Franconia Notch State Park and the surrounding White Mountains region offer diverse pet friendly camping near Whitefield, New Hampshire. The area sits at elevations ranging from 900 to 1,600 feet, creating significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, especially in spring and fall. Most campgrounds in this region close between mid-October and mid-May due to harsh winter conditions, though a few year-round options exist for winter camping enthusiasts.
What to do
Hiking with dogs: 6+ trails accessible from Sugarloaf 1 Campground: The Zealand and Sugarloaf trails are particularly dog-friendly. "Sugarloaf Mountain and Zealand trail are very close by and great for kids," notes Samantha C., who has been visiting Sugarloaf 1 Campground for eight years.
Water activities: River access at Crawford Notch: The Saco River flows alongside many campsites, providing natural recreation. "Site #55. You don't feel like you're at a campground here... There's a narrow trail to #55 that opens up to a gorgeous site right on the Saco river," shares Jamie C. about Crawford Notch Campground.
Winter recreation: Year-round camping at select locations: For cold-weather enthusiasts, Mountain Lake Camping Resort offers extended season options. "We camped in a large group and stayed in yurts, cabins, the tee pee and tents/trailers. Everyone was happy with their stay," reports Erin M. about winter accommodations at Mountain Lake Camping Resort.
Mountain biking: Trail networks near Gorham: Coos Cycling Club maintains numerous trails accessible from Moose Brook State Park. Sarah C. notes, "The local Coos Cycling Club maintains the trails and is constantly improving and creating more terrain. Also accessible from the park is the Presidential Rail Trail."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Wooded separation at multiple campgrounds: Campers consistently mention site spacing as a key factor. "Campground was clean, easy to find, spots are nestled into wooded areas so you feel very isolated from other campers. We enjoyed this privacy," writes Mackenzie Z. about Sugarloaf 1 Campground.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms: Many reviewers highlight bathroom cleanliness as a priority. "We base camped out of here and explored nearby trails, as well as Mt. Washington. Very private sites, clean bathrooms and coin operated showers ($0.25 for 3 minutes) and laundry," shares Nathan S. about Dry River Campground.
River proximity: Sites with water features: Water access ranks highly among camper preferences. "This campground is my favorite place. Sites are along a river, it is quiet and family friendly, sites are big and relatively private, bathrooms and showers are clean and easily accessible from all sites," explains Rebekah C. about Twin Mountain Campground.
Close to multiple attractions: Strategic location: The region's central location provides access to diverse activities. "The location is perfect," notes Jon C. about Apple Hill Campground, adding it's "about 1 mile off 302 just far enough away where you won't hear cars whizzing by but you won't need a quarter tank of gas to get that gallon of milk you forgot."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Limited winter operations: Most campgrounds close between October and May. "Zealand Rd is closed during the winter, opening in the spring only after mud season has passed and the road is dried out," explains Jean C. about Sugarloaf campgrounds.
Noise levels: Highway proximity impacts some sites: Several campgrounds experience road noise. "However, the noise from Highway 93 is intolerable! 18-wheelers blowing by at all hours of the day and night, making it very difficult to enjoy a restful sleep," warns Lee D. about Lafayette Place Campground in Franconia Notch State Park.
Cell service: Limited connectivity: Expect minimal communication options. "There is no cell service. There is a store, and two restrooms with pay showers," notes Chelsea M. about Lafayette Place Campground.
Wildlife awareness: Bear and moose presence: The surrounding forests host large mammals that require proper food storage and awareness. "Ample hiking and activities to do outside of the camp! On a number of occasions we have seen moose or bear in the area," reports Gary G. about Moose Brook State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "This campground is wonderful for camping with kids. It has a great playground and a small but nice and clean pool," writes Arno W. about Twin Mountain-Mt. Washington KOA.
Family-oriented activities: Organized events: Many campgrounds schedule regular programming. "Over the weekend, they organized various activities including a pancake breakfast. The whole campground was very well maintained and the bathrooms were very clean," shares Erik B. about Twin Mountain KOA.
Kid-appropriate hiking trails: Choose shorter routes with interesting features. "Sugarloaf Mountain and Zealand trail are very close by and great for kids," recommends Samantha C. regarding trails near Sugarloaf campgrounds.
Temperature management for children: Mountain weather fluctuates dramatically. "We were informed that this was a free (by donation) campground. We stayed one night, intending for two, and in the early afternoon we were greeted by the park manager," notes Rowan E. about Moose Brook State Park Campground, highlighting the importance of checking operating dates.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Not all campgrounds accommodate big RVs equally. "Very tight sites if you are not in the 100 section. Manager and employees were awesome. Lots of shade and close to everything," advises Bill B. about Twin Mountain KOA.
Winter camping considerations: Year-round RV camping requires preparation. Rebecca Y. notes about Apple Hill Campground: "Town was close by but also removed enough to give the great camping experience without needing to drive miles to get forgotten supplies."
Campground access roads: Some locations have challenging approach roads. Jon C. appreciates that Apple Hill is "about 1 mile off 302 just far enough away where you won't hear cars whizzing by but you won't need a quarter tank of gas to get that gallon of milk you forgot."
Level sites availability: RVers prioritize level parking. "Sites are very level too, barely had to level my Airstream when I pulled in to the site," shares Ken G. about Twin Mountain Campground.
