Crawford Notch State Park's Dry River Campground operates on a 31-site loop between Route 302 and the Dry River, charging $35-40 per night with reservations available 11 months in advance. The campground provides full hookups for RVs up to 40 feet, along with clean bathhouses featuring coin-operated showers and laundry facilities. Sites range from spacious wooded spots to more open areas, with some featuring three-sided lean-tos and others offering tent platforms set back in the trees.
Most sites sit on the outside of the loop or across the road from each other, preventing a crowded feel despite the compact layout. Jean C. notes that "sites are spacious, level, and wooded, though some have no real demarcation between them." Traffic noise from Route 302 reaches all areas, with sites 27-31 positioned particularly close to the main road. The river remains accessible via a short walk from any site, with a formal trail leading to the water from near site 16B.
The location serves as a launching point for White Mountains hiking, with trailheads for Mount Washington, Arethusa Falls, and Mount Willard within minutes. A connector trail from the campground links directly to the Dry River Trail system. Rangers make evening rounds selling firewood bundles, and the facility includes vault toilets around the loop plus a central dishwashing station. Cell service proves spotty throughout Crawford Notch, requiring drives toward Bartlett or Bretton Woods for reliable connectivity.
Sites fill quickly during peak season, though mid-October through December 2 operates as walk-in only after online pre-registration. Skyler found the October experience particularly appealing, noting you "can hear the traffic from the nearby road occasionally but not consistently." For those seeking additional options in the region, there are campgrounds around Crawford Notch State Park within the broader area. Book well ahead for summer weekends, and bring groceries from Conway or North Conway before arriving.
Description
Dry River Campground offers a woodland setting, located in the heart of Crawford Notch State Park. Flush toilets and showers are located in the campground. Pets are welcomed in the camping area, but must be leashed and attended at all times.
Park Information:
- NO hook up sites available at this campground.
- There is a maximum of two vehicles per campsite, excluding group sites.
There is limited to no cell service at this park. Service may vary based on provider. For emergency calls, use pay phone located at the park office/store.
- Emergency Police/Fire/Ambulance....911
Pet Policy
Pets are permitted at this park within the campground, on the trails, and in the dog walk area at the Willey House only.
For more information on the NH State Parks Pet Policy, or to see where pets are allowed, please visit: https://www.nhstateparks.org/planning/pet-friendly-state-parks
Cancellation & Refund Policy:
There is a new cancellation policy in effect as of 2/1/2024
- Full refund minus transaction fee if you cancel at least 10 + days prior to the scheduled arrival date.
- Full refund minus reservation fee plus cost of one night of camping if you cancel 4-9 days prior to the scheduled arrival date.
- No refund if you cancel 0-3 days from your scheduled arrival date. NH State Parks does not issue refunds due to insects or weather.
If there are any concerns about your reservation, please call the Reserve America Call Center at 1-877-647-2757
Any refund requests occurring after the reservation arrival date must be submitted in writing or emailed to State Parks Headquarters within 14 days of departure. Please email requests to nhparks@dncr.nh.gov or mail to: NH State Parks Reservation Office, 172 Pembroke Rd, Concord, NH 03301
Firewood Notice:
Attention! Please do not bring out-of-state firewood with you. Firewood can carry exotic insects and tree diseases. Safe firewood is available to purchase at the campground for your convenience.
Booking Rules:
The maximum reservation window is 11 months in advance and sites become available at 8am (9am on weekends) exactly 11 months from the anticipated arrival day.
For Dry River youth group reservations please contact Concord Headquarters at 603-271-3556
Fee Information:
- The nightly base site fee pays for 2 adults only and up to 4 dependent children under 18. You must be 18 to register for a campsite.
- Extra adults are $10 per night. Additional children are $5 per night
- NH Senior Citizens are given a $5 per night discount to all campgrounds with the exception of Cannon Mountain RV, Ellacoya, and Hampton Beach.
- NH Seniors must bring their NH photo ID for discount verification.
- NH State Employees are given a 50% discount on campsites with the exception of yurts and cabins.
- NH State Employees must bring their State ID or current paystub for discount to be applied.
Site Rules:
No more than 2 tents can occupy a standard (non-group) site at any time. Only 1 trailer, pop-up, or RV (camping unit) per site at any time.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
NH Senior Citizens are given a $5 per night discount to all campgrounds with the exception of Cannon Mountain RV, Ellacoya, and Hampton Beach. NH State Employees are given a 50% discount on campsites with the exception of yurts and cabins. The discount will be provided once verified at the campground. **This bulletin only applies to camping and is not applicable to park hosted events or tours.**
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsDry River Campground is located in New Hampshire near Bartlett
Directions
From I-93: Exit 36 onto Route 3 North. Follow Route 3 to Route 302 east. Follow signs to Crawford Notch State Park. From I-95: Take Route 16 north to Route 302 west. On 302 follow signs to Crawford Notch State Park.
Address
US Route 302
Harts Locations, NH 03812
Coordinates
44.15483863 N
71.36362736 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 45 min from Manchester, NH
- 1 hr 52 min from Lewiston, ME
- 2 hrs 3 min from Portland, ME
- 2 hrs 12 min from Burlington, VT
