Radeke Cabin
4.4631 reviewsKancamagus Highway, Conway, NH, 03818, USA
Radeke Cabin
$65.00 - $65.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Flat-rate fee of $65 per night for cabin reservations in both peak and regular seasons. This does not include taxes, discounts, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Step back in time at Radeke Cabin, where rustic charm meets untamed wilderness in the heart of the White Mountains. This historic retreat invites adventurers to trade wifi signals for birdsong and smartphone screens for starlit skies. Open throughout all four seasons, the cabin offers a genuine back-to-basics experience with just enough amenities to make your stay comfortable while keeping you connected to the natural world around you. Pack your sense of adventure and prepare for the kind of getaway that creates stories worth telling.
Radeke Cabin provides cabin lodging and does not support RV or tent camping. The rustic facility focuses on a minimalist, off-the-grid experience.
Historical SignificanceThese weathered walls hold decades of memories from eager forestry students who once called this cabin their summer classroom. From its construction through 1969, generations of University of New Hampshire School of Forestry students learned their craft among these very trees, studying the forest's secrets and honing skills that would shape conservation efforts across New England. When the Forest Service acquired the property, they preserved not just a building but a legacy of environmental stewardship that visitors can still feel in every hand-hewn beam and time-worn floorboard.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Radeke Cabin with its own dramatic brushstrokes. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland where temperatures can plunge to a teeth-chattering -22°F, demanding respect and proper cold-weather gear from visitors brave enough to embrace the chill. As summer arrives, the scenic byway comes alive with travelers, creating a pleasant buzz of activity while warm days beckon you to explore every trail and riverbank. But it's autumn that truly steals the show, when the surrounding forest erupts in a symphony of golds, crimsons, and burnt oranges that draw leaf-peepers from far and wide.
ElevationNestled at a comfortable elevation within the White Mountain National Forest, the cabin offers that perfect mountain atmosphere without the extreme altitude challenges.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the gentle murmur of the Swift River just beyond your doorstep, its crystal-clear waters weaving through a tapestry of towering pines and sturdy hardwoods. This pristine pocket of the Saco District showcases nature's finest artistry, from the delicate spring wildflowers to the jaw-dropping autumn spectacle that transforms the canopy into liquid fire. Keep your camera ready and your eyes peeled—this wilderness sanctuary hosts an incredible cast of characters including majestic moose browsing in marshy clearings, elusive bobcats padding through the underbrush, and curious black bears foraging for seasonal treats. Bird enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise with over 237 species calling this forest home, their songs creating a natural soundtrack to your mountain adventure.
Geological RegionTucked within the storied Saco District of White Mountain National Forest, Radeke Cabin claims one of the most enviable addresses in New England's outdoor playground. Here, where ancient granite peaks watch over valleys carved by time and water, the Swift River has spent millennia sculpting a corridor of natural beauty through forests of pine and mixed hardwoods. This geological wonderland offers more than just pretty views—it's a living textbook of mountain ecology where every rock formation tells a story millions of years in the making, and every season brings new wonders to discover. The surrounding peaks frame distant vistas while the immediate forest creates an intimate sanctuary where wilderness and comfort meet.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe cabin includes a wheelchair ramp and accessible pit toilet, making it moderately accessible for guests with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe cabin is spacious and accommodates up to 10 people comfortably. It includes three separate rooms for sleeping and a large covered porch.
Sites PrivacyRadeke Cabin is located less than 100 feet from the Kancamagus Highway, which may lead to higher noise levels during peak seasons. However, the surrounding forest and nearby Swift River provide a semblance of natural serenity.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring strong lighting due to darkness inside the cabin, secure food in containers to avoid mice, and be prepared for winter cold with appropriate gear and sleeping bags.
Best CampsitesSite 001 in Radeke Cabin Loop is popular and frequently mentioned in user reviews.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 14 nights per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 10 guests allowed to stay in the cabin.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin layout with three rooms providing 10 wooden bunks.
Open and Closed SeasonYear-round availability; season opens January 1st and closes December 31st.
Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot available; reservations must be made in advance online.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled online or via the app for a $10 fee. Late cancellations (less than 14 days before arrival) will forfeit the first night's fee in addition to the $10 fee.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Radeke Cabin provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, winter activities, and wildlife viewing. The nearby UNH Trail offers a scenic 4.8-mile loop to Mount Hedgehog. Fishing for brook trout in the Swift River is popular, alongside winter cross-country skiing trails. The area is rich in wildlife, including moose, bobcats, and black bears.
Hiking
The UNH Trail, located just a quarter mile from Radeke Cabin, features a 4.8-mile loop to Mt. Hedgehog (2,520 feet elevation), offering panoramic views of the Swift River Valley and surrounding mountains. Many other trails are accessible along the Kancamagus Scenic Byway.Fishing
Anglers can fish for brook trout in the Swift River, which runs near the cabin. User reviews do not mention fishing conditions, suggesting a standard experience for trout fishing in the area.Biking
Biking is listed as a recreational activity, although user reviews and authoritative sources do not provide details about specific trails or conditions.Wildlife viewing
The surrounding forest is home to 237 bird species and wildlife like moose, bobcats, coyotes, and black bears. Positive user feedback highlights the opportunity to immerse oneself in nature: 'This cabin is one of the best outdoors places to go. Wildlife is great in itself.'Winter Activities
Winter recreation options include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, as highlighted by user reviews. One user noted: 'Being winter/February, snowshoeing was the only activity.'Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed in the outdoor ring; guests must supply their own firewood for outdoor use.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsRodents, particularly mice, are common in the cabin, as noted in user reviews. Guests should store food securely. Winter cold can be severe, and the cabin’s wood stove may not be sufficient for heating during extreme temperatures.
Active alertsNone currently listed.
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
The nearest emergency services can be accessed by contacting the Saco Ranger District at 603-447-5448 or proceeding to Conway, NH, which is the nearest population center.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 - December 31 (based on booking windows provided).
Trash and recyclingGuests are required to pack out all trash and excess food. The cabin does not provide trash or recycling facilities, and visitors are advised to bring garbage bags to ensure all waste is removed.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the Swift River, less than 100 feet from the cabin.
Common complaintsReviews highlight cleanliness issues, mouse infestations, broken windows, and noise from nearby traffic during peak summer months.
HostNo dedicated host is mentioned; Saco Ranger District staff may provide support.
Campground Map
Kancamagus Highway, Conway, NH, 03818, USA
Driving directionsFrom NH Route 16 in Conway, take NH route 112 (Kancamagus Highway) west for 14 miles. The cabin is on the right, a quarter mile before Passaconaway Campground. From Interstate route 93 in Lincoln, take exit 32 for NH Route 112. At bottom of exit ramp, turn left (east) onto NH route 112. The cabin is approximately 20 miles on the left, a quarter mile after Passaconaway Campground.
Easily accessible by car. The cabin is just off the Kancamagus Scenic Byway, which is a major roadway. There are no reports of seasonal closures or particularly challenging terrain.Nearby places
Conway (Approximately 14 miles), Lincoln (Approximately 20 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies including groceries, camping gear, and fuel can be found in Conway, NH, approximately 14 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.5
31 reviews
Radeke Cabin is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Radeke Cabin are mixed, with positive feedback praising its rustic charm, proximity to nature, and opportunities for hiking and relaxation, while negative reviews highlight maintenance issues, rodent problems, and inadequate heating during winter.
Review Summaries
Based on 31 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the cabin's rustic charm, peaceful location, opportunities for hiking, and the chance to disconnect from modern conveniences. One user said, 'No phone, no electricity, just...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints focus on maintenance issues such as broken windows taped with duct tape, unclean furniture, and rodent problems. One user noted, 'The cabin is in disrepair. Several glass windows...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from users include bringing adequate lighting due to the lack of electricity, packing warm sleeping bags for winter visits, and keeping food in sealed containers to prevent rodent problems. One...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter reviews often highlight the cold temperatures and the need for adequate preparation, including warm clothing and efficient sleeping bags. Fall reviews praise the beautiful foliage and scenic...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'The cabin takes you back in time with its lack of electricity and water amenities. It's a step into simplicity.' - Keith Constant
2. 'Love to stay here with my father in the winter. It's a quaint...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 001 is frequently mentioned in user reviews and is the only specific site tied to Radeke Cabin's feedback. Positive reviews highlight its charm and functionality, while negative reviews address...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features such as the wheelchair ramp and accessible pit toilet are positively regarded, though specific reviews from users with disabilities are not available.
Based on 31 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at Radeke Cabin. One user highlighted the appeal for pet owners: 'The furniture in the living room is disgusting but your dog may appreciate that.'
Based on 31 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025