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Camping in New Hampshire: campsites, permits and passes

Camping in New Hampshire starts in one of a few places: New Hampshire State Parks for state park campsites, Recreation.gov for federal campgrounds, or free dispersed camping on National Forest land. Here's where to book each, plus permits, passes and licences.

Most people go to:

State park campsites

New Hampshire state park campgrounds are booked through New Hampshire State Parks ↗. Book as early as you can for summer and holiday weekends, and check each park's page for cabins, yurts, group sites and pet rules.

National parks in New Hampshire

New Hampshire has no national park, but it has National Park Service sites such as monuments, historic parks and trails. See them on the National Park Service New Hampshire page ↗.

National forests and free camping

New Hampshire's national forests include White Mountain. Developed campgrounds are booked on Recreation.gov (some are first-come, first-served), and most national forest land allows free dispersed camping away from developed sites, usually for up to 14 days. Check the forest's rules and any fire restrictions first.

Permits and lotteries

Most camping in New Hampshire doesn't need a special permit beyond your campsite reservation. Some wilderness areas, rivers and busy trailheads do; check the managing agency before you go.

Fishing and hunting licences

Licences for New Hampshire are sold by the New Hampshire Fish and Game ↗, online or at local retailers. Rules and seasons differ by species and water, so check before you go.

Passes

The America the Beautiful pass covers entrance fees at national parks and many federal lands in New Hampshire. State parks usually sell their own day or annual passes; see New Hampshire State Parks.

Best time to camp in New Hampshire

June to mid-October. Peak foliage weekends in late September and October sell out first; black-fly season can affect late spring.

Questions

Packing checklists

Nearby states (Northeast)