White Mountain National Forest Guide
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White Mountain National Forest covers 800,000 acres in eastern New Hampshire and western Maine. During your visit, you can experience beautiful mountains, hardwood forests, lakes, rivers, and abundant wildlife. The forest offers many outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, boating, and camping. Some of the hikes you can experience will challenge your skills, especially when hiking to the summit of one of the mountains. Other hikes are more level and are suitable for the whole family. These will give you beautiful views of the National Forest's lakes, streams, and trees.
Camping in White Mountain National Forest
Vacationing in an RV is a wonderful way to experience White Mountain National Forest. There are 23 campgrounds in the national forest itself, but their facilities are quite primitive, so it is suggested that you stay at one of the campgrounds in the surrounding area that have better amenities. It is easy to rent an RV for your trip to White Mountain National Forest. RVshare has locations in many cities in Maine and New Hampshire where you can pick up an RV to use on your vacation.
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Saco River Camping Area
The Saco River Camping Area is located in North Conway, close to the National Forest. It offers family camping in a natural setting. They have over 180 full-hookup sites for large RVs. Other amenities include:
Riverfront sites
Heated swimming pool
Bike rentals
Country store
Kayak, canoe, and tube rentals
Free Wi-Fi
Golf cart rentals
Playgrounds
Basketball court
Horseshoes
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Twin Mountain / Mount Washington KOA
Twin Mountain / Mount Washington KOA is located in Twin Mountain, in the heart of the White Mountain area. All sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. Other amenities include:
50-amp pull-through RV sites with full hookups
Wi-Fi and cable TV
Pool
Dog walk area
Store
Laundry facilities
Playground
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Lost River Valley Campground
The Lost River Valley Campground in North Woodstock is surrounded on three sides by White Mountain National Forest. Daily rates for an RV start at $36. Some amenities are:
Full hookups
20, 30, and 50-amp service
Picnic tables and fire pits
Camp store and ATM
Dump stations
Swimming beach
Playground
Kayak and paddleboat rentals
Volleyball
Tennis
Fishing
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Scenic View Campground
The Scenic View Campground is located just outside of Warren, NH, very close to White Mountain National Forest. It is right on the Baker River and features a splash pad in summer for kids to play in the water. Amenities include:
Riverfront sites
Large pull-through sites
Free Wi-Fi
Recreation hall
Store
Playgrounds
Basketball court
Nature trails
Dump station
Laundry facilities
Picnic table and fire ring at each site
RV Rentals Near White Mountain National Forest
White Mountain National Forest Hiking Trails
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Albany Brook Trail
The Albany Brook Trail follows the western shore of Crocker Pond. The pond is stocked with trout. The trail then winds along the base of Albany Mountain and crosses an old logging road. It is very peaceful and secluded. Dogs are allowed on this trail.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
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Alpine Garden Trail
In spring and early summer, beautiful alpine flowers can be viewed on the Alpine Garden Trail. There are spectacular views year-round. The trail is above the tree line, so it is exposed to wind and sun. The trail is used for hiking, running, and snowshoeing. Leashed dogs are allowed.
Length: 3.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Caps Ridge Trail
The Caps Ridge Trail starts at 3,000 feet of elevation and climbs 2,690 feet. It is recommended for experienced hikers only. You can follow this trail to the summit of Mount Jefferson. Dogs are allowed, but it could be challenging for them. Roads leading to this trail are subject to seasonal closure.
Length: 5.3 miles
Intensity: Difficult
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Three Ponds Trail
The Three Ponds Trail loops around the base of Black Hill and, true to its name, three ponds can be viewed from the trail. You can also see waterfalls if there is enough water. Elevation gain is 577 feet. There is a shelter with a fire pit about halfway around the loop. Dogs are allowed if they are on a leash.
Length: 5.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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White Cairn to Stone House Trail
White Cairn to Stone House Trail is a loop trail that features a waterfall. It is a good trail for bird-watching. The trail goes to the summit of Blueberry Mountain. The elevation gain is 1,266 feet, and the trail is best used from April to October.
Length: 5.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Activities in White Mountain National Forest
Plant lovers will delight in the White Mountain National Forest's alpine zones, where you can find plants that are rarely found outside of alpine areas. These include mountain sandwort, alpine goldenrod, mountain avens, and alpine blueberries. If bird-watching is more your style, look for any of the 38 species of birds that live here year-round. During the summer months, you can look for up to 72 bird species that stay here in the warmer weather.
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Nature Watching
There is plenty of wildlife in White Mountain National Forest, including white-tailed deer, fox, moose, and bear. If you do see moose or bear, be sure to stay in your vehicle or far away from them. They are more active near dusk and at night, so be careful when driving in the forest at those times.
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Fishing
You can fish in one of the many lakes, ponds, or streams in White Mountain National Forest. These include South Pond, Long Pond, Russell Pond, and the Peabody River.
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Stargazing
At night, the stars are easy to see since there are no big cities nearby.
How to get to White Mountain National Forest
Address: 200 Kancamagus Highway, North Woodstock, NH
Fee: Entry fee (per day) $5.0
White Mountain National Forest is a wonderful place for the entire family to enjoy. Beautiful scenery is abundant in the forest. There are so many outdoor activities that everyone will find something they enjoy doing. Whether you're hiking in the mountains or fishing in a lake, you will enjoy what nature has to offer. Vacationing in an RV is a great way to appreciate White Mountain National Forest and the surrounding areas and you'll experience nature at the campground as well as in the forest. If you don't have an RV, you can easily rent one at RVshare.com.
Frequently Asked Questions About White Mountain National Forest
How many hiking trails does White Mountain National Forest have?
White Mountain National Forest has over 1200 miles of hiking trails available. There are trails for every level of hiker, from beginner to expert, and a variety of lengths as well.
Is there a fee to get into White Mountain National Forest?
No, there is no fee to get into White Mountain National Forest. Many areas of the forest are free, although there may be fees or permits required to park in certain areas, or to do certain activities such as hunting or camping.
Is there a limit to how long you can camp in White Mountain National Forest?
Yes, there is a limit to how long you can camp in White Mountain National Forest. You can camp for a maximum of 14 days before you need to move.
What type of wildlife lives in White Mountain National Forest?
Wildlife including bald eagles, raccoons, beavers, deer, moose, black bears, Canadian lynx, minks and porcupines all live in the White Mountain National Forest. The forest is also home to a variety of birds, fish, and other animals.
What is the closest town to White Mountain National Forest?
Campton is one of the closest towns to White Mountain National Forest. North Conway is also nearby, and there are other small towns throughout the forest area.
