How much does camping cost at Cold River?

Camping fees at Cold River are $24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cold River first-come first-served or reservation?

Cold River 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 Cold River before I book?

Yes! Cold River has 1 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 Cold River?

Cold River 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 Cold River?

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

Can I have a campfire at Cold River?

Fire policies at Cold River: 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 Cold River have?

Cold River has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cold River?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cold River. 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 Cold River?

Cold River 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 Cold River?

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

Cold River

4.37

38 reviews

WHITE MOUNTAIN

C+Report Card

Featured in:Fishing Camping New Hampshire Swimming Camping New Hampshire Boating Camping New Hampshire +6 more

Quick Facts

633 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season is May 2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

633 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season is May 2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Cold River

$24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $24.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

603-447-2166whitemountaincampgrounds@goexplorus.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

WHITE MOUNTAIN

Cold River

WHITE MOUNTAIN

Nearby places

Fryeburg, ME (15 miles)

Gilead, ME

Stow, ME

Weather at Cold River

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
Click here to learn more about White Mountain National Forest
No switching sites upon arrival
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

Best Time to Camp at Cold River

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the campground's signature draw — brilliant New England foliage and crisp, stable weather ideal for hiking and photography. Expect daytime highs roughly 50–65°F with chilly nights in the 30s–40s, perfect for campfires and layered clothing; trout fishing and wildlife viewing are also at their peak as animals prepare for winter. Weekends during peak color (late September–early October) can be busy, but weekday stays feel peaceful and very scenic. Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Popular in summer; trails and pond activities accessible during open season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to October 08. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season is May 22 - October 13. Reservations start June 26.

About Cold River

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.

Cold River Campground supports standard non-electric camping with sites organized around one loop. Options include tent camping, RV camping, and group camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the campground's signature draw — brilliant New England foliage and crisp, stable weather ideal for hiking and photography. Expect daytime highs roughly 50–65°F with chilly nights in the 30s–40s, perfect for campfires and layered clothing; trout fishing and wildlife viewing are also at their peak as animals prepare for winter. Weekends during peak color (late September–early October) can be busy, but weekday stays feel peaceful and very scenic. Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation633 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at 633 feet elevation in mixed hardwood and pine forest. Evans Brook runs nearby, and 23-acre Basin Pond is accessible for fishing, swimming, and paddling. The terrain is classic White Mountain country: weathered peaks, granite outcrops, and dense forest. Wildlife sightings include moose, white-tailed deer, and black bears. Over 200 bird species inhabit the area, from warblers to raptors.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodgings available inside the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no mentions of cultural or educational programs at this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit of 14 nights during any 30-day rolling period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessible restrooms are provided, and the campground layout around one loop may facilitate navigation for some visitors. However, no specific information on full ADA compliance is available.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as spacious. "Well-spaced sites with plenty of room," one user noted.

PrivacySites provide a high degree of privacy, with another camper stating, "Each campsite has privacy.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid sites with rocky gravel for tent setups; campsite #012 offers privacy and good accessibility.

Best CampsitesCampsite #012 gets praise for proximity to trails and scenic views. Reviews mention sites are well-spaced with good privacy, though specific site recommendations are limited.

Need help booking Cold River?

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

Cold River Campground is a small, rustic facility located within the White Mountain National Forest. The campground boasts accessible restrooms and a hand pump for water. There are no showers or a dump station, but picnic areas are nearby. Sites are organized around one loop and provide a quiet, secluded experience. Some users have noted the presence of gravel and rocks at tent sites, which can make setup challenging. From one user: "The campsites have large stones where you are allowed to set up your tent. Terrible." Another camper said, "The toilet isn't flushable, it's a pit toilet but there was toilet paper and it didn't smell as bad as a port-a-potty."

Potable water

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Cold River

Cold River Campground offers a range of activities suitable for nature lovers. Hiking trails, including the 4.5-mile Basin Trail, are easily accessible, and the nearby Basin Pond allows for fishing and canoeing. "Peaceful and quiet campground nearby many trailheads in Evans Notch," one user said. Wildlife viewing is another highlight, with almost 200 bird species, moose, deer, and black bears present in the area. Some visitors noted the proximity to excellent hiking: "Close to good hiking trails," and "Walking distance to Basin Pond for swimming and to several trailheads."

Hiking4.0/5

Numerous nearby trails including the 4.5-mile Basin Trail; direct trail access from campground.

Fishing4.0/5

Basin Pond (23-acre) a short distance away; pond is noted for trout fishing.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Wildlife includes moose, white-tailed deer, black bears and ~20 species noted.

Biking3.0/5

Mountain biking opportunities available within a short drive (Caribou area).

Boating3.0/5

Water Sports3.0/5

Canoeing/kayaking on calm Basin Pond; suitable for paddling but small-scale.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Fall foliage, scenic pond and trails cited as highlights for photography.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Instead, there are pit toilets, which users have described as well-maintained and not overly odorous.

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

Rate Cold River

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From Booking Sources

4.4

38 reviews

Recommended

Cold River is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Cold River Campground receives positive reviews for its quiet, rustic, and secluded setting. Many visitors appreciate the proximity to hiking trails and Basin Pond, though some noted issues with campsite surfaces and water availability.

Review Summaries

Based on 38 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 38 reviews.

Site 012Loved
Site 012 is praised for being spacious and close to trails.
Site 014Mentioned
Site 014 is noted for having a grassy area that cannot be used for tents, forcing campers to use the gravel area.

What Campers Love

Visitors consistently praise the campground's peaceful atmosphere, spacious sites, and proximity to trails. "Such a quiet and peaceful place," said one user. Others noted that the sites are...

Based on 38 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the gravel and rocks at tent sites that make setup difficult, the lack of running water at times, and the absence of amenities like showers. One user said, "Each site is...

Based on 38 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra water in case the pump isn't operational, and consider bringing a mallet or other tools to handle the gravelly tent sites. Visitors also recommend using the campground as a base for...

Based on 38 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular during the summer and early fall, with users commenting on the area's beauty and accessibility to outdoor activities during these times. Winter reviews are limited but...

Based on 38 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great little campground. Walking distance to Basin Pond for swimming and to several trailheads." "The campsites have large stones where you are allowed to set up your tent." "Nice sites, restrooms...

Based on 38 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and no significant complaints or issues related to pets were mentioned in reviews.

Based on 38 reviews

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Cold River

$24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $24.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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

603-447-2166whitemountaincampgrounds@goexplorus.com

Go if

You want an uncrowded base camp for White Mountain hiking and fall foliage viewing without crowds.

Skip if

You need guaranteed water availability or prefer grassy tent sites over rocky gravel pads.

Nearby Campgrounds

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.

Cold River

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Campground Map

Weather at Cold River

Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at Cold River

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About Cold River

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Amenities available

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Reviews

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Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at Cold River

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Cold River?

Amenities available

Things to do at Cold River

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns