Pitch a Tent in the Western White Mountains
Picture this – the birds are chirping as the early morning light shimmers through your tent. You stretch your arms wide and slowly roll out of your sleeping bag as you take a deep breath of fresh mountain air. The morning air is still cool, so you put on your favorite sweatshirt as you start the fire to brew your cup of coffee before hitting the trails for the day. Perhaps you’ll head above treeline today to the infamous Franconia Ridge Loop or maybe you’ll enjoy a quiet stroll along the Franconia Falls Trail. Only the day will tell.
The Western White Mountains offer some of the best camping in all of New England. Campgrounds are nestled throughout the mountainous region with many in the Lincoln and Woodstock area. For a more rustic experience, camping within the White Mountain National Forest backcountry is always an option, but if you prefer a campground that offers more modern amenities and RV spots, the Western White Mountains has you covered.
Maple Haven Campground – North Woodstock
Maple Haven Campground in North Woodstock is a family-owned and operated campground on the banks of the Moosilauke Brook. Home to nearly 60 campsites, the campground offers sites for both tents and RVs. Additionally, cabins are available if you prefer a little more shelter. The centrally located pond offers swimming, boating, and fishing. There’s a game room, playground, and even an ice cream window serving Hatchland Farm’s ice cream making Maple Haven Campground a great spot for young families.
White Mountains Forks of the River RV Park – Lincoln
The White Mountains Forks of the River RV Park in Lincoln is designed for the seasonal RV community who are over 55 years old. Perfectly located just three miles from Franconia Notch State Park, White Mountains Forks of the River RV Park is a small campground with 14 sites. Many sites have full hookups and lovely views of the Pemigewasset River.
Country Bumpkins Campground – Lincoln
Open Memorial Day through Columbus Day, Country Bumpkins Campground in Lincoln has 45 river and pond sites for both tents and RVs in addition to six cabins and cottages. Wade and fish in the Pemigewasset River or get competitive in the arcade. This family-friendly campground is a great place to reconnect with nature, but if you really need Wi-Fi, they have that too. Free hot showers will leave you feeling great after a long day hiking in the nearby White Mountain National Forest.
Lincoln / Woodstock KOA – Woodstock
Often described as a “Diamond in the Woods” park, the Lincoln / Woodstock KOA is a popular destination during the summer and early fall months. The large campground has a variety of campsites designed for drive-thru RV sites, wilderness sites for tents, camping cabins, a tree cabin, glamping tents, and even a Conestoga Covered Wagon. There’s a swimming pool, fishing pond, bike and hiking trails, disc golf, beach volleyball, and a dog park so Fido can come along for the adventure. With 180 sites, the Lincoln / Woodstock KOA is one of the largest in the White Mountains.
White Mountain National Forest
The White Mountain National Forest offers a wide variety of camping experiences. The National Forest is home to both family-friendly campgrounds and remote backcountry sites – make sure you know the rules before heading out.
Nestled along the banks of the Pemigewasset River, Hancock Campground is located on the Kancamagus Highway near Lincoln. The large campground has 56 tent and RV campsites on a first-come, first-served basis. For the water lovers, Russell Pond Campground is a great option for those who would like to canoe or paddleboard as it’s located on Russell Pond in Woodstock. The campground is comprised on mostly tent sites, but there are a few RV sites available. Russell Pond also has the luxury of coin-op showers and flush toilets! Located on Route 112 across the highway from Wild Ammonoosuc River, Wildwood has 26 campsites for mostly RVs, but a few for tents as well. Most of the campgrounds in the White Mountain National Forest are first-come, first-served.
For state-wide information, head to VisitNH.gov
