- White Mountain National Forest
The best camping in White Mountain National Forest, NH
97% (87)
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JT
1 week ago
Tent
After trying out different locations over many trips to NH this location has become my squads bread and butter. The only place we reserve in NH. Kind and helpful hosts, outhouse, privacy, and a killer view
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Frank
2 weeks ago
13 ft campervan
With pets
Wanted to say a big thank you for letting me stay at your location. Waking up this morning and seeing that field was incredible — easily one of the nicest spots I’ve ever stayed at on Hipcamp. I can only imagine what the other locations on your property look like if this one was that amazing.
And your dog waiting by my van door first thing in the morning to play with Chloe absolutely made my day. That was the perfect way to start the morning.
Really appreciate the hospitality, man. Thanks again!
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Spike
2 weeks ago
16 ft car
We had an awesome night on Amy’s property! There was plenty of access for our car and an amazing view of the mountains in the distance! Amy was very helpful and informative about the weather conditions in the area leading up to our trip!
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William
3 weeks ago
Group trip
Great view with lovely yurt—the wood stove kept us warm all night. Gas burner made cooking easy and fun. Definitely a place to return to!
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Aidan
3 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
I’ve been searching for the “perfect” campsite for years, and finally found it at Wandering Pines. Not only are the hosts very responsive and hospitable, the location and amenities are top bin. Enjoying beautiful views of the Presidential Range while cooking over a fire, with your car and outhouse close by is unbeatable.
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Katie
3 weeks ago
17 ft campervan
Easy in and out and close to lots of great things to do!
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Tseyang
3 weeks ago
16 ft car
My friend and I had such a lovely time! Our host Ryan was beyond helpful and kind to make sure our stay went well. The site was well maintained and easy to find. We also had a great open sky to stargaze and fresh snow in the morning which made our experience so much more fun. This was my first Hipcamp experience and it was a wonderful first impression!
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Devon
November 2025
22 ft Class B
With pets
Convenient and just what we were looking for as a pit stop heading through the White Mountains!
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Dustin
November 2025
16 ft car
Without a doubt. Hands down. The best view I have ever had at a campsite! Highly recommended!
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Daniel
November 2025
Tent
Best site I've ever stayed at! Good amount of space between sites but still an easy walk to the kitchen+water, outhouses were clean and convenient with an excellent sense of interior decoration!
We stayed at Birch Grove on a particularly cold, rainy, and windy Halloween weekend and Nick already had a large tarp set up over the easiest tent spot.... plus a cow skull and a few candles for the ambiance. Excellent vibes 👌
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Sarah
October 2025
1 night at Mountain View Gardens & Apiary
Angela was an exemplary host! She met us by the road late at night with a light to guide our way and already had a fire going to warm the yurt, which is absolutely lovely and very cozy. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and will be back!
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emma
October 2025
19 ft Class B
With kids
Incredible site with multiple pitches spread out around the land. We were lucky enough to be put on the beat site...on site 7 (despite booking the field site). What a view and great facilities. Fit pit with grill for cooking whilst watching the stars and white mountains.
Camp cooking kitchen and shower near the main house. Fire wood for sale. Compost toilet at each site.
The only problem was we wished we could have stayed longer! Look out for the friendly moose and check out the little boat on the pond. Fab site 10/10.
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Val
October 2025
With pets
I loved camping on Lori's land. All the glamping tents are very private, and you have to walk about 100 yards from the car, so there is no noise at all. The outhouse was super clean and so cool inside. The bed in the tent was very comfortable and had enough room for the dog as well. The land is beautiful with North Conway only a 30 min drive for great food and coffee! I highly recommend this Hip Camp!
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Kimberly
October 2025
Tent
Fantastic campsite with the cleanest outhouse I’ve ever seen. The location was great- close to town and popular hiking trails. Would definitely stay here again!
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John
October 2025
Tent
Nick is a terrific host and it's obvious that this hipcamp is a labor of love. Kudos to Nick for preserving this beautiful property for generations to enjoy especially in the face of constant development and expansion northward. It truly is a sanctuary. Wildlife is terrific and diverse. Lots of deer, birds, Moose and great privacy between sites. I'll return for sure!
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Raven
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Such a lovely spot! The place is peaceful, kempt and full of charm. You can really tell it’s cared for by someone with a creative touch, everything has its own character and feels so welcoming.
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Rusty
October 2025
16 ft car
Big circular drive with lots of space. I like it. Ryan was quick to respond and he checked in to make sure all was well. Little details are welcoming, like lights, toilet stall, picnic table, and fire ring. Statewide fire ban while I was there. The highway is close but the noise wasn’t too bad for me. I fly fished the river but did have to drive for public river access.
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Chandler
October 2025
16 ft car
I loved camping here! The leaves were gorgeous in the morning. There was some road noise but it was nothing too crazy and I would still highly recommend this spot! The tree coverage and built in coverage was so nice to sit under especially since it was raining. I highly recommend this spot to anyone looking for a place to land with service and close to town!
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Jamie
October 2025
38 ft travel trailer
With kids
We had a wonderful stay at Hidden Pines! Chris and Ellen were incredibly accommodating — they communicated clearly, respected our privacy, and made sure we were well taken care of throughout our visit.
The hookups worked perfectly — clean water with great pressure, and everything was easy to access and set up. The location is absolutely beautiful, tucked into the woods yet close to everything in the White Mountains.
The site was level, peaceful, and ideal for our camper. We’ll definitely be visiting again.
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John
October 2025
1 night at Lumen Nature Retreat
We had a great stopover for a night after hiking in the mountains. The perfect respite after a long day. Hope to come back one day.
See moreTop public campgrounds in the park
Stay at a public campground in White Mountain National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds
The best camping in White Mountain National Forest, NH guide
Overview
About
Spanning over 800,000 acres of New England's most beautiful scenery, White Mountain National Forest is a rugged playground for hikers, backpackers, and sightseers. The forest is home to Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeastern U.S., one that’s also known for its wild and unpredictable weather. Visitors can drive, take the cog railway, or hike to the top of Mount Washington for views stretching all the way to Maine and the Atlantic Ocean on a clear day. Whether you’re looking for an RV park with full hookups and camping cabins, a quiet wooded tent site in the national forest, or a secluded backcountry site miles away from others, campers will find plenty of camping areas in and around White Mountain National Forest.
Notable campgrounds
- Best for RVs and trailers: Dolly Copp Campground
- Best for swimming and fishing: Covered Bridge Campground
- Best for hiking: Hancock Campground
Tips for snagging a campsite
- All national forest campground reservations must be made at least seven days in advance. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance online or by phone.
- Reservations are often required for sites with hookups, especially on summer weekends.
- Advance reservations are not accepted at all White Mountain National Forest campgrounds. Many campgrounds have a selection of sites available only on a first-come, first-served basis.
When to go
New Hampshire's White Mountains are a year-round destination for both summer and winter sports. July and August are the most popular months for camping, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, and kayaking. Fall is the busiest month for sightseers looking to enjoy the changing colors. Fall colors are best from the end of September through early October. Some White Mountain National Forest campgrounds are open year-round, including the Hancock Campground. These campgrounds are plowed in winter but do not have any of the services found in summer.
Know before you go
- A recreation pass is required to park at trailheads, recreation areas, and day-use areas within White Mountain National Forest. Daily and annual passes are available at Forest Service visitor centers and local businesses in Campton and North Conway.
- The White Mountains are known for unpredictable and occasionally poor weather. Come prepared with rain gear if you plan on hiking and extra layers for sleeping.
- White Mountain National Forest is bear country. Never leave food unattended and practice safe food storage techniques.
- Backcountry huts are scattered throughout the White Mountains and offer family-friendly bunk-style accommodations for hikers. Reservations are strongly recommended.
97%
87 ratings · 36 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
Family friendly camping for MTN bike vacay
Tent · With kids ·
Liberty Springs Tentsite
This was a great spot for our family to camp as we explored the Kingdom bike trails. A short drive to Darling Hill, where we could also resupply with fresh water.
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Cristina M.
2 reviews
I didn’t go? I didn’t reserve?
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Karen M.
15 reviews
We had a wonderful time at Wildwood! Would love to stay here again. The vault toilets are clean and well stocked. Campground was surprisinyly quiet for it being almost full! The Ammonoosuc river is right across the street, beautiful swimming hole. The town of Woodstock has several restraunts. We were 20 minutes from Sugar Hill and drove there for the Lupine bloom!
Molly G.
12 reviews
September 2023
Want to rent cabin or yurt to live in yearround
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Claudia
2 years on Hipcamp
September 2022
Ok, so if you are here, you are interested in backpacking in the WMNF. Hurrah, that is one of best uses of your time imaginable. Now, go and buy the AMC WMNF Guide, and visit sectionhiker.com. Way better, more accurate info than here, plus great suggested trips and hikes. I have camped here, and for example, there is room for several tents, there is no picnic table, the roof leaks on the right side of shelter, and yeah, good luck getting your horse here.
Steve B.
3 years on Hipcamp
August 2022
Please note: fires are forbidden at the Garfield campsite, camping is only on platforms, and there is a $15 fee per person per night.
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Peter B.
3 years on Hipcamp
September 2021
It's astonishing that over five years after Charlotte C. in her comment offered some expert corrections to this listing, the mistakes are still here on this page. Come on, Hipcamp! That isn't very hip! No fires, no picnic tables here. Over at the USDA Forest Service page for this campsite, you can find accurate information and current pricing. Enjoy.
Joseph G.
2 reviews
August 2021
I have camped here 4 times now and it is always a wonderful experience. Its a bit of a walk to the sites if you have alot of camping gear id recommend the closer sites 1-3. Site 2 is right across from the swimming hole/river which is alot of fun. Overall its one of my favorite spots!
Kyla L.
5 years on Hipcamp
August 2021
This photo was not taken from Three Pond Shelter, the shelter is at a lower elevation, there is no outhouse or picnic table. A nice walk but not a great place to camp
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Heidi B.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2021
The trail up is steady, good footing, not many rocks and several stream crossings. The view from the cabin of Mt Washington was nice but from the summit was disappointing. The spring was a little more than a trickle but the area was set back from the cabin and clean. The cabin had been cleaned by a ranger the night before we arrived. The inside was a little dark but pleasant. It's May so the flies are out and there are no outside fires allowed so be prepared with spray. We stayed one night and everyone enjoyed themselves.
Jessica C.
5 years on Hipcamp
October 2020
I don't think the picture shown is @ the Camp Penacook Shelter. Is that Lakes of the Clouds?
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Justin O.
5 years on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· July 2020
good
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Joyce Z.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2019
Nice campground! Very close to many scenic waterfalls and gorge's and hiking(download the alltrails app for places to go)! It is equipped with a campfire and grill (over the fire) and a large picknick table! Sites are very good size, plenty of space for about 8 people or so. I was on site #12. It was quite buggy when we got there but it toned down with the fire and citronella burning. No cell service at all so my sister and I just went down the road to the Dunkin donuts each morning to check on things. There are bathrooms and a water pump but no showers (you can drive down the Kancamungus 6 miles or so to the jigger Johnson campground for a shower, coin operated, $2.50 for a 7 min hot shower) or bathe in the clear stream right behindthesite
Lauren B.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2019
The Franconia Loop becomes very icy in patches in the winter - be sure to bring proper footgear and plan extra time!
Katie L.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2018
Favorite for winter camping
Candice A.
10 years on Hipcamp
June 2018
Passaconaway is a great place to camp along the Kancamagus Highway. We opted to stay here over Jigger Johnson as it was less populated and quieter. There were lots of available sites in mid-September. There are no showers but we showered at the nearby Jigger Johnson campground. Great access to a few hiking trails by foot. If you are traveling through Conway, stop at the Sweet Maple Cafe for breakfast or lunch.
Becky & Melanie W.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2018
Sugarloaf II was a great find. Located just off highway 302. It is a quiet campground with some sites overlooking the Zealand River. We camped here in mid-September and nearly had the entire campground to ourselves. Sugarloaf II offers a true escape into nature. It is also located near the Zealand Trailhead (by car). The beginning of the Zealand Trail is a bit technical with lots of boulders making it not the best trail for dogs. For people, the trail is easy-moderate.
Becky & Melanie W.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2018
Heading north along the A.T in the rain is one of the toughest vertical descents in the Whites.
William W.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2017
Great spot for a big group that want to hang out all night around the bonfire! Easy access to a lot of great sites. If you are looking for quiet & seclusion, this is not the camp site for you.
Kelly M.
14 reviews
Recommends
· October 2017
Great view of Kinsman Pond right at the shelter! Nearby tent platforms fill up quick, so get there early!
Kelly M.
14 reviews
October 2017
This shelter is no longer there. Removed due to disrepair. Consult AMC website. There is a proposal to eventually replace it with a tentsite
Rick C.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2017
Love this place so much, continues to be my favorite campground. More private than some of the state campgrounds and is away from roads and traffic. Beautiful pond for swimming, fishing, boating, or just lounging in. Feels secluded and quiet and the hosts are always great.
Emily D.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2017
Wood is provided to keep the big wood stove going, make sure to boil water to keep the air from getting too dry in the winter months.
Jay A.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2017
Some sites are reservation only, and must be reserved well in advance.
Karen B.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2017
Can by busy during peak holiday weeks
Joe B.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2017
These sites are first come, first serve so arrive early and claim a cheap spot!
Jennifer B.
8 years on Hipcamp
November 2016
Small and secluded, crocker pond is the perfect spot to escape the crowds and enjoy yourself. This campground is located down a series of forestry roads and is a bit difficult to find, but is well worth it. Sites are large and beautiful and even with all sites full it felt remote. The weekend we stayed there was beautiful. Watching the sunset over Crocker Pond and then making coffee and huddling close around the fire in the chilly nights. Couldn't ask for a more perfect spot. I'll definitely be back!
Ransom R.
9 years on Hipcamp
November 2016
Hancock Campground is my go-to camp spot in the white mountains in the spring and fall. This is one of the few White Mountain campgrounds that is open year round so It is perfect for early spring or late fall when most of the other sites are closed. There are two wings to the campground: one side for tents (common car parking lot) and one for car/van camping. This gives the campground more privacy and with the Pemigewasset river running right along the back, its easy to forget that there is anyone else around.
Ransom R.
9 years on Hipcamp
August 2016
Gorgeous tent site - has platforms, fire rings, and vault toilets. No running water or bear boxes/cable - be sure to bring your rope to hang food. We saw no bears but there were some very bold chipmunks. The pond has a stream flowing out of it so plenty of water to treat or filter. Great if you are just starting out like we are! Hike in is a little rocky in places, we did it in the late summer, I imagine it would get pretty muddy in the spring!
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Elizabeth C.
9 years on Hipcamp
August 2016
Tried to camp here the last weekend in August but all sites were full (went to Sawyer Pond instead which is a longer walk) Had nice sites, platforms, and was about a 5 minute walk from the lot near the bridge - plenty of parking and not too far to make multiple trips to the car for firewood, etc. Good for kids or the first night of a longer trip.
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Elizabeth C.
9 years on Hipcamp