How much does camping cost at Big Rock?

Camping fees at Big Rock range from $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Big Rock first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Rock 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.

Can I see photos of campsites at Big Rock before I book?

Yes! Big Rock has 10 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Big Rock?

Big Rock is open May 22 - October 13 annually.. 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 Big Rock?

Big Rock does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Big Rock?

Fire policies at Big Rock: Fires are only permitted in designated fire rings. Dead and downed wood may be gathered for firewood.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Big Rock have?

Big Rock has 28 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Big Rock?

Yes, pets are allowed at Big Rock. 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 Big Rock?

Big Rock offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big Rock?

Popular activities at Big Rock include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Rock

4.38

131 reviews

Featured in:Fall Camping New Hampshire Best Campgrounds New Hampshire Hiking Camping New Hampshire +3 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

1,545 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

28 campsites

Season

Open annually from M...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on USDA Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

1,545 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

28 campsites

Season

Open annually from M...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on USDA Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Big Rock

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak Season pricing applies from May 22 through October 13 annually. Rates are $30 per night for all site types, including Standard Nonelectric, Tent...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$30.00

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(603) 536-6100whitemountaincampgrounds@explorus.com

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What Campers Say

4.38

Recommended

Based on 131 reviews

46 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanspacioushiking

Some mention

noise

"Big Rock Campground is appreciated for its cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and secluded sites. Common praises include the friendly and helpful camp host, proximity to trails and attractions, and the campground's tranquil and natural setting. However, some users criticized the lack of cell service, road noise from the nearby highway, and occasional issues with vault toilet maintenance."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Big Rock

44.0487, -71.5610

Nearby places

Lincoln: Approximately 8 minutes (about 5 miles). North Woodstock: Approximately 15 minutes (about 10 miles). Conway: Approximately 40 minutes.

Nearby supplies

Supplies, including groceries, camping gear, and fuel, can be accessed in Lincoln, approximately 8 minutes away. The town also offers dining and shopping options.

Best Time to Camp at Big Rock

Fall delivers the region's signature leaf color, with daytime highs from 50-65°F in September dropping to 30-50°F by early October. Nights turn chilly. Rivers run clear and trout fishing stays productive. Late September through early October weekends draw heavy traffic for leaf-peeping. Weekdays stay quieter. Summer offers warm days with cool mountain breezes. Winter access becomes limited as snow reclaims the forest, though the area supports winter activities for those willing to venture in.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 9% in NH

Fall foliage is a major draw; reviews note popularity in peak leaf-peeping season (traffic caveat).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 - October 13 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open annually from May 22 to October 13 during Peak Season. Closed during other months, with no booking available.

About Big Rock

Big Rock Campground sits along the Kancamagus Highway in White Mountain National Forest, offering 28 tent and RV sites with significant spacing between them. Sites run $30 per night and include picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and potable water. The campground has no cell service from any major provider, though Lincoln is eight minutes away with coverage.

Big Rock Campground offers standard non-electric campsites, tent-only non-electric sites, and walk-to campsites. Accommodations are rustic and suited for campers who prefer a natural, no-frills experience.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the region's signature leaf color, with daytime highs from 50-65°F in September dropping to 30-50°F by early October. Nights turn chilly. Rivers run clear and trout fishing stays productive. Late September through early October weekends draw heavy traffic for leaf-peeping. Weekdays stay quieter. Summer offers warm days with cool mountain breezes. Winter access becomes limited as snow reclaims the forest, though the area supports winter activities for those willing to venture in.

ElevationWhile specific elevation details await discovery by curious campers, the campground's mountain setting promises that crisp, clean air and stunning vistas that only altitude can provide.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies wooded terrain at 1,545 feet elevation, with tall evergreens and deciduous trees shading individual sites. A massive boulder sits at the entrance. The East Branch Pemigewasset River flows nearby, accessible for swimming and fishing. Ancient glaciers carved the surrounding peaks and valleys into the dramatic mountain landscape visible from the Kancamagus Highway. Sites feel secluded despite the relatively small campground size, with enough tree cover and spacing that campers report feeling like they're hanging out in the woods rather than a developed facility.

Geological RegionSet within the dramatic landscape of the White Mountain National Forest, Big Rock Campground occupies a realm sculpted by ancient glaciers and shaped by millions of years of geological drama. The surrounding terrain tells the story of ice ages past through its rugged mountain peaks and deep valleys. Positioned along the renowned Kancamagus Highway, visitors find themselves immersed in one of New England's most photographed and cherished scenic corridors, where every turn reveals another postcard-worthy vista of pristine wilderness.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in starts at 11:00 AM.

Check-out

Check-out is by 12:00 PM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit of 14 consecutive nights is enforced. Visitors may stay up to 14 nights during rolling 30-day periods.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 guests per site is permitted.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutIndividual wooded sites spread across the property, some designated as walk-to sites requiring a short carry from parking. Sites are large enough for two tents with room to spare.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityApproximately half of the sites are first-come, first-served. Campers are advised to arrive early during peak times to secure a site.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be made ahead of arrival. A $10 fee applies, plus forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee for cancellations made within one day of check-in. Late cancellations and no-shows may incur added penalties.

AccessibilityThere are accessible vault toilets and accessible parking spaces available.

Site SizeCampsites are described as large and well-spaced. A user review noted, 'Sites are large enough for our two tents.

PrivacySites are generally private, with significant spacing and wooded areas between them. A review mentioned, 'Small, well-maintained campground that felt very secluded. Campsites aren’t right next to each other so you feel like you’re hanging out in the woods.

Total Campsites28 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites further from the road to minimize noise. Sites #21-28 provide added privacy and are closer to the East Branch Pemigewasset River. Walk-To sites offer more seclusion.

Need help booking Big Rock?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Big Rock Campground provides access to various recreational activities such as hiking, swimming, fishing, picnicking, sightseeing, and pleasure driving. It is close to several trailheads and scenic attractions.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bears and other wildlife. Campers must follow 'Bear Aware' guidelines, including secure food storage. Traffic noise from the nearby Kancamagus Highway may disrupt quieter experiences.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyFires are only permitted in designated fire rings. Dead and downed wood may be gathered for firewood.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 7 AM.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services, including hospitals and police stations, are available in Lincoln, approximately 8 minutes away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are conveniently located on-site and within walking distance from most campsites. A user noted, 'Close walk for water, trash, and restrooms.'

Water FeaturesThe campground is close to the East Branch Pemigewasset River, Upper Lady's Bath, and Franconia Falls.

Camp HostHosts are described as friendly, helpful, and professional. 'Doc,' the current host, is praised for maintaining the campground and assisting campers.

Weather at Big Rock

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

4.4

131 reviews

Recommended

Big Rock is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Big Rock Campground is appreciated for its cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and secluded sites. Common praises include the friendly and helpful camp host, proximity to trails and attractions, and the campground's tranquil and natural setting. However, some users criticized the lack of cell service, road noise from the nearby highway, and occasional issues with vault toilet maintenance.

Review Summaries

Based on 131 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean and well-maintained facilities, spacious and private campsites, proximity to hiking trails and attractions, and a helpful camp host. A user remarked, 'We love that Big...

Based on 131 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include road noise from the nearby highway, lack of cellular service, and occasional issues with vault toilets. One user noted, 'Vault toilets were unusable due to mosquitoes and...

Based on 131 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include reserving campsites well in advance due to high demand, choosing sites further from the road for reduced noise, and bringing hand sanitizer as bathrooms lack it. A user suggested, 'If...

Based on 131 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is particularly popular for its vibrant foliage and hiking opportunities. However, traffic in the area can be heavy during peak leaf-peeping weekends. Summer is busy due to its proximity to...

Based on 131 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The host, Doc, was so helpful and really cared about doing his best to keep this rustic campground feeling perfect!' 2. 'Nice, well-maintained campground. Sites are spaced out nicely.' 3. 'We had...

Based on 131 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

1. Site #3: 'Long driveway, unexpectedly private, close to the big rock for which the campground is named.' 2. Site #22: 'Next to bathrooms; smelled really bad whenever the wind blew.' 3. Site #11:...

Based on 131 reviews