Dry River Campground

4.51

109 reviews

US Route 302, Harts Locations, New Hampshire, 03812, United States

StargazingGreat Hiking

Featured in:Hiking Camping New Hampshire RV Camping New Hampshire Pet-Friendly Campgrounds New Hampshire +8 more

Quick Facts

1,224 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Not specified.

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens NH State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,224 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Not specified.

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens NH State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Dry River Campground

$25.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Nightly base fee includes 2 adults and up to 4 dependent children under 18. Extra adults are $10 per night, additional children are $5 per night....

Standard Site Fee$25.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve America

Provider

6033742272nhparks@dncr.nh.gov

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What Campers Say

4.51

Top-Rated

Based on 109 reviews

127 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersspacioushiking

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight the campground's excellent location within Crawford Notch, clean facilities, and friendly staff. However, road noise, limited privacy for some sites, and mixed bathroom cleanliness were noted as concerns."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

US Route 302, Harts Locations, New Hampshire, 03812, United States

Dry River Campground

US Route 302, Harts Locations, New Hampshire, 03812, United States

Driving directionsFrom I-93: Exit 36 onto Route 3 North. Follow Route 3 to Route 302 east. Follow signs to Crawford Notch State Park. From I-95: Take Route 16 north to Route 302 west. On 302 follow signs to Crawford Notch State Park.

Roads are paved and accessible year-round, but reviews mention noise from nearby highways (Route 302). Limited cell service and emergency calls rely on a pay phone at the park office/store.

Nearby places

Bartlett (approx. 10 miles)

North Conway (approx. 25 miles)

Bretton Woods (approx. 15 miles)

Nearby supplies

Private campground store 1-2 miles south for ice, bug spray, firewood, and light food supplies

Bartlett offers more extensive options approximately 10 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Dry River Campground

Experience the full spectrum of New England's seasonal magic at Dry River. Summer arrives with sun-drenched days perfect for hiking, punctuated by refreshing afternoon showers that bring out the earthy scent of the forest. As autumn paints the mountains in brilliant golds and crimsons, crisp air and occasional misty mornings create the perfect backdrop for photography and quiet reflection. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-dusted wonderland, where moderate snowfall blankets the landscape and creates opportunities for snowshoeing adventures. Spring brings renewal as the forest awakens, with temperatures climbing gradually while April showers alternate with late-season snow, creating a dynamic and ever-changing mountain environment.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers warm days, swimming hole and hiking; reviewers note good summer stays.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Spring/fall popular for hiking; likely excellent fall foliage and vistas in NH.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 11% in NH

Spring is popular for hiking; trails and scenery are highlighted in reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Winter conditions and services not specifically reviewed; value unclear.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Not specified.
Current Alerts: Limited or no cell service; review mentions COVID-related site restrictions.

About Dry River Campground

Nestled deep within the dramatic landscape of Crawford Notch State Park, Dry River Campground offers an authentic woodland escape where modern comforts meet wilderness adventure. Wake up to the whisper of wind through ancient trees and spend your days exploring endless hiking trails that weave through this mountain paradise. Your home base features thoughtfully placed amenities including hot showers, flush toilets, and laundry facilities, while each campsite comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring perfect for evening gatherings under starlit skies. Fresh mountain water flows throughout the grounds, ensuring you stay refreshed after your daily adventures.

Dry River Campground is suitable for tent and RV camping, with group camping and platform tent sites also available. No cabins or glamping options are provided.

Historical SignificanceStep into a living piece of American history where engineering marvels meet wilderness trails. The campground sits in the shadow of historic railroad trestles, their weathered timbers still visible high in the surrounding cliffs—silent witnesses to the golden age of mountain railways. Just a stone's throw away, the legendary Appalachian Trail beckons long-distance hikers and day adventurers alike, connecting you to a 2,190-mile footpath that has captured imaginations for nearly a century.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of New England's seasonal magic at Dry River. Summer arrives with sun-drenched days perfect for hiking, punctuated by refreshing afternoon showers that bring out the earthy scent of the forest. As autumn paints the mountains in brilliant golds and crimsons, crisp air and occasional misty mornings create the perfect backdrop for photography and quiet reflection. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-dusted wonderland, where moderate snowfall blankets the landscape and creates opportunities for snowshoeing adventures. Spring brings renewal as the forest awakens, with temperatures climbing gradually while April showers alternate with late-season snow, creating a dynamic and ever-changing mountain environment.

ElevationPerched at an ideal elevation within the White Mountains, Dry River Campground offers the perfect balance of mountain atmosphere without the challenges of high-altitude camping. This moderate elevation provides cooler summer temperatures than the valleys below while remaining accessible year-round, allowing you to experience the majesty of mountain living with comfort and ease.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape sculpted by time and weather, where towering granite cliffs rise like ancient sentinels above a sea of evergreen and deciduous forest. The campground's namesake river meanders nearby, its gentle murmur providing a natural soundtrack to your stay. Dense woodland creates intimate camping spaces while opening to reveal breathtaking mountain vistas. Morning mist often clings to the valley, creating ethereal scenes as sunlight filters through the canopy, while afternoons bring crystal-clear views of the surrounding peaks that define New Hampshire's rugged beauty.

Geological RegionDry River Campground sits within the geological wonderland of Crawford Notch State Park, where millions of years of natural forces have carved one of New England's most spectacular mountain passes. The White Mountains' ancient granite foundations reveal themselves in dramatic cliff faces and boulder-strewn slopes, while the notch itself tells the story of glacial artistry—a U-shaped valley carved by ice age glaciers and refined by countless seasons of freeze and thaw. This unique geological setting creates a diverse ecosystem where northern hardwood forests blend with spruce-fir stands, offering campers an unparalleled opportunity to explore one of the East Coast's most significant mountain landscapes.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Max reservation window is 11 months in advance.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 2 adults and 4 dependent children per standard site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites include platforms with shelters; dishwashing stations and water spigots are conveniently located.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Reserve America Call Center at 1-877-647-2757.

Walk-in AvailabilityReservations recommended, but walk-up availability is indicated with a board at the entrance listing available sites.

Cancellation PolicyFull refund minus transaction fee if canceled at least 10+ days prior to arrival. Refund minus reservation fee and cost of one night for cancellations between 4-9 days prior. No refunds for cancellations within 3 days of arrival.

AccessibilityThe campground offers handicap access, but specific details on the extent of accessibility features were not provided.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious and capable of accommodating both tents and large RVs (e.g., 30-foot camper).

PrivacyThe level of privacy varies by site; some are close to the road with minimal privacy, while others are more secluded with adequate distance between sites.

Recommended SitesAvoid sites near the entrance due to traffic noise and minimal privacy; eastern sites recommended for reduced road noise.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Dry River Campground offers a range of outdoor activities. It is well-suited for hiking enthusiasts with numerous trailheads accessible directly from the site. Other activities include wildlife viewing, access to a nearby river, and a short drive to other recreational spots.

HikingThe campground is near multiple hiking trails, including options ranging from easy to challenging. The Appalachian Trail and Arethusa Falls Trail are popular nearby options. Hikers noted the convenience of early departures for hikes from this location.

SwimmingThe campground is near a swimming hole, providing an additional recreational option for campers.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as bears has been spotted in the area. Campers should use bear-safe practices. One review described a bear encounter near the tents, emphasizing the importance of proper food storage.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears frequent the area, requiring vigilance and proper food storage. Noise from Route 302 impacts western sites. Limited cell service and reliance on pay phones for emergencies.

Active AlertsLimited or no cell service; review mentions COVID-related site restrictions.

Fire PolicyFirewood must be purchased on-site to prevent disease spread; costs $6 per bundle, cash only.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No explicit quiet hours mentioned.

Emergency ServicesNorth Conway Hospital (greater than 10 miles away), emergency police/fire/ambulance reachable at 911, pay phone available at the park office/store.

Trash & RecyclingLarge waste containers are located at the site entrance, and a recycling station is available.

Water FeaturesShort trail to a nearby river mentioned in reviews.

Camp HostRangers generally helpful, with specific mentions of Ranger Bob going above and beyond to assist guests.

Weather at Dry River Campground

Reviews

4.5

109 reviews

Top-Rated

Dry River Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's excellent location within Crawford Notch, clean facilities, and friendly staff. However, road noise, limited privacy for some sites, and mixed bathroom cleanliness were noted as concerns.

Review Summaries

Based on 109 reviews

What Campers Love

Spacious sites, clean bathrooms and showers, friendly and helpful staff, proximity to hiking trails, and access to a nearby river.

Based on 109 reviews

Common Concerns

Road noise affecting sites near Route 302, limited privacy between sites, unclean bathroom conditions at times, and issues with barking dogs.

Based on 109 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Choose sites farther from Route 302 to minimize road noise. Bring quarters for coin-operated showers and laundry. Firewood can be purchased on-site for $6 cash. Plan to be disconnected as there is no...

Based on 109 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are popular seasons for hiking, while summer offers warmer weather for swimming and outdoor activities. Winter conditions were not specifically reviewed.

Based on 109 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bathrooms were clean and were flush toilets. There was laundry and showers." - Krissy C. "The scenic train passes directly across from the campground, always fun to see!" - PKMD Adventure "You don't...

Based on 109 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 28 was described as noisy due to proximity to the road. Site 22 was noted as suitable for large RVs. Sites farther from the road and loop entrance offer greater privacy and reduced traffic noise.

Based on 109 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressed accessibility features.

Based on 109 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but were a source of frustration for some visitors due to barking. Heather Howard described disruptive behavior from dogs at various sites.

Based on 109 reviews

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