Passaconaway Campground
4.1832 reviewsPassaconaway Campground, Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
Passaconaway Campground
$30.00 - $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 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 indicate that fees have increased to $27 per night in some instances.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest, Passaconaway Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience across 32 thoughtfully spaced sites. This rustic haven attracts those who prefer the whisper of wind through towering trees to the buzz of modern amenities. Here, where the Swift River meanders nearby, you'll discover the kind of peaceful seclusion that makes time slow down and stress melt away. It's the perfect basecamp for adventurers who believe the best connections happen when you disconnect.
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 SignificanceStep back in time at the nearby Russell-Colbath Historic Site, where the spirit of 19th-century New Hampshire comes alive through engaging living history programs. From early July through Labor Day, costumed interpreters share stories of the families who once called these mountains home, demonstrating traditional crafts and daily life from a bygone era. It's a fascinating glimpse into the human history that shaped this wilderness long before it became a recreational paradise.
Weather and SeasonsFrom mid-May through mid-October, Passaconaway transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own magic to the forest. Summer days invite exploration with comfortable warmth, while the dense canopy creates natural air conditioning that keeps your campsite pleasantly cool. As evening falls, temperatures drop just enough to make campfire gatherings and sleeping bag snuggles especially cozy. Though winter's deep snows and frigid temperatures close the campground, they transform the surrounding landscape into a crystalline wonderland that makes spring's return all the more spectacular.
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 SceneryAncient conifers and stately hardwoods create a living cathedral around each campsite, their branches forming a protective canopy overhead. The campground's moss-lined interior road feels like something from a fairy tale, cushioning footsteps and adding to the enchanted atmosphere. The Swift River flows nearby, its gentle music providing a natural soundtrack to your stay, with select sites offering glimpses of its sparkling waters through the trees. This mature forest ecosystem ensures privacy between sites while creating endless opportunities for wildlife watching and quiet contemplation.
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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly toilets are available, according to official sources.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious and large in user reviews, providing enough space for privacy and comfort.
Sites 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 CampsitesFor privacy and shade, choose sites deeper within the campground. Sites closer to Route 112 may experience traffic noise.
Best CampsitesSite 15 is highlighted as being close to the Swift River, providing quick access to the water.
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features one large and one smaller loop with moss-lined interior roads and well-separated sites ensuring privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen mid-May through mid-October. Closed during the colder months.
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.
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
Nearby hiking trails include Church Pond Loop Trail (1.6 miles) and Olivarin Brook Trail (4.4 miles), which connect to the Sandwich Range's network of trails. User reviews highlight the proximity of walkable trails: "Proximity to walkable trails is fantastic," noted one reviewer.Fishing
Brook trout are available in the Swift River for fishing. No reviews elaborated on the fishing experience.Cultural and Educational Programs
The nearby Russell-Colbath Historic Site offers living history programs and weekend interpretative sessions from early July through Labor Day.Winter Activities
No recorded winter activities are available, as the campground is open seasonally from mid-May to mid-October.Water Sports
Water sports are not available at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed, with firewood available for purchase. Campers must adhere to safe practices in bear country.
- Quiet hours are enforced after 10 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsBear 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.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 65%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 2.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Partly cloudy
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
Emergency services are available in Conway, the nearest city, which is 14 miles away. This includes hospitals, police, and fire stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesMid-May through mid-October.
Trash and recyclingInformation about trash and recycling facilities is not provided in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near the Swift River, some campsites offer views and quick access to the water.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include poorly maintained bathrooms, lack of potable water, unclean campsites, and noise from the Kancamagus Highway.
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.
Campground Map
Passaconaway Campground, Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
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.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.
Camper Reviews
4.2
32 reviews
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 32 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 32 reviewsShow more
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 32 reviewsShow more
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 32 reviewsShow more
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 32 reviewsShow more
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 32 reviewsShow more
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 32 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Wheelchair-friendly toilets are available per official sources, but no user reviews specifically address accessibility experiences.
Based on 32 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews explicitly mention pet policies or experiences.
Based on 32 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025