Travel Guides Outdoor Adventures Camping
Kylie McCreary
With its lush forests, pristine lakes and rivers, and abundance of outdoor activities, White Mountain National Forest is the ultimate destination for your next camping adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer seeking to camp on your own, a family looking to create lasting memories in the great outdoors, or an extreme sports enthusiast, this natural haven offers something for everyone. A wonder of the Appalachian Mountains, this 87-mile stretch of land sits in North New Hampshire and reaches into a sliver of Western Maine.
Every year, over 25 million people from all over the place make the trip to this serene landscape. Featuring attractions like the tallest mountain peak in New England and the oldest maintained footpath in the U.S., there are a myriad of landmarks that draw guests to its entrance. If you’re planning a camping trip, there are plenty of reasons why you’ll want to be one of them.
Things to do at White Mountain National Forest
Paul Marotta/ Getty Images
In the lowlands of White Mountain National Forest, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the beautiful, lush Northeastern deciduous woodlands. If you venture through its mountain range, you’ll find yourself wandering through its dense pine and spruce tree forests. Simply soaking up this natural beauty may be enough, but if you’re looking to keep yourself or your family busy, it’s easy to find great outdoor activities at this destination.
For avid hikers and beginners alike, there is an abundance of trails for every level. The park is home to 13 mountain peaks known as the Presidential Range, with its tallest and most dangerous peak being Mount Washington at 6,288 feet. As you traverse the footpaths of White Mountain National Forest, you’ll likely come across remnants of the past along the way, such as the historic remains of old logging camps and railroads. If you’re a real history buff, you can also make a stop at the Mount Washington Museum located at the summit of Mount Washington.
Not only is this park filled to the brim with hiking and history, but it’s also home to some incredible rock climbing, fishing, and swimming. Cast a line at one of its many bodies of water like the Ammonoosuc River or Echo Lake, or go climbing in the Mount Washington Valley. And when you need a break from all the action, you can take a relaxing dip in one of the park’s many swimming holes.
Where, when, and how to camp at White Mountain National Forest
kornnphoto/Shutterstock
If you want a premier camping experience, it’s time to start planning your trip to White Mountain National Forest. Luckily, for approximately 70 million people who reside in the surrounding regions, it’s within reach of a day or less on the road. While the fastest way to get to the park is by car, there are a number of routes via train and bus connecting to the surrounding towns in the Franconia Notch Region. However you get there, we suggest you embark on this journey in the months of May through September for the best and safest weather conditions during your stay.
Once you arrive at the park, you’ll find that the majority of the entrances are free of charge. However, to visit certain areas of the forest like the Wild River Trailhead or the Dolly Copp Picnic Area, you’ll need to purchase a day pass. When looking for a spot to camp, there are a variety of established campsites you can make a reservation for at Recreation.gov. You can also choose to go backcountry camping, but if you do, we recommend you familiarize yourself with the United States Department of Agriculture’s official rules for doing so.
