New Hampshire offers winter outdoor enthusiasts a unique, enchanting experience. With natural beauty and mountain views all year round, New Hampshire winter camping can be a real treat. The state also has plenty of gorgeous hidden gems awaiting you.
Winter camping in New Hampshire is the perfect opportunity to embrace your favorite winter activities, like snowshoeing, skiing, and snowmobiling. Many of these winter camping gems in New Hampshire are also near other exhilarating winter attractions.
Keep reading to learn all about New Hampshire’s hidden winter camping wonders!
Northern New Hampshire Winter Camping
Passing through northern New Hampshire? Check out the best-hidden winter camping spots in northern New Hampshire!
Pemigewasset Wilderness
If you’re up for a New Hampshire winter camping challenge, head out to the Pemigewasset Wilderness. The Pemigrawasset Wilderness is the largest Wilderness area in the White Mountain National Mountains.
This area was once home to the largest logging railroad system in the White Mountains, which included 72 miles of train lines. After many years of unsustainable logging and a devastating fire, this area has turned into a beautiful hiking area for backpackers, hikers, and nature lovers.
Rules
You can camp in most sections of the Pemigewasset Wilderness, however, camping and campfires are not permitted in select areas. No mechanical equipment is allowed (including bikes, carts, and wagons). Snowmobiling is only allowed in select areas in the Pemigewasset Ranger District.
Tips for Success
It is extremely important to come prepared for your New Hampshire winter camping trip in the Pemigewasset Wilderness, as conditions can be dangerous. Follow these tips to have a successful winter camping trip in the Wilderness area:
- Do not hike or camp if the wind conditions are too gusty
- Bring crampons or snowshoes for an easier hiking experience
- Read our ultimate winter camping checklist before heading out
Winter campers should be aware that the AMC huts along the Pemi Loop are closed during fall, winter, and most of the spring, so they will not be accessible during New Hampshire winter camping trips. Campers will need to bring their meals and warming supplies.
Apple Hill Campground
Apple Hill Campground, owned by the Sykes family, is a four-season campground located in the White Mountains in Bethlehem, New Hampshire. The owners encourage New Hampshire winter campers to bring their skis, snow shoes, sleds, and snowmobiles to enjoy the winter wonderland.
Those who want to winter camp in New Hampshire all winter long (November first through April first) can pay a winter seasonal rate—electric included. Monthly, weekly, and nightly options are also available, with the option to select electrical hookups or not.
Barnes Field Group Campground
Located near the gorgeous Peabody River within the White Mountain National Forest, Barnes Field Group Campground operates on a first-come, first-service basis during the New Hampshire winter camping season.
Sites cannot be reserved from mid-October to mid-May, and a fee is charged per vehicle.
To get to Barnes Field Group Campground, travel from Gorham, New Hampshire, 6.5 miles south on the NH Route. Turn right onto Dolly Copp Road and continue ¾ miles to the campground.
Crawford Notch State Park
Crawford Notch State Park, in Hart’s Location, New Hampshire, is known for its scenic trails. While backcountry camping is not allowed, Dry River Campground at the state park allows camping during its off-season (the end of October through the end of May) on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The campground is set in a woodland setting and electrical hookups are unavailable. Pets are welcome as long as they are leashed and always supervised. Staffing, services, and facilities are limited during the off-season, so come prepared.
New Hampshire winter camping visitors are asked to use the self-pay station. The campground is closed during poor weather conditions.
Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort
The Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort is a year-round vacation destination and takes pride in its winter resort activities. Located between the White Mountains and the Lakes Region, this New Hampshire winter camping destination is full of natural winter wonders.
New Hampshire winter campers can enjoy traditional winter activities such as snowmobiling, skiing, and snowboarding, then they can curb their hunger at nearby restaurants and pubs.
The campground includes electric and full-hookup RV sites, though water is turned off from late October through late April or early May, depending on the weather. Cozy cabins and cottages are also available, perfect for a winter glamping experience.
Franconia Notch State Park
Off-season camping at Franconia Notch State Park at Lafayette Place Campground is allowed, and the park is not staffed during this time. Comfort stations are not open and gates may be closed. New Hampshire winter campers can expect few amenities during the off-season.
Spigots are turned off, but campers can get water from the Pemigewasset River if it’s not frozen. The park website warns New Hampshire winter camping enthusiasts:
“Off-season camping poses unique risks inherent when participating in outdoor recreational activities. Recreationists should possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and equipment to ensure their safety. Users assume all risk while recreating in State Park lands.”
The park is open at all times unless a sign is posted stating otherwise. Camping fees apply, and off-season campers are asked to deposit payment in the self-pay station.
Hancock Campground
Not to be confused with the southern New Hampshire town, Hancock Campground is located in Lincoln, New Hampshire (a northern New Hampshire town).
The campground, operated by the US Forest Service, is located on the western end of the scenic Kancamagus Highway in the White Mountains.
The campground is open year-round, although services are not provided in the winter. This campground has 56 wooded sites, and the town of Lincoln is nearby with plenty of shopping, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
All sites are first-come, first-served. A camping fee includes two vehicles per campsite. If space is available, additional vehicles may be added for an extra fee.
The campground is near numerous hiking and picnic spots. It’s also only two miles from Loon Mountain Resort.
Central New Hampshire Winter Camping
If you’re in the heart of New Hampshire, you’ll want to visit these hidden winter camping gems!
Cardigan Campsites
Located at the base of Mount Cardigan, the 6,000 acres of forest that makes up the Cardigan Campsites is a year-round New Hampshire winter camping favorite. New Hampshire winter campers appreciate the miles of skiing and hiking trails.
New Hampshire winter campers have access to 20 primitive campsites, each including access to space for two tents, a fire ring with grill, and a picnic table. One site allows for groups of up to 36 people, and one site is intended for 12 people.
Clark Brook Campsite is 1.1 miles from Cardigan Lodge, and it can accommodate 14 people.
Cardigan Lodge is open all winter long and is perfect for staying near the outdoors to participate in your favorite winter activities. Guests can cozy up in the large dining room, sitting room, library, or game room. You also have the option to rent the entire lodge for your next group gathering!
Meredith Woods Camping Area
Meredith Woods Camping Area’s four-season campground is located in north-central New Hampshire in the heart of the Lakes Region, just three miles east of exit 23 on I-93. Gunstock Mountain Resort is just 16 miles from the camping area.
The campground offers deluxe cabins with a furnace, stove, refrigerator, and bath—all you need to bring is linens and towels.
Meredith Woods makes a great New Hampshire winter camping home base and is close to your favorite winter sports. RV campsites are available, and all campsites have 20/30/50 amp electric with water, sewage, and cable hookups.
Note: Sites with water access cost extra during the winter.
Southern New Hampshire Winter Camping
If you need a spot to set up a winter camping spot in southern New Hampshire, check out these hidden gems.
Spacious Skies French Pond
Located in beautiful south-central New Hampshire, Spacious Skies French Pond is a four-season, family-friendly campground. Just five miles north of Pats Peak, this New Hampshire winter camping gem features wooded and open sites that accommodate any size of RV.
The campground also rents out Lily Pad Cottage, a quiet forest getaway with a gorgeous view of French Pond. Enjoy the quaint chalet-like park model while sipping a warm cup of coffee. The cottage is fully stocked—all you need to bring is your own linens and towels.
The park features 46 winterized RV sites. Looking to try out RV camping for the first time? Spacious Skies French Pond is the perfect place to do this. The campground rents out retro RV rentals for your convenience.
New Hampshire winter camping enthusiasts will enjoy skiing at the nearby Pat’s Peak Ski Area, which has 28 trails, 11 lifts, three terrain parks, and a snow-tubing park.
Keyser Pond Campground
Just three miles from Spacious Skies French Pond is Keyser Pond Campground. This four-season campground is also a popular destination due to its closeness to Pat’s Peak Ski Area. Snowmobile trails are also directly across the street from the campground.
Most of the campground is closed from November through April, however, a few sites are available. You must contact the campground for rate information.
Keyser Pond Campground also has one cabin available for rent, and they are opening a second cabin.
Monadnock State Park
All sites at Monadnock State Park Headquarters allow for New Hampshire winter camping from November through April and reservations can be made online. Youth group camping is also allowed, but they must reserve through the park’s call center.
The park is located in and around the 3,165-foot Mount Monadock. Visitors will find the thousands of acres of protected highlands mesmerizing. Camping is against the law in the mountains, though!
Mount Monadnock became a National Natural Landmark in 1987. The park is a year-round recreation destination.
Note: Gilson Pond Campground (a second camping area at the park) is not open during the winter. Also, out-of-state firewood is prohibited.
Wrapping up Winter Camping in New Hampshire
Winter camping in New Hampshire may be challenging, but it is a great way to improve your strength and stamina. If you love being outside among snowy mountains, you’re going to love New Hampshire winter camping. Get ready to see scenery like nowhere else!
Looking for more information about how to winter camp safely? Read our Winter Camping guide.
- About the Author
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Nicole Kinkade grew up in campgrounds in the Midwest with her family in their RV and has many fond memories around the campfire. She and her husband took many tent camping trips at the beginning of their relationship, and she looks forward to sharing the outdoors with her young son as he gets older.
She loves discovering new camping techniques and sharing them with the world. With a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Media Communication, she is a passionate writer who loves sharing her knowledge online.
Nicole can be reached at nicolek.author@gmail.com