Looking for the best campgrounds near White Mountain National Forest, NH? White Mountain National Forest is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in White Mountain National Forest, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
$35 - $40 / night
"The location is the White Mountain National Forest is spectacular and allows easy access to the trails.
The rangers are friendly and helpful, but mostly leave you alone. "
"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."
$25 / night
"-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."
$30 / night
"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."
"Luckily -- we were only about ten minutes from one of our favorite campgrounds in New Hampshire. Let me tell you why we like it so much."
$35 / night
"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."
"Beautiful Campground near a stream. Has a nice store and giftshop, lots of spots for water fill up and two bathhouses so you're always close to one."
$24 / night
"If you need help or have any questions the Hosts (Located in Sugarloaf 2) are very friendly and offer a wealth of knowledge of the area.
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"Definitely a step above primitive campsites (there’s a flushing toilet and water), but this site doesn’t have some of the other features you find at some larger campgrounds (no sinks, washbasins, or showers"
$15 / night
"Step walk in and out though most of the tent plat forms have amazing views. I have stayed here twice and had great experiences."
"Privy is a bit of a walk. And the eating area is very small. X3 bear boxes.
Great Water source right near the eating area.
Loved this site!"
"This was the furthest campsite down Town Hall Road (right before mountain pond trailhead) on the left
Space for one/maybe two tents
Pros:
-Nice little sites (most of them next to a stream"
"Went camping here in a large group on the normal camp sites, had a couple booked next to each other. Worked out great, and the park has plenty of trails to explore for any level of fitness/expertise."
$62 - $209 / night
"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!"
"Nice campground located in the valley of mountains. Wooded sites but close to your neighbors."
$30 - $44 / night
"Roads through the White Mountain National Forest were easy to navigate. The campground roads were paved.
Upon entering campground we saw many “beware of bear signs”."
"PROs: Location! Away from the madness of North Conway and just 4 miles south of Gorham for quick breakfast in the a.m.
Location!"
$24 / night
"Located in the White Mountain National forest near the town of Twin Mountain NH. Small campground suitable for tent camping and small trailers, class B and smaller class C."
"Access to some of the best hiking in New Hampshire!"
ScoutHere’s the revised version of your review with the laundry issue added in seamlessly:⸻ I came to this campground after seeing it advertised in a New Hampshire magazine, noting that it had once been recommended by Yankee Magazine. Unfortunately, it seems that recommendation must have been from many years ago, because what we experienced was nothing like what was promised. From the moment we arrived, it was clear the property was extremely rundown. The entrance and camp store were full of broken wood, broken signs, and musty smells. The bathrooms were absolutely atrocious—filthy, smelly, and clearly not maintained. They may not have been updated in years, but they could at least be kept clean, and they were not. The playgrounds—despite this being advertised as a family-friendly campground—were unsafe and neglected. Structures were practically falling down, weeds were everywhere, and one so-called playground was nothing more than a tarp on the ground with a tiny jungle gym. The game room was equally disappointing: dirty, moldy, and unusable. We had also looked forward to using the laundry facilities, but they were completely out of order and appeared to have been that way for quite some time. This was extremely disappointing and added to the sense that the entire campground is neglected. The swimming area was also a major letdown. The water was murky and uninviting—I wouldn’t even consider kayaking or putting my feet in it. Calling it a“beach” is misleading; it was unkempt and unpleasant. Overall, this campground was an extreme disappointment. It felt neglected, unsafe, and unhygienic in every way. I will not be returning, and I would strongly caution others to look elsewhere for a true family-friendly New Hampshire camping experience.⸻ Would you like me to shorten this into a punchier version(since some review sites have word limits), or keep it as a full detailed account for maximum impact?
TravelerIf you're looking for a safe, family friendly, quiet campground this is it.
Pool with water slides for kids, Kayaks, paddle boats, canoes, playground with slides and a pirate ship.
Strict quiet hours at 1030 make it very quiet in the evening with no worry of loud parties keeping you up.
Super clean restrooms and sites and a camp store with about everything in it.
10 minute drive to the cute town of Lancaster which has coffee shops, brewery, restaurants, bakery and groceries.
GuideHighwater trail with bridge close by. Great stars. Creek runs through road near sites good for getting water to filter or washing. Trailhead at end of road.
ScoutThis campsite sounds like a perfect spot for nature lovers who enjoy rugged terrain and peaceful surroundings. The mix of wooden platforms, nearby water sources, and bear protection measures shows how well-prepared it is for group camping. Exploring trails like the Appalachian or enjoying the views from Mount Washington would make the trip even more memorable— almost like the adventure and excitement you find in an android game.
Scout8 huge, beautiful campsites in the heavily wooded Evans Notch section of The White Mountains National Forest. It's easy to forget there are other people camping on other sites because they're so far apart. It's wonderfully relaxing and quiet. The only thing I regret not bringing with me is a table to put my camp stove on.
ScoutThe campground is in a convenient location near lots of hiking trails and attractions. The sites are decently spacious and have various configurations for utilities. There is a nice beach on the river with a rope swing and ability to swim. We were there while the water was fairly low, so it was great for kids. Firewood is available on site. There is a bathroom with a few stalls and sinks that is well kept and clean. The showers are quarter operated with a coin heat lamp as well for the colder seasons. The office has a lending library of games available. The couple that owns the campground are very friendly and have owned it for 3 seasons now and they have done a great job making sure that amenities are kept up and upgrades are being made.
ScoutNice gem. Toilets were pristine. Very peaceful. Not all sights have drive in access so get here early
TravelerStaff was very helpful. We arrived,after a 3 1/2 hour drive, early for check in but were able to go to our site. The lean-to site was beautifully situated by the incredible river making it easy to take a dip or go fishing. The pit toilet behind the site is our only complaint. There were times we could smell the stench from our site. There is construction work at the campground as they build bathhouses that should be done by next spring. Hopefully, they get rid of the pit toilets.
TravelerQuiet spot just off the Hwy. you can hear traffic but not many cars out this time of year(August). They had a fire pit and picnic table . No electricity so we used the generator. We the only one here so the noise should not bother anyone. Great pace for fall visits
Camping near White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different preferences.
Camping near White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of options for families and RVers alike. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful scenery!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is backcountry camping allowed at Guyot tent site in White Mountain National Forest?
Yes, backcountry camping is allowed at the Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping in White Mountain National Forest. This hike-in site requires proper backcountry preparation as it's only accessible by trail. The site features basic facilities including toilets and water access. For those seeking other backcountry options, White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road offers dispersed camping in the Evans Notch section with spacious, secluded sites set far apart from each other. When backcountry camping in White Mountain National Forest, remember to follow Leave No Trace principles, store food properly to avoid wildlife encounters, and check seasonal regulations as some areas may have restrictions during certain times of the year.
What amenities are available at White Mountain National Forest campgrounds?
White Mountain National Forest campgrounds typically offer basic but functional amenities. Sugarloaf 2 Campground provides pit toilets, water sources, and private, well-spaced shaded sites suitable for tent camping and smaller RVs. Branch Brook Campground offers water and electric hookups, a dump station, and WiFi access. Most forest campgrounds feature fire rings and picnic tables at individual sites. Larger campgrounds like Lafayette Place include additional amenities such as camp stores and multiple bathhouses. Amenities vary significantly between developed and primitive sites - developed campgrounds generally provide restrooms, potable water, and trash disposal, while backcountry sites offer minimal facilities. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the forest, with reception varying by location and carrier.
What are the best campgrounds in White Mountain National Forest?
White Mountain National Forest offers exceptional camping experiences across diverse settings. Lafayette Place Campground — Franconia Notch State Park is highly recommended for its beautiful streamside sites, convenient water fill-up stations, and proximity to forest activities. Dry River Campground — Crawford Notch State Park offers a more secluded experience with fewer sites, making it perfect for those seeking peace while maintaining easy access to trails. Other excellent options include Covered Bridge Campground, which serves as an ideal base for White Mountain adventures, and Sugarloaf Campgrounds, which provide spacious, private sites suitable for tent camping and smaller RVs. For dispersed camping enthusiasts, the Evans Notch section offers large, isolated sites surrounded by forest.
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