Love Affordable Camping Adventures? Head To This National Forest Located On The East Coast

The East Coast holds one of the best-kept wilderness secrets: the White Mountain National Forest. Spanning over 800,000 acres across New Hampshire and western Maine, this vast, forested realm is visited by around 6 million people each year for everything from hiking and fishing to winter skiing and leaf-peeping. The peaks here, peppered with towering hemlocks and windswept firs, rise into the sky and offer dramatic views in every season. 

The real magic, though, is saved for people who stay the night. Camping in the White Mountain National Forest is like getting a backstage pass to nature's biggest show. In fact, it's one of the most breathtaking places to camp in the United States. You get sunsets that stretch forever, star-splashed skies without a hint of city glow, and the kind of nighttime soundtracks you can't download, including owl hoots, wind in the trees, and the occasional fox yelp. With roughly two dozen campgrounds offering everything from rustic tent sites to drive-in options with flush toilets, there's always a perfect spot — whether you're a hardcore backpacker or a comfort-seeking first-timer. And the best part? Every morning feels like the start of an adventure you got for far less than theme-park prices, as camping in the White Mountains is very affordable.

If you're new to camping or traveling with the whole family, White Mountain National Forest has several campgrounds that balance affordability with convenience. Located along the Kancamagus Highway, Jigger Johnson Campground is the only site in the forest with coin-operated hot showers, making it a rare treat for campers who like a little extra comfort. It has 75 sites, drinking water, bathrooms, and easy access to iconic spots like Sabbaday Falls. At $23 to $26 per night (bring cash for self-service check-in), it's a budget-friendly way to enjoy prime White Mountain views without sacrificing the basics.

Then there's Lafayette Place Campground in Franconia Notch State Park. It has nearly 100 wooded tent sites, flush toilets, coin-operated showers, a camp store, dishwashing stations, and picnic tables. Even with more amenities, it stays relatively affordable: Typical site fees are around $35 per night. It's also a gateway to many trails. From here, you can access the 3.2-mile Lonesome Lake Trail for lake views and a moderate 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Or you can traverse the 8.7-mile Franconia Notch Recreation Path for a less strenuous trek that visits the Old Man of the Mountain Historic Site, Echo Lake, the Basin, and Flume Gorge. 

For an advanced hiking adventure, take the Franconia Ridge Loop counterclockwise via the Falling Waters Trailhead. This strenuous route will take you past Cloudland Falls and Stairs Falls, then up to Little Haystack, Mount Lincoln, and Mount Lafayette along a ridgeline with incredible views. If you take this trail, you'll need to make sure you know how to physically prepare for a long-distance hike. As you come back down Old Bridal Path, you can stop at the Greenleaf Hut, where the Appalachian Mountain Club staff prepares snacks and drinks — just don't forget to bring cash.

If you prefer waking up to nothing but the sound of a rushing river and the breeze in the trees, the White Mountains deliver plenty of rustic options, too. Basin Campground, set right on Basin Pond, offers shady primitive sites that feel worlds away from civilization. With toilets, fire rings, water spigots, and no hookups, this $30-per-night spot appeals to campers who want simplicity and solitude. Visitors can fish for trout in the pond and hike the 4.5-mile Basin Trail, which begins right at the campground. Reviewers rave about the quiet and star-filled sky, and this is also a great place to see peak fall leaf transformation; use these layering tips to stay warm and comfortable during a fall hike. Also, remember to bring your own soap and paper towels for washing your hands after using the facilities here.

Another solid option is Covered Bridge Campground, located in Conway on the eastern edge of the forest. Its proximity to shops and restaurants makes it convenient if you'd like to mix town amenities with your forest adventure. You'll still get 49 wooded sites with fire pits and picnic tables, plus toilets and nearby access to family-friendly hikes. Sites start at $30 per night, keeping this option both easy and affordable for campers who want a little less wilderness and a little more access. Then there's White Ledge Campground, which is a bit smaller for a cozier feel. Sites here offer picnic tables and fire rings, and the campsite has vault toilets, too. This campground also sits near family-friendly trails, making it a good basecamp if you're traveling with kids. Plus, at around $30 per night, it provides a budget-friendly way to wake up surrounded by mountain views — without giving up much convenience.