Barn Door Hostel: Best Last Minute or Group Camping Campsites in New Hampshire
Rarely do I have solid plans when I go camping, which is probably a bad way to go about camping. But, this has also allowed me to make some of the best camping memories I've ever had, like the one I am about to tell you about.
In New Hampshire (and I'd assume other surrounding states), many campgrounds are first come first serve so that they don't get booked up with no-shows.
Earlier this year, I went up to the White Mountains later than usual on a Friday. All the first come, first serve campsites were booked. All of the sites that took reservations? You guessed it: booked.
I did one more Google search as it was turning dark and approaching the 9pm hour.
The Barn Door Hostel popped up in my search, and I am so glad that it did. It is now one of if not my #1 go-to camping spot.
Located in Rumney, New Hampshire, the Barn Door Hostel offers a variety of ways to stay for cheap. Since we were arriving late, we only had one option: the lower campground field.
I was pumped to hear that it was only $11 to stay in the field, and that it would be one of the best stargazing experiences in New Hampshire.
And it was.
The Barn Door Hostel and lower campground field were exactly what was described: a large, well-maintained, grassy field open for campers. There were 12 communal fire rings and 12 communal picnic tables. The stars at night were just amazing.
The property was incredible, the amenities were far more than we expected, and the people are why we will come back. When we arrived, two employees delivered a wheelbarrow full of firewood to my tent site.
On-site, there were three outhouses, an outdoor shower, polish horseshoes to play, a slack line to practice on, a badminton net, water jugs to fill your bottles, and more.
There was a running brook right next to the field that had a sign clarifying what kind of activities took place after dark...clothing optional, of course.
Let's just say that after a long day of hiking or climbing...when in Rome! Brook bath it is.
Overall, it was a really amazing place to stay. My favorite part took place over the course of a few hours. After a dip in the brook and while prepping dinner over the fire, I noticed the community around me. Campers were mingling and telling stories of rock climbing or hiking during the day. Drinks were being passed around, and friendships were being made around loud laughter and conversations. Come 10pm, nothing. The entire field, full of people and dogs, fell silent. The respect for everyone around each other and nature all came full circle as the field of people simultaneously appreciated the stars above our heads.
Although silent, I felt very connected to myself, my partner, and everyone in the field.
I cannot recommend camping here enough, and I will certainly be back.
The Barn Door Hostel is perfect for last-minute plans, as the field holds up to 70 people and will likely have open spots. For that same reason, the location is also perfect for large groups. Claim a fire ring and picnic table with five, 10, 15 friends.
The Hostel is also perfect for those traveling through New Hampshire. You can stay in a bed, away from the field, and get a great night sleep. I would venture to say this place is even great for families. If you want to be in a safe place with tons of amenities, games, a brook, and trails nearby, the Barn Door Hostel is for you.
Below are all of the ways to stay at the Barn Door Hostel.
1. The lower campground field - $11.
2. Glamping tent - up to four people in a spacious pre-made tent - $115.
3. Baker eight - eight bunk beds in one room - $30 per bed.
4. Pemi ten - ten bunk beds in one room - $30 per bed.
5. Brook Bunk - one room with one bunk bed - $75.
6. Barn Door Bus - a glamping stay with hard walls, floor, ceiling. An old bus turned into home - $125.
7. BlackJack Boulder Pad - a wooden structure to prop up a tent on, so you are off the ground - $30.
8. Lake Loft - hammock hanging space only - $22.
Some of the bunk beds would be in this building:
To book in advance or check out more, click here to see their website.