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, 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 Camping

This document contains campground maps and information: Developed Campground booklet.

White Mountain National Forest developed campgrounds are operated by Outdoor Recreation Hospitality under a special use permit from the USDA Forest Service. Call 802-289-0970 for more information about these campgrounds.

Campground Reservations

• All reservations must be arranged on Recreation.gov (link to https://www.recreation.gov/) or by calling (877) 444-6777, TTY (877) 833-6777 or international (606) 515-6777.
• Reservations cannot 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 where available.

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

Backpacking

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.  

Maps of Forest Protection Areas can be found on the Visitor Maps & Guides page.

Roadside Camping 

Roadside camping is permitted on White Mountain National Forest roads that are NOT in Forest Protection Areas (FPAs). Maps of Forest Protection Areas can be found on the Visitor Maps & Guides page and a list of roads with Forest Protection Areas can be found in Forest Order R9-22-19-04.

There are a few roads in the FPAs that have designated sites where camping is allowed.  Follow all regulations posted at these sites. These areas are all first come first served and very popular.  Always have a back-up plan.

• Gayle River Loop Road - 13 sites
• Old Cherry Mountain Road – 9 sites
• Haystack Road – 11 sites