## Overview

 Located 6 miles south of Gorham, New Hampshire at the base of New England's tallest peak, the historic Dolly Copp Campground is a large facility that accommodates a range of campers and provides access to some of the most popular hikes in the White Mountains. Lush forests, spectacular mountain views and convenience to outdoor recreation and scenic driving draw visitors from all over to Dolly Copp. 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 hub for hikes into the Presidential and Carter-Moriah Ranges. The Daniel Webster Scout Trail leads from the 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 on weekends in July and August. The end of the camping season may also bring great opportunities for viewing fall foliage. [Learn more][1] about recreation in the national forest.
## Natural Features

 Dolly Copp 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 through the facility. 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. 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 clear weather, 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. 

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

Dolly Copp Campground

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. Some of the sites are nestled into the tree line while others are pretty much wide open. (Although and thankfully to the tent campers they don't have any hookups or electric or dump stations, which I think deters some) 

Decent flush restroom and potable water. For a tent I thought it was a little inconvenient for some of them to be stuck right in between RVs (be careful)  

Large nice campground

This is a perfectly situated campground. Just off the main road connection Gorham and North Conway (Route 16), this campground is just minutes from town but has a wonderful wilderness feel. While this is a relatively large campground, a significant portion of it is under construction currently (Summer 2017).

There are several loops of sites here but each site is spacious and wooded, with lot's of shade. There are flush toilets (no showers) and water spigots throughout the campground. Some sites do experience a bit of foot traffic if they are on the way to one of the restrooms.

There is a small welcome/registration building where you stop to register on your way in. Be careful driving through the campground, the roads are in rough shape due to the construction.

Sites have very clean fire pits, picnic tables and plenty of space for pitching a tent or two. There are several sites here that cater more to RVs but many of the sites are very tent friendly (soft, non-gravel real estate). Sites are $22/night and $5 for each additional vehicle.

This is a popular spot with lot's of amazing hiking in the vicinity so reserve early!

Just on the edge of town

Dolly Copp Camprground is located in the White Mountains of Gorham, New Hampshire. The area in and around the National Forest is spectacular. The trees and ranges are brilliantly breathtaking. The campground itself proximate to Mount Washington and the Presidential Mountain Range. The grounds seem to be closed at the moment due to planned improvements and are managed by the USDA Forest Service.

Though my time was short, I was impressed with the grounds. Unfortunately my site at the time was without shade, but there were plenty around that were well situated and secluded. You need to book early if you want a decent site! Some book a year in advance! Dolly Copp seemed massive and could accommodate a large number of campers. I think are 177 camp sites overall. There is also a scenic river and multiple foot trails around the park.

The weather can be volatile in the park and rains frequently, so be sure to bring plenty of gear and dress warmly if you plan to visit! But I definitely recommend this campground and encourage you all to visit Mount Washington!

Dolly Copp

This large national forest campground is in the midst of extensive renovations that are expected to continue until 2021. You'll find new bathrooms with showers, roadways, and sites with and without electric hookups. Many of the sites are in open fields, but others provide shelter in the woods. The wooded sites are definitely more popular. Because of the renovations, as of April 2020 they are not accepting reservations. If the campground opens summer 2020, you'll want to arrive early on holiday weekends to be sure of a campsite.

  

This is a prime location for adventure in the mountains, with multiple routes up Mt Washington (trail, auto road, or cog railway). If it's hiking you're after, you're conveniently located for the northern Presidentials and the Carter-Moriah range. Family friendly hikes to Glen Ellis Falls and Diana's Baths are nearby. Less than 40 minutes in either direction are Story Land and Santa's Village, NH family destinations for generations. Some of the nearby ski areas offer a variety of activities, including zip lines and mountain biking.

WMNF campground with hookups - great location for outdoor recreation

Nestled at the base of Mt. Washingtonthus National Forest campground offers nothing but the best. When I first went (late 50's according to my parents) the amenities were minimal. Recent updates have improved the toilet facilities adding showers. Water and electricity have been added to many sites as well.
Exceptional hiking, backpacking, river swimming and scenery abound. 

I don't want you to go there because I want it all to myself.

Dolly Copp is a legacy campground that has spanned generations of families. This federally owned property has recently undergone extensive renovations that added water and electric to many sites, paved roads, and new bath houses with quarter showers. Transient camping only, no seasonal camping allowed. The camp has been known to fill up with cars lining up at the entrance, especially summer 2020 with much of the camp still under final reconstruction. Beautiful sites to choose from, the Androscoggin River is absolutely beautiful and cold to swim in. Dolly Copp is a retreat for the soul. Ohh and expect weather, the campground is within Pinkham Notch and it’s either absolutely beautiful, rainagheddon, or windstorm-apocalypse.

Soul repairing camping expirence

As someone who grew up hiking the Whites, I’ve  been aware of Dolly Copp forever but never camped there. 
What a great choice! 

PROs: 
Location! Away from the madness of North Conway and just 4 miles south of Gorham for quick breakfast in the a.m. 

Location! Just a few miles north of Pinkham Notch visitor center, where trailhead for Mt Washington is and where you can grab a shower downstairs. 

Location! Nestled in among the white birches and a Brook to lull you to sleep. 

CONs: uhhh none that I’m aware of, except some current construction on the bridge over the brook, and a couple camping loops closed as a result. 

Beautiful White Mountain Forest camping option! 

Very nice clean camping area. Lots of space to move about.

Fall Camping 2022,2023and 2024

My family of 4 tent camped for 1 night as we were making our way from Maine back to Indiana as part of our summer ‘24 New England camping adventure road trip. 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”. The campground ranger station confirmed that black bear are prominent and will venture across picnic tables and sites, so be certain to store food &amp; toiletries safely per rules! 

Our campground loop was “HAYE” and very quiet and clean. We tent camped at site 130. It was near restroom. The restroom was well lit and very clean. Lots of room inside to change clothes and freshen up at sink. We were sure to bring a flashlight to check surroundings to ensure no bear surprises at night! There were shower houses at other campground loops. Half of the showers didn’t work upon inserting coins, so that wasn’t ideal, but they were clean facilities, so my advice would be to check the shower is functioning before stripping down! 

We didn’t get to explore the forest trails as this was more of a 1-night stop, but I will definitely come back. I was hoping to see moose! There are signs to watch for moose throughout the forest as they are definitely around. 

We booked tickets to the Mount Washington Cog Train months in advance, so we got to explore the area &amp; views via steam train - highly recommend!!! 