Covered Bridge Campground

- Passaconaway Rd, Albany, NH 03818

Introduction / Overview: Experience the White Mountains at Covered Bridge Campground

For generations of New Hampshire residents, the White Mountain National Forest has been the ultimate playground, and the Covered Bridge Campground has long served as a cherished home base for countless adventures. Nestled in a thick hardwood forest just off the famed Kancamagus Highway (Route 112), this United States Forest Service facility in Albany, NH, offers an authentic and accessible taste of mountain camping. Its name comes from the picturesque, historic Albany Covered Bridge, which visitors may cross to access the site—a perfect photo opportunity right at the entrance.

Located a mere six miles west of the conveniences of Conway, Covered Bridge Campground strikes an ideal balance: it offers the deep tranquility of a forest retreat while maintaining close proximity to dining, shopping, and other necessary amenities. The campground is situated on the eastern side of the scenic Kancamagus Highway, renowned for being one of the best drives in New England, especially during the spectacular fall foliage season. With approximately 49 sites spread across two loops, it accommodates both tent campers and RVs, making it a versatile choice for local families and groups seeking to explore the vast opportunities of the 800,000-acre White Mountain National Forest.

Location and Accessibility: A Prime Spot on "The Kanc"

Covered Bridge Campground boasts a stellar, easy-to-reach location right in the heart of the Saco Ranger District of the White Mountain National Forest.

Address: Passaconaway Rd, Albany, NH 03818, USA

The site is easily accessed via the Kancamagus Highway, a National Scenic Byway that links Lincoln to the west and Conway to the east. The campground is located about a mile down Passaconaway Road from the Kancamagus.

A key point of accessibility for local campers to note is the historic Albany Covered Bridge at the entrance. While this adds undeniable charm, the bridge has a height restriction of 7 feet, 9 inches (7' 9") and a maximum weight of 3 tons. This means larger RVs, trailers, and taller vehicles must use an alternate route to access the campground. Fortunately, larger rigs can bypass the bridge by taking Passaconaway Road from West Side Road in Conway. This accessibility flexibility ensures that all types of New Hampshire campers, from tenters to full-size RV users, can enjoy the site, provided they plan their route accordingly. The proximity to Conway also means resupply runs are quick and easy, maximizing your time spent enjoying the outdoors.

Services Offered (National Forest Comforts)

As a US Forest Service campground, Covered Bridge provides well-maintained, essential services for a traditional camping experience. Please note that this is a rustic forest setting, meaning modern resort amenities are not provided.

• Potable Water: Hand pumps for drinking water are available within the facility. As a precaution during the late season, local campers should check for water availability as pump stations may be seasonal.
• Vault Restrooms: Accessible vault restrooms (outhouses) are provided throughout the loops. While vault toilets are generally clean and well-maintained, local feedback indicates that guests should check and report any maintenance issues, such as broken locks, to the hosts/rangers for prompt attention.
• Camp Host: A campground host is typically on-site during the season to assist campers, collect fees, monitor the grounds, and provide local information. They are the go-to resource for assistance.
• Firewood: Firewood is available for purchase from the campground host. Campers are strongly advised to buy local wood to comply with state restrictions and prevent the spread of invasive pests.
• Pet Policy: Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times and under control to ensure the safety and quiet enjoyment of all guests and wildlife.
• Reservations: While some sites may be first-come, first-served, many of the 49 sites are reservable, allowing local users to plan their trips up to six months in advance, especially crucial for securing a spot during the busy summer and fall seasons.
• Campsite Equipment: Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a metal fire ring for campfires.

Features / Highlights for the NH Explorer

Covered Bridge Campground’s location and surrounding environment offer a wealth of recreational features that are uniquely New Hampshire:

• Historic Albany Covered Bridge: The 1858-built bridge is a stunning piece of local history and a popular scenic spot for photography, located right at the campground entrance.
• Kancamagus Scenic Byway Access: The campground is an ideal base for exploring the 26.5-mile 'Kanc,' offering access to numerous trailheads, scenic overlooks, and pull-offs famous for leaf-peeping in the fall.
• Swift River Access: The cool, clear, and cascading Swift River runs near the campground, providing excellent opportunities for wading, fishing (especially for brook trout), or simply cooling off during warmer months.
• Direct Trail Access: The popular 3-mile Boulder Loop Trail and a shorter 0.5-mile nature trail are accessible right from the campground, allowing for immediate immersion into White Mountains hiking.
• Proximity to Conway: Located only six miles away, the towns of Conway and North Conway provide all the necessary amenities—restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, and shopping—while remaining far enough away to ensure a quiet, natural camping experience.
• No Cell Service: Many sites in the area, including Covered Bridge, offer limited to no cell service, a feature that many local campers embrace as a chance to truly disconnect and practice digital detox.

Contact Information

For reservations and general information, the primary contacts for this National Forest Campground are as follows:

Address: Passaconaway Rd, Albany, NH 03818, USA

Reservations and Information Phone (National Recreation Reservation Service): (877) 444-6777

General Forest Information (White Mountain National Forest Supervisor's Office): (603) 536-6100

Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the peak season from mid-May to mid-October. Check the national forest website or the reservation service for up-to-date fees, opening and closing dates, and any seasonal alerts.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Covered Bridge Campground is a perfect camping haven for New Hampshire locals because it embodies the state's most beloved outdoor features: tradition, accessibility, and wilderness. For residents, this site is more than a campground; it is a long-standing family tradition, as evidenced by locals who have been visiting since the 1980s. Its location on the Kancamagus Highway provides unmatched access to the best hiking, scenic drives, and river recreation the state has to offer, all without the need for extensive travel outside the region.

While recent seasons have brought challenges, such as warmer temperatures and, at times, an unusual presence of yellow jackets in the late summer/early fall, these are the natural fluctuations that come with experiencing genuine wilderness. By being aware of these environmental factors—such as planning early-season trips to mitigate insect issues or carrying preventative measures—locals can ensure a pleasant and safe stay. The combination of beautiful, private sites, essential amenities, and proximity to both deep woods trails and town conveniences makes Covered Bridge Campground an indispensable piece of the local New Hampshire outdoor experience. It's the place where the love affair with the White Mountains begins for many families, offering a foundational and reliable outdoor escape right in the heart of the Granite State.

Covered Bridge Campground

Passaconaway Rd, Albany, NH 03818, USA