How much does camping cost at Dry River Campground?

Camping fees at Dry River Campground range from $25/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Dry River Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Dry River Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Dry River Campground?

Dry River Campground is open Not specified.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Dry River Campground?

Yes, Dry River Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Dry River Campground?

Fire policies at Dry River Campground: Firewood must be purchased on-site to prevent disease spread; costs $6 per bundle, cash only.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Dry River Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Dry River Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Dry River Campground?

Dry River Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Dry River Campground?

Popular activities at Dry River Campground include Hiking, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Dry River Campground

4.51

109 reviews

US Route 302, Harts Locations, New Hampshire, 03812, United States

StargazingGreat Hiking

Featured in:Hiking Camping New Hampshire RV Camping New Hampshire Pet-Friendly Campgrounds New Hampshire +8 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

1,224 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Not specified.

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on NH State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

1,224 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Not specified.

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on NH State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Dry River Campground

$25.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Nightly base fee includes 2 adults and up to 4 dependent children under 18. Extra adults are $10 per night, additional children are $5 per night....

Standard Site Fee$25.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Reserve America

Provider

6033742272nhparks@dncr.nh.gov

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What Campers Say

4.51

Top-Rated

Based on 109 reviews

127 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersspacioushiking

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight the campground's excellent location within Crawford Notch, clean facilities, and friendly staff. However, road noise, limited privacy for some sites, and mixed bathroom cleanliness were noted as concerns."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

US Route 302, Harts Locations, New Hampshire, 03812, United States

Dry River Campground

US Route 302, Harts Locations, New Hampshire, 03812, United States

Nearby places

Bartlett (approx. 10 miles)

North Conway (approx. 25 miles)

Bretton Woods (approx. 15 miles)

Nearby supplies

Private campground store 1-2 miles south for ice, bug spray, firewood, and light food supplies

Bartlett offers more extensive options approximately 10 miles away.

Driving directionsFrom I-93: Exit 36 onto Route 3 North. Follow Route 3 to Route 302 east. Follow signs to Crawford Notch State Park. From I-95: Take Route 16 north to Route 302 west. On 302 follow signs to Crawford Notch State Park.

Roads are paved and accessible year-round, but reviews mention noise from nearby highways (Route 302). Limited cell service and emergency calls rely on a pay phone at the park office/store.

Best Time to Camp at Dry River Campground

Fall delivers the best conditions here. Daytime highs in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F pair with crisp nights that often drop into the 20s and 30s, especially in October. Peak foliage hits the trails and overlooks hard, making it prime time for hiking and photography. Weekdays stay pleasantly uncrowded; weekends draw leaf-peepers. Wildlife viewing picks up as animals prepare for winter. Summer brings warmer weather suitable for river access and swimming, though afternoon showers are common. Winter transforms the area into a snowshoeing landscape, but you'll need to confirm seasonal campground access. Spring is dynamic. Temperatures climb gradually while April brings alternating rain and late-season snow.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Spring and fall are popular for hiking; likely excellent fall foliage and trails.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Not specified.
Current Alerts: Limited or no cell service; review mentions COVID-related site restrictions.

About Dry River Campground

Dry River Campground sits at 1,224 feet elevation within Crawford Notch State Park, where millions of years of glacial carving created one of New England's most dramatic mountain passes. Sites cost $25 per night and accommodate both tents and large RVs. Hot showers (coin-operated), flush toilets, and laundry give the place more amenities than typical backcountry camping, though road noise from Route 302 affects western sites.

Dry River Campground is suitable for tent and RV camping, with group camping and platform tent sites also available. No cabins or glamping options are provided.

Historical Significance

The Appalachian Trail passes nearby, connecting through-hikers and day adventurers to the 2,190-mile footpath that's anchored New England's hiking culture for decades. Historic railroad trestles remain visible high in the surrounding cliffs, remnants of the mountain railway era when trains carried tourists through Crawford Notch.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions here. Daytime highs in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F pair with crisp nights that often drop into the 20s and 30s, especially in October. Peak foliage hits the trails and overlooks hard, making it prime time for hiking and photography. Weekdays stay pleasantly uncrowded; weekends draw leaf-peepers. Wildlife viewing picks up as animals prepare for winter. Summer brings warmer weather suitable for river access and swimming, though afternoon showers are common. Winter transforms the area into a snowshoeing landscape, but you'll need to confirm seasonal campground access. Spring is dynamic. Temperatures climb gradually while April brings alternating rain and late-season snow.

ElevationPerched at an ideal elevation within the White Mountains, Dry River Campground offers the perfect balance of mountain atmosphere without the challenges of high-altitude camping. This moderate elevation provides cooler summer temperatures than the valleys below while remaining accessible year-round, allowing you to experience the majesty of mountain living with comfort and ease.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a U-shaped glacial valley where ancient granite foundations reveal themselves in dramatic cliff faces and boulder fields. Northern hardwood forests blend with spruce-fir stands, creating a diverse ecosystem that shifts with elevation. The Dry River itself meanders nearby, its flow swelling after late-summer rains. Morning mist often clings to the valley floor, and when it clears, you get views of the surrounding peaks that define Crawford Notch. The dense woodland provides natural shade for most sites, though spacing varies. Some areas feel exposed while others offer genuine seclusion between neighbors.

Geological RegionDry River Campground sits within the geological wonderland of Crawford Notch State Park, where millions of years of natural forces have carved one of New England's most spectacular mountain passes. The White Mountains' ancient granite foundations reveal themselves in dramatic cliff faces and boulder-strewn slopes, while the notch itself tells the story of glacial artistry—a U-shaped valley carved by ice age glaciers and refined by countless seasons of freeze and thaw. This unique geological setting creates a diverse ecosystem where northern hardwood forests blend with spruce-fir stands, offering campers an unparalleled opportunity to explore one of the East Coast's most significant mountain landscapes.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Max reservation window is 11 months in advance.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 2 adults and 4 dependent children per standard site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are spacious enough for large RVs and multiple tents. Some include platforms with shelters. Dishwashing stations and water spigots are distributed throughout the loops. Distance between sites varies. Some feel close to neighbors or the road, others offer better separation with natural screening. Fire rings and picnic tables come standard.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Reserve America Call Center at 1-877-647-2757.

Walk-in AvailabilityReservations recommended, but walk-up availability is indicated with a board at the entrance listing available sites.

Cancellation PolicyFull refund minus transaction fee if canceled at least 10+ days prior to arrival. Refund minus reservation fee and cost of one night for cancellations between 4-9 days prior. No refunds for cancellations within 3 days of arrival.

AccessibilityThe campground offers handicap access, but specific details on the extent of accessibility features were not provided.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious and capable of accommodating both tents and large RVs (e.g., 30-foot camper).

PrivacyThe level of privacy varies by site; some are close to the road with minimal privacy, while others are more secluded with adequate distance between sites.

Recommended SitesAvoid sites near the entrance due to traffic noise and minimal privacy; eastern sites recommended for reduced road noise.

Need help booking Dry River Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

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Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Dry River Campground offers a range of outdoor activities. It is well-suited for hiking enthusiasts with numerous trailheads accessible directly from the site. Other activities include wildlife viewing, access to a nearby river, and a short drive to other recreational spots.

Hiking

Swimming

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears frequent the area, requiring vigilance and proper food storage. Noise from Route 302 impacts western sites. Limited cell service and reliance on pay phones for emergencies.

Active AlertsLimited or no cell service; review mentions COVID-related site restrictions.

Fire PolicyFirewood must be purchased on-site to prevent disease spread; costs $6 per bundle, cash only.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No explicit quiet hours mentioned.

Emergency ServicesNorth Conway Hospital (greater than 10 miles away), emergency police/fire/ambulance reachable at 911, pay phone available at the park office/store.

Trash & RecyclingLarge waste containers are located at the site entrance, and a recycling station is available.

Water FeaturesShort trail to a nearby river mentioned in reviews.

Camp HostRangers generally helpful, with specific mentions of Ranger Bob going above and beyond to assist guests.

Weather at Dry River Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

109 reviews

Top-Rated

Dry River Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's excellent location within Crawford Notch, clean facilities, and friendly staff. However, road noise, limited privacy for some sites, and mixed bathroom cleanliness were noted as concerns.

Review Summaries

Based on 109 reviews

What Campers Love

Spacious sites, clean bathrooms and showers, friendly and helpful staff, proximity to hiking trails, and access to a nearby river.

Based on 109 reviews

Common Concerns

Road noise affecting sites near Route 302, limited privacy between sites, unclean bathroom conditions at times, and issues with barking dogs.

Based on 109 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Choose sites farther from Route 302 to minimize road noise. Bring quarters for coin-operated showers and laundry. Firewood can be purchased on-site for $6 cash. Plan to be disconnected as there is no...

Based on 109 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are popular seasons for hiking, while summer offers warmer weather for swimming and outdoor activities. Winter conditions were not specifically reviewed.

Based on 109 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bathrooms were clean and were flush toilets. There was laundry and showers." - Krissy C. "The scenic train passes directly across from the campground, always fun to see!" - PKMD Adventure "You don't...

Based on 109 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 28 was described as noisy due to proximity to the road. Site 22 was noted as suitable for large RVs. Sites farther from the road and loop entrance offer greater privacy and reduced traffic noise.

Based on 109 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressed accessibility features.

Based on 109 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but were a source of frustration for some visitors due to barking. Heather Howard described disruptive behavior from dogs at various sites.

Based on 109 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

0 review