Franconia Brook Tentsite
4.3612 reviewsFranconia Brook Tentsite
$0.00 - $0.00 / 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
First-come-first-serve fee structure; no reservation fees mentioned.
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About this campground
Deep in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest, Franconia Brook Tentsite beckons adventurous souls seeking true wilderness camping. This remote haven features approximately 20 pristine sites thoughtfully scattered along the scenic Eastside Trail, each offering a unique slice of backcountry solitude. After a rewarding 3-mile trek from Lincoln Woods Trailhead, you'll discover why seasoned hikers consider this dispersed camping area one of New Hampshire's hidden gems.
Franconia Brook Tentsite primarily offers tent camping in a dispersed camping format.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the White Mountains at Franconia Brook. Winter transforms this wilderness into a snow-laden wonderland, with pristine drifts often towering over 3 feet high, creating a magical but challenging landscape for the most intrepid winter campers. As spring melts into summer, the forest awakens with vibrant life, offering mild temperatures perfect for multi-day backpacking adventures. Early autumn paints the canopy in brilliant golds and crimsons, providing moderate camping conditions amid one of New England's most spectacular natural displays.
ElevationNestled within the undulating terrain of the White Mountain National Forest, Franconia Brook Tentsite offers campers the authentic experience of New Hampshire's storied high country, where mountain air grows crisp and clear as you leave civilization behind.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a cathedral of towering evergreens and hardwoods, where dappled sunlight filters through the dense forest canopy. The melodic rush of the nearby Pemigewasset River and its East Branch provides a constant natural soundtrack, while scenic overlooks reveal pristine water views that photographers dream about. When conditions align and water levels drop, adventurous campers can explore smooth granite boulders perfect for rock-hopping expeditions, discovering hidden pools and cascades that few visitors ever witness.
Geological RegionFranconia Brook Tentsite sits within the legendary Pemigewasset Wilderness, a rugged expanse of ancient mountains carved by glaciers and time. This pristine corner of the White Mountain National Forest showcases classic New England geography: steep-sided valleys clothed in dense forest, weathered granite peaks, and the ever-present East Branch of the Pemigewasset River carving its patient path through the landscape. Here, the raw geological forces that shaped the Northeast are on full display, creating a dramatic backdrop for your wilderness adventure.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information provided on accessibility features.
Sites SizeSites include raised tent platforms and flat spaces. "Nice flat places to sleep," according to user reviews, with additional mentions of good hammocking areas.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary, with user reviews stating, "Campsites are spread out so you have some privacy," but others mention signs of overuse and crowding.
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites with raised tent platforms offer better hammocking options.
Reserving a campsite
Groups
No group camping details provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are designated by numbered stakes and spread along the Eastside Trail.
Open and Closed SeasonOperates year-round.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are designated as first-come, first-served, with no reservations.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Franconia Brook Tentsite offers hiking trails and swimming opportunities nearby, along with dispersed camping. "Just across the river from multiple trails," one user review highlights its suitability as a starting point for hikes in the White Mountains.
Hiking
Day hikes are available, as noted in authoritative descriptions. User reviews praise "easy access" to trails and its proximity to the 'wilderness area.'Swimming
Swimming spots are noted as being 'beautiful' and 'good' by user reviews, located up the trail near the Pemigewasset River.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities mentioned beyond snow presence.Water Sports
No specific water sports mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed within designated fire rings.
Hazards
General hazardsConcerns include full bear boxes, wildlife interactions, and the need for proper food storage. Glass and trash have been reported in fire pits.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 64%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
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
Good to know
Trash and recyclingCampers are advised to remove all food and trash when leaving. User reviews highlight issues of trash and glass in fire pits, emphasizing the need to practice Leave No Trace principles.
Proximity to water featuresNear the Pemigewasset River and East Branch; offers swimming and scenic river views.
Common complaintsOveruse issues, including litter, glass in fire pits, and evidence of tree cutting as noted in user reviews.
HostA caretaker may be present during warmer months, as mentioned in user reviews.
Campground Map
Driving directionsDrive to Lincoln Woods Trailhead. From there, hike 3 miles along the Eastside Trail on the East side of the Pemigewasset River.
Access is primarily via walking or backpacking trails, not directly accessible by vehicles.Camper Reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Franconia Brook Tentsite is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews paint a mixed picture of Franconia Brook Tentsite, praising its beauty, remoteness, and accessibility while highlighting issues of overuse and crowding. Positive sentiments include its proximity to hiking trails and swimming spots, whereas concerns focus on trash, overcut trees, and general wear and tear.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews praise the site’s 'beautiful river,' 'quiet most of the year,' 'easy access,' and proximity to trails and swimming spots. Users also appreciated the bear box, raised tent platforms,...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include trash left behind, glass in fire pits, signs of overuse (cut-down trees, burnt logs), crowding, and the bear box filling up quickly.
Based on 12 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
User recommendations stress the importance of practicing Leave No Trace principles, carrying out trash, bringing rope as a precaution for food storage, and using the bear box early to avoid it...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
User experiences are generally positive in warmer months when a caretaker is present. Snow remains in the woods as late as March, making it less accessible in colder weather.
Based on 12 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Practice 'Leave No Trace,' carry out what you take in." – Nik Berthelette. "Less than 3 miles from the parking lot. Nice flat places to sleep. Very quiet most days of the year." – Jessica Martini....
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific campsite reviews highlight raised tent platforms, fire pits, and good hammocking spaces. No preference or issues with particular sites numbers explicitly mentioned.
Based on 12 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews provided.
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific pet-related reviews provided.
Based on 12 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025