Free Camping in New Hampshire
Discover 12 free and dispersed camping spots
Best Seasons
Summer, Fall
Climate
Continental with cold winters and mild summers
Terrain
Mountains, Forests
Free Spots
12 locations
Camping Spots (12)
White Mountain – Gale/Zealand
"Free dispersed camping around White Mountain NF New Hampshire. Forest roads near rivers and trailheads with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Twin Mountain. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Setback rules apply Arrive early to claim a legal
White Mountain – Sandwich Notch Road
"Free dispersed camping at White Mountain – Sandwich Notch Road in New Hampshire. Historic notch road and brooks with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Sandwich Notch. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Narrow/rough Arrive early
White Mountain NF – Kancamagus Hwy backroads
Mountain views & rivers. Pullouts along side roads off Kancamagus.
White Mountain NF – Kancamagus Hwy backroads
Mountain views & rivers. Pullouts off Kancamagus side roads.
Big Rock
Big Rock is a national forest campground in New Hampshire, about 5.6 miles E of Lincoln. It has approximately 28 campsites and about 1542 ft elevation. Reported amenities include vault toilets. Typical operating season: mid may-mid oct.
Blackberry Crossing
Blackberry Crossing is a national forest campground in New Hampshire, about 6.5 miles W of Conway. It has approximately 26 campsites. Reported amenities include vault toilets.
Campton
Campton is a national forest campground in New Hampshire, about 0.5 miles NE of Campton. It has approximately 58 campsites. Reported amenities include max length 50 ft, drinking water, showers, restrooms. Typical operating season: early jun-late sep.
Covered Bridge
Covered Bridge is a national forest campground in New Hampshire, about 5.8 miles W of Conway. It has approximately 49 campsites. Reported amenities include restrooms. Typical operating season: early jun-late sep.
Dolly Copp
Dolly Copp is a national forest campground in New Hampshire, about 4.4 miles SW of Gorham. It has approximately 177 campsites. Reported amenities include restrooms. Typical operating season: mid may-late sep.
Hancock
Hancock is a national forest campground in New Hampshire, about 4.3 miles NE of Lincoln. It has approximately 56 campsites.
Haystack Road
Haystack Road is a national forest campground in New Hampshire, about 1.6 miles SW of Twin Mountain. It has approximately 11 campsites and about 1762 ft elevation.
Jigger Johnson
Jigger Johnson is a national forest campground in New Hampshire, about 10.7 miles W of Conway. It has approximately 76 campsites. Reported amenities include drinking water, showers. Typical operating season: mid may-mid oct.
Popular Camping Areas
- White Mountain National Forest
- Presidential Range
- Franconia Notch Area
Important Regulations
- Permits required for wilderness areas
- Leave No Trace essential
- Weather awareness critical
Permits: Wilderness areas require permits
Complete Guide to Free Camping in New Hampshire
New Hampshire offers pristine White Mountains camping with alpine lakes, hiking trails, and excellent wilderness camping in national forest areas.
Best Free Camping Areas in New Hampshire
New Hampshire offers diverse free camping opportunities across mountains, forests, lakes, wilderness. The most popular areas include White Mountain National Forest, Presidential Range, Franconia Notch Area, each offering unique landscapes and camping experiences.
When to Visit New Hampshire for Camping
The best times for free camping in New Hampshire are during summer, fall. The state's continental with cold winters and mild summers means weather conditions vary throughout the year, so planning your visit during optimal seasons ensures the best camping experience.
New Hampshire Camping Regulations
Before camping in New Hampshire, it's important to understand local regulations. Wilderness areas require permitsMost dispersed camping follows standard federal guidelines, but some areas may have specific restrictions.
What to Expect
Free camping in New Hampshire typically involves camping on public lands managed by the Forest Service, BLM, or state agencies. Expect primitive conditions with no hookups, but incredible natural beauty and the freedom to explore mountains, forests, lakes, wilderness at your own pace.