Barnes Field Campground
White Mountain National Forest
Located 6 miles south of Gorham, New Hampshire, at the base of New England's tallest peak, the historic Barnes Field Campground provides a scenic and private space for organizations, families and others to gather.
The campground is one of a few in the area that remains open in winter, providing first-come, first-served winter camping for individuals or groups. It is adjacent to Dolly Copp Campground.
Lush forests, spectacular mountain views and convenience to outdoor recreation and scenic driving draw visitors to Barnes Field, which also provides access to some of the most popular hikes in the White Mountains.
The surrounding White Mountain National Forest encompasses nearly 800,000 acres in New Hampshire and western Maine, and is one of the most popular forests in the country.
The campground is organized in a single loop on a field that was farmed in the early 1900s. It features large, open sites designed for larger than normal camping parties and large organized groups.
Both standard and tent-only sites are available. The facility provides water and restrooms; Dolly Copp Campground has additional amenities.
Winter camping is first-come, first-served for camping parties of any size. Individuals camping in winter may need to share these large sites.
Notifications and Alerts
This campground has a Winter rate of $16.00 per vehicle through May 15, 2025.
Need to Know
Fees are determined by group size from May - Oct. and by vehicle number through the remainder of the year
- All camping gear must be kept on gravel (tents, tables, RVs)
No switching sites upon arrival
- Be bear aware; keep all food out of site in approved containers or locked inside a hard-sided vehicle and remove all food from area after eating
Reserved Sites will be held until checkout time (NOON) the day following your arrival date. Sites must be occupied by the checkout time of the second day to hold a reservation or the site will be forfeited and released to other guests.
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation
Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).
- Visitors should be prepared for rugged trails and changing weather: Hike Safe
- Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.
Click here to learn more about White Mountain National Forest website
Natural Features
Barnes Field is situated in a mixed hardwood, spruce and pine forest at the base of 6,288-ft. Mount Washington, the highest peak north of the Smoky Mountains and east of the Mississippi River. The Peabody River and Culhane Brook pass by the facility as well.
The national forest is home to many species of northern wildlife, including moose, white-tailed deer and black bear. Almost 200 species of birds, including the rare Bicknell's Thrush, live in the White Mountains.
Summer temperatures are often very pleasant; however mountain weather can change drastically, putting visitors at risk for exposure to cold, rain and snow even during summer. Winters bring bitter cold and severe weather. Campers should come prepared.
Nearby Attractions
Numerous hiking trails, mountain biking trails and rock climbing routes are within a short drive of the campground. The nearby towns of North Conway, Jackson and Gorham provide shops, restaurants, supplies and other conveniences.
In summer, confident campers can try the drive up the steep Mount Washington Auto Road to catch a view from the Northeast's highest peak. Guided tours are also available. The Cog Railway ascends the other side of the mountain, and is about an hour drive from Dolly Copp.
The White Mountains region hosts four alpine and five nordic ski areas, which provide year-round recreation opportunities.
Recreation
The campground is a popular spot for groups to camp, picnic and hike. It is a hub for hikes into the Presidential and Carter-Moriah Ranges. The Daniel Webster Scout Trail leaves from the southern end of Dolly Copp Campground into the Great Gulf Wilderness on the northeast side of Mount Washington. Many more miles of trails can be accessed within a short drive.
Within the facility, anglers can try their luck for brook trout in the creek and river. Families can learn more through educational programs presented at Dolly Copp on weekends in July and August.
The end of the camping season may also offer great opportunities for viewing fall foliage, and winter brings much fun for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice climbing enthusiasts.
Learn more about recreation in the national forest.
Contact Information
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WHITE MOUNTAIN NH
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 603-466-2713
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Gorham, New Hampshire: Take Highway 16 south for approximately 5 miles to Dolly Copp Road. Turn right and travel approximately 1 mile to the campground. Follow signs.
From North Conway, New Hampshire: Take Highway 302 to Glen. Turn right onto State Route 16 north and follow for about 22 miles. Turn left onto Dolly Copp Road and travel approximately 1 mile to the campground. Follow signs.
Available Campsites
- Site 001, Loop BARN, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop BARN, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop BARN, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop BARN, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop BARN, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop BARN, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop BARN, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop BARN, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop BARN, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop BARN, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop BARN, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
