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Crawford Notch/Dry River Campground
Overview
Crawford Notch/Dry River Campground offers a truly immersive wilderness experience within the heart of the White Mountain National Forest. Located in Crawford Notch State Park, this destination is defined by its deep woods and rugged terrain. Unlike modern luxury resorts, this park provides a sense of seclusion and a direct connection to the natural beauty of New Hampshire. It is a place where the sound of the wind through the hardwoods replaces the hum of highway traffic.
Location & Surroundings
The campground sits along the banks of the Dry River, surrounded by the dramatic cliffs of Crawford Notch. Situated on Route 302 in Bartlett, NH, it serves as a gateway to some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in New England. Visitors are treated to sights of steep granite walls and lush forests that transform into vibrant colors during the autumn months. The scenic mountain pass creates a dramatic backdrop for every campsite.
Amenities & Park Features
This is a rustic facility focusing on the primitive outdoor experience. The park offers wooded campsites that provide significant privacy compared to standard RV parks. While there are no hookups available, the campground provides essential facilities including flush toilets and coin-operated hot showers. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, encouraging a traditional camping lifestyle focused on the great outdoors rather than digital distractions.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities for adventure just steps from their site. The park provides easy access to the Dry River Trail and is a short drive from the trailhead of the famous Arethusa Falls. For those looking to explore further, the following attractions are nearby:
- Mount Washington Cog Railway for a unique climb to the highest peak in the Northeast.
- The scenic Mount Washington Auto Road.
- Crawford Depot and the historic Appalachian Mountain Club Highland Center.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is ideal for adventurous RVers who prefer a quiet, off-grid environment over a commercial resort atmosphere. It is best suited for smaller rigs, truck campers, and camper vans due to the wooded nature of the sites and lack of utility hookups. If you are a traveler looking to unplug and hike, this park offers the perfect basecamp for exploring the rugged heart of the White Mountains.
Amenities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
User Reviews
Winifred Hill
We enjoyed our stay at the campground. Hiking trails were available within the campground.
Sam Alexander
Come here every year for the last 4 years. Amazing spot imo. Bathrooms are clean and always stocked. Water spicket on site with potable water. The store to buy firewood is now manned and in normal business hours to buy things like ice and fire wood and fire starters. Their fire starters are all local veteran made. Campsites are all a little different but most of them all come with a fire ring and picnic table. Pet friendly just watch out for possible ticks like you would in any wilderness situation and ur good.
Caleb Townsend
Very quiet campground. Firewood available on site. Unmanned “office” although park staff are in and out through the day. Traffic noise is heard for sites along the road but for me it really wasn’t that bad. Coin operated showers were excellent after a long day of hiking. Bathrooms were clean. Would definitely stay here again. Quiet campground.
Stacy Collingham
Loved the laundry option and many trails connected to the campground. Didn't like dirty bathrooms. One stall had menstrual blood on the wall the entirety of our 4 day stay. Very buggy and road noise was loud.
Stephen Priest
I discovered this campground by accident. Google Maps said it was the location of Stair Mountain 🏔️. It wasn't. The campground has individual lots that can accommodate a vehicle. You have to pay a fee at the building at the entrance. It is run by the park officials at the Wiley House just down the road. What caught my attention was the building that had showers 🚿 and a laundry 🧺. There was a sink to wash dishes outside. A dumpster was near the entrance for customers trash 🗑️. The building at the entrance was unmanned. It had information ℹ️ available about places to visit. There is a small park next to the entrance with a few chairs.