Where to camp
 

Our 13 year old son wants to take his dad camping. This is something my husband hasn't done since his boy scout days in the 70's. The guys are looking for the authentic tent camping NH wilderness experience. Not too many R.V.s or amenities, but a fabulous location. I would feel alot bettter if they were in a park. Any personal recommendations out there? Thanks!

I recall a place that we went to several years ago.Upper Holton pond(not sure about the spelling) in Sandwich notch.You can 4-wheel to a parking area and then canoe accross to a beautiful grassy knoll on the other side.Sweeping views of the mountains,great fishing,a waterfall and caves near by.Lots of wildlife and nobody around.Nice thing,too,is the bugs aren't out yet!

Kancamagus Highway
 

For an easy access NH version of the Grand Canyon, try the Smart's Brook Trail which is in the White Mt Nat'l Forest and starts from the small parking lot on Route 49 close to the Thornton-Waterville Valley town line. It's a popular hiking trail. Like all WMNF parking lots, your car needs a parking sticker, and there's something like a 200' set back required for setting up a campsite. Info and permits available at the exit 23, Rt 104 New Hampton, WMNF info center.

For sixteen dollars per night, the Forest Service has two camprounds, Waterville and Osceola Vista, both in Waterville Valley, that give you a campsite with a picnic table, fire grate, and access to a water pump and toilets. Waterville Valley is a popular spot for bicycling; mountain bikes, racing bikes, hybrids, recumbents....you name it...plus numerous hiking trails.
Still, plenty of snow in the woods and on the trails, at this late date.

I second Samiam's vote, although it has no amenities other then the road. You can also try Tripoli Rd, Rt 175 off I93 just south of Lincoln. Nice, bare bones place with some amenities but you still have a pretty good chance of a visit from a bear.

Lafayette Campground
 

There is always Lafayette campground in Franconia Notch.....

http://www.franconianotchstatepark.com/lafayette.html

The guys are stoked and I'm off to buy some Deep Woods Off! Thanks for the input.
HK

Cutters
 

AHHH NH perfume. Cutters