White Mountain NF Campgrounds

10/08/2026

RUSSELL POND CAMPGROUND
Premium Lakeside Camping in the White Mountains

Perched high above the Pemigewasset Valley on the shores of a peaceful, 40-acre mountain pond, Russell Pond Campground offers one of the most complete and picturesque camping experiences in the White Mountain National Forest. Set amidst a lush, mixed-hardwood forest, this multi-loop haven combines deep-woods tranquility with top-tier recreation for families, paddlers, anglers, and hikers alike.
Whether you’re spending the morning gliding across the mirror-like water in a kayak, casting for stocked trout, taking a leisurely stroll on the Russell Pond Rim Trail, or joining a weekend ranger program at the outdoor amphitheater, Russell Pond delivers quintessential New Hampshire outdoor living. There is nothing like falling asleep to the sound of the Loons calling. If you are lucky, you might even see a moose or a bald eagle!
Lakeside Paradise: Direct access to Russell Pond for non-motorized boating, trout and bass fishing, swimming, and scenic shoreline walks.
Modern Campground Comforts: Features hot coin-operated showers, flush toilets, water spigots, fire rings, picnic tables, fishing dock, and an on-site boat launch.
Spacious & Varied Sites: 86 well-spaced sites accommodating everything from classic tent setups (some walk-in) to larger RVs and travel trailers.
Basecamp Location: Tucked off Tripoli Road, just minutes from I-93 (Exit 31)—offering easy access to Waterville Valley trails, Franconia Notch, and the Plymouth area.
Reservable in advance on Recreation.gov with first-come, first-served sites available.
Hosts: CJ and Ali, along with their loveable pooches Nutmeg and Little Miss, are experienced hosts who love to call Russell Pond their summer home! Their top priority is making a clean, welcoming environment for campers. They are a good resource for area attractions and recreational opportunities.

Launch your boat, gather around the campfire, and make memories by the pond.

10/02/2026

Statement regarding local hiker Chris "Mischief" Phillips:

Over the last several days We have thoroughly investigated reports of Mr. Phillips being missing. Our investigative contacts have concluded that Mr. Phillips was positively identified in Groton, VT on 9/24, and again in Williston, VT on 9/26. He was in those locations of his own free will. The Lincoln Police Department considers this matter closed.

We appreciate everyone's concerns and calls providing information.

09/14/2026

And the Highlights of these amazing campgrounds just keep coming!!!

Big Rock Campground!

Nestled among moss-covered boulders, fern-lined forest floors, and the scenic beauty of the White Mountain National Forest, Big Rock Campground is just six miles east of Lincoln and offers easy access to some of New Hampshire's best hiking, paddling, scenic drives, and outdoor adventures.
Named for the iconic glacial boulder greeting you at the entrance, Big Rock offers 28 spacious, wooded campsites designed for an authentic outdoor experience. Whether you're pitching a tent or arriving in a camper van, small travel trailer, or RV, you'll find the quiet, rustic atmosphere you've been looking for.
Located directly on the scenic Kancamagus Highway (NH Route 112), the campground provides instant access to the East Branch Pemigewasset River, Otter Rocks, and the Lincoln Woods trail system.
Each site features a fire ring, picnic table, and parking turnout, while on-site drinking water spigots and vault toilets keep things simple and convenient.
Big Rock makes an ideal basecamp for exploring the White Mountains, with swimming holes, waterfall hikes in Franconia Notch, and the shops and restaurants of downtown Lincoln and North Woodstock all just minutes away.
You'll be welcomed by campground hosts Dan and Kim, full-time RVers who have embraced life on the road and spend their summers calling Big Rock home. They enjoy sharing their love of the White Mountains and are always happy to recommend favorite hiking trails, scenic drives, local restaurants, and hidden gems. Whether you need a recommendation, have a question about the area, or simply want to stop by and say hello, they'll help make your stay memorable.
Both first-come, first-served and reservable sites are available. Bring your camp stove, pull up a camp chair, and let the mountains do the rest. Whether you're staying for a night or settling in for a week, Big Rock is the perfect place to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience the beauty of the White Mountains.

We look forward to welcoming you to Big Rock Campground!

09/11/2026

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!