Barnes Field Campground, near [White Mountain National Forest](https://thedyrt.com/camping/new-hampshire/near/white-mountain-national-forest), is a cozy spot that caters to both groups and solo campers looking for a simple outdoor experience. With a handful of sites arranged in a loop, it offers a mix of open and secluded areas, making it easy to find a little privacy while still being part of the camping community.

The campground is equipped with basic amenities like vault toilets and hand pumps for drinking water, which visitors appreciate for their simplicity. Many campers have noted that the sites are spacious enough to accommodate several tents, and there are picnic tables and fire pits available for those who want to enjoy a meal outdoors. As one reviewer mentioned, “The sites are clean and well kept,” which is always a plus when you're out in the wild.

If you're into hiking, you're in luck! Barnes Field is conveniently located near trails that lead into the stunning Presidential Range, perfect for those looking to tackle some serious elevation. Plus, if you need a shower or a more modern bathroom experience, the nearby Dolly Copp Campground has you covered, just a short drive away.

While the campground is open year-round, it’s particularly popular in the summer, so arriving early is a good idea if you want to snag a spot. With its friendly vibe and access to outdoor adventures, Barnes Field Campground is a solid choice for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of New Hampshire's wilderness.

## Overview

 Located 6 miles south of Gorham, New Hampshire, at the base of New England's tallest peak, the historic Barnes Field Campground provides a scenic and private space for organizations, families and others to gather. The campground is one of a few in the area that remains open in winter, providing first-come, first-served winter camping for individuals or groups. It is adjacent to Dolly Copp Campground. Lush forests, spectacular mountain views and convenience to outdoor recreation and scenic driving draw visitors to Barnes Field, which also provides access to some of the most popular hikes in the White Mountains. The surrounding White Mountain National Forest encompasses nearly 800,000 acres in New Hampshire and western Maine, and is one of the most popular forests in the country.
## Recreation

 The campground is a popular spot for groups to camp, picnic and hike. It is a hub for hikes into the Presidential and Carter-Moriah Ranges. The Daniel Webster Scout Trail leaves from the southern end of Dolly Copp Campground into the Great Gulf Wilderness on the northeast side of Mount Washington. Many more miles of trails can be accessed within a short drive. Within the facility, anglers can try their luck for brook trout in the creek and river. Families can learn more through educational programs presented at Dolly Copp on weekends in July and August. The end of the camping season may also offer great opportunities for viewing fall foliage, and winter brings much fun for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice climbing enthusiasts. [Learn more][1] about recreation in the national forest.
## Natural Features

 Barnes Field is situated in a mixed hardwood, spruce and pine forest at the base of 6,288-ft. Mount Washington, the highest peak north of the Smoky Mountains and east of the Mississippi River. The Peabody River and Culhane Brook pass by the facility as well. The national forest is home to many species of northern wildlife, including moose, white-tailed deer and black bear. Almost 200 species of birds, including the rare Bicknell's Thrush, live in the White Mountains. Summer temperatures are often very pleasant; however mountain weather can change drastically, putting visitors at risk for exposure to cold, rain and snow even during summer. Winters bring bitter cold and severe weather. Campers should come prepared. 
## Nearby Attractions

 Numerous hiking trails, mountain biking trails and rock climbing routes are within a short drive of the campground. The nearby towns of North Conway, Jackson and Gorham provide shops, restaurants, supplies and other conveniences. In summer, confident campers can try the drive up the steep Mount Washington Auto Road to catch a view from the Northeast's highest peak. Guided tours are also available. The Cog Railway ascends the other side of the mountain, and is about an hour drive from Dolly Copp. The White Mountains region hosts four alpine and five nordic ski areas, which provide year-round recreation opportunities. 

[1]: http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/white_mountain/recreation/

Barnes Field Campground

Searching for the best camping near Randolph, NH? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Randolph, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Randolph

The Best Camping Near Randolph, New Hampshire

We stayed here before we hiked nearby Mt. Madison. There are not a lot of sites and can be pretty full in the summer time so make sure to get there early. The sites are clean and well kept, there is a vault toilet and hand pumped water on site. It is a dog friendly facility and when we were there many sites had dogs. It is open in the winter as a first come self served facility but is down a road that is not always open or plowed. All in all its a great little site to use as a camp before or after you hike any of the presidentials that are in the area. 

Barnes Field Campground 

This campground is great for groups! The sites are well spaced and can accommodate several tents in each site. There are multiple picnic tables (3-4) in each site and plenty of room for the whole gang. There are vault toilets and hand pumps for potable water. There are wooded, well shaded sites and others that are a bit more open.

This site is also open in winter (one of the few) on a first come, first serve basis for those hearty enough to brave the frigid New England winter!

Nice and Spacious Group Site

There aren't many campgrounds open in the winter in NH, but 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. 

  

There's a blend of wooded/open sites located in a loop. So often it seems that group sites are wide open fields with minimal separation. Barnes Field provides clearly defined sites with picnic tables and fire pits. Water is supplied by a hand pump and toilets are vault. There are showers ($) nearby in Dolly Copp. 

  

Rates in summer start at $40 for 10 campers and increase by $10 increments to $70 for 40. In winter you pay a per vehicle fee of $15.

  

There were youth groups and adult AMC groups at the campground. 

  

Site 8 is more secluded and up a small hill. Site 7 is in inside of the loop, wooded, and wet around the perimeter.

  

It's located in close proximity to hiking trails in the northern Presidentials and Carter range. Wildcat ski is 6 miles south. There are numerous trails around for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ATVs.

Large group sites in summer; first come sites for all in winter

This is probably the smallest campground I have been to. 10 sites around a loop. Some sites are quite open while a couple are nicely secluded! The location is ideal if you hike the Presidential in the White Mountains. Amenities are basic...water pump and pit toilet. You can however drive a few minutes to Dolly Copp campground next door and take a shower (bring quarters) and bathrooms are new and sparkling clean. There is a fire ring and a table with benches on site too. 
Favorite sites are 1 and 8. 
You can book ahead and register at Dolly Copp. 

Small campground ar the feet of the Presiential Range

This mini loop has pretty large sites with some privacy. I only parked there for one night. While the board says you need reservations, they also do first come first served. You just leave your payment in an envelope by the board and pick a site that isn’t taken. Bathrooms are as basic as they come. There is water and trash. 

Photos of Barnes Field Campground

Real photos from real campers