Is Barnes Field Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Barnes Field Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Barnes Field Campground before I book?

Yes! Barnes Field Campground has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Barnes Field Campground?

Barnes Field Campground is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Barnes Field Campground?

Barnes Field Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Barnes Field Campground have?

Barnes Field Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Barnes Field Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Barnes Field Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Barnes Field Campground?

Barnes Field Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Barnes Field Campground?

Popular activities at Barnes Field Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Barnes Field Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Barnes Field Campground?

Fire policies at Barnes Field Campground: Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.02

90 reviews

WHITE MOUNTAIN

Top 25% in NHWinter

C+Report Card

Great for Groups

Featured in:Best Campgrounds New Hampshire

Quick Facts

6,288 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open May 22, 2025, t...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on White Mountain National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,288 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open May 22, 2025, t...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on White Mountain National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Barnes Field Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Group Site Fee$94.00

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

603-466-2713whitemountaincampgrounds@goexplorus.com

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Campground Map

WHITE MOUNTAIN

Barnes Field Campground

WHITE MOUNTAIN

Nearby places

Gorham (6 miles, approx. 10 mins), North Conway (22 miles, approx. 35 mins), Jackson (approx. 25 miles and 40 mins)

Driving directionsFrom Gorham, New Hampshire: Take Highway 16 south for approximately 5 miles to Dolly Copp Road. Turn right and travel approximately 1 mile to the campground. Follow signs. From North Conway, New Hampshire: Take Highway 302 to Glen. Turn right onto State Route 16 north and follow for about 22 miles. Turn left onto Dolly Copp Road and travel approximately 1 mile to the campground. Follow signs.

Weather at Barnes Field Campground

Current alerts(9)

All camping gear must be kept on gravel (tents, tables, RVs).
Be bear aware; keep all food out of site in approved containers or locked inside a hard-sided vehicle and remove all food from area after eating.
Click here to learn more about White Mountain National Forest website
No switching sites upon arrival.

Best Time to Camp at Barnes Field Campground

Best season: fall. Visit in fall to see peak New England foliage and crisp, clear mountain weather — daytime highs typically range from the low 40s to mid 50s°F (5–13°C) with chilly nights often dropping into the 20s–30s°F (-5–2°C). Trails, rivers, and ridgelines are at their most photogenic for hikers and photographers, and wildlife activity (moose/Deer) and brook trout fishing remain strong. Crowds are concentrated on weekend leaf-peeping routes, but campsite turnover and the campground’s roomy sites make it a ( Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: January, February, March, April

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer reviews emphasize vibrant hiking and group camping; facilities (water, rings) support summer use.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Open season begins late May; spring conditions (mud, variable weather) and fewer activity notes lower score.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Described as best season for peak New England foliage and crisp mountain weather; recommended in overview.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Top 25% in NH

Winter FCFS availability allows access for winter sports, but facilities are limited and conditions are rugged.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 22, 2025, through October 11, 2026, with winter first-come, first-served availability outside these dates.

About Barnes Field Campground

Barnes Field Campground sits in the White Mountain National Forest near Gorham, operated by the Forest Service as a small, seasonal basecamp for hikers. The campground offers spacious sites suited to groups, with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Reviewers praise the clean facilities, dark skies, and proximity to major trailheads, though pit toilet odors and occasional group noise are noted.

Barnes Field Campground caters primarily to group camping and offers a mix of standard and tent-only sites. Winter camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Visit in fall to see peak New England foliage and crisp, clear mountain weather — daytime highs typically range from the low 40s to mid 50s°F (5–13°C) with chilly nights often dropping into the 20s–30s°F (-5–2°C). Trails, rivers, and ridgelines are at their most photogenic for hikers and photographers, and wildlife activity (moose/Deer) and brook trout fishing remain strong. Crowds are concentrated on weekend leaf-peeping routes, but campsite turnover and the campground’s roomy sites make it a ( Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: January, February, March, April

Elevation6288 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies wooded terrain where hardwood, spruce, and pine create good shade and privacy between sites. Peabody River and Culhane Brook flow nearby. Moose and deer browse through regularly. The location puts you at the foot of Mount Washington's 6,288-foot summit, with ridgelines visible through the trees. Bird watchers sometimes spot Bicknell's Thrush, a mountain specialist that nests in high-elevation spruce forests.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available at this campground. Accommodations are limited to tent or RV camping.

Programs & ActivitiesEducational programs are available at the nearby Dolly Copp Campground during weekends in July and August, focusing on the area's natural and cultural history.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay 14 nights during a visit or 14 nights within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Varies by group size. Sites can accommodate up to 41+ people.

Groups

Group camping sites are spacious and can accommodate large groups of up to 41 people. Parking and space for multiple tents and vehicles are available. Sites are designed for larger-than-normal camping parties.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov; first-come, first-served in winter.

AccessibilityThe campground does not have explicit information on accessibility features for individuals with disabilities, but sites are described as relatively flat and spacious.

Site SizeCampsites are large, with most measuring 50'x50' or larger. Some smaller sites are estimated at 30'x35'.

PrivacySites provide good privacy due to their large size and wooded surroundings. However, the open layout of the campground can limit complete seclusion.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites 001 or 007 for quieter experiences. Sites 004 and 005 offer ample space for large groups.

Best CampsitesSites 004 and 005 get the most praise in reviews for their size and group-camping layout. Both can handle larger parties without feeling cramped.

Need help booking Barnes Field Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Barnes Field Campground offers a mix of basic amenities catering to group camping and winter camping enthusiasts. Facilities include access to water through a hand-pump well, which provides potable water, and pit toilets. However, there are no showers or electric hookups available at the sites. Each campsite features large picnic tables and fireplaces with fold-over grill tops, making it convenient for cooking and group meals. Firewood is available for purchase on-site, and there is a bear-proof dumpster for trash disposal. Cell phone service is noted to be non-existent across all major providers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. Sites are spacious and can accommodate multiple vehicles, tents, or RVs. Dolly Copp Campground, located nearby, offers additional amenities such as flush toilets and showers.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Barnes Field Campground

Barnes Field Campground offers a variety of activities, focusing on outdoor and group recreation. Hiking is a major draw, with access to trails leading into the Presidential and Carter-Moriah Ranges. Anglers can fish for brook trout in nearby water bodies, while winter sports such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice climbing are popular in the colder months. Families and groups can also enjoy picnicking and educational programs at nearby Dolly Copp Campground during the summer.

Hiking4.0/5

Described as a seasonal basecamp with trails to the Presidential and Carter‑Moriah Ranges and close to major trailheads.

Winter Activities3.0/5

Water Sports2.0/5

Nearby streams/rivers exist but kayaking isn't mentioned as a facility or common activity.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Mountain ridgelines, river views, forest settings and dark‑sky nights make it a very photogenic spot.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at Barnes Field Campground. Facilities consist of vault-style pit toilets, which are described as clean but occasionally odorous.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof facilities provided for food storage. No specific lockers mentioned.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyDon't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal is available via a bear-proof dumpster. Recycling availability is not specified.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

90 reviews

Satisfactory

Barnes Field Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight Barnes Field Campground as a spacious, group-friendly facility with excellent proximity to hiking trails and the Mount Washington area. While most users appreciate the large campsites and rustic feel, concerns include the condition of pit toilets and occasional noise from other groups.

Review Summaries

Based on 90 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 90 reviews.

Site 004Loved
Site 004 is noted as very spacious, accommodating up to 15 people with room for additional tents.
Site 005Loved
Site 005 stands out for its size and privacy.
Site 009Issues noted
Site 009 received mixed reviews for its noise levels due to large groups.

What Campers Love

Large campsites suitable for groups, clean facilities, availability of potable water, proximity to major hiking destinations, and a peaceful, star-filled night sky.

Based on 90 reviews

Common Concerns

Odor from pit toilets, lack of cell phone service, occasional noise from other groups, and outdated reservation system maps.

Based on 90 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own firewood to avoid relying on limited on-site supplies. Access Dolly Copp Campground for full restroom facilities. Prepare for no cell service and carry a map for navigation.

Based on 90 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews emphasize the vibrant hiking opportunities and group-friendly atmosphere, while winter reviews note the campground's unique first-come, first-served availability for winter sports...

Based on 90 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great for groups of 6+ people, or two families looking to share single sites, all have plenty of room." (Brian Fox, 2022) "The sites are large enough so our son can join us. He has a very large RV."...

Based on 90 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, the flat terrain and spacious sites may be accommodating.

Based on 90 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews or information address pet-related policies or experiences.

Based on 90 reviews

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Barnes Field Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Group Site Fee$94.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

603-466-2713whitemountaincampgrounds@goexplorus.com

Go if

You want spacious sites near major hiking destinations with potable water and a quiet, starry setting.

Skip if

You're sensitive to pit toilet odors or prefer smaller, more private camping groups.

Nearby Campgrounds

White Mountain National Forest, Dolly Copp Road

Dolly Copp is a very large campground in White Mountain National Forest near Gorham, operated by the Forest Service in the foothills below Mount Washington. The campground offers electric hookups, flush toilets, hot showers, and a camp store, making it a moderately priced base for exploring the Presidential Range. Reviewers praise the clean, well-organized layout and convenient access to hiking and biking trails throughout the Whites.

Barnes Field Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Current alerts(9)

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Amenities available

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Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at Barnes Field Campground

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Amenities available

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