This campground has a Winter rate of $18.00 per vehicle through May 21, 2025. Fees are determined by group size from May - Oct. and by vehicle number...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$94.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
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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)
Nearby supplies
Resupplies available in Gorham, NH (6 miles) and North Conway, NH (22 miles). Nearby Dolly Copp Campground offers additional amenities.
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.
Accessible from paved roads via Highway 16 and Dolly Copp Road. Winter access may be more challenging due to snow conditions.
About Barnes Field Campground
Barnes Field Campground sits in mixed forest at the base of Mount Washington, offering 10 spacious sites designed for groups. Most sites measure 50'x50' or larger, with fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Fees run $50-$94 per night. Cell service doesn't exist here for any major provider.
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.
Historical Significance
The land operated as farmland in the early 1900s before reverting to forest. The site marks the transition from the White Mountains' working landscape era to its current role as recreational forest.
Weather and SeasonsFall brings the best conditions. Daytime highs sit in the low 40s to mid 50s°F, with nights dropping into the 20s and 30s°F. Foliage peaks during this window, and trails stay photogenic without summer crowds. Brook trout fishing holds up through October. Winter access gets challenging. Summer afternoons can bring showers, and evenings cool off fast even in July.
ElevationWake up in the shadow of greatness at the base of Mount Washington, the crown jewel of the Northeast soaring to an impressive 6,288 feet. This legendary peak, known for its extreme weather and breathtaking vistas, serves as your dramatic backdrop and constant reminder of nature's raw power and beauty.
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.
Geological RegionDiscover your basecamp in the heart of White Mountain National Forest, where ancient geological forces created a stunning mosaic of hardwood, spruce, and pine forests. Here, at the foot of Mount Washington's imposing 6,288-foot summit, millions of years of natural history unfold in dramatic ridgelines, pristine waterways, and diverse ecosystems that make this region a geological wonderland.
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What Campers Say
4.02
Satisfactory
Based on 90 reviews
45 Google reviews
Most mentioned
peacefulcleanhikingwater
Some mention
noise
"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."
Fall brings the best conditions. Daytime highs sit in the low 40s to mid 50s°F, with nights dropping into the 20s and 30s°F. Foliage peaks during this window, and trails stay photogenic without summer crowds. Brook trout fishing holds up through October. Winter access gets challenging. Summer afternoons can bring showers, and evenings cool off fast even in July.
Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Fall called 'best conditions' with peak foliage and photogenic trails; highly recommended season.
Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5
Shoulder-season access available but fewer highlights; conditions can be variable/muddy.
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5
Summer reviews highlight vibrant hiking and group-friendly atmosphere.
Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5
Top 22% in NH
Open FCFS in winter and used by winter sports fans, but limited services and harsher conditions.
Planning Tips
Peak Season: May 22, 2025 - October 11, 2026.. 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.
Current Alerts: No active alerts provided.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Reserved sites are held until NOON following the arrival date.
Check-out
Sites must be vacated by NOON.
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
Site layoutA single loop with large, open sites. Most measure 50'x50' or bigger, though a few smaller sites run closer to 30'x35'. The wooded surroundings and site size provide decent privacy, but the open layout means you'll hear neighboring groups if they're loud.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov; first-come, first-served in winter.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable during winter camping season. First-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation Policy$10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations may result in forfeiture of the first night's fee depending on timing. Refunds are processed online but are subject to additional fees.
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.
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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.
Hiking
Hiking is a primary activity, with trails leading to the Presidential and Carter-Moriah Ranges. The nearby Daniel Webster Scout Trail provides access to the Great Gulf Wilderness on Mount Washington. Many additional trails are within a short drive.
Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
Fishing
Brook trout fishing is available in the creek and river that pass near the facility. However, detailed information on fishing permits or specific fishing spots is not provided.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities include moose, white-tailed deer, and black bears. The area is also home to nearly 200 bird species, including the rare Bicknell's Thrush.
Cultural and Educational Programs
Educational programs are available at the nearby Dolly Copp Campground during weekends in July and August, focusing on the area's natural and cultural history.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Policies & Safety
Hazards & AlertsVisitors should be cautious of drastic weather changes, bears, and remote trails. Wildlife precautions are necessary.
Active AlertsNo active alerts provided.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof facilities provided for food storage. No specific lockers mentioned.
Fire PolicyCampfires allowed in provided fire rings. Firewood must be sourced locally.
Quiet HoursQuiet hours not explicitly stated, but noise complaints indicate potential enforcement gaps.
Emergency ServicesNearest town for emergency services is Gorham, NH (6 miles). Additional support may be available through the Dolly Copp Campground nearby.
Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal is available via a bear-proof dumpster. Recycling availability is not specified.
Water FeaturesPeabody River and Culhane Brook are nearby. Fishing opportunities available.
Camp HostCamp hosts are described as helpful and friendly in user reviews.
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
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...
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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."...
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Based on 90 reviews
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 004 is noted as very spacious, accommodating up to 15 people with room for additional tents. Site 009 received mixed reviews for its noise levels due to large groups. Site 005 stands out for its...
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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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