4.37157 reviewsPrice
$30/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
74 campsites
Season
Open mid-May through...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
Price
$30/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
74 campsites
Season
Open mid-May through...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
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No official street address
Fall foliage chasers and Swift River swimmers get the best of this place. Site 47 is close to the river, showers run $2.50 for 7 minutes, and the trail to the rocky wading beach is steps away. Firewood on-site, Conway 20 minutes out for resupply.
No reservations and a strict host who multiple reviewers called aggressive about quiet hours is a rough combo for groups or late-night arrivals. No cell service is total, tree clearing has opened up several sites, and there's no dump station for RVers who need one.
Reference information about Jigger Johnson Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p>Named after Jigger Johnson, an almost legendary north country woods boss during the regions colorful logging era, this campground is located along the Kancamagus Scenic Byway. The Swift River flows behind the campground and a short trail connects to the Russell-Colbath Historic Site. Its central location makes it ideal for hiking, biking, and other recreational activities in the National Forest.</p>
The elevation is 1,200 feet. The campground is located along State Rt. 112 (Scenic Kancamagus Highway) but traffic noise is minimal. The campground has two loops and a tent-only spur. This spur can also accommodate small recreational vehicles and pick-up trucks with campers (slide-ins). The second loop, furthest from the campground's entrance, is closest to the river but the heavy vegetation limits views. A couple of camper-made (beater) trails provide access to the river and a rocky wadding beach. A variety of pine provides ample shade to all the campsites and the numerous deciduous trees suggest lots of fall color. A lack of middlestory and the closeness of campsites provide only fair privacy. There is a nature program during summer months. The nearby Russell-Colbath National Historic Place, an 1830 homestead which is staffed during summer months, offers a variety of living history demonstrations. Firewood is available for a fee. This is bear country; practise safe food storage technique.
Open late May through mid-October.
Coin-operated wheelchair friendly showers
The parking apron are gravel and will accommodate any size recreational vehicle. For a listing of possible waste stations available for a fee, see Forest Information page.
In Conway, NH, at the intersection of State Rts. 16/113 and 112 (Kancamagus Highway), take Rt. 112 west 12.3 miles to campground on right.
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Summer brings daytime highs around 65–80°F and cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s. This is the best time to visit: trails are fully open, river levels are calmer than spring melt, and you can swim in the Swift River pools. Expect moderate to heavy crowds on summer weekends along the Kancamagus. Fall brings spectacular foliage. Winter closes the campground.
Best season: trails open, calmer river, swimming and cultural programs available.
Jigger Johnson Campground offers coin-operated wheelchair-friendly showers, flush toilets, and potable water spigots located throughout the campground. Although there are water spigots available, there is no threaded capability for these spigots. 'Coin-operated showers cost $2.50 for 7 minutes.' All campsites have picnic tables and fire rings. Firewood is available for purchase on-site. However, restrooms and vault toilets are not available at this facility. Cell phone service is absent, providing campers a true disconnect from civilization. Trash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned, and users report that the campground lacks Wi-Fi service.
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