The White Mountain National Forest maintains 19 drive-in campsites scattered throughout the region, with the number of sites at each ranging from 7 to 176. Campsites are $12 to $18 per night, plus an additional fee if you reserve in advance. Reservations are accepted at about half of these through the National Recreation Reservation Service (tel. 877/444-6777; www.reserveamerica.com). Most campsites are basic (some with pit toilets only), but all are well maintained.
Of these national forest campgrounds, Dolly Copp Campground (tel. 603/466-2713), near the base of Mount Washington, is the largest and least personal, but has a superior location and great views from the open sites. It costs $18 per night. Along the Kancamagus Highway, I'm partial to the Covered Bridge Campground (tel. 603/447-5448), which is adjacent to an 1858 covered bridge and a short drive to delightful river swimming at the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area; it costs $16 per night. Both are open from mid-May until mid-October.
Backcountry tent camping is free throughout the White Mountains, and no permit is needed. (You will need to purchase a parking permit to leave your car at the trail head; see above.) Check with a ranger station for current restrictions on camping in the backcountry. Three-sided log lean-tos are also scattered throughout the White Mountain backcountry, providing overnight shelter for campers. Some shelters are free; at others a backcountry manager will collect a small fee. Ask at any ranger station for details and locations.
