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Camping & Cabins

If you’re planning a camping trip remember, these campgrounds are in forested environments and it is important to store food properly in closed/locked vehicles or bear containers. It is vital that you keep a clean campsite to ensure bears and other animals don’t forage for your food. 

  • Put coolers and food containers in your vehicle when you finish your meal.
  • Place trash in the bear proof dumpsters.
  • If camping in the backcountry, hang your food bag at least 10’ up and 5’ out from a tree limb that will support a bear, or better yet, bring a bear proof canister with you. 

Proper food storage is the best way to protect yourself, other campers, and the bears from the dangers of habituation.

Campground Reservations

Visitors who wish to make a reservation for a campground on the White Mountain National Forest must reserve their site(s) on Recreation.gov.

White Mountain National Forest campgrounds are operated by ExplorUS under a special use permit from the USDA Forest Service. Check out their website for more information.

Please note the following:

  • All reservations must be arranged on Recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777, the National Recreation Reservation Service.
  • Reservations can not be made by calling the forest.
  • First-come, first-served campgrounds are truly first-come, first-served.  The forest does not manage a site availability list.
  • All reservations require a minimum of 4-day advance reservation.  Less than 4 days?  Availability is based on first-come, first-served sites where available.
  • Campground maps and information: Developed Campground booklet.

Campgrounds Open in Winter?

A couple of our campgrounds are open year-round.  These are plowed for access, but do not have the services available in the summer.

Barnes Field, Gorham, NH

Hancock, Lincoln, NH

Dispersed Camping

Backpackers seeking a Wilderness or backcountry experience should consult one of the many trail guides available and should be familiar with the Forest's Backcountry Camping Rules and Forest Protection Area maps below.

When camping in the backcountry - camping and fires are prohibited:

  • Within 200 feet of certain trails and water bodies.
  • Within 1/4 mile of backcountry facilities (shelters, huts, and trailheads).
  • In the alpine zone - where trees are 8 feet or less (except on two feet of snow).
  • Within 1/4 mile of certain roads.

Forest Protection Area - Know Before You Go 

Forest Protection Area (FPA) are potentially overused or fragile areas of the Forest where use restrictions are applied. Restrictions may include limits on camping use, use of wood or charcoal fires, and limits on party size.  

Showing: 1 - 10 of 64 results

Baldface Shelter

Located just below the smooth granite ledges of South Baldface Mountain, this shelter (sleeps 6-8) and small designated camping area a short distance away allows the forest visitor to stay just…

Barnes Field Group Campground

Biking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Picnicking
Barnes Field serves as a group campground in the summer months, and it remains open on a first-come, first-served self service basis during the winter months. Located near the scenic Peabody river,…

Basin Campground

Basin Campground is temporarily closed for plumbing and electrical work. The anticipated re-opening date is to be determined.Basin Campground is named for nearby Basin Pond. Offering a boat launch…

Beaver Brook Shelter

​The Beaver Brook Shelter sits at 3750 ft on the northern flank of Asquam Ridge which extends east from Mount Moosilauke. The shelter is 1.5 miles from NH Rte 112 in Kinsman Notch just off the…

Big Rock Campground

​This campground is named after one of the many large boulders dropped from the glaciers that shaped this region. Big Rock Campground has 28 wooded campsites and is a short distance from a number…

Black Mountain Cabin

Constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC), this cabin is located on the west side of Black Mountain, set on what was once pasture land just below the summit with an outstanding…

Blackberry Crossing Campground

Blackberry Crossing is unique in that is was a CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) Camp during the 1930's. There is a self-guided tour of the old camp within the campground. The campground has 26 sites…

Camp Penacook Shelter

Hiking
C​amp Penacook is a 3-sided shelter located on the southeast side of Mt. Chocorua, approximately 1.5 miles from the summit, off the Piper Trail. There is a small earthen tent pad located below the…

Campton Campground

Campton Campground is one of the first National Forest campgrounds visitors encounter when driving north on Interstate 93. Only a short distance east of exit 28, this location has 58 sites scattered…

Cold River Campground

Just a short distance from the Cold River and beautiful Basin Pond, this site is popular with fishermen and hikers looking to explore the eastern reaches of the National Forest. This campground has…