How much does camping cost at Cold River?

Camping fees at Cold River range from $24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cold River first-come first-served or reservation?

Cold River 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 Cold River before I book?

Yes! Cold River has 2 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 Cold River?

Cold River is open May 22 - October 13. 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 Cold River?

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

Can I have a campfire at Cold River?

Fire policies at Cold River: Campfires are allowed, subject to local regulations.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Cold River have?

Cold River has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cold River?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cold River. 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 Cold River?

Cold River 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 Cold River?

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

Cold River

4.37

38 reviews

WHITE MOUNTAIN

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Swimming Camping New Hampshire Boating Camping New Hampshire Pet-Friendly Campgrounds New Hampshire +5 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

633 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season is May 2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

633 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season is May 2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Cold River

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees are $24 per night during peak season (May 22 - October 13). Rates do not include any additional charges, taxes, or discounts.

Standard Site Fee$24.00

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.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

603-447-2166null

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.37

Recommended

Based on 38 reviews

3 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulspacioushiking

"Overall, Cold River Campground receives positive reviews for its quiet, rustic, and secluded setting. Many visitors appreciate the proximity to hiking trails and Basin Pond, though some noted issues with campsite surfaces and water availability."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

WHITE MOUNTAIN

Cold River

WHITE MOUNTAIN

Nearby places

Fryeburg, ME (15 miles)

Gilead, ME

Stow, ME

Nearby supplies

Groceries, restaurants, and gas are available in Fryeburg, Gilead, and Stow, Maine.

Best Time to Camp at Cold River

Fall is the standout season. Late September through early October brings brilliant foliage, daytime highs around 50–65°F, and nights in the 30s–40s. Trout fishing and wildlife viewing peak as animals prepare for winter. Weekends during peak color get busy, but weekdays stay peaceful. The campground operates May through October. Winter occasionally dusts the area with snow.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Early fall popularity and White Mountain foliage markedly enhance the experience.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 - October 13. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season is May 22 - October 13. Reservations start June 26.
Current Alerts: Water pump was reported broken on several occasions, requiring trips to nearby Basin Campground for potable water.

About Cold River

Cold River Campground sits in White Mountain National Forest, offering a quiet, rustic escape with one loop of spacious, well-spaced sites. The campground charges $24/night and provides vault toilets, picnic tables, and hand-pumped water (though the pump occasionally fails). Hiking trails and Basin Pond are close by, making this a solid base for exploring the surrounding wilderness.

Cold River Campground supports standard non-electric camping with sites organized around one loop. Options include tent camping, RV camping, and group camping.

Weather and SeasonsFall is the standout season. Late September through early October brings brilliant foliage, daytime highs around 50–65°F, and nights in the 30s–40s. Trout fishing and wildlife viewing peak as animals prepare for winter. Weekends during peak color get busy, but weekdays stay peaceful. The campground operates May through October. Winter occasionally dusts the area with snow.

Elevationnull

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at 633 feet elevation in mixed hardwood and pine forest. Evans Brook runs nearby, and 23-acre Basin Pond is accessible for fishing, swimming, and paddling. The terrain is classic White Mountain country: weathered peaks, granite outcrops, and dense forest. Wildlife sightings include moose, white-tailed deer, and black bears. Over 200 bird species inhabit the area, from warblers to raptors.

Geological RegionSet within the magnificent White Mountain National Forest, Cold River Campground showcases nature's artistry through its diverse terrain of weathered peaks and verdant valleys. Here, crystal-clear mountain streams have carved their paths through rugged granite landscapes over millennia, while dense forests of mixed hardwoods and evergreen pines carpet the rolling hills. This geological wonderland represents millions of years of natural forces at work, creating the dramatic mountain scenery and pristine wilderness that defines New Hampshire's most treasured landscapes.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

NOON

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit of 14 nights during any 30-day rolling period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutOne loop with vault toilets and hand-pump water stations. Sites are spacious but often have rocky gravel surfaces that make tent setup tricky. Bring a mallet and extra stakes. The pump sometimes fails, so carry backup water.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in Availabilitynull

Cancellation PolicyCancellations are subject to a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night's fee if made within one day of check-in. Modifications to reservations may incur a $10 change fee, depending on the adjustment.

AccessibilityAccessible restrooms are provided, and the campground layout around one loop may facilitate navigation for some visitors. However, no specific information on full ADA compliance is available.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as spacious. "Well-spaced sites with plenty of room," one user noted.

PrivacySites provide a high degree of privacy, with another camper stating, "Each campsite has privacy.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid sites with rocky gravel for tent setups; campsite #012 offers privacy and good accessibility.

Need help booking Cold River?

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

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Cold River Campground offers a range of activities suitable for nature lovers. Hiking trails, including the 4.5-mile Basin Trail, are easily accessible, and the nearby Basin Pond allows for fishing and canoeing. "Peaceful and quiet campground nearby many trailheads in Evans Notch," one user said. Wildlife viewing is another highlight, with almost 200 bird species, moose, deer, and black bears present in the area. Some visitors noted the proximity to excellent hiking: "Close to good hiking trails," and "Walking distance to Basin Pond for swimming and to several trailheads."

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bears. Campers must store food in approved containers or locked vehicles.

Active AlertsWater pump was reported broken on several occasions, requiring trips to nearby Basin Campground for potable water.

Weather at Cold River

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

38 reviews

Recommended

Cold River is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Cold River Campground receives positive reviews for its quiet, rustic, and secluded setting. Many visitors appreciate the proximity to hiking trails and Basin Pond, though some noted issues with campsite surfaces and water availability.

Review Summaries

Based on 38 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors consistently praise the campground's peaceful atmosphere, spacious sites, and proximity to trails. "Such a quiet and peaceful place," said one user. Others noted that the sites are...

Based on 38 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the gravel and rocks at tent sites that make setup difficult, the lack of running water at times, and the absence of amenities like showers. One user said, "Each site is...

Based on 38 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra water in case the pump isn't operational, and consider bringing a mallet or other tools to handle the gravelly tent sites. Visitors also recommend using the campground as a base for...

Based on 38 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular during the summer and early fall, with users commenting on the area's beauty and accessibility to outdoor activities during these times. Winter reviews are limited but...

Based on 38 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great little campground. Walking distance to Basin Pond for swimming and to several trailheads." "The campsites have large stones where you are allowed to set up your tent." "Nice sites, restrooms...

Based on 38 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 012 is praised for being spacious and close to trails. Site 014 is noted for having a grassy area that cannot be used for tents, forcing campers to use the gravel area.

Based on 38 reviews