Wildwood Campground and Picnic Area

- North Woodstock, NH 03262

Introduction / Overview

For residents of the Granite State, there is a special connection to the rugged, unspoiled beauty of the White Mountain National Forest. Tucked into the western reaches of this iconic wilderness, Wildwood Campground and Picnic Area in North Woodstock offers a classic, rustic camping experience that truly allows locals to reconnect with the New Hampshire outdoors. It provides a peaceful, shaded retreat from the daily grind, perfect for those seeking simple relaxation and a convenient base for adventuring.

Wildwood is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and is known for its no-frills, natural setting. With 26 wooded sites, the facility is intimate and less structured than some of the larger, amenity-heavy parks, which appeals to campers who value the true essence of tent or small-RV camping. The site’s location provides a wonderful natural soundscape, particularly near the Wild Ammonoosuc River, where the tranquil running water is a soothing backdrop to any afternoon nap or evening campfire.

Guests consistently commend the cleanliness and upkeep of the facilities, especially the vault toilets, which are often described as some of the cleanest available in the National Forest system. This commitment to maintenance ensures a pleasant stay, even with basic amenities. Wildwood operates primarily on a first-come, first-served basis, although a portion of sites may be reservable through the National Recreation Reservation Service, a detail which dedicated local campers often appreciate for securing a favorite spot during peak season, such as the Fourth of July weekend.

Location and Accessibility

Wildwood Campground and Picnic Area boasts an enviable position in the heart of the New Hampshire mountains, located in North Woodstock, NH 03262, USA. The campground is situated off Route 112 (The Kancamagus Highway area), approximately nine miles west of Interstate 93 Exit 32 and the town of North Woodstock, making it easily accessible from the southern parts of the state while still feeling profoundly remote.

This location provides direct access to some of the most famous scenic drives and attractions in the region. The picturesque Wild Ammonoosuc River runs directly behind the dedicated picnic area, offering a small, accessible climb down to enjoy the refreshing water—perfect for a quick dip or some fly fishing. The campground also offers excellent views of Mount Moosilauke, an impressive peak that defines the area.

For local users, the campground serves as a perfect launchpad for exploring the greater White Mountains. Nearby attractions include the stunning Franconia Notch State Park, the Cannon Mountain Tram, Lost River Gorge, and Kinsman Notch, which are all just a short drive away. The Appalachian Trail also crosses Route 112 nearby, providing hikers with world-class trekking opportunities right outside the campground's immediate vicinity. Its strategic location is ideal for minimizing travel time from home while maximizing time spent exploring New Hampshire’s rugged interior.

Services Offered

As a rustic, developed campground within the White Mountain National Forest, Wildwood focuses on providing essential, well-maintained services to ensure a quality outdoor experience.

• Campsite Structure: There are 26 wooded sites designed for both tent camping and small RVs. Each site features a gravel pad, a picnic table, and a fire ring/grill for cooking.
• Water Access: Potable drinking water stations are available and scattered throughout the site for convenience.
• Restroom Facilities: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets (outhouses) are available, with some being handicap accessible and equipped with cold water faucets for handwashing.
• Waste Management: Refuse dumpsters are provided, though campers are strongly encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out their recyclables.
• Firewood and Fire Safety: Campfires must be contained within the provided fire rings. Campers are permitted to gather dead and down firewood from the area but are prohibited from bringing outside firewood to limit the spread of invasive pests.
• Reservation System: While many sites are available on a self-service, first-come, first-served basis, some sites are reservable via the National Recreation Reservation Service (Recreation.gov) or by phone.

Features / Highlights

Wildwood Campground is cherished by locals for its specific features that cater to an authentic, peaceful White Mountain camping adventure.

• Riverside Picnic Area: The separate day-use picnic area, featuring a historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)-built pavilion, sits directly across Route 112 from the campground and offers beautiful riverside access to the Wild Ammonoosuc River. This spot is perfect for enjoying a quiet lunch, a riverside nap, or a quick cool-off in the water.
• Impeccably Clean Vault Toilets: A recurring highlight in customer reviews is the exceptionally clean state of the vault toilets—a welcome assurance for campers who appreciate clean facilities even in a rustic setting.
• Dog-Friendly Environment: The campground warmly welcomes dogs, making it an excellent choice for New Hampshire residents who want to share their outdoor adventures and camping trips with their canine companions.
• Proximity to Major Hiking Trails: Located near Kinsman Notch, the campground provides quick access to a wealth of White Mountains hiking trails, including the Appalachian Trail, catering directly to the state’s avid hiking community.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The area is known for frequent wildlife sightings, particularly moose along the banks of the Wild Ammonoosuc River, adding an element of natural wonder to the camping experience.

Contact Information

For reservations, information, or inquiries regarding current conditions in the White Mountain National Forest, please use the following contact details.

Address: North Woodstock, NH 03262, USA

Phone (National Reservation Service): (877) 444-6777

Mobile Phone (National Reservation Service): +1 877-444-6777

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Wildwood Campground and Picnic Area holds a specific appeal for New Hampshire locals who embrace the authentic, unvarnished outdoor lifestyle. This is not a resort; it is a true National Forest experience. It perfectly balances accessibility with solitude—you are close enough to the amenities of North Woodstock and Lincoln for supplies, yet deeply embedded in the tranquil, wooded environment of the White Mountains. For Granite Staters, Wildwood represents an affordable, dog-friendly, and consistently clean option for a quick escape into the region’s best-loved wilderness.

The rustic nature of the sites, with their fire rings and picnic tables, encourages a simple, traditional camping trip—the kind of experience many New Hampshire families grew up on. Whether you are looking to secure a spot for a last-minute weekend adventure (first-come, first-served sites) or planning a trip to hike a section of the Appalachian Trail, Wildwood offers a convenient, beautiful, and deeply satisfying slice of the White Mountains that feels like home.

Wildwood Campground and Picnic Area

North Woodstock, NH 03262, USA