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.