How much does camping cost at Basin Campground?

Camping fees at Basin Campground range from $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Basin Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Basin 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 Basin Campground before I book?

Yes! Basin Campground has 2 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 Basin Campground?

Basin Campground is open May 22 to October 08. 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 Basin Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Basin Campground?

Fire policies at Basin 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.

How many campsites does Basin Campground have?

Basin Campground has 20 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Basin Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Basin Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Basin Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Basin Campground?

Popular activities at Basin Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Basin Campground

4.34

117 reviews

WHITE MOUNTAIN

Romantic GetawayScenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Boating Camping New Hampshire Hiking Camping New Hampshire Swimming Camping New Hampshire +4 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

728 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open from May 22 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on White Mountain National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

728 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open from May 22 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on White Mountain National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Basin Campground

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

603-447-5448whitemountaincampgrounds@goexplorus.com

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Basin Campground

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Campground Map

WHITE MOUNTAIN

Basin Campground

WHITE MOUNTAIN

Nearby places

Fryeburg, Maine - 15 miles

Weather at Basin Campground

Current alerts(9)

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
Due to continued construction projects at the campground, we regret to inform you that opening day has been delayed. We hope to open in June of this year. Cold River Campground & Hastings Campground will be open as of May 22nd and can be reserved on Recreation.gov.
No switching sites upon arrival
Please Note: Site fee includes one RV with tow vehicle, tent sites include two vehicles. If space allows a third vehicle would be an additional fee paid at time of check in.

Best Time to Camp at Basin Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and spectacular foliage — expect crisp daytime temperatures in the mid-40s to mid-60s°F and chilly nights dipping into the 30s–40s. Hiking, photography, paddling on Basin Pond, and shore fishing are at their peak as the mixed hardwoods turn brilliant reds and golds; early October (before the campground closes Oct 13) can be especially vivid. Weekends during peak color draw more visitors, but Basin's remote setting still provides quieter, mo Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Best window: brilliant reds and golds; peak foliage early October before campground closes.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to October 08. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 22 to Oct 13 for reservations. Out-of-season camping prohibited.

About Basin Campground

Basin Campground sits in White Mountain National Forest near Fryeburg, Maine, operated by the Forest Service at low elevation with access to Basin Pond. The small campground offers tent and RV sites with flush toilets and potable water during peak season. Visitors hike forest trails, fish and paddle the pond, and bike nearby routes, with fall foliage drawing photographers and leaf-peepers in September and early October.

Basin Campground offers rustic camping options suitable for tents and RVs. There is no glamping or cabin lodging available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and spectacular foliage — expect crisp daytime temperatures in the mid-40s to mid-60s°F and chilly nights dipping into the 30s–40s. Hiking, photography, paddling on Basin Pond, and shore fishing are at their peak as the mixed hardwoods turn brilliant reds and golds; early October (before the campground closes Oct 13) can be especially vivid. Weekends during peak color draw more visitors, but Basin's remote setting still provides quieter, mo Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation728 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryBasin Pond is the centerpiece here, a small glacial pond ringed by mixed hardwoods that turn brilliant reds and golds by early October. The forest canopy provides good shade across most sites. Moose wade through the pond shallows at dawn. White-tailed deer appear in clearings. Black bears roam the deeper woods, so proper food storage matters. One camper described the basin views as unbelievable. The setting sits at 728 feet elevation within the White Mountain National Forest's nearly 800,000 acres, where granite peaks and carved valleys define the horizon. It feels profoundly quiet. Rustling leaves and lapping water replace road noise.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available; camping is the primary accommodation.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit of 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period. A two-night minimum reservation is required for weekends, and three nights for holiday weekends.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Two pets are permitted per site. Sites must be occupied by checkout time to hold reservations.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessible restrooms are available, and the campground is relatively flat, aiding mobility.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious, well-spaced, and capable of accommodating large setups such as 30-ft RVs.

PrivacyThe sites offer a good degree of privacy, with many being shaded and well-separated by trees.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites near the pond for scenic views or next to the restrooms for convenience. Users note varying levels of privacy and terrain.

Best CampsitesReviewers recommend sites 002, 006, 010, and 012 for pond proximity or privacy. Site 15 gets mentioned as especially secluded. Sites accommodate large setups. 30-foot RVs fit. But the campground also offers tent-only options. Arrive early during fall weekends to secure pond-view spots.

Need help booking Basin 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

Basin Campground is a small, rustic facility in White Mountain National Forest. It offers a mix of tent-only and standard sites along a single loop near Basin Pond. Accessible restrooms and drinking water are available. There are no showers or a dump station. Visitors should be prepared for rugged trails and changing weather.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Basin Campground provides opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, canoeing, and wildlife viewing. Its location near Basin Pond and the Basin Trail makes it a hub for outdoor recreation.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our 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 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.

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

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

117 reviews

Recommended

Basin Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is generally well-loved for its remote, quiet location and proximity to outdoor activities. However, maintenance issues with bathrooms and generator noise were common complaints.

Review Summaries

Based on 117 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 117 reviews.

Site 002Loved
Site 002: Spacious and private. 2.
Site 006Mentioned
Site 006: Shady and close to trails. 3.
Site 015Mentioned
Site 015: Large and capable of accommodating a 30-ft 5th wheel.

What Campers Love

Users praised the campground's scenic beauty, spacious and private sites, and friendly hosts. One reviewer noted, 'The views of the basin were unbelievable.' Another highlighted the 'clean and...

Based on 117 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include bathroom maintenance ('No sink in men's bathroom, no soap or hand sanitizer'), lack of trail maps, and high bug activity ('The mosquitoes were vicious').

Based on 117 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray, arrive early to secure a good site, and plan hikes ahead due to the lack of trail maps. Avoid bringing firewood from outside the area to prevent invasive pests.

Based on 117 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is popular for hiking, swimming, and family activities, but mosquito activity can be intense. Winter allows for nearby skiing, though the campground itself is seasonal.

Based on 117 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Nothing more peaceful than falling asleep to the sounds of the owls and loons.' 2. 'The pond was breathtaking but my least favorite camping experience due to mosquitoes.' 3. 'Hosts Roy and Ann...

Based on 117 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible restrooms were appreciated, but uphill hikes to restrooms from pond-side sites were noted as challenging.

Based on 117 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground allows pets, and one reviewer had a 'nice experience' camping with two poodles.

Based on 117 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want spacious, private sites near water with peak fall colors and don't mind seasonal bathroom quirks.

Skip if

You need reliably maintained facilities or want to avoid heavy mosquitoes in summer months.

Nearby Campgrounds

Cold River is a very small, budget-friendly campground in White Mountain National Forest offering tent, RV, and primitive camping at low elevation. The campground features spacious, well-separated sites near hiking trails and the Cold River, with vault toilets, potable water, and picnic tables. Visitors appreciate the quiet setting and direct trail access, though some sites have rocky gravel that can complicate tent setup.