a reservoir. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with campers reporting loon sightings at Coleman State Park and moose habitat near Rogers Ledge. One reviewer described the area as "prime moose habitat" with "nice water sources" accessible from backcountry sites. Noise concerns emerge primarily at campgrounds situated near highways, with several reviewers mentioning road noise at locations like Big Rock Campground along the Kancamagus Highway. More secluded options exist for those seeking quiet, particularly at primitive sites in the national forest and at smaller state parks farther from main roads.
$35 - $45 / night
"This state park is located in the small town of Gorham, New Hampshire."
"This campground is just north bordering the White Mountain NF. Close to northern trailheads. NH take care in keeping their parks orderly. Nice site."
"It's hard sometime to get away from all the people in Vermont but this park is far enough out of the way where you can avoid a majority of the summer tourist."
"This campground is located down a long dirt road on which there are lots of summer houses. It is worth the drive."
$29 - $40 / night
"Absolutely beautiful positioning next to a river. Clean sites - many covered in grass with wildflowers which were stunning."
"While this is close to the road, there is a good buffer of vegetation between the road and the campsites. I've camped here multiple times and never hear the road."
$30 - $44 / night
"PROs: Location! Away from the madness of North Conway and just 4 miles south of Gorham for quick breakfast in the a.m. Location!"
"Very dog freindly, many hiking trails in the the area. Next to zero cell phone service."
"The staff is helpful and the location is wonderful, especially if you have kids. It's near many hiking trails and walking distance to Santa's Village."
"kiddie pool for the kids, hot tub for the adults, free hot showers they even have a bath tub for the young kiddos or handicapped. within walking distance to Santa's village for the littles!"
$29 - $50 / night
"Driving in there was construction trucks. Couldn't find the site or anyone to ask. Finally found someone to ask . It was a walking trail in. Maybe good for some ."
"Lots of hiking trails and a great firetower in the park. Not too busy either!"
$35 - $50 / night
"This campground is located in a northern NH state park that is known as host to the Jericho ATV festival in August. "
"This campground is at the entrance of miles and miles of atv trails. The campground is great with a mix of regular sites and cabins. It’s smaller but each site has a good amount of privacy."
$34 - $67 / night
"Jefferson Campground is located near the intersection of Routes 2 and 115 in the White Mountains. The new owners have made major improvements since the spring of 2019 when they took ownership."
"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."
"Very large campground outside of Lancaster, NH. Offering a variety of options for camping-tents, RVs, few cabins as well as a motel. Offer reservations as well as seasonal options."
"I stopped in on a thru-hike of the Cohos Trail. This was a beautiful structure nestled in the woods, with a privy nearby and a bear box."
Traveler75 first come first served sites with flush toilets and a single shower site with pay showers. The campground is beautiful and sites are well spaced and private. Short trails lead to the Swift River directly out of the back of the campground.
TravelerOne of my favorite places to run away and be one with nature!
RangerStopped here on the way to do a hike on the A.T. and grabbed a spot that had plenty of space for a car and a couple tents. No amenities but we didn't really need any.
ScoutMy family and I stayed in cabin 1 and had a direct view on top of the Pemi river. On site managers were very helpful. Will be back!
ScoutI was looking for a peaceful camping spot not far off the beaten path. This spot fits the description well.
ScoutPros: Cleanliness, spacious sites, location,
Cons: will change your site for no reason, I booked site 43 and 44 they ended up giving my site 43 to someone else when they could have accommodated them at another site (mind you 3 more sites were available that day) - I actually paid for my site, I just feel like it’s a total crooked way of charging people and upon arrival your desperate to set up and they just threw this info at me stating that they changed my site. So disrespectful and rude and they don’t refund!
They charge extra for “lock in” site, not worth the money or the headache, they need better management. Showers are near the entrance (very long walk) or you’ll have to drive to the bathroom
ScoutI've camped here several times (June, July, August, September, and October) over the last couple years--usually at no-hookup sites. Most of the sites get enough sun to keep batteries charged and most of the sites are free of Starlink obstructions. I usually stay there mid-week and it's very quiet.
It's an easy drive to some of the best trout fishing in Maine and New Hampshire.
The grounds and facilities are extremely well maintained. The staff is great, and I've met some fabulous people camping there.
It's Maine so the blackflies and mosquitoes can be a challenge early in the season. And toward the end of the season, you'll want a vacuum cleaner to deal with the Asian lady beetles that have invaded all of northern New England.
GuideBeautiful campground. Large secluded sites. Forested. Beautiful fall colors. Coin operated showers. Access to nearby trails.
ScoutThe place so nice and cleaned,quite also close to you must see and things to do. The price reasonable too. Highly recommended
The White Mountains region near Stark offers camping opportunities across varied terrain from 800-3,000 feet elevation, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 50-80°F. The camping season generally runs May through October, though some primitive sites remain accessible year-round depending on snow conditions and road closures.
Hiking local trails: Milan Hill State Park features multiple trails and a fire tower with panoramic views. "The fire tower at the top allows perfect views of the area," notes one visitor who stayed in the park's yurt accommodations.
Water activities: At Jericho Mountain State Park, campers can enjoy swimming, fishing, and paddling. "The lake is large and has opportunities to canoe/kayak," according to a camper. The park also features "a large sandy beach with swings and a volleyball net."
Wildlife viewing: The Androscoggin River corridor through Mollidgewock State Park offers excellent wildlife observation. "This area is definitely a great spot to view moose or go fishing. It is also near Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge where you can view moose and loons galore," reports one visitor who enjoyed photography in the area.
River camping: Many campers appreciate sites situated along waterways. At Mollidgewock State Park Campground, one visitor highlighted their experience: "The lean-to site was beautifully situated by the incredible river making it easy to take a dip or go fishing."
Remote locations: Maidstone State Park offers a true escape from connectivity. "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," shared a camper who visited in July 2024.
Wooded privacy: Campers frequently mention site privacy as a highlight. A visitor to Milan Hill State Park noted that "the sites were all very private," making it ideal for those seeking seclusion.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Facilities range from modern to primitive across the region. At Moose Brook State Park Campground, campers highlight newer amenities: "New shower and bathroom building was clean. Campsites were well spaced." However, at Milan Hill, facilities are more rustic with "just a pit toilet."
Construction updates: Some campgrounds are upgrading infrastructure. A 2025 visitor to Mollidgewock noted: "There is construction work at the campground as they build bathhouses that should be done by next spring." Similarly, Dolly Copp Campground has been undergoing renovations.
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking during peak season. One visitor to Moose Brook State Park discovered this firsthand: "We were informed that this was a free (by donation) campground... He informed us that the park was not open, but because of the misunderstanding we were okay to stay the night."
Swimming options: Jericho Mountain State Park Campground features family-friendly water access. "The lake is large and has opportunities to canoe/kayak," notes one visitor, while another mentions that "the pool was open and lots of people were in it."
Family programming: Moose Brook State Park offers activities for children. One camper specifically recommended it as "Perfect for family camping! Fishing, swimming, river walks, biking and movie nights!"
Proximity to attractions: The Lantern Resort Motel & Campground provides convenient access to regional attractions. "It's across the road from Santa's Village... and so it is full of kids," explains one visitor. Another adds that it's "within walking distance to Santa's Village for the littles!"
Hookup availability: The best places to camp near Stark with full hookups include Jefferson Campground. A visitor noted, "The RV sites have full hookups and the tent area is tucked into a wooded area with wild apple trees."
Size limitations: Dolly Copp Campground offers spacious sites for various RV sizes. "This campground is one of the largest in the forest system that I've been to. It's got tons of space which will fit almost any size camper from tent to the largest RV," reports one RVer.
Site levelness: Jefferson Campground receives mixed reviews on site levelness. One camper observed: "Some complaints that some sites weren't level, but ours was acceptable." Another visitor in a 45-foot motorhome described the sites as "Tight, but manageable."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best camping spots in Stark County, Ohio?
Stark County offers several excellent camping destinations. Sugarloaf 2 Campground stands out with its clean facilities, easy registration process, and wooded, private campsites that provide access to some of the region's best hiking trails. For those seeking a more unique experience, Private Field and Woods Camping offers a secluded natural setting with beautiful landscapes, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts looking for a peaceful retreat. Both campgrounds provide distinctive experiences while allowing visitors to enjoy Stark County's natural beauty.
Is RV camping available at Stark Twin Lakes Campground?
Yes, RV camping is available at Stark Twin Lakes Campground. Country Bumpkins Campground and Cabins offers spots for both campers and RVs right along the river with ample parking. Another option in the area is Big Rock Campground, which features 28 wooded sites and is conveniently located just 8 minutes from Lincoln where you can restock supplies. When planning your RV trip, be sure to check the campground's specific site dimensions and reservation requirements.
What are the camping fees at Stark Forest Preserve?
Camping fees at Stark Forest Preserve vary depending on the campground you choose. At Lafayette Place Campground in the area, fees typically range from $25-35 per night for standard sites, with premium locations near streams sometimes commanding higher rates. Jigger Johnson Campground offers similar pricing with sites generally between $20-30 per night. For the most current fee information, it's recommended to check with the specific campground directly as rates may change seasonally and can vary based on residency status and amenities provided.
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