Barnes Field Group Campground

campgrounds near gorham nh

For those of us in New Hampshire who love to explore the great outdoors, especially in the iconic White Mountains, finding the perfect camping spot can make all the difference. Barnes Field Group Campground, nestled on Dolly Copp Road in Gorham, offers a distinctive and highly recommended option, particularly for larger gatherings. This isn't just another campground; it's a dedicated space designed to accommodate groups, providing ample room and essential amenities while immersing you in the heart of our state's most stunning natural landscapes.

Located within the vast White Mountain National Forest, Barnes Field is a historic site that has been thoughtfully preserved to offer a scenic and private space for organizations, families, and friends to gather. As locals, we appreciate direct access to the mountains for hiking, fishing, and simply soaking in the tranquility. One satisfied camper highlighted its capacity, noting, "I went with a Tenkara fishing camp and it was a beautiful experience to come to this camp that was big enough to accommodate for 75 of us campers! We packed it out and it was cozy." This speaks to its ability to comfortably host significant numbers, a rare find in many campgrounds.

Barnes Field offers a more rugged, yet well-maintained, camping experience. You won't find full hook-ups here, but what you will find is generous space, clean facilities, and an unbeatable proximity to some of New Hampshire's most cherished outdoor pursuits. Whether you're planning a multi-family adventure, a scout trip, or a gathering of outdoor enthusiasts, Barnes Field Group Campground is tailored to ensure a memorable and comfortable stay in the majestic White Mountains. This article will delve into all the details that make this campground a top choice for New Hampshire locals.

Barnes Field Group Campground is exceptionally well-situated at Dolly Copp Rd, Gorham, NH 03581, USA, placing it directly within the breathtaking White Mountain National Forest. This location is a primary draw for anyone looking to explore the region's famous peaks and trails.

Gorham, New Hampshire, serves as a gateway to the northern White Mountains, and Barnes Field is conveniently located just 6 miles south of the town. This provides easy access for quick resupplies, dining, or exploring local shops in Gorham. More importantly, its address on Dolly Copp Road situates it adjacent to the larger and historic Dolly Copp Campground, leveraging the well-established infrastructure of this popular area.

The campground's accessibility to major attractions is a significant highlight. It's only a 5-minute drive to the Mount Washington Auto Road, offering a unique way to experience New England's tallest peak. For hikers, the campground serves as a hub for accessing trails into the Presidential and Carter-Moriah Ranges, including the Daniel Webster Scout Trail which leads into the Great Gulf Wilderness. The Peabody River and Culhane Brook pass by the facility, offering immediate opportunities for fishing. While the campground provides a sense of being deep in the wilderness, it is also within a short driving distance of other popular White Mountain towns like North Conway and Jackson, providing additional dining and shopping options. For New Hampshire locals, this balance of seclusion and convenient access to both natural wonders and essential services makes Barnes Field an ideal base for outdoor adventures.

Barnes Field Group Campground provides a rustic yet accommodating set of services designed for group camping within a natural environment:

• Dedicated Group Sites: The campground is specifically designed for larger groups, with sites that are significantly larger than standard campsites (many 50'x50' or larger, with even the smallest around 30'x35'). Each site has plenty of room for multiple tents, vehicles, or even RVs (though no electric hookups). Each site can accommodate 6+ people or two families sharing.
• Water Access: A central pump water station is available for filling up water containers. This is potable water.
• Pit Toilets: The camp features "2 double pit toilets buildings" (totaling 4 toilets) located on opposite sides of the camp sites. Reviews consistently praise the camp keepers for keeping these facilities "clean," and toilet paper is "always well stacked."
• Bear/Raccoon Proof Trash Bins: A large, bear-proof dumpster is centrally located for waste disposal, essential for maintaining a clean and safe environment in the national forest.
• Picnic Tables & Fire Pits: Each camp site is well-equipped with "2 wooden tables" and a "large fireplace with fold-over grill tops," providing essential amenities for outdoor cooking and gathering.
• Plenty of Parking: Sites offer ample parking space, typically accommodating "2+ vehicles or trailers, or RVs," making it convenient for group members to arrive and park.
• Winter Camping: Barnes Field remains open on a first-come, first-served self-service basis during the winter months, providing opportunities for cold-weather camping for individuals or groups.

Barnes Field Group Campground boasts several key features and highlights that make it a standout choice for those seeking a group-oriented, immersive camping experience in the White Mountains:

• Expansive Group Sites: Unlike many campgrounds, Barnes Field specializes in large, open sites specifically designed for bigger camping parties and organized groups. This generous space ensures comfort and flexibility, even for gatherings of 75 campers, as one review noted.
• Immersive White Mountain National Forest Setting: Being entirely within the White Mountain National Forest, the campground is surrounded by lush forests, offers spectacular mountain views, and provides direct access to the region's renowned hiking, biking, and fishing opportunities.
• Tranquility and Dark Skies: Campers consistently praise the "very quiet" atmosphere, noting "no road noise and no light pollution," leading to "tons of stars at night." This provides a truly peaceful and authentic wilderness experience.
• Direct Trail Access: The campground is a hub for numerous hiking trails, with quick access to the Presidential and Carter-Moriah Ranges, making it an ideal base for serious hikers. Fishing opportunities for brook trout are also available in the nearby Peabody River and Culhane Brook.
• Recreation Field: A "small 100'x120' recreation field by the entrance" is available for all campers' use, providing an open space for games, activities, or just enjoying the outdoors.
• Proximity to Mount Washington: Its location offers quick access to the Mount Washington Auto Road, allowing campers to easily experience the summit of the Northeast's highest peak.
• Well-Maintained Primitive Facilities: While primitive (no electric hookups), the bathhouses are consistently noted as "clean" and well-stocked, and the bear-proof trash system is efficient, ensuring a comfortable stay despite the rustic nature.
• Year-Round Opportunities: The campground is unique in that it remains open in winter on a first-come, first-served basis, providing excellent opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice climbing enthusiasts.

Barnes Field Group Campground operates as part of the White Mountain National Forest, managed by the USDA Forest Service in partnership with Vista Recreation. As a public land campground, its pricing and availability are typically standardized and less prone to frequent "promotions" in the commercial sense. Its value lies in its prime location and suitability for group camping.

• Group Rate Affordability: The primary "offer" is the inherent value of having large, dedicated group sites at a potentially more affordable rate per person than individual sites, making it highly economical for large gatherings.
• Seasonal Accessibility: The unique offering of first-come, first-served winter camping provides a significant "promotion" for cold-weather enthusiasts who might find other facilities closed. This allows for year-round enjoyment of the White Mountains.

Specific discount codes or limited-time promotional sales (like those seen at private campgrounds) are generally not a feature of Forest Service campgrounds. Reservations for Barnes Field Group Campground are typically made through Recreation.gov. It is always recommended to check the Recreation.gov website directly or call the White Mountain National Forest (using the provided phone number) to confirm current rates, reservation policies, and any specific group booking details that might indirectly offer savings or value. Their focus is on providing accessible outdoor recreation for all, rather than commercial specials.

For inquiries, reservations, or more information about Barnes Field Group Campground, you can reach out using the following contact details:

• Phone: (603) 466-2713
• Mobile Phone: +1 603-466-2713
• Address: Dolly Copp Rd, Gorham, NH 03581, USA

As Barnes Field is part of the White Mountain National Forest, direct reservations are typically made via Recreation.gov. However, the provided phone number can connect you to the local Forest Service office or a managing partner (like Vista Recreation), who can offer detailed information about the campground, its amenities, accessibility, and local conditions. It is always advisable to call ahead, especially for group bookings or during winter months, to confirm availability and any specific operational details.

For us New Hampshirites, Barnes Field Group Campground in Gorham is an absolutely ideal destination, perfectly suited for embracing the grandeur of the White Mountains, especially when planning a gathering with friends, family, or fellow outdoor enthusiasts.

Firstly, its unparalleled location is a dream for anyone who loves our state's wilderness. Situated directly within the White Mountain National Forest and just minutes from the base of Mount Washington, it offers immediate access to the hiking trails, fishing streams, and scenic drives that define the New Hampshire experience. As locals, we understand the value of being able to step directly from our campsite onto a trail that leads to breathtaking vistas or a pristine fishing spot. The "tons of stars at night" due to minimal light pollution also resonates deeply with our appreciation for untouched natural beauty.

Secondly, the campground's design for "groups of 6+ people" or "two families looking to share single sites" makes it incredibly practical for how many of us like to camp. We often organize trips with multiple families or large circles of friends, and finding sites spacious enough to accommodate everyone comfortably can be a challenge elsewhere. Barnes Field solves this with its generously sized plots, plentiful parking, and shared amenities that foster a sense of camaraderie. The fact that the camp keepers maintain clean pit toilets and ensure bear-proof trash disposal, even in a primitive setting, reflects a dedication to a safe and enjoyable experience that we value.

Finally, the year-round accessibility, particularly for winter camping, adds another layer of suitability for our adventurous local community. Whether it's a summer fishing trip, a fall foliage retreat, or a winter snowshoeing expedition, Barnes Field provides a reliable and welcoming base. Its combination of natural immersion, practical group facilities, and proximity to our most cherished mountain attractions makes it a truly outstanding and highly recommended choice for New Hampshire locals seeking their next great outdoor adventure.

Barnes Field Group Campground

Dolly Copp Rd, Gorham, NH 03581, USA