Hiking Campgrounds in New Hampshire

Hiking Campgrounds in New Hampshire

Discover the best hiking campgrounds across New Hampshire. Experience the best of both worlds with camping that puts you right at the heart of incredible hiking opportunities. Direct trail access and stunning mountain vistas.

20+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: Late Spring through Fall (May-October)
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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

1
Lafayette Place Campground
Photo coming soon
Star
4.5
(281)
Lafayette Place Campground
Franconia

Trailheads depart directly from camp, putting you within steps of Lonesome Lake's stunning alpine waters, Mount Lafayette's summit views, and the legendary Franconia Ridge Loop's exposed granite spine.

Tents
2
Sugarloaf 1 Campground
Star
4.8
(114)
Sugarloaf 1 Campground
Twin Mountain
White Mountain National Forest

Trailheads to Sugarloaf Mountains and Zealand Falls begin steps from your tent, eliminating morning drives and letting you chase sunrise views while other hikers hunt for parking.

Tents
3
Dolly Copp
Star
4.6
(275)
Dolly Copp
Gorham
White Mountain National Forest

Trails launch directly from camp into the Presidential and Carter-Moriah Ranges, including the Daniel Webster Scout Trail that climbs toward Mount Washington through the dramatic Great Gulf Wilderness.

Tents
RVs

About Hiking Campgrounds in New Hampshire

Hiking camping in New Hampshire offers unparalleled access to the legendary White Mountains, where granite peaks, dramatic notches, and over 1,200 miles of trails create one of the Northeast's premier hiking destinations. The state's campgrounds serve as perfect basecamps for exploring everything from gentle woodland walks to challenging alpine ascents, including the famous Presidential Range and the iconic Franconia Ridge.

Best Time

The prime hiking camping season in New Hampshire runs from late May through mid-October, with each period offering distinct advantages. June through August delivers warm weather and full trail access, though this is also peak season with crowded campgrounds and popular trails requiring early starts.

Activity Highlights

  • Direct trail access
  • Mountain and forest settings
  • Backpacking base camps
  • Scenic wilderness views

Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Hiking Campgrounds in New Hampshire

Map of campgrounds near Hiking Campgrounds in New Hampshire
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Map Key
1
Lafayette Place Campground
2
Sugarloaf 1 Campground
3
Dolly Copp
4
Moose Brook State Park
5
Sugarloaf 2 Campground
6
Dry River Campground
7
Waterville Campground
8
Covered Bridge
9
Doublehead Cabin
10
Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area
11
Big Rock
12
Basin Campground
13
Lake Francis State Park
14
Radeke Cabin
15
Pillsbury State Park
16
Cold River
17
Bear Brook State Park
18
Pawtuckaway State Park
19
Deer Mountain Campground
20
Milan Hill State Park
View all 68 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Backpacking multi-day routes including sections of the Appalachian TrailWaterfall hiking to destinations like Arethusa Falls and Sabbaday FallsSummit bagging the 48 White Mountain 4,000-footersRidge walking above treeline with panoramic mountain viewsWildlife viewing including moose, black bears, and diverse bird speciesFall foliage photography during peak autumn colors

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Secure reservations through Recreation.gov for National Forest campgrounds and the New Hampshire State Parks system for state park sites, booking as early as possible for peak season.
  • 2Pack layers regardless of season, as White Mountain weather changes rapidly and temperatures drop significantly with elevation gain.
  • 3Bring a detailed trail map or download offline maps on apps like AllTrails or Gaia GPS, as cell service is unreliable in the mountains.
  • 4Start hikes early, especially for popular trails and above-treeline routes where afternoon thunderstorms pose lightning risk.
20 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Hiking Campgrounds in New Hampshire

Hiking Campgrounds in New Hampshire FAQ

We've ranked 20+ hiking campgrounds in New Hampshire based on trail access, hiking variety, scenery, and user reviews. Top options are near national forests, state parks, and wilderness areas.
Permit requirements vary by location in New Hampshire. Many wilderness areas and popular trails require day-use or backcountry permits. Check with the managing agency (National Forest, National Park, or State Park) before your trip.
Late Spring through Fall (May-October) is generally best for hiking camping in New Hampshire. High-elevation trails may have shorter seasons due to snow. Always check current trail conditions before heading out.
Availability Alerts

Popular New Hampshire Campgrounds Book Fast

The best hiking campgrounds in New Hampshire book up quickly, especially during peak season. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.

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Lafayette Place Campground
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