How much does camping cost at Passaconaway Campground?

Camping fees at Passaconaway Campground range from $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

What is the best time to visit Passaconaway Campground?

Passaconaway Campground is open Mid-May through mid-October.. 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 Passaconaway Campground?

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

How many campsites does Passaconaway Campground have?

Passaconaway Campground has 32 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Passaconaway Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Passaconaway Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Passaconaway Campground?

Passaconaway Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Passaconaway Campground?

Popular activities at Passaconaway Campground include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Passaconaway Campground

Q: Is Passaconaway Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Passaconaway Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. User reviews confirm the difficulty in finding sites during peak season.

Q: Can I have a campfire at Passaconaway Campground?

Fire policies at Passaconaway Campground: Campfires are allowed, with firewood available for purchase. Campers must adhere to safe practices in bear country.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.19

71 reviews

Passaconaway Campground, Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Best Campgrounds New Hampshire

Quick Facts

1,300 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

32 campsites

Season

Open mid-May through...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,300 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

32 campsites

Season

Open mid-May through...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Passaconaway Campground

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The fee is $30 per night for single-family sites, with additional charges of $6 per night for extra vehicles when space permits. Past user reviews...

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

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What Campers Say

4.19

Satisfactory

Based on 71 reviews

67 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulcleanspacious

Some mention

noise

"User reviews are mixed, with long-time visitors praising the campground's rustic charm and privacy while more recent reviews highlight declining maintenance standards. "This used to be my favorite Campground," said John Ward, adding that recent visits have been marred by unclean sites and limited water availability."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Passaconaway Campground, Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

Passaconaway Campground

Passaconaway Campground, Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

Nearby places

Conway: 14 miles, approx. 20-minute drive.

Nearby supplies

The nearest supplies for groceries, camping essentials, and fuel are available in Conway, 14 miles away.

Driving directionsPassaconaway Campground is located on the Kancamagus Highway (Rt 112) 14 miles west of Conway. Alternatively, from Conway, NH, at the intersection of State Routes 16/113 and 112, take Route 112 west for 14 miles to the campground on the right.

The campground is situated off the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112), which is a paved and well-maintained scenic road. Accessibility may vary during winter months due to potential snow closures on the highway.

Best Time to Camp at Passaconaway Campground

Fall delivers the best conditions: peak foliage, stable temperatures in the 50s and 60s during the day, and crisp nights in the 30s and 40s. September and early October offer ideal hiking weather and brilliant leaf color, though leaf-peeper weekends get crowded. The campground is open mid-May through mid-October. Summer stays comfortable under the forest canopy, which provides natural cooling. Expect mosquitoes and bugs during warmer months. Winter closes the campground entirely with deep snow and frigid temperatures.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Located on the Kancamagus corridor; dense hardwoods imply strong fall foliage appeal.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Mid-May through mid-October.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open mid-May through mid-October. Closed during the colder months.
Current Alerts: There are no active alerts listed. However, reviews mention that water may be unavailable due to maintenance issues with solar panels.

About Passaconaway Campground

Passaconaway Campground sits at 1,300 feet in the White Mountain National Forest, offering 32 rustic sites along the Swift River. The $30-per-night fee gets you spacious, well-separated sites with vault toilets and fire rings, but no potable water on-site. It's a true backcountry experience: cell service is nonexistent, and recent reviews note declining maintenance. Long-time visitors still appreciate the privacy and river access, though you'll need to bring your own water or drive to nearby Jigger Johnson Campground to fill up.

Passaconaway Campground offers combined tent and RV sites, though it is not equipped with RV-specific hookups. There are no group camping sites or cabin accommodations.

Historical Significance

The Russell-Colbath Historic Site operates nearby from early July through Labor Day, with costumed interpreters demonstrating 19th-century New Hampshire life and traditional crafts. It's a rare chance to see how families lived in these mountains before the area became national forest.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions: peak foliage, stable temperatures in the 50s and 60s during the day, and crisp nights in the 30s and 40s. September and early October offer ideal hiking weather and brilliant leaf color, though leaf-peeper weekends get crowded. The campground is open mid-May through mid-October. Summer stays comfortable under the forest canopy, which provides natural cooling. Expect mosquitoes and bugs during warmer months. Winter closes the campground entirely with deep snow and frigid temperatures.

ElevationPerched at 1,300 feet above sea level, Passaconaway Campground enjoys a sweet spot in the White Mountains' vertical landscape. This moderate elevation gifts campers with noticeably cooler temperatures than the valleys below—a natural refuge during summer heat waves. The mountain air here carries a crispness that sharpens your senses and fills your lungs with the pure essence of the forest.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Swift River carves through ancient granite bedrock here, a product of ice ages and millennia of erosion. The campground sits beneath a mixed canopy of conifers and hardwoods, creating dense shade and excellent privacy between sites. Several sites sit close enough to the river to catch glimpses of its waters through the trees. The mature forest supports a full range of White Mountain wildlife, from wildflowers to moose. The moss-lined roads and thick understory give the place a quiet, secluded feel that reviewers consistently mention.

Geological RegionPassaconaway Campground sits within the magnificent tapestry of the White Mountain National Forest, where millions of years of geological forces have sculpted one of New England's most dramatic landscapes. The Swift River, carving its ancient path through granite bedrock, tells the story of ice ages and erosion that shaped these mountains. This corner of northern New Hampshire showcases the region's signature blend of rugged mountain terrain softened by lush forests, creating an ecosystem that supports everything from tiny woodland wildflowers to majestic moose.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

The maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The number of guests allowed per site is not explicitly stated.

Groups

Group sites are not available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutTwo loops, one large and one smaller, with moss-lined interior roads. Sites are spacious and set far apart, which multiple reviewers cite as the campground's strongest feature. The dense forest and thoughtful spacing create genuine privacy even when the campground fills up.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available for this campground.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. User reviews confirm the difficulty in finding sites during peak season.

Cancellation PolicyAs reservations are not accepted, cancellation policies do not apply.

AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly toilets are available, according to official sources.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious and large in user reviews, providing enough space for privacy and comfort.

PrivacySeparation between sites provides excellent privacy, according to authoritative sources. One reviewer stated, "Sites are spacious and set far enough apart for privacy.

Total Campsites32 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy and shade, choose sites deeper within the campground. Sites closer to Route 112 may experience traffic noise.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers limited recreational activities but benefits from its proximity to hiking trails and the Swift River. Fishing is permitted, and Brook trout are the primary species available. There are several hiking trails accessible nearby, including the UNH Trail, Downes Brook Trail, and Mt. Potash Trail across the highway. Beach activities, swimming, and boating are not applicable given the campground's inland location.

Hiking

Fishing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity requires campers to use safe food storage techniques. Traffic noise is mentioned for sites near Route 112.

Active AlertsThere are no active alerts listed. However, reviews mention that water may be unavailable due to maintenance issues with solar panels.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed, with firewood available for purchase. Campers must adhere to safe practices in bear country.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced after 10 PM.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are available in Conway, the nearest city, which is 14 miles away. This includes hospitals, police, and fire stations.

Trash & RecyclingInformation about trash and recycling facilities is not provided in the source materials.

Water FeaturesLocated near the Swift River, some campsites offer views and quick access to the water.

Camp HostThe presence and quality of hosts vary based on the reviews. Some years have seen friendly and effective hosts, while others note the absence of hosts and associated issues such as unclean sites and unavailable firewood.

Weather at Passaconaway 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

4.2

71 reviews

Satisfactory

Passaconaway Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are mixed, with long-time visitors praising the campground's rustic charm and privacy while more recent reviews highlight declining maintenance standards. "This used to be my favorite Campground," said John Ward, adding that recent visits have been marred by unclean sites and limited water availability.

Review Summaries

Based on 71 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects mentioned by users include the campground's spacious and private sites, proximity to trails, and serene environment. "Quiet and clean and peaceful," noted one reviewer. Another...

Based on 71 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of potable water, poor restroom maintenance, and unclean campsites. "Bathrooms were poorly maintained and in need of repair," remarked one user, while another...

Based on 71 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users include bringing your own water and considering alternative campgrounds nearby, such as Jigger Johnson Campground, which offers better facilities. "If you need water, you have to...

Based on 71 reviews

Seasonal Insights

User reviews indicate that the campground is less buggy during summer months, but traffic noise from the nearby Kancamagus Highway is common throughout the season. "Cooler up here on hot summer...

Based on 71 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Very nice off the grid campground 13 years of coming up to this campground with my family and still love it." - Charlie M "Sites are spacious and set far enough apart for privacy. Wood available...

Based on 71 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 15 is highly praised for its proximity to the Swift River. "Loved 15. 30 second walk to the Swift from site 15," said Anthony Pagliuso. Several users noted that some of the best river sites have...

Based on 71 reviews