First come, first served campites and reservable campsites.
About
Affectionately known as WMNF, this Forest has 1,200 miles of trails, 23 campgrounds, and tons of ski areas. It’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular places to play outside east of the Mississippi.
The area is home to the highest peak in the Northeastern United States. Part the of the Presidential Range, Mount Washington dominates the area at 6,288 feet. The particularly daring can attempt the 23-mile Presidential Traverse—a grueling haul across seven 4,000 foot peaks. These mountains have some of the worst weather on earth. In winter, the wind can hit 200 mph with temps as low as -47 °F, so maybe just don’t go in February.
If the weather is bad, you can drive the Mount Washington Auto Road or ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway to reach the summit in style.
Affectionately known as WMNF, this Forest has 1,200 miles of trails, 23 campgrounds, and tons of ski areas. It’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular places to play outside east of the Mississippi.
The area is home to the highest peak in the Northeastern United States. Part the of the Presidential Range, Mount Washington dominates the area at 6,288 feet. The particularly daring can attempt the 23-mile Presidential Traverse—a grueling haul across seven 4,000 foot peaks. These mountains have some of the worst weather on earth. In winter, the wind can hit 200 mph with temps as low as -47 °F, so maybe just don’t go in February.
If the weather is bad, you can drive the Mount Washington Auto Road or ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway to reach the summit in style.
The rest of year is far more pleasant, especially at lower elevations. There’s abundant wildlife to see. Bald eagles, moose, black bears, lynx, otters, bobcats, and a bunch of other animals all call the WMNF home. The fall foliage and nearby quaint New England towns are not to be missed. We're talking Norman Rockwell stuff here people.
There’s plenty of camping nearby. Whether you’re after developed, family-friendly sites, or the quiet solitude of backcountry wilderness, you’ve certainly come to the right place.
No shame in being a newbie. Just 1. 5 miles from the end of Sawyer River Road, Sawyer Pond Shelter & Tentsite is a great option for anyone still strengthening their backpacking legs. The site sits along Big Sawyer Pond and has two toilets.
Big Rock Campground is named for the bigtime boulders that glaciers carried to the region long ago. Expect to camp in a wooded area just a short distance from other places you’ll want to check out including Otter Rocks, hiking trails along the Kancamagus Highway and the Lincoln Woods Visitor Center. There you’ll find a parking area, visitor info, Read more...
Looking to get away for a bit? Escape to the beautiful Pemigewasset Wilderness for some scenic views and crisp fresh air. Located along the Eastside Trail, you’ll enjoy a nice hike to get to the spot and can explore the surrounding natural beauty along the way. In just a short trek you can dip your toes into the cool waters of the Pemigewasset Riv Read more...
Just five miles east of Lincoln, Hancock Campground is an adventurers’ wonderland. Hike, fish, swim or just bum around and picnic—Hancock’s got you covered. Sites 1-21 are walk-in only, and if you want Penigewasser River in your front yard, stake out sites 14 - 20 or 39 - 54.
The popular Sugarloaf II Campground at the base of Mount Washington makes for the perfect rustic getaway spot. People love it thanks to the ample recreation opportunities, particularly the excellent hiking. As an added bonus, the campground is right on the banks of the picturesque Ammonoosuc River—which cuts through the thick, pristine forests tha Read more...
In the world of wilderness, Rocky Branch Shelter #1, with its fire ring, toilet and riverside views, is a five-star hotel. Check conditions before you go; the trail connecting Rocky Branch Road to the shelter can be closed.
Grab your best buds and head on over to this remote and rustic riverside camping spot. It’s the perfect base camp for all of your favorite outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and scenic car rides (let your vehicle do the hard work for you!) You’ll be within easy access to the best of the White Mountains and their beautiful forests, re Read more...
Rest your weary Appalachain Trailin’ legs at Kinsman Pond Shelter, and you might never want to get up. Set high in the sky at 3,750 ft. and along the Kinsman Pond shore, this recently rebuilt log style shelter has two single and two double rent platforms. Rough it with water from the pond, a composting privy and a bear box.
The US Forest Service website states that the Tripoli Road Camping Area is not a place you would choose “if looking for that tranquil out of the way spot”. What the White Mountain National Forest may be implying, is that this is a car camping spot for those who like to party. The camp is located close to Loon Mountain, as well as oodles of the app Read more...
When you’re staying at a campground named after a true north country woods badass, you know it’s going to be a good time. Jigger Johnson was an accomplished logger back in the day, so it’s only fair that he gets his own campground. You’ll be close to the Swift River, and if you grab one of the prime campsites near the river, you’ll feel like a rea Read more...
Smack dab in the middle of the Kancamagus Scenic Highway, this heavily wooded campground is a great place to set up camp. Because there aren’t a ton of amenities here, it tends to stay pretty quiet, which is great news for campers seeking calm. Try to grab one of the streamside campsites, particularly 21 and 23… because we all know that there’s no Read more...
Hankering for a hike on the Appalachian Trail? Best stop by the Garfield Ridge Shelter operated by The Appalachian Mountain Club. The campsite is located on the Garfield Ridge Trail, just northeast of Garfield’s summit. The shelter is an 'Adirondack' style with two single and five double tent platforms. A natural spring is nearby for some freshwat Read more...
Hike the Whites! Deep in the Pemigewasset Wilderness in the White Mountains lies the popular Guyot Shelter and accompanying camp sites. The shelter is located off the Bondcliff Trail on a spur path 4,360 feet above the sea. Striking views and epic sunrises are just some of what make this a festive spot on the weekends. So grab your pack and hit th Read more...
Nestled at the crossroads of Rocky Branch and the Isolation Trails, Rocky Branch Shelter #2 sits along the Rocky Branch River and has a fire ring. Before you head out, check out trail conditions—Rocky Branch Trail can be closed.
If you love hiking, you’ll adore camping at Waterville. It’s a popular staging area for hikers who want to get out and see the best of the Southern White Mountains, including the gorgeous Pemigewasset Wilderness area. But that’s not the only draw. Swimming, fishing, and whitewater paddling draw in the crowds, and Waterville’s thick forest, proximi Read more...
You won’t have to venture far from the road over at Zealand Campground. This small campground will put you right next to the Ammonoosuc River, and you can’t beat the Zealand Valley’s stunning scenery. The single loop is shaded by a forest of hardwoods, and the grassy tent sites are deceivingly open and spacious. You might hear some noise from the Read more...
You’ll absolutely adore this small, rustic campground… and the fact that you’ll be in a deliciously remote part of the White Mountains is just the cherry on top. The campground is nestled into a lovely hardwood forest, giving you and your pals ample shade (and places to hang a hammock. ) Outdoor activities abound: good fishing and canoeing in near Read more...
Get those gams in shape—when spring skiing hits Tuckerman Ravine, you don’t want to miss out. Situated at the base of Tuckerman Ravine, the Hermit Lake Shelter (lean-tos and tent platforms) is homebase for mountaineers yearround. The site has a year-round caretaker as well as outhouses and a hand pump.
Tucked away on the shore of the scenic Ethan Pond, this shelter is a great spot to crash at any time of year. With the extra protection from the elements, you can spend more time exploring the expansive and beautiful Pemigewasset Wilderness knowing you’ll be coming back to a comfortable base camp. There are also several tent platforms that can be Read more...
Done with humans? We get you. Escape to the remote Thirteen Falls Tentsite at the Franconia Brook, Lincoln Brook, and Twin Brook Trails, all within the Pemigewasset Wilderness Area. Sites have a composting privy and dishwashing areas.
White Mountain National Forest
Don’t take this National Forest for granite!
Sat to Sun: Closed
Affectionately known as WMNF, this Forest has 1,200 miles of trails, 23 campgrounds, and tons of ski areas. It’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular places to play outside east of the Mississippi.
The area is home to the highest peak in the Northeastern United States. Part the of the Presidential Range, Mount Washington dominates the area at 6,288 feet. The particularly daring can attempt the 23-mile Presidential Traverse—a grueling haul across seven 4,000 foot peaks. These mountains have some of the worst weather on earth. In winter, the wind can hit 200 mph with temps as low as -47 °F, so maybe just don’t go in February.
If the weather is bad, you can drive the Mount Washington Auto Road or ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway to reach the summit in style.
The rest of year is far more pleasant, esp
Affectionately known as WMNF, this Forest has 1,200 miles of trails, 23 campgrounds, and tons of ski areas. It’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular places to play outside east of the Mississippi.
The area is home to the highest peak in the Northeastern United States. Part the of the Presidential Range, Mount Washington dominates the area at 6,288 feet. The particularly daring can attempt the 23-mile Presidential Traverse—a grueling haul across seven 4,000 foot peaks. These mountains have some of the worst weather on earth. In winter, the wind can hit 200 mph with temps as low as -47 °F, so maybe just don’t go in February.
If the weather is bad, you can drive the Mount Washington Auto Road or ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway to reach the summit in style.
The rest of year is far more pleasant, especially at lower elevations. There’s abundant wildlife to see. Bald eagles, moose, black bears, lynx, otters, bobcats, and a bunch of other animals all call the WMNF home. The fall foliage and nearby quaint New England towns are not to be missed. We're talking Norman Rockwell stuff here people.
There’s plenty of camping nearby. Whether you’re after developed, family-friendly sites, or the quiet solitude of backcountry wilderness, you’ve certainly come to the right place.
Activities in the park
64 campgrounds in White Mountain National Forest
No shame in being a newbie. Just 1. 5 miles from the end of Sawyer River Road, Sawyer Pond Shelter & Tentsite is a great option for anyone still strengthening their backpacking legs. The site sits along Big Sawyer Pond and has two toilets.
Big Rock Campground is named for the bigtime boulders that glaciers carried to the region long ago. Expect to camp in a wooded area just a short distance from other places you’ll want to check out including Otter Rocks, hiking trails along the Kancamagus Highway and the Lincoln Woods Visitor Center. There you’ll find a parking area, visitor info, Read more...
Looking to get away for a bit? Escape to the beautiful Pemigewasset Wilderness for some scenic views and crisp fresh air. Located along the Eastside Trail, you’ll enjoy a nice hike to get to the spot and can explore the surrounding natural beauty along the way. In just a short trek you can dip your toes into the cool waters of the Pemigewasset Riv Read more...
Just five miles east of Lincoln, Hancock Campground is an adventurers’ wonderland. Hike, fish, swim or just bum around and picnic—Hancock’s got you covered. Sites 1-21 are walk-in only, and if you want Penigewasser River in your front yard, stake out sites 14 - 20 or 39 - 54.
The popular Sugarloaf II Campground at the base of Mount Washington makes for the perfect rustic getaway spot. People love it thanks to the ample recreation opportunities, particularly the excellent hiking. As an added bonus, the campground is right on the banks of the picturesque Ammonoosuc River—which cuts through the thick, pristine forests tha Read more...
In the world of wilderness, Rocky Branch Shelter #1, with its fire ring, toilet and riverside views, is a five-star hotel. Check conditions before you go; the trail connecting Rocky Branch Road to the shelter can be closed.
Grab your best buds and head on over to this remote and rustic riverside camping spot. It’s the perfect base camp for all of your favorite outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and scenic car rides (let your vehicle do the hard work for you!) You’ll be within easy access to the best of the White Mountains and their beautiful forests, re Read more...
Rest your weary Appalachain Trailin’ legs at Kinsman Pond Shelter, and you might never want to get up. Set high in the sky at 3,750 ft. and along the Kinsman Pond shore, this recently rebuilt log style shelter has two single and two double rent platforms. Rough it with water from the pond, a composting privy and a bear box.
The US Forest Service website states that the Tripoli Road Camping Area is not a place you would choose “if looking for that tranquil out of the way spot”. What the White Mountain National Forest may be implying, is that this is a car camping spot for those who like to party. The camp is located close to Loon Mountain, as well as oodles of the app Read more...
When you’re staying at a campground named after a true north country woods badass, you know it’s going to be a good time. Jigger Johnson was an accomplished logger back in the day, so it’s only fair that he gets his own campground. You’ll be close to the Swift River, and if you grab one of the prime campsites near the river, you’ll feel like a rea Read more...
Smack dab in the middle of the Kancamagus Scenic Highway, this heavily wooded campground is a great place to set up camp. Because there aren’t a ton of amenities here, it tends to stay pretty quiet, which is great news for campers seeking calm. Try to grab one of the streamside campsites, particularly 21 and 23… because we all know that there’s no Read more...
Hankering for a hike on the Appalachian Trail? Best stop by the Garfield Ridge Shelter operated by The Appalachian Mountain Club. The campsite is located on the Garfield Ridge Trail, just northeast of Garfield’s summit. The shelter is an 'Adirondack' style with two single and five double tent platforms. A natural spring is nearby for some freshwat Read more...
Hike the Whites! Deep in the Pemigewasset Wilderness in the White Mountains lies the popular Guyot Shelter and accompanying camp sites. The shelter is located off the Bondcliff Trail on a spur path 4,360 feet above the sea. Striking views and epic sunrises are just some of what make this a festive spot on the weekends. So grab your pack and hit th Read more...
Fourth Iron Campground sits in at the confluence of the Saco and Sawyer Rivers. There are bear boxes here for your (and the bears’) safety. Use ‘em!
Nestled at the crossroads of Rocky Branch and the Isolation Trails, Rocky Branch Shelter #2 sits along the Rocky Branch River and has a fire ring. Before you head out, check out trail conditions—Rocky Branch Trail can be closed.
If you love hiking, you’ll adore camping at Waterville. It’s a popular staging area for hikers who want to get out and see the best of the Southern White Mountains, including the gorgeous Pemigewasset Wilderness area. But that’s not the only draw. Swimming, fishing, and whitewater paddling draw in the crowds, and Waterville’s thick forest, proximi Read more...
You won’t have to venture far from the road over at Zealand Campground. This small campground will put you right next to the Ammonoosuc River, and you can’t beat the Zealand Valley’s stunning scenery. The single loop is shaded by a forest of hardwoods, and the grassy tent sites are deceivingly open and spacious. You might hear some noise from the Read more...
You’ll absolutely adore this small, rustic campground… and the fact that you’ll be in a deliciously remote part of the White Mountains is just the cherry on top. The campground is nestled into a lovely hardwood forest, giving you and your pals ample shade (and places to hang a hammock. ) Outdoor activities abound: good fishing and canoeing in near Read more...
Get those gams in shape—when spring skiing hits Tuckerman Ravine, you don’t want to miss out. Situated at the base of Tuckerman Ravine, the Hermit Lake Shelter (lean-tos and tent platforms) is homebase for mountaineers yearround. The site has a year-round caretaker as well as outhouses and a hand pump.
Tucked away on the shore of the scenic Ethan Pond, this shelter is a great spot to crash at any time of year. With the extra protection from the elements, you can spend more time exploring the expansive and beautiful Pemigewasset Wilderness knowing you’ll be coming back to a comfortable base camp. There are also several tent platforms that can be Read more...
Done with humans? We get you. Escape to the remote Thirteen Falls Tentsite at the Franconia Brook, Lincoln Brook, and Twin Brook Trails, all within the Pemigewasset Wilderness Area. Sites have a composting privy and dishwashing areas.