Noah P.
Scout
ScoutCrow's Nest Campground
Comfortable Stay
Crow’s Nest was a really convenient stop for us while traveling through New Hampshire. Getting our RV situated was easy and we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay.
Best Campgrounds in New Hampshire
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
New Hampshire's state parks and forests host a range of campground options from primitive tent sites to full-service RV areas with hookups and amenities. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground in Nottingham accommodates tent camping, RVs, cabins, and glamping with various access points including boat-in and hike-in sites. The White Mountains region contains several highly-rated mixed-use campgrounds like Lafayette Place in Franconia Notch State Park, which primarily serves tent and RV campers. Smaller campgrounds like Dry River Campground in Crawford Notch State Park offer a more secluded camping experience while still providing essential amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and potable water.
Most New Hampshire campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from May through October, with a few locations extending into early November. Bear Brook State Park Campground in Deerfield remains open from early May to late October, while Hancock Campground is one of the few year-round options in the state. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays during the peak summer months of July and August. Many campgrounds feature both reservable and first-come sites, with the majority of waterfront locations filling quickly. Winter camping requires additional preparation due to limited services and potential snow accumulation. One camper noted, "The electric and water sites we stayed at was just dirt, no grass anywhere. The full hookups looked better from what I saw."
Waterfront camping locations consistently receive positive feedback from visitors, with sites along lakes and rivers being particularly sought after. White Lake State Park Campground in Tamworth provides lake access with amenities including showers, drinking water, and picnic tables. Several campgrounds offer family-friendly environments with activities like swimming and hiking nearby. A recent review highlighted that "The riverfront sights looked absolutely beautiful and some had better/easier access to the water than others." Campgrounds with full hookups tend to attract longer-stay visitors, while primitive sites appeal to those seeking a more traditional outdoor experience. Moose Brook State Park near Gorham maintains high ratings for its combination of natural setting and convenient facilities. Seasonal campers often recommend booking well in advance for prime locations, particularly at popular destinations like Pawtuckaway and Franconia Notch.
Best Camping Sites in New Hampshire (307)
1. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground
44 ReviewsRaymond, NHWebsite+1 (603) 895-3031$35 - $140 / night
"My first time experiencing a park in the New Hampshire Park system. We went down with a group. Pawtuckaway State Park offers a variety of landscapes, with something to do and see for everyone."
"Driving around this past weekend I did notice that some of the sites had damp spots; site 71 was the worst with deep mud on the long approach."
2. Lafayette Place Campground — Franconia Notch State Park
36 ReviewsLincoln, NHWebsite+1 (603) 823-9513$35 / night
"My first time in camping in New Hampshire, the whole area is spectacular and I felt lucky to find a spot in this campground next to the stream."
"The White Mountains stretch quite some distance. While the Presidential peaks are often considered the jewel of this range, I find the Franconia Ridge just as beautiful and stunning."
3. Lost River Valley Campground
34 ReviewsNorth Woodstock, NHWebsite+1 (603) 745-8321$62 - $209 / night
"The last few years, they’ve added a light display near the entrance at night, which make that last trip to the bathroom before bedtime fun!"
"Nice campground located in the valley of mountains. Wooded sites but close to your neighbors."
4. Dry River Campground — Crawford Notch State Park
31 ReviewsBartlett, NHWebsite+1 (603) 374-2272$35 - $40 / night
"Cool location right on the edge of the Dry River Wilderness. Great Basecamp for lots of hikes in the area. Some spots are right on the highway with not much tree cover in between so can be loud."
"This state park campground located between Rte 302 and the Dry River in Crawford Notch is a great location for exploring family friendly trails to (Sawyer Pond, Arethusa Falls, Willard Cliffs to name a"
5. Moose Brook State Park Campground
30 ReviewsGorham, NHWebsite+1 (603) 466-3860$35 - $45 / night
"This state park is located in the small town of Gorham, New Hampshire."
"In addition to our designated spot, we had access to a large open space behind that many people utilized to play games or expand their camping area."
6. Bear Brook State Park Campground
29 ReviewsCandia, NHWebsite+1 (603) 485-9869$35 - $45 / night
"Tucked away in what feels like the middle of nowhere New Hampshire is it's largest state park. Bear Brook is full of trails, ponds and a fairly large campground."
"Site 91 is near the entrance, but large and set back from the camp road, so it offers some extra seclusion. It’s across the street from the playground."
7. Hancock Campground
27 ReviewsLincoln, NHWebsite+1 (603) 536-6100$30 / night
"This would be one of few places I find acceptable to camp, that are near other people. I usually don't like camping with 20+ other people in one looped area."
"I haven't stayed here, but I checked it out on Columbus Day weekend because it's one of the few campgrounds open year-round (plowed, unlike Lafayette Place, which is walk-in) in the White Mountains."
8. White Lake State Park Campground
25 ReviewsWest Ossipee, NHWebsite+1 (603) 323-7350$35 - $105 / night
"Last weekend, our family stayed at White Lake State Park for four days."
"I’ve stayed here a few times and love the location and access to White Lake."
9. Crawford Notch Campground
26 ReviewsBartlett, NHWebsite+1 (603) 374-2272$25 / night
"Our site was big and walking around the grounds the other sites appeared to all be pretty good sized as well. They are not lying when they call their sites secluded either!"
"Cabins and RV sites with hookups are closer yo the entrance, store and road. That latter feature is a bit if a bummer bc the noise from cars and trucks zipping by on route 302 is loud."
10. Town Hall Road Dispersed
22 ReviewsChatham, NH"Awesome boondocking in New Hampshire, what a treat in the east coast! Just beautiful scenery, with trees, rivers, creeks, hiking trails with a pond- we absolutely loved our time here. "
"There were plenty of sites to choose from and most (not all) had access to the river as well as a fire ring. Sites were on a dirt road, but it was quiet for the most part."
Recent Camping Photos in New Hampshire
907 Photos of 307 New Hampshire Campgrounds
Recent Reviews in New Hampshire
1457 Reviews of 307 New Hampshire Campgrounds
- K
Krista R.
TravelerMoose Brook State Park Campground
Like Dispersed Camping... For $42
Pros: We have the p lube nearly to ourselves, thus it was very similar to dispersed camping. Nice little campground with two small ponds (One for fishing, the other for swimming). Nothing very remarkable, though.
Cons: As others have mentioned, if you want flush toilets and pay showers, you have to either stay at the more crowded, larger loop or walk across the highway to get to those amenities.
Jen P.TravelerTwin Mountain Campground
Lovely and peaceful
It was everything we were looking for, right on the river, quiet and clean, the section we stayed in was all tent camping so we weren’t sandwiched in between a bunch of RVs blocking the view. There was no lights, generators or loud music. Alcohol wasn’t permitted so that really cuts down on a lot of unnecessary nonsense. Pets are permitted and our dog loved it. It was very pleasant and relaxing. Can’t wait to go back.
Isaiah D.ScoutCrow's Nest Campground
Kids Stayed Entertained
We brought the kids here for a few days and they had a blast. Between swimming, exploring around the campground, and just riding around and making friends, they always had something to do. For us, it was nice being able to actually relax while the kids stayed entertained. We cooked at the campsite most nights and spent the evenings around the fire. Great family trip.
- JJose L.Traveler
Town Hall Road Dispersed
Dispersed it is!
Stayed 8 nights with complete solitude. Bugs weren't too bad. There were plenty of dead birch trees and beech trees for firewood. Not any evergreens though. Site 16 has two campsites. I took the further one with plenty of room. Good size fire pit, but people before me left some large pieces of wood not completely put out along with lit coals.
William P.ScoutCrow's Nest Campground
Our Favorite Part Of Staying
The Sugar River was probably our favorite part of staying here. There is something really relaxing about waking up, making coffee, and being able to walk down by the river first thing in the morning. We spent our days fishing, hanging around the campground, and exploring the area. Crow’s Nest has a classic New Hampshire campground feel and we would definitely come back.
Sandy G.ScoutAutumn Hills Campground
Autumn hills
Beautiful campground. Private spaces. Staff is very friendly.
Nikki M.ScoutCherry Mountain Road Dispersed
Dispersed camping in white mountains
We stayed in site #5. It was grassy and had a little creek running next to it that was lovely to listen to.
- VVictoria W.Scout
Hampton Beach State Park Campground
RV camping
We booked three nights of dry camping and arrived Friday excited to start our weekend. Unfortunately, we barely made it 24 hours before deciding to leave because of the way we were treated. We were told by another man at the campground that we were permitted to run our quiet generator overnight. The posted cutoff time was 9:00 AM, and we fully intended to shut it off by then. At approximately 8:50 AM the following morning, a woman who lives on-site who is named Karen(no pun intended)- and appeared to run the facility came pounding on our RV door, yelling at us about running the QUIET generator all night. We tried to explain that we had been told we were allowed to do so and that we were going to shut it off at the required time. Instead of having a reasonable conversation, we felt that we were essentially pushed out and harassed during the short time we were there. We also had our baby with us, and it was a hot summer night. Being told that we should have simply opened the windows was incredibly frustrating and felt completely dismissive of our situation. We came to enjoy a three-night camping weekend and instead left after barely 24 hours because of how uncomfortable and unwelcome we were made to feel. We have never experienced this kind of treatment at a campground before. Unfortunately, based on this experience, we will never be returning to Hampton State Park RV Camping. The way we were treated was completely unacceptable and left us extremely disappointed and disgusted with the experience. She told us and I quote“this is a campground, not a prison” But clearly it wasn’t.
Guide to New Hampshire
Camping in New Hampshire offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed getaway, there's something for everyone.
What to do
- Hiking: Explore the trails at Gunstock Campground, where one reviewer said, “Got to walk to hike Gunstock.”
- Water Activities: At Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, visitors enjoy “lots of lovely waterfront sites” perfect for kayaking.
- Family Fun: Families can enjoy the mountain coaster and ziplines at Gunstock Campground, where one camper noted, “The mountain coaster and chairlift were great for the little ones.”
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at places like Dry River — Crawford Notch State Park, with one review stating, “Very nice and clean campground.”
- Secluded Spots: Many enjoy the privacy at Tripoli Road, where a visitor mentioned, “Fantastic secluded options, highly recommend getting a good spot by the river.”
- Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of staff, as noted at Waterville Campground, where one reviewer said, “The gentlemen working is very nice... you can tell he cares about the place.”
What you should know
- Bear Country: Some campgrounds, like Waterville Campground, are in bear territory. One camper warned, “It’s bear country so plan accordingly.”
- Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Hancock Campground have basic facilities. A visitor noted, “There was no running water at any of the pumps and the pit toilets were quite full.”
- Noise Levels: Some sites, such as those at Big Rock, are near busy roads. A camper mentioned, “The highway is very close and therefore very loud, but it quiets down at night.”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Gunstock Campground, which has “lots of land to walk the dogs” and a nice pool.
- Plan for Quiet Hours: At Waterville Campground, quiet hours are strictly enforced. One camper said, “You also have to whisper if you want to stay up and hang out around the campfire.”
- Bring Activities: Keep kids entertained with games or crafts, especially at campgrounds like Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, where there are “lots of great spots on the water.”
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: RVers should confirm site sizes at places like Gunstock Campground, which is “big rig friendly.”
- Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Many campgrounds, including Waterville Campground, do not offer electric hookups. One reviewer noted, “No electric hookups.”
- Arrive Early: Popular spots like Tripoli Road can fill up quickly, so it’s best to arrive early, especially on weekends. A camper advised, “Be sure to get up early on Friday for a weekend campout.”
Camping in New Hampshire is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in New Hampshire for families?
What are the best campgrounds in New Hampshire for families?
New Hampshire offers excellent family-friendly campgrounds with amenities that keep children entertained. Bear Brook State Park Campground stands out as the state's largest park with family-friendly facilities including play structures, a camp store, swimming beach, and even a baseball diamond. Families will appreciate the numerous trails and ponds to explore. Ayers Lake Farm Campground and Cottages is another excellent option, offering beautiful lakeside views and a well-maintained family atmosphere. The small, family-owned operation provides a peaceful setting where kids can enjoy water activities and parents can relax with scenic vistas. Both campgrounds provide the perfect balance of outdoor adventure and necessary amenities that make camping with children manageable and fun.
Where are the most scenic camping sites in New Hampshire state parks?
Where are the most scenic camping sites in New Hampshire state parks?
New Hampshire's state parks offer breathtaking scenic camping with natural beauty at every turn. Lafayette Place Campground — Franconia Notch State Park provides spectacular mountain views and streamside sites in one of the state's most picturesque regions. The campground serves as an ideal base for exploring the dramatic scenery of Franconia Notch. Jigger Johnson Campground along the scenic Kancamagus Highway offers another stunning option with sites nestled among beautiful forest surroundings. The location provides easy access to hiking trails, swimming holes, and the natural wonders of the White Mountains. Both campgrounds showcase New Hampshire's diverse landscapes, from majestic mountain panoramas to peaceful woodland settings.
What are the most accessible places to camp in NH for first-time visitors?
What are the most accessible places to camp in NH for first-time visitors?
First-time visitors to New Hampshire will find several easily accessible campgrounds that provide a welcoming introduction to camping in the Granite State. The Pastures Campground offers an ideal starting point with spacious sites featuring tables and fire rings, clean facilities including bathrooms, showers, and even a laundry room. Its location near the Vermont border provides convenient access while still delivering authentic New Hampshire camping. Country Bumpkins Campground and Cabins is another excellent choice for newcomers, offering riverside camping with ample parking and proximity to popular attractions like Clark's Trading Post. The campground's straightforward setup and convenient location make it perfect for those just beginning their New Hampshire camping adventures.
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