Best Camping in New Hampshire

When you’re camping in New Hampshire you don’t have to choose between going on a hardcore hike or relaxing in your hammock on a quiet lakeshore. With hundreds of campsites across the state—and with mountains and lakes close to so many of them—you can easily access the best of both worlds. Lake Winnipesaukee is by far the largest and best-known body of freshwater in the Granite State, but New Hampshire is dotted with bodies of water of all sizes, from the swimming holes and rushing rivers of the mountains, to the ponds and lakes lined with classic cottages in the aptly named Lakes Region.

Fortunately for all of us, mountains are just as plentiful. While Mount Washington, in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest, has the most name recognition in the state (and claims to have the worst weather in the world), it’s not even the only notable peak to bag in the Presidential Range. Adams, Jefferson, Monroe, Madison, Pierce, Eisenhower, and Jackson mountains can all be ticked off your list of New Hampshire’s 48 4,000-footers. And the White Mountains aren’t the only game in town either. Go camping at Monadnock State Park and do any number of hikes in the area, including the ever-popular Mount Monadnock, of course. Mount Monadnock’s isolated peak provides fantastic views and is one of the most frequently hiked mountains in the world.

Spend a quiet backcountry camping in New Hampshire night under a tarp, or bring beers and s’mores around the campfire at a popular state park campground like Pawtuckaway, Bear Brook, or White Lake. Consider a weekend hut trip when camping in New Hampshire, with stays at one or more of the eight huts maintained by the Appalachian Mountain Club or parking your RV and basecamping at Lafayette Campground while you tackle some of New England’s best dayhikes, like the Tuckerman-Lion Head loop on Mount Washington or the Lincoln-Lafayette loop in Franconia Notch.

The biggest challenge to camping in New Hampshire? Not having enough time to enjoy everything the Granite State has to offer.

Best Camping Sites in New Hampshire (287)

    Camper-submitted photo from Pawtuckaway State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pawtuckaway State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pawtuckaway State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pawtuckaway State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pawtuckaway State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pawtuckaway State Park Campground

    1.

    Pawtuckaway State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    186 Photos
    380 Saves
    Raymond, New Hampshire

    Pawtuckaway State Park Campground lines the shore of beautiful Pawtuckaway Lake. The 192 sites are wooded and many provide views of the lake. Each campsite has an open fire ring, picnic table, flat areas for a tent, and a parking space. The bathhouses are equipped with running water, flush toilets, and 24 hour showers. There are no hook-ups at any of the campsites. The park also has a camp store where canoe and kayak rentals are available, as well as a public canoe and kayak launch. Five cabins are available; each sleeps six people, has electricity, and includes a fire ring and picnic table. Pets are not allowed in the campground or beach area of the park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $25 - $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lafayette Place Campground — Franconia Notch State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lafayette Place Campground — Franconia Notch State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lafayette Place Campground — Franconia Notch State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lafayette Place Campground — Franconia Notch State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lafayette Place Campground — Franconia Notch State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lafayette Place Campground — Franconia Notch State Park

    3.

    Lafayette Place Campground — Franconia Notch State Park

    34 Reviews
    210 Photos
    304 Saves
    Lincoln, New Hampshire

    In the heart of Franconia Notch State Park, Lafayette Place Campground is the camping and hiking hub for the park. It provides a great base from which to enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and many attractions in the White Mountains. Information about hiking trails, safety, and the natural and cultural history of the park is available at the cabin near the campground entrance. A lodge houses a registration desk and offers a selection of camping supplies. Each campsite is wooded and has a picnic table, car parking, and an open fireplace. There are coin-operated showers and a camp store. Lafayette Campground provides 97 wooded tent sites - 88 are by reservation only, 1 is for youth group reservations, and 7 are for first-come/first-served campers. Self-service/self-pay camping with limited staffing and facilities is available during the off-season.

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lost River Valley Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost River Valley Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost River Valley Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost River Valley Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost River Valley Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost River Valley Campground

    4.

    Lost River Valley Campground

    29 Reviews
    68 Photos
    44 Saves
    North Woodstock, New Hampshire

    Surrounded on three sides by National Forest and nestled between the banks of Lost River and Walker Brook, our well-maintained and wooded sites offer the utmost in tranquility while remaining so close to many of the region’s most popular attractions. Located at the site of a turn-of-the-century lumber mill, our authentic water wheel continues to churn out history as it beckons vacationers from near and afar. Campers are welcome on a day-to-day basis, when space is available. Reservations are accepted for stays of 1 night or longer between May 1st and June 1st and after Labor Day. This does not include holidays or special events weekends. From June 2nd through Labor Day, it is a 3-night minimum; with a 3-night deposit required. Please navigate our site to learn more about all that we have to offer for your family’s next New Hampshire camping vacation. We hope that you can stay with us sometime this season!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $62 - $209 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Hancock Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hancock Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hancock Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hancock Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hancock Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hancock Campground

    5.

    Hancock Campground

    28 Reviews
    143 Photos
    597 Saves
    Lincoln, New Hampshire

    ___Located at the western end of the scenic Kancamagus Highway, this campground serves as an excellent place to start your White Mountain adventure. The nearby Lincoln Woods Visitor Center is the jumping off point for numerous hiking trails leading into the Pemigewasset Wilderness; the Kancamagus Highway is an extremely popular scenic byway with numerous hiking, picnic, and swimming spots; and the town of Lincoln offers many amenities.__Hancock Campground has 56 wooded sites.

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Brook State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Brook State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Brook State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Brook State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Brook State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Brook State Park Campground

    6.

    Bear Brook State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    158 Photos
    193 Saves
    Candia, New Hampshire
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $25 - $40 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from White Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from White Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from White Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from White Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from White Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from White Lake State Park Campground

    8.

    White Lake State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    441 Photos
    239 Saves
    West Ossipee, New Hampshire

    White Lake campground is located on a National Natural Landmark of 72 acre Pitch Pine Stand, surrounding a glacier formed lake. North Conway is 20 miles north of the campground with many tourist attractions.

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $25 - $75 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Crawford Notch Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Crawford Notch Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Crawford Notch Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Crawford Notch Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Crawford Notch Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Crawford Notch Campground

    9.

    Crawford Notch Campground

    23 Reviews
    66 Photos
    306 Saves
    Bartlett, New Hampshire

    Crawford Notch Campground is a family-owned and operated campground nestled in the heart of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Scenic Crawford Notch is well known for its awe-inspiring views, majestic mountains, unspoiled wilderness, and miles of hiking trails. Our wooded setting along the banks of the Saco River features secluded campsites and log cabins.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Moose Hillock Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Moose Hillock Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Moose Hillock Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Moose Hillock Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Moose Hillock Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Moose Hillock Camping Resort

    10.

    Moose Hillock Camping Resort

    19 Reviews
    39 Photos
    141 Saves
    Warren, New Hampshire

    Moose Hillock Camping Resort offers 90 unspoiled acres, surrounded by thousands of acres of White Mountain National Forest. Our private, secluded sites offer you a true camping experience. Our RV sites are large, level and private, with 20 – 30 and 50 amp electrical service with full hookup sites available. Our tent sites are located in a separate, secluded area which is exclusively dedicated to tenters. All sites come equipped with picnic tables and natural stone fireplaces.

    If you’re not a camper but would like to try out the camping experience, we offer two different cabin styles available for rental.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $49 - $129 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 287 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping in New Hampshire

Recent Reviews In New Hampshire

1310 Reviews of 287 New Hampshire Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Lost River Valley Campground
    September 13, 2024

    Lost River Valley Campground

    Really rustic feel with modern convenience

    Stayed here in August for a few nights now booking in September for three nights. Like sites on Harley road, with views of loon mountain and surrounding vistas. Very nice campground with lots of wooded sites some with river frontage. Very well appointed store. Lots of sites have electric and water. No RV over 32’ in lower sites over lost river bridge. Also cabins available throughout the grounds for those without RV/Tent. Close to town with stores , restaurants, gas stations

  • Camper-submitted photo from Moose Hillock Camping Resort
    September 13, 2024

    Moose Hillock Camping Resort

    Mixed Feelings

    My family and friends were drawn to this campground for its exciting pool and convenient location, and those aspects definitely lived up to expectations. However, our campsite was not level, and the sites were very close together with little privacy. We were tent camping but the area we were in, while a tent site, is best for RVs.

    The bathroom facilities could also use some attention– a loose toilet and a broken hand dryer weren't ideal. Overall, we enjoyed our stay, but these conditions kept it from being great.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site
    September 12, 2024

    Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site

    Small campsites/No amenities

    Drove in on a Wednesday afternoon and drove past 4 or 5 sites, which were all occupied.

    Then saw a car ahead that was backing up. Long story short, they were afraid to drive across a dry wash in their new Jeep. No place to get by. Had to back my trailer about a quarter mile, so they could get out.

    Camped in a very small spot, just barely enough room for our SUV and small teardrop to get off the road.

    There was only a 20 foot by 12 foot space to camp jn with no water, no dumpster, no toilet, no view of anything and lots of other campers that appear to be long term residents.

    OK for an overnight stay but not a desirable camping location overall.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort
    September 12, 2024

    Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort

    Small, clean, quiet campground close to NH beaches and Portsmouth NH

    Friendly staff, hard gravel access roads, level gravel sites. No issues with electric, sewer or water hookups. Some of the best clear, clean, drinking water at high pressure we have come across. Great access to beaches, numerous eateries and shopping minutes away. This is our second time we have been here and here for the month of September.

    I would reccomend Seacoast RV Park to other campers.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cold River
    September 9, 2024

    Cold River

    Short and sweet

    Stayed for a night while passing through the area. Lots of space between sites and very clean facilities. Would stay again.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sugarloaf 1 Campground
    September 9, 2024

    Sugarloaf 1 Campground

    Ideal base camp

    I was lucky to snag one of the couple remaining campsites on a Saturday afternoon. The sites are spacious, the bathrooms with flush toilets are clean enough, and the river nearby is a great spot to rock-hop if you're not too busy hiking the many amazing trails in the area.

  • Camper-submitted photo from White Lake State Park Campground
    August 19, 2024

    White Lake State Park Campground

    Great Lake with nice campground amenities and feel

    We had a great stay at white lake state park. I was surprised that there was only a large log separating our site from the next one but luckily it was just my brothers family so it wasn’t awkward. Our sites (2-11 and 2-11a) survived a 2 hour monsoon with some water running through but other sites had some major flooding so just something to be cognizant of.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Winding River Campground
    August 18, 2024

    Winding River Campground

    Great time with kids

    We had a great time here camping with our kids and grandkids. River is not much to look at but the pool was great and there were great events like foam parties, DJ at the pool, pancake breakfast and live music to name a few. Staff were friendly and helpful.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Northstar Campground
    August 18, 2024

    Northstar Campground

    Just okay

    The owners are very nice but the sites are super close together. We had neighbors that had a large party 4 ft from our camper for two days. The showers cost .50 and are luke warm, definitely not hot. Only 4 shower stalls (2 men 2 female) for the whole campground. The bathrooms weren't cleaned during the 2 days we were there. The country side is beautiful and Newport is a cute little town. We won't stay at the campground again.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lafayette Place Campground — Franconia Notch State Park
    August 17, 2024

    Lafayette Place Campground — Franconia Notch State Park

    Good location and amenities, great staff

    We were there June 26-30, 2024 for a Hiker Trailer Campout. We had 17 trailers and 30 people. Lafayette Place was the perfect place for an event like that. The water points and restrooms were placed well throughout the campground. The quarter operated showers were nice and hot and very good pressure and flow. Our campsite (79) was a bit uphill from the road, but easily negotiable. As others have noted, there is a bit of noise from Rt. 93.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Town Hall Road Dispersed
    August 16, 2024

    Town Hall Road Dispersed

    Good dispersed camping

    The road was not as bad as I anticipated. There was room for my Jeep Grand Cherokee towing a squaredrop camper to pass the very few oncoming vehicles we encountered. There is a good mix of tent and small/medium camper sites. Many of the sites are right on the side of the road. 

    We went to the end of Town Hall Road and camped at the last site before you leave the WMNF. It was a very spacious site, set back from the road, a little bumpy getting into it.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Twin Mountain-Mt. Washington KOA
    August 15, 2024

    Twin Mountain-Mt. Washington KOA

    Great place for families

    This campground is wonderful for camping with kids. It has a great playground and a small but nice and clean pool.

    The amenities are clean and well taken care of.

    Super nice staff is the finishing touch for this great campground.

    Spaces are reasonably spacious and in wooded area.

    We would definitely recommend.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Moose Brook State Park Campground
    August 12, 2024

    Moose Brook State Park Campground

    P01-P-09 get you closest to the ponds

    We stayed two nights at P-08 and loved both times. The side we stayed at is more for larger campers and is much quieter than the larger side. Paid showers, that’s a bummer, but we make do. Nice camp store, great access to rivers for fishing. Pulled an 8” brook trout out of a 10’ wide stream onsite. Awesome experience

  • Camper-submitted photo from Moose Brook State Park Campground
    August 10, 2024

    Moose Brook State Park Campground

    Great Campground !

    We booked 2 nights and stayed for 3! Nice small campground with very clean bathrooms and showers! Staff was friendly and mountain biking trails were good and easy to get too.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Moose Brook State Park Campground
    August 7, 2024

    Moose Brook State Park Campground

    Very Nice Campground

    We did not have reservations so our pick of sites was limited. There are several styles of sites here from tucked in/private to open areas and not so private sites. Bathrooms were clean and there is a nice wash station to do dishes. Campground is well maintained. We came for easy access to mountain biking trails!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sugarloaf 2 Campground
    August 7, 2024

    Sugarloaf 2 Campground

    Great Spot!

    This is an old style campground which we love. Pit toilets are clean and stocked. Campground was very quiet even though most sites were occupied. Great hiking nearby as well as some shorter hiking trails straight out from the campground. We would definitely stay there again!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Russell Pond Campground
    August 5, 2024

    Russell Pond Campground

    Nestled in the woods, one of the few where there is no road noise!

    Russell Pond is a really nice find. Unlike most campgrounds there is a good amount of low vegetation between sites for privacy. We also loved that our firepit faced the woods rather than the road or another campsite, which is often how the sites are set up. The pond is small but very pretty and very shallow and sandy. We took our dogs on a romp to swim and wade in the water. The bathrooms are tired, the bathhouse I was closest to had one of three stalls functioning and one of two sinks were operational. However, they were perfectly clean. I didn't check out the shower. I chatted a bit with the camp manager, and she mentioned the bathrooms are slated for updates in the spring. All around the campground is peaceful, well maintained, and you really feel like you are fully in nature!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Circle 9 Ranch Campground
    August 4, 2024

    Circle 9 Ranch Campground

    Dirty and uninviting

    This is one of the dirtiest camp grounds I’ve been to.  It smelled of septic gas and trash.  The bathrooms were disgusting, the pool and playground were a slimy mess.  Camp sites are small and buggy.  Open septic line everywhere.  Picnic tables were all rotten.  Not a pleasant stay at all.  This is a trailer park not a camp ground.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Autumn Hills Campground
    July 31, 2024

    Autumn Hills Campground

    Enjoyable and memorable experience

    Autumn Hills Campground is AWESOME! It’s remotely located and the amenities and activities are amazing, something for everyone! The staff is so friendly and helpful and I can’t say enough how clean the bathrooms, laundry room and store are! The super nice owners, Adam& Jennifer are constantly making upgrades and changes and have really created a beautiful, family oriented campground! I recommend you take the virtual tour online so you can pick a sight that works for you and book it soon.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Fransted Family Campground
    July 28, 2024

    Fransted Family Campground

    Perfectly located to Franconia Notch!

    Great campground with a mix of full hookup and tent sites! Many sites along the river and nice grassy sites near the front. Sites were spacious and well maintained. The campground is perfectly located for access to Franconia Notch. Highly recommend. The only negative was a mini-golf course that was falling apart but they still charged for to use.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Hogan Road Pulloff near Appalachian Trail
    July 28, 2024

    Hogan Road Pulloff near Appalachian Trail

    Quick Saturday Night with my pup

    amazing lil spot, a pull off the wild rocky road. very private. right next to a serene view of the lake. very mild highway traffic sounds in the distance. there was another spot at the posted coordinates for this area but someone got to it before me last night. no fires allowed here. only saw one biker and one truck full of local boys pass by in the last 16 hrs

  • Camper-submitted photo from Twin Mountain Campground
    July 26, 2024

    Twin Mountain Campground

    Absolutely rudest management we have ever encountered

    DO NOT GO HERE! The rudest and most unprofessional management we have ever encountered. Anywhere. Hands down. I Would need a book to adequately warn people. 1) We were accidentally overcharged and were met with total annoyance by owner when attempting to rectify. Ultimately we were refunded the wrong amount, to the wrong account, which I let slide because the management does not appear to be cognitively able to understand how to compute charges. 2) My bf and his son collected some old dead wood at site to burn(didn’t know it was against rules- not in written policy- although they said it is)and when they were not so warmly reprimanded by the owner on her golf cart full of wine coolers(no judgement here, but, it IS an alcohol free campground. just saying…..), and then immediately radioed for husband for back up in his golf cart(no wine coolers there…) to reprimand us even further! Completely unnecessary, as they had already stopped collecting wood when first told- but he did let us in on a fun fact- that they(the Campground)“let people have fires here,without training!” Which we thought was odd, and hysterically funny. It’s a campground!! We’re supposed to feel grateful they allowed campfires- without training?😂 3) Lastly& most importantly, my boyfriend poked his head in the bathroom at 7 am while the lady was cleaning- not their regular scheduled cleaning time- and he REALLY needed to go, and politely, from the door, asked how long she might be. He just wanted know if he should wait or to look for someplace else to go, and he was absolutely chastised by the cleaning lady when she came out! She was absolutely nasty and rude to him! When we mentioned this incident  we were told by employee(golf cart man) that we had no right to ask her questions! He told us she was going through a rough time in her life(who isn’t?) and that she having personal issues(kind of agreeing that, yes, can be a bitch), and something about somebody’s pregnant and her husband wants to ring her neck? We couldn’t really follow because we were all still trying to process the“you’re lucky we let you have a campfire without training“comment. Obviously, We had already decided we would never be back, and have already made reservations elsewhere for our fall trip- but when I got home today, I opened a scathing email(sent 2 days ago) from the owner ACCUSING my bf of“HARASSMENT” of the the cleaning lady! Who, she claimed, was very fearful because a male popped his head in the door while she was alone, and asked her a simple question! Cleaning lady can rest assured, that if she was the last woman on this planet, my bf wouldn’t touch her with an 10 foot pole. She was most definitely in no danger. The owner then wrote that we are now banned from their campground!!!😂 She also asked us to leave two days early- which I was not aware of until I read the email after I got home! All because my bf asked somebody a question, I asked to be billed to be correctly, and we tried to burn a dead log. That is INSANE! Let’s just say, it would not have been well received and that they are extremely lucky we were blissfully unaware of her email and finished out our stay, because if we had known then that she was falsely accusing my bf of harassment, it would not have gone well for them. Her accusation of harassment is BOLD FACED LIE!!! All of this has been mind blowing, but she really took my anger to a whole new level when she sent me that nasty email- and then she BLOCKED me from responding! She also blocked me from FB- so I couldn’t leave a review there! She took it way too far…. They have had other similar poor reviews in the past, which they respond to by calling the reviewers liars, and then making up ridiculous lies about them- which I fully anticipate they will do here. DO NOT BELIEVE A WORD OF WHAT THEY SAY.We have NEVER had problems like this with any business! Ever. We are LIVID that my bf is being FALSELY accused of harassment, and we do not take it lightly. THESE PEOPLE ARE NOT RIGHT IN THE HEAD.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Baker River Campground
    July 23, 2024

    Baker River Campground

    Special Campground to me

    Personal Connection 

    Baker River Campground will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s where I was first introduced to camping as a child. My first visit was in 1969 when I was eight years old. Last year, I returned for the first time in over 50 years. While much has changed, the basic layout of the camp remains the same, and it’s still family-owned, which is wonderful. 

    Current Stay 

    I stayed on site#20 with my class B van. Here are some highlights and details of my experience: Site Location: Conveniently near the road going out and to the beach. Amenities: Electrical and water hookup, a well-placed fire pit, and a bathroom/shower house right across from my site. The facilities were very clean, thanks to regular cleaning. Campground Condition: Maintained excellently, largely due to Reno, the full-time staff member who oversees the place. He was outstanding. The only reason I gave it a 5 was because of him. Environment: Located on the Baker River with a cozy beach. Limited amenities(horseshoe pit and a small playground), but both were in excellent condition. The campground is perfect for those who prefer a traditional camping experience without additional frills. During the week, the campground was quiet, but it got crowded on the weekends with seasonal campers and tent setups closer to the river. I appreciate the layout and the ambiance of the campground. 

    Negative Aspects 

    Unfortunately, a recent change in ownership to a corporation has brought noticeable changes: Loss of Personal Touch: The campground has lost its personal feel. Reno is still a lifesaver, but he’s the only one maintaining the old charm. Neglect by Management: The focus has shifted to another campground, Riverbrook, which is evident from their social media presence and activities. Baker River is largely neglected, and even basic acknowledgments from the management are lacking. Lack of Engagement: The director of both campgrounds visited but did not engage with campers. When Reno was on vacation, there was no other staff available to assist. Seasonal Campers' Discontent: Long-term campers have noticed the decline and are considering not returning next year. Corporate Focus: The corporation seems more interested in raising prices and saving money rather than maintaining and improving Baker River Campground. 

    Final Thoughts 

    I write this review out of a deep passion for Baker River Campground. It’s painful to see the decline in care and attention. I believe each campground should be treated as a separate entity with full-time events and dedicated management. The current corporate approach appears to prioritize profit over the well-being of the campground and its community. It’s a shame to see such a beloved place being neglected. I hope the management will take these concerns seriously and work towards restoring the charm and personal touch that made Baker River Campground special.

    Mike Weild

    Weild on Wheels



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 camping is available in New Hampshire?

    According to TheDyrt.com, New Hampshire offers a wide range of camping options, with 287 campgrounds and RV parks in New Hampshire and 8 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground in New Hampshire?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground in New Hampshire is Pawtuckaway State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 43 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping in New Hampshire?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots in New Hampshire.

  • What are the best parks in New Hampshire?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks in New Hampshire that allow camping, notably White Mountain National Forest and Edward MacDowell Lake.