Cold River

Star4.37
38 reviews
WHITE MOUNTAIN
Peace & QuietSummer Destination

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
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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
Cold River
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are $24 per night during peak season (May 22 - October 13). Rates do not include any additional charges, taxes, or discounts.
Standard Site Fee$24.00
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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What Campers Say

4.37

Recommended

Based on 38 reviews

3 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulspacioushiking

"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."

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Campground Map

WHITE MOUNTAIN

Cold River

WHITE MOUNTAIN

Driving directionsFrom Fryeburg, Maine, take Highway 113 north 15 miles to the campground.
Driving access is straightforward along Highway 113, suitable for vehicles. No specific road closure or terrain challenges are mentioned.
Nearby places
Fryeburg, ME (15 miles)
Gilead, ME
Stow, ME
Nearby supplies
Groceries, restaurants, and gas are available in Fryeburg, Gilead, and Stow, Maine.

Best Time to Camp at Cold River

Experience the ever-changing moods of the White Mountains, where crisp, dry air carries the scent of pine and adventure. From May through October, the campground comes alive under warm sunshine and gentle mountain breezes, creating perfect conditions for outdoor exploration. As autumn approaches, moderate winds rustle through the canopy, while winter occasionally dusts the landscape with snow, transforming the forest into a quiet wonderland. Each season paints the wilderness in different hues, offering campers a unique perspective on this mountain sanctuary.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 20% in NH

Open and popular May–Oct; reviewers praise accessibility to trails and pond in summer months.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Early fall popularity and White Mountain foliage suggest excellent fall visitation and scenery.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens late May; limited spring season and variable conditions mean average spring experience.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 22–Oct 13; winter visits not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 22 - October 13. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season is May 22 - October 13. Reservations start June 26.
  • Current Alerts: Water pump was reported broken on several occasions, requiring trips to nearby Basin Campground for potable water.

About Cold River

Tucked away in the heart of New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest, Cold River Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape where simplicity meets natural beauty. This intimate, rustic retreat features a thoughtfully designed single-loop layout that preserves the forest's tranquil atmosphere while providing essential amenities including accessible restrooms and a charming hand-pumped water source. Adventure beckons just beyond your tent flap, with scenic hiking trails threading through ancient forests and the pristine waters of Basin Pond inviting anglers and paddlers to explore its peaceful shores.
Cold River Campground supports standard non-electric camping with sites organized around one loop. Options include tent camping, RV camping, and group camping.
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 14 nights during any 30-day rolling period.

Amenities available

Potable water
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

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."
HikingNumerous hiking trails are located nearby, including the 4.5-mile Basin Trail. Trails range in difficulty and offer access to the Caribou Speckled Mountain Wilderness. Visitors have praised the proximity to trailheads: "Great location for hikes in the Evans Notch area."
FishingFishing is available at Basin Pond, which is a short distance away from the campground. The pond is known for trout fishing.
SwimmingSwimming is possible at Basin Pond; one reviewer mentioned it as a highlight of the area, saying the pond is within walking distance.
BikingMountain biking opportunities are available within a short drive, including trails in the Caribou Speckled Mountain Wilderness.
BoatingBasin Pond supports canoeing. Visitors have noted the calm waters are ideal for this activity.
Wildlife viewingThe area is home to wildlife such as moose, white-tailed deer, and black bears, along with nearly 200 bird species, including the rare Bicknell's Thrush.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bears. Campers must store food in approved containers or locked vehicles.
Active AlertsWater pump was reported broken on several occasions, requiring trips to nearby Basin Campground for potable water.

Weather at Cold River

Reviews

4.4
38 reviews
Recommended
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

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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Based on 38 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 012 is praised for being spacious and close to trails. Site 014 is noted for having a grassy area that cannot be used for tents, forcing campers to use the gravel area.
Based on 38 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility-related user reviews are available.
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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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