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."
"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 tentsPros:
-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."
$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!"
$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."
$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!"
TravelerBeautiful campground. Large secluded sites. Forested. Beautiful fall colors. Coin operated showers. Access to nearby trails.
TravelerFairly extensive camp ground associated with Gunstock ski area on central New Hampshire. We arrived without a reservation a bit after the office closed, but Elena, the manager came out to let us in and allowed us to check in. She was great. Dogs must have proof of rabies vaccine. Very nice showers. Beautiful fall colors.
ScoutThe place so nice and cleaned,quite also close to you must see and things to do. The price reasonable too. Highly recommended
GuideEasily one of the most well maintained sites we have visited. The host was attentive and gracious. Beautiful nature trails behind the campground. I found one that lead to a beach by the river, perfect for reading and relaxing.
ScoutPLEASE READ BEFORE GOING We went to Jellystone Park at in Glen NH. We originally booked from Sunday to thursday. We left on Tuesday due to several issues with the cabin that the office staff refused to fix. Issues we had was 1. Cabin was filthy and had bugs inside. 2. Stove top wasnt working. 3. Fridge smelled so bad I had to wash it with warm water and dish soap. 4. Our cabin reeked like cigarettes to the point I couldn't bath my kids because when the bathroom got steamy the smell got sooo bad. I tried to adress the issues and was told they had a no smoke policy so its not their issue if it smelled because they did their part in putting a policy down. For it being filthy I was told they trust their cleaner so it qas me that made it filthy..(attached is one picture that I have this is just the bathroom on our first day their. Everything was covered in dirt, sand and soo dusty and bugs everywhere). I first spoke to James who yelled and was saying ridiculous excuses as to why its ok. Then the manager(dont remember name but she was older and blonde hair) screamed at me while I had my 2 year old with me. I was telling her calmly and very nice my concerns to which she was yelling to get out of the office. Then I was threatened to have the cops called if I complained again. I lost alot of money I cant afford to loose. But most important I was want to make people aware. I told them the website should state these things to be fair cause if I knew this i wouldn't have paid since they said its normal for stoves not to work and its out of their controll if someone smokes in the cabin. They said no one would stay if they posted those things. I left litterally shaking and crying because I couldn't believe it. They are nice if you dont complain. Discusting customer service horrendous management. Will be reporting everywhere already let my friends know so they dont go next year.
ScoutQuiet, friendly and clean.
Scout7 campsites in a really beautiful place!! We went in early October and about half the sites were full. It was very peaceful and great hiking nearby!
GuideNice 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. 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. Some sites face each other for camping with friends. Follow their map to pull in correctly. Staff is excellent and very helpful. Small store on site with necessities and fire wood. FYI Amenities: pool, playground, laundry (affordable) hot showers. Off season so the place was not busy, very quiet. This is on our short list for when we return next year.
GuideWe stayed here 2 nights in late September. The campground is very neat and tidy with lots of nice touches like flowers and seasonal decorations. The sites are gravel & the paths are covered in wood chips - both make walking cleaner because you are out of the dirt and mud. There is a path to the river and 2 picnic tables by the river. The bathhouse is clean and has a large shower with plenty of places to put your soap, shampoo, etc. There are also lots of hooks in the shower and bathroom for your stuff and the shower has a large bench to sit on as you get dressed. There are 2 dishwashing stations outside the bathhouse. Horseshoes and corn hole are on site and there is a well stocked camp store. Lots of information and brochures on the area. The owner is very kind and personable - I am looking forward to coming back!
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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