Basin Campground

Star4.41
117 reviews
WHITE MOUNTAIN
Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSummer Destination

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

Opens White Mountain National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Basin Campground
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Nonelectric and Tent Only Nonelectric sites are priced at $30 per night during the May 22 - Oct 13 peak season. Fees do not include taxes or...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
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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Provider
603-447-5448whitemountaincampgrounds@explorus.com
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What Campers Say

4.41

Recommended

Based on 117 reviews

75 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciousfriendly

"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."

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Campground Map

WHITE MOUNTAIN

Basin Campground

WHITE MOUNTAIN

Driving directionsFrom Fryeburg, Maine, take Highway 113 north 15 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via Highway 113. User reviews note that roads can vary in condition, with some commenting on challenging terrain when arriving from certain directions. 'Roads to get there are not the easiest - we came from the east through varied fields and farms but the road got us there.'
Nearby places
Fryeburg, Maine - 15 miles
Nearby supplies
Groceries, restaurants, and gas are available in Fryeburg, Maine, 15 miles away. 'Campers might enjoy a scenic day trip to the Presidential Range.'

Best Time to Camp at Basin Campground

The ever-changing New England weather creates a dynamic camping experience throughout the year. Summer brings ideal camping conditions with comfortable temperatures perfect for evening campfires and morning hikes. As autumn arrives, crisp air and vibrant foliage paint the landscape in brilliant hues. Winter blankets the forest in snow, transforming trails into cross-country routes and creating a peaceful frozen landscape. Spring's arrival brings renewal, though visitors should always pack layers and rain gear, as mountain weather can shift from sunshine to showers in moments.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season for hiking, swimming and family visits; mosquitoes can be intense in summer.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

White Mountain location implies excellent fall foliage and scenic hiking (views noted).

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens late May; late-spring use possible but full spring season is limited by opening date.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 22–Oct 13; on-site winter camping not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 22 - October 13. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 22 to Oct 13 for reservations. Out-of-season camping prohibited.
  • Current Alerts: No explicit current warnings available.

About Basin Campground

Tucked away in the heart of White Mountain National Forest, Basin Campground offers adventurers a true back-to-nature experience beside the tranquil waters of Basin Pond. This remote, rustic retreat beckons those seeking solitude and outdoor exploration, where days are filled with hiking forest trails, casting lines into pristine waters, and paddling across the mirror-like pond. When winter transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland, nearby ski areas provide thrilling downhill adventures, making this a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Basin Campground offers rustic camping options suitable for tents and RVs. There is no glamping or cabin lodging available.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
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.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Firewood available

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.
HikingThe 4.5-mile Basin Trail begins directly at the campground, and there are many other hiking and mountain biking trails within a short driving distance. Reviewers have noted the lack of trail maps and signage, making planning ahead essential.
FishingTrout fishing is available in Basin Pond. The calm waters make it an attractive spot for anglers.
SwimmingSwimming in the 23-acre Basin Pond is a popular activity, appreciated for its pristine and scenic environment.
BikingMountain biking opportunities are abundant in the surrounding area, though specific trail details are not provided.
BoatingThe calm waters of Basin Pond are ideal for canoeing and kayaking. One reviewer described the kayaking as 'great.'
Wildlife viewingThe area is home to moose, white-tailed deer, black bears, and nearly 200 bird species, including the rare Bicknell's Thrush. Reviewers have found the wildlife viewing opportunities enriching.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes are reported as a significant nuisance during summer. User reviews frequently noted issues with bathroom facilities and uphill hikes to restrooms.
Active AlertsNo explicit current warnings available.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Basin Campground

Reviews

4.4
117 reviews
Recommended
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

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...
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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...
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Based on 117 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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