Crawford Notch Campground

- 1138 US-302, Hart's Location, NH 03812

Introduction / Overview

For New Hampshire residents seeking an authentic, family-focused getaway in the unparalleled beauty of the White Mountains, Crawford Notch Campground in Hart's Location is a treasured destination. Nestled within the scenic pass that gives it its name, this family-owned and operated campground offers a unique combination of rustic charm and essential amenities. Spanning 100 wooded acres, it provides over 100 spacious and well-maintained sites, cabins, and yurts, ensuring a perfect fit for any local adventurer, from seasoned tent campers to those looking for a comfortable cabin stay.

The core identity of Crawford Notch Campground lies in its connection to the natural environment and its commitment to providing an unplugged experience. This is a place where nature takes center stage, as highlighted by numerous local users who appreciate the "rustic with no Wi-Fi" atmosphere. The grounds boast approximately one mile of beautiful frontage on the Saco River, inviting guests to enjoy wading, tubing, and fishing directly from the campground. Customers consistently praise the facility for its large, well-spaced sites that afford a desirable level of privacy and quiet, despite its popularity, even during busy periods like the Fourth of July weekend. Visitors commend the staff for being "friendly and polite" and for their hard work in maintaining a "very clean" environment, from the sites themselves to the regularly serviced bathhouses.

This campground is designed to be the ultimate basecamp, offering easy, direct access to the vast hiking and biking trail systems of the White Mountain National Forest, a key selling point for locals aiming to explore their own state's most iconic wilderness.

Location and Accessibility

Crawford Notch Campground is ideally situated at 1138 US-302, Hart's Location, NH 03812, USA. This placement is central to the White Mountains experience, set right on the Presidential Range Tour National Scenic Byway. The location within Crawford Notch ensures awe-inspiring views of majestic mountains and unspoiled wilderness the moment you arrive.

The campground’s accessibility is excellent, as it sits directly on US Route 302, just seven miles northwest of Bartlett and 15 miles southeast of Twin Mountain. This central position makes it an easy drive for most New Hampshire residents and provides convenient access to major regional attractions. Nearby destinations, all within a short drive, include the Mount Washington Cog Railway, Story Land, and the numerous shops and restaurants of North Conway Village.

The most unique geographical highlight is its nearly one mile of private frontage along the Saco River. This allows guests to bypass the crowds at public access points and enjoy riverside recreation right outside their tent or cabin door. While its proximity to the main road (US-302) means that some sites near the entrance or the road may experience some traffic noise, reviewers note that the tent sites nestled further in, along the river and deep within the woods, are "quiet and peaceful," making the experience customizable based on preference.

Services Offered

Crawford Notch Campground provides a comprehensive range of amenities, balancing a rustic experience with the necessary conveniences for a comfortable mountain stay:

• General Store: A well-stocked on-site store offering essentials such as ice, firewood, groceries, snacks, drinks, sandwiches, and a selection of local Crawford Notch merchandise, camping gear, and souvenirs.
• Diverse Accommodations: The facility offers a wide variety of site types including secluded wooded tent sites, sites for pop-up campers and small RVs, as well as rustic log camping cabins and yurts for a comfortable glamping experience.
• Utility Hookups: Unlike more primitive campgrounds, they offer some RV sites with water and/or electric hookups (Max Amps: 30A; Max RV Length: 26 feet).
• Clean Bathhouses: Two modern and clean bathhouses, including metered hot showers, are maintained daily to a high standard, though the new owners are continually working on operations to ensure cleanliness even during high-volume periods.
• Sanitation Facilities: A convenient on-site dump station, a dishwashing station, and laundry facilities are available for all guests.
• Campsite Essentials: Each campsite, cabin, and yurt is furnished with a picnic table and a fire-ring or stone fireplace for cooking and evening campfires.

Features / Highlights

The Crawford Notch Campground experience is defined by several key features that draw local users back year after year:

• Saco River Access: Nearly one mile of private river frontage for wading, tubing, and fishing, allowing guests to enjoy the Saco River without external crowds. The condition of the river access is dependent on water levels and Mother Nature.
• Extensive On-Site Trails: The property includes 60 acres of on-site nature trails, perfect for easy hiking and mountain biking before venturing onto the wider network of the White Mountains.
• Unplugged Environment: The "off the grid" nature of the campground, with limited to no Wi-Fi and cell service, provides a highly sought-after, distraction-free environment for families and couples looking to reconnect with nature and each other.
• Variety of Rental Units: The availability of clean, rustic log cabins and yurts provides an excellent option for those who prefer a solid roof or are new to camping, a significant draw for local families.
• Strategic Hiking Base: The campground is noted for offering "easy access to the White Mountains," making it an ideal staging ground for major hikes on the Appalachian Trail, the Presidential Range, and iconic local trails like Arethusa Falls and Mt. Willard.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: The campground welcomes pets, recognizing that the White Mountains adventure is best when shared with the whole family, including four-legged members.

Contact Information

For current reservations, inquiries, or information on the updated website and booking system, please use the contact details below. Reservations are highly encouraged, particularly for the popular cabins and riverfront sites.

Address: 1138 US-302, Hart's Location, NH 03812, USA

Office Phone: (603) 374-2779

Mobile Phone: +1 603-374-2779 (General contact)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Crawford Notch Campground represents the quintessential New Hampshire mountain escape, making it perfectly suited for locals. Many state residents have a multi-generational history with this property, with reviewers stating, "My husband has been coming here for years since he was a young child," solidifying its status as a trusted, traditional getaway spot. It offers a crucial chance to "disconnect" from the over-connected world—a feature deeply valued by locals who live within a short drive but seek a true wilderness experience. The focus on a rustic, no-Wi-Fi environment ensures that the time spent here is centered on family, nature, and the White Mountains themselves.

The convenience of having a mile of the Saco River on-site for immediate wading and tubing, combined with the comprehensive general store, means local campers spend less time driving to amenities and more time on the trails or by the water. Furthermore, the commitment of the new ownership to improvement, evidenced by the stocked store and consistently clean facilities, shows they are invested in preserving the quality of this local favorite for "many years to come." For the Granite State outdoor lover, Crawford Notch Campground provides a clean, well-appointed, and traditional basecamp for exploring the heart of the White Mountains.

Crawford Notch Campground

1138 US-302, Hart's Location, NH 03812, USA