Blackberry Crossing Campground
4.3332 reviewsState Rt. 112, 6.1 miles west of Conway, NH, turn left at campground sign.
Blackberry Crossing Campground
$22.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
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
The standard fee for a single-family site is $30 per site per night. An extra vehicle fee of $6 per vehicle per night applies (space permitting).
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About this campground
Step back in time at Blackberry Crossing Campground, where echoes of America's Great Depression era still whisper through the trees. This enchanting 26-site campground, operating on a first-come, first-served basis, invites modern adventurers to camp where young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps once lived and worked in the 1930s. With rustic amenities including hand pump water and vault toilets, you'll find the perfect balance between wilderness immersion and basic comfort. Gateway to adventures await with direct access to the winding Boulder Loop and the scenic Nanamocomuck Ski Trail, making this a four-season basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts.
Blackberry Crossing offers primitive camping, tent camping, and combined RV sites. It operates entirely on a first-come, first-serve basis, with no reservation system. Group camping is not explicitly detailed.
Historical SignificanceWalk in the footsteps of history at this remarkable site, once home to CCC Swift River Camp, Company 1177. From 1935 to 1941, young men transformed both this landscape and their lives during one of America's most challenging eras. Today, interpretive plaques guide you through time as you discover moss-covered building foundations and weathered fireplace structures - tangible connections to the brave souls who built much of our nation's outdoor infrastructure. These silent monuments tell stories of determination, hope, and the enduring American spirit.
Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's full palette throughout the year at Blackberry Crossing. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with snow blanketing the historic grounds and temperatures that demand cozy sleeping bags and warm campfires. Summer brings gentle warmth filtering through the canopy, perfect for lazy afternoons by the Swift River. The true magic happens during spring's awakening and autumn's grand finale, when the forest explodes in breathtaking displays of emerald greens or fiery reds and golds, all under comfortably moderate temperatures that make hiking and exploring pure joy.
ElevationPerched at a comfortable 800 feet above sea level, Blackberry Crossing offers the perfect sweet spot for camping enthusiasts. This moderate elevation provides refreshingly cool nights without the thin air of higher altitudes, creating ideal conditions for restful sleep under the stars and energizing mornings ready for adventure.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a cathedral of white birch trees that stand like nature's sentinels throughout this peaceful sanctuary. The melodic Swift River provides a constant soundtrack, its waters dancing over ancient stones just a short walk from your campsite. Throughout the grounds, nature and history intertwine beautifully - weathered CCC structures peek through ferns and wildflowers, creating an almost mystical atmosphere where every trail promises discovery and every clearing reveals another piece of this living museum set within the majestic White Mountain National Forest.
Geological RegionNestled within the legendary White Mountain National Forest, Blackberry Crossing showcases the region's quintessential beauty. The campground's location along the Swift River places you in the heart of New England's geological wonderland, where ancient granite peaks watch over valleys carved by glaciers and time. The dominant white birch forest creates a distinctive landscape that photographers dream about, while the proximity to historic CCC sites adds layers of human history to this already rich natural tapestry. This is where the raw beauty of the White Mountains meets the enduring legacy of conservation efforts that helped shape America's outdoor heritage.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets and wheelchair-accessible picnic tables are available at each site.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious, with enough room for tents and parking. User reviews emphasize privacy and space between sites.
Sites PrivacySites are relatively private and spread out. Some sites close to the road have less privacy. One user said, 'Sites are spacious and reasonably private.'
Total Campsites26 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSome user reviews recommend avoiding sites too close to Rt. 112 due to traffic noise. Site 3 has been noted for a safety concern regarding a dead birch tree.
Best CampsitesSpecific site numbers are not listed as best; feedback indicates sites are spacious and well-separated.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is at any point during arrival as all sites are first-come, first-served.
Check-out
Check-out time is officially at 12 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Guests per site are limited to family size (details unclear).
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes two loops and a tent-only walk-in spur. Sites are well-separated by wooded areas.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round with limited winter use. Sites are plowed during winter but water is not available.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations; all sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll 26 sites are first-come, first-served with no reservations. High demand can occur during peak season and weekends.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservation system present; cancellations do not apply.
Amenities available
Showers
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Blackberry Crossing Campground provides access to hiking trails nearby, including the Boulder Loop Trail and Nanamocomuck Trail. Cultural activities are accessible at the nearby Russell-Colbath Historic Site during summer Saturdays. Wildlife viewing is prominent given its proximity to natural areas.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include the Boulder Loop Trail and Nanamocomuck Ski Trail, both accessible by a short walk from the campground. User reviews describe the trails as scenic and family-friendly.Fishing
Brook trout fishing is permitted in the nearby Swift River. Several users noted the peaceful riverside setting.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is encouraged, with frequent sightings of local fauna. One user highlighted the 'threats of bears and other wilderness dangers.'Cultural and Educational Programs
The Russell-Colbath Historic Site, located nearby, hosts educational programs on summer Saturday nights. The self-guided tour of the old CCC camp within the campground also adds historical significance.Winter Activities
Limited winter use is possible since sites are plowed, but water access is unavailable.Water Sports
No water sports, including kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding, are available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings. Firewood is available for purchase on site.
- Quiet hours begin at 10 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include traffic noise from Rt. 112, proximity to the Swift River, and bears requiring safe food storage.
Active alertsNo active alerts provided in the source.
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 59%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 4.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Walk-in medical office located nearby in Conway. Additional emergency services available in Conway.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season information is not explicitly stated; summer months are generally most popular.
Trash and recyclingDumpsters for trash disposal are available on-site, but there is no mention of recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresThe Swift River is situated just across Rt. 112; no direct lake access provided.
Common complaintsMultiple user reviews report issues with campground hosts being excessively strict and calling sheriffs for minor infractions or perceived noise. Some campers described being unfairly profiled based on age group.
HostHosts are generally regarded as friendly and helpful, although a few reviews describe negative experiences due to perceived strictness. Campground hosts have a dog named Peanut.
Campground Map
State Rt. 112, 6.1 miles west of Conway, NH, turn left at campground sign.
Driving directionsIn Conway, NH, at the intersection of State Rts. 16/116 and 112 (Kancamagus Highway), take State Rt. 112 west 6.1 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.
Road access is via the paved Kancamagus Highway (Rt. 112). Seasonal closures apply to some nearby facilities.Nearby places
Conway (6.1 miles, approximately 12 minutes driving).
Nearby supplies
Camping supplies, groceries, and fuel available in Conway, approximately 6 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.3
32 reviews
Blackberry Crossing Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall user reviews are mixed but tend toward positive sentiments. Many appreciate the campground's quiet atmosphere, spacious sites, and historical charm. However, some users expressed dissatisfaction with strict enforcement of rules, especially younger guests.
Review Summaries
Based on 32 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently praise the peaceful setting, privacy between sites, historical significance, and clean facilities. Statements like 'Quiet, spacious areas for plenty of camping' and 'Friendly hosts...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include strict enforcement of rules by the hosts, especially related to noise levels and firewood policies. Some users cited 'profiling against younger age groups' and 'nosy...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring a flashlight for the lack of power at sites. Arrive early to secure spots since reservations are not allowed. Utilize coin-operated showers at nearby campgrounds. Firewood is available for...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews note a reduction in amenities during winter, such as unavailable water. Summer experiences are highlighted for family-friendly activities and nearby cultural programs.
Based on 32 reviewsCamper Quotes
'An old CCC camp, plaques of historical info and old foundations give this place some interesting character too!' 'My favorite part is there's little to no cell service, so it's off the grid.' 'Quiet...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #3 was mentioned in a negative context due to a 'large, mostly dead birch tree widow maker looming to fall.' One reviewer described issues with campsite proximity to the road.
Based on 32 reviewsAccessibility Features
Wheelchair-friendly vault toilets and picnic tables are available, earning positive mentions in reviews like 'Wheelchair access at each site.'
Based on 32 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Many users noted the campground as pet-friendly. 'Love this place! Clean, safe, and pet-friendly!' was a typical sentiment.
Based on 32 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025