Cardigan Campsites
Nestled at the base of Mount Cardigan and surrounded by 6,000 acres of forest, Cardigan is a year-round retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. Here, you can step out onto 50 miles of hiking and skiing trails, enjoy the backcountry experience without the long hike, or bring a group to stay at our group campsite, just a 10-minute walk from the lodge. Later, spend the evening relaxing by the campfire with your friends and family.
Open year round, these campsites are perfect to try out for the first time or your 100th time, and in every season—even winter! At our Cardigan campsites you will have access to 20 primitive campsites, each with space for two tents, a fire ring with grill, and a picnic table. One group campsite accommodates larger groups up to 36 people. One small group site is ideal for groups up to 12 people. Clark Brook Campsite is a backcountry group site 1.1 miles from Cardigan Lodge that can accommodate 14 people.
The campsites are walk-in access only with wheelbarrows available to shuttle gear. Camp stoves are recommended for cooking. Meals are also available at the lodge during full-service season at the posted rates, with advance reservations. Call AMC Contact Service Center at 603-466-2727 to reserve meals during your stay.
New outhouses are within walking distance of campsites. However, showers are not available. A potable water source is available within 100 feet of the campsite and just outside of the lodge. The retail store in the lodge stocks the basic necessities, including books and maps.
Learn more about AMC’s cancellation policies for lodging and programs.
From southern New Hampshire, Boston and its suburbs
- Take Interstate 93 North to Route 104 West (Exit 23, New Hampton, N.H.).
- Take Route 104 West, about six miles to Route 3A North in Bristol, N.H.
- Follow directions below from Bristol.
From northern New Hampshire
- Take Interstate 93 south to Route 104 West (Exit 23, New Hampton, N.H.).
- Take Route 104 West, about six miles to Route 3A North in Bristol, N.H.
- Follow directions below from Bristol.
From New York City (and Hartford Conn., western Massachusetts)
- Take Interstate 95 North (Connecticut Turnpike) to Interstate 91 North (by New Haven, Conn.).
- Take Interstate 91 North into Vermont to Interstate 89 South (near White River Junction, Vt.).
- Take Interstate 89 South to Route 4 East (Exit 17, Enfield, N.H.).
- Take Route 4 East for 25 miles to Danbury, N.H.
- In Danbury, take Route 104 East for 5.5 miles.
- Turn left onto Cass Mill Road and go about 3.5 miles.
- Turn right onto Washburn Road.
- Cross a bridge, then take the first left onto Mount Cardigan Road.
- Follow Mount Cardigan Road for 3.6 miles and stay left at the intersection with Brook Road.
- Take Shem Valley Road 1.5 miles to Cardigan Lodge (stay right at the fork in the road 100 yards).
From Bristol, New Hampshire
- Take Route 3A North toward Plymouth for 2.1 miles.
- Turn left onto West Shore Road at the blinking light (Our Lady of Grace stone church is on the far-left corner).
- Proceed 1.9 miles and then go straight onto Cardigan Mountain Road where West Shore Road turns right.
- Go 1 mile on Cardigan Mountain Road, then turn left onto North Road.
- Go 1 mile on North Road, then right onto Washburn Road in Alexandria, N.H.
- Go 200 yards and bear right onto Mount Cardigan Road.
- Follow Mount Cardigan Road for 3.6 miles and stay left at the intersection with Brook Road.
- Take Shem Valley Road 1.5 miles to Cardigan Lodge (stay right at the fork in the road 100 yards).
Upper and Lower Nature Trails (Easy): This 1-mile loop includes interpretive displays as you explore the nearby forests of Cardigan State Forest. Step out straight from the Lodge and follow the signs to the loop, and be sure to bring a pair of binoculars for any wildlife sightings on your journey.
Mount Cardigan (Strenuous): Hikers of all ages enjoy a hike up Mount Cardigan, with its 360-degree views of surrounding White Mountains. Start just outside Cardigan Lodge on the Manning Trail, hiking 0.2 mile to the intersection with the Holt Trail. Follow the Holt Trail for 1.8 miles to the summit of Cardigan, then head north along the Mowglis Trail to the summit of Firescrew Mountain and reconnecting with the Manning Trail. Continue on Manning Trail back to Cardigan Lodge.
Explore more hikes in the area in AMC’s Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide.
Campsite Access
Cardigan campsites are walk-in only and not accessible.
Service Animals
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses and organizations that serve the public must allow people with disabilities to bring their service animals into all areas of the facility where customers are normally allowed to go. This federal law applies to all businesses open to the public, including AMC managed lodging and visitor centers, where service animals are welcomed.
A service animal at AMC facilities must be under the control of its handler. Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless the individual’s disability prevents using these devices or these devices interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of tasks. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.
These rules do not apply to emotional support animals because they have not been trained to perform a specific job or task, they do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
For more information about our policies, click here.
Our Commitment to Sustainable Operations
AMC has a long-standing commitment to using its huts, lodges, and sporting camps as models for sustainable operations and environmental stewardship. At Cardigan Lodge we use solar panels and have a car charging station. Our food is locally sourced and we trade food waste with a local farmer for firewood and snowplowing services. Cardigan Lodge also offers environmental education opportunities.