White Mountain NF Campgrounds

08/29/2026

HIGHLIGHT ALERT!!!

Tripoli Road Roadside Camping:
Rugged Freedom in the Heart of the Forest

Winding through the mountain pass between Woodstock and Waterville Valley, Tripoli Road Roadside Camping offers one of the most authentic, self-contained camping experiences in the White Mountain National Forest. Combining the freedom of dispersed backcountry camping with the convenience of vehicle access, this unique 10-mile corridor is built for campers who like to keep things simple, rustic, and relaxed.
Instead of traditional campsite loops, visitors purchase a permit and pull off into designated numbered zones along the gravel forest road. Set up camp under a deep canopy of mixed hardwoods, build a fire in a rock ring, and enjoy direct, immediate access to mountain streams, 4,000-foot summit trailheads, and dark, star-filled skies.
Drive-In Dispersed Camping: Park right at your designated turn-off zone—no long gear hauls required. Perfect for car campers, tent setups, and small camper vans. Dumpsters are available on the west end of the road, near the check-in station.
Trailhead Central: Immediate access to the Mount Tecumseh Trail, Mount Osceola Trailhead, and East Pond, making it a favorite basecamp for peak baggers.
Pure Mountain Rustic: Portable toilets are strategically placed along the corridor, but campers bring their own water, pack out all trash, and practice Leave No Trace principles.
Easy Access: Stretches along Tripoli Road between I-93 (Exit 28 in Campton/Woodstock) and Route 49 in Waterville Valley.
First-come, first-served camping permits required. Pack your water jug, load up the car, and pick your piece of the forest.
Hosts: George, Sandy and Becky are an incredible team! Their knowledge of the area is extensive, and they work hard to provide a welcoming and clean environment.

08/22/2026

08/08/2026

Unplug at Wildwood Campground: The Appalachian Trail’s Closest National Forest campground.

Located along scenic Route 112 just nine miles west of North Woodstock, Wildwood Campground is a hidden gem for campers seeking a slower, traditional outdoor escape. Nestled in a dense forest canopy beside the historic Wild Ammonoosuc River, this 26-site campground offers peaceful seclusion away from the busier eastern corridor.

Sitting just 3.5 miles down the road from where the Appalachian Trail crosses Route 112 at Kinsman Notch, Wildwood is the closest official National Forest campground to the AT in New Hampshire. Across the street, the historic Wildwood Picnic Area features a pavilion built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) with sweeping views toward Mount Moosilauke.

Prime AT & Peak-Bagging Location: Minutes from the AT crossing at Kinsman Notch / Beaver Pond—your direct gateway to Mount Moosilauke, Lost River Gorge, and the Kinsman Range.
Riverside Charm: Set along the clear, cool waters of the Wild Ammonoosuc River, famous for trout fishing, gold panning, and occasional wildlife sightings.

Rustic Simplicity: Spacious, private sites surrounded by maples and evergreens. Features fire rings, picnic tables, potable drinking water, and clean vault toilets.

Flexible Access: A mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites for both planned trips and last-minute mountain getaways.

Dayna, the Camp Host is a great resource for local recreational and sightseeing opportunities. She works hard to maintain a clean and welcoming environment for all campers.

Leave the cell service behind, stoke the campfire, and experience the quiet side of the forest.

08/03/2026

SUGARLOAF 1 & 2, and ZEALAND CAMPGROUNDS

We have so many amazing Campgrounds out here in the White Mountains! Here is yet another group we are highlighting. If you haven't been to Sugarloaf or Zealand yet, it should certainly be on your list to visit.

Tucked into the White Mountain National Forest, this trio of campgrounds sits along Route 302, about 2 miles east of the Route 3 junction and 3 miles west of Bretton Woods Ski Area and the historic Mount Washington Hotel. Each campground offers its own distinct character and is surrounded by hiking trails, including the nearby Sugarloaf Trailhead. Visitors are also just minutes from additional hiking, mountain biking, and sightseeing opportunities.

Zealand Campground is the first campground you come to off Route 302. Zealand has 11 primitive campsites on a grassy expanse, with the Ammonoosuc River bordering the campground gently rippling by. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire pit. There is one handpump centrally located with potable water and two sets of vault toilets. The campground is very popular with Fishing enthusiasts. If you are fortunate, you may even see a moose wandering by!

Sugarloaf I Campground is a half mile up the hill from Zealand Campground. Sugarloaf I has 29 well-spaced campsites with fire pits and picnic tables. The campground has potable water available at multiple water spigots. There are two bathrooms with flush toilets. Zealand River is an easy walk from the campsites and is popular with anglers.

Sugarloaf II Campground is right next to Sugarloaf I and has 32 rustic campsites with fire pits and picnic tables. Water spigots with potable water and vault toilets are available throughout the campground. SL II also borders the Zealand River.

Bob and Sue are the hosts for these campgrounds, along with their sidekick Grant, a happy, loveable, energetic Springer Spaniel. Bob and Sue are experienced hosts that hail from the Northwoods of Maine. They take great pride in keeping the campgrounds clean and welcoming for campers.

07/31/2026

Campfires are part of summer on the White Mountain National Forest, but every fire needs to be fully out before you leave it.

Remember: Drown. Stir. Feel.
• Drown the fire with plenty of water.
• Stir the ashes until everything is cool and soaked.
• Feel for any remaining heat—if it’s warm, repeat the process.

Helpful tools to have with you:
• A bucket or collapsible water container
• A shovel for stirring and spreading ashes
• Extra water dedicated to putting out your fire

Thanks for helping protect the forest this summer. Keep Smokey proud!

07/18/2026

Today's Highlight
SOUTH POND - Day Use Area in Stark, NH

You will be greeted by our lovely Hosts Allen & Holly who always wear the most contagious smiles and present them with a wonderful southern charm! They have a plethora of knowledge about the area so feel free to ask questions. If you have any of your own stories or day outings at South Pond that you can share with us, please do. Looking forward to seeing you out there.

From Allen & Holly:

South pond has everything you need. Love the sun? We’ve got it.

Rather relax in the shade? We’ve got that too.

Feel like a dip in cool water? Got it in a dedicated swimming area.

Love digging your feet in the sand or letting the grass tickle your toes? Got you covered!

Need some exercise? Carry your light boat, raft or canoe right down to the water’s edge of our dedicated boat parking area.

Need more exercise? The Kilkenny Ridge hiking trail is right beside the pond.

Getting hungry? Got that covered too with grills and picnic tables. You bring the food!

We have changing rooms & restrooms with flushable toilets!

Y’all come see us, we’ll be looking for you!

07/14/2026

If you’ve spent any time at PASSACONAWAY CAMPGROUND this summer, you’ve probably met Marla—and if you have, you know she’s one of those people who instantly makes a place feel like home.

Marla has called New Hampshire home since she was a teenager, having grown up and moved all over the country with her family. While she’s lived in many places, the White Mountains have always held a special place in her heart. She says Albuquerque will always be one of her favorite places, but nothing compares to the beauty of New Hampshire.

A lifelong Harley rider for more than 50 years, Marla has a passion for adventure and the outdoors. She’s the proud mom of four children, grandmother to five grandchildren, and great-grandmother to three great-grandchildren.

Camping along the Kancamagus Highway has been part of her life for over 50 years, so becoming a camp host in the White Mountains was a dream come true. Encouraged by her kids, she leaped—and she’s never looked back.

Marla also has a soft spot for Boston Terriers. Her loyal camping companion, Seelie, has been by her side for the past three years, making every camping season even more special.

What Marla loves most is meeting new people, helping campers, and embracing the little challenges that come with campground life. For her, Passaconaway isn’t just where she works—it’s her summer home.

So if you’re camping at Passaconaway, be sure to say hello to Marla. Whether you need directions, local tips, or just a friendly smile, she’s always happy to help make your stay unforgettable.

07/01/2026

This is just the start . . . We are going to be highlighting White Mountain National Forest Campgrounds on 'Let's Go Camping' so stay tuned.
CAMPTON CAMPGROUND

Campton campground is the gateway to camping in the White Mountain National Forest (WMNF), as it is the first WMNF campground encountered when you are headed north on I-93. Nestled in the woods off NH Route 49, approximately one mile from the intersection of NH Routes 175 and 49 at the traffic lights by the Campton dam, Campton campground offers a variety of tent and dry RV camping sites for families and friends. The campground features cool, wood shaded campsites with clean bathrooms and a shower house within easy walking distance. With fifty-five flat, level, and neat sites, Campton campground might have vacancies when other area campgrounds are full. A visit to Recreation.gov shows available sites to reserve (sites 33-58 on the righthand loop), while sites 1-32 are available on a first come, first serve basis.
Host, Corby Myles and his bundle of energy English Springer Spaniel, Harper, are here to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. Having grown up in the area, Corby has a good base of knowledge for area things to see and do. Be sure to ask him about some of his favorite WMNF regional attractions and get his recommendations for local food and drinks. Finally, do not forget to say hello to Harper, she is still learning her manners, but once you get past her making new friends’ excitement, she is soft, cuddly, and super cute.
We hope to see you this summer at Campton campground.

05/14/2026

Ok, time to get your summer camping gear dusted off and ready to go camping! Besides the winter campgrounds we will be opening most all of the other summer season campgrounds on May 22nd. YES, let's go!!!
Looking forward to seeing you all out there in the White Mountain NF campgrounds.

05/02/2026

Chris takes so many amazing photos. We just had to share.