Camping options near Alexandria, New Hampshire extend beyond the immediate area to include sites within a 20-mile radius. Many campgrounds in this region operate seasonally with limited winter access due to snow conditions and steep terrain. Water features are prominent camping attractions, with options ranging from riverside sites to lakefront properties that provide swimming and fishing access during the warmer months.
What to do
Riverfront activities: Baker River Campground in Rumney features a sandy beach area with volleyball nets, providing direct river access. A camper noted, "The river was slow and low in early August... we ended tubing down the river one day. The ultimate lazy river." Plymouth Sands Camping also offers river activities, with one visitor mentioning "a nice beach on the river with a rope swing and ability to swim. We were there while the water was fairly low, so it was great for kids."
Indoor swimming: Meredith Woods Four Season Camping offers an indoor pool and hot tub that remain open year-round. A winter visitor commented, "Indoor pool and hot tub are amazing on a snowy frigid winter day. Utility sink for dishes available in heated bathhouse." This makes it one of the few campgrounds in the area with four-season appeal.
Mountain hiking: Sites near Mount Cardigan provide direct access to hiking trails. Cardigan Campsites serves as a convenient base for climbers, though facilities are basic with only toilets available. Other campgrounds within 15 miles offer access to White Mountain foothills trails with varying difficulty levels.
What campers like
Winter camping access: While most campgrounds close after Columbus Day, Clearwater Campground provides limited off-season options. A camper observed it was "really quiet this time of year," indicating the advantages of visiting during shoulder seasons. Some campgrounds have heated facilities to accommodate cold-weather camping.
Clean facilities: Cleanliness is frequently mentioned in positive reviews. A visitor to Ames Brook Campground remarked, "Very clean well kept campground. The staff is friendly and helpful. Decent camp store too." Another camper at Davidson's noted similar qualities, praising the "quiet friendly campground with river access, clean bathrooms, showers."
Site privacy: Baker River Campground offers varied site options, with one camper explaining, "Me and my family stayed right on the river, site 10. It was very shaded, clean, private walkway to the river." Site privacy varies significantly between campgrounds, with some offering more wooded separation than others.
What you should know
Seasonal ownership changes: Several campgrounds have undergone recent ownership transitions. A visitor to Clearwater observed, "This is now called Hunter's Run. Many seasonal campsites more than half the campground. Good site spacing. Store only open limited hours and staff on site only limited hours. Probably due to new corporate owners."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely throughout the region. Moose Hillock Camping Resort has particularly limited service, with one review noting, "No WiFi or cell service except by the pool which can be hard if you need to be contacted. Cable tv at sites was available and intermittent quality."
Terrain challenges: Hilly terrain can affect campground navigation. A Moose Hillock visitor warned, "The hilly terrain is insaneeee! If you have never been before, book a sight as close as possible to the pool and office, because the further you get, the higher the altitude." This topographical challenge appears in multiple campgrounds across the region.
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Plymouth Sands Camping Area provides family-friendly amenities including a small playground. One visitor noted, "The office has a lending library of games available. The couple that owns the campground are very friendly and have owned it for 3 seasons now." Campgrounds with playground equipment tend to be more appealing for families with young children.
Pool facilities: Several campgrounds feature pools for children. Ames Brook received positive feedback: "awesome pool with a pirate ship that has 2 slides, night swimming, entertainment on some nights, big sites, fishing, camp store with decent prices." These facilities provide alternatives when lake or river conditions aren't suitable.
Age restrictions: Some facilities impose age limits on amenities. A visitor to Meredith Woods mentioned, "Lots of rules: must provide a $10.00 refundable cash deposit for gate card, bring cash or else enjoy the atm fees, the age limit for hot tub is 14 YO and strictly enforced." Checking these policies before arrival can prevent disappointment.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Newfound RV Park offers dedicated RV facilities with full hookup and pull-through sites. A reviewer mentioned, "Our compacted ground site was level and had a dedicated patch of grass with a small tree. We personally felt that the sites were all well-spaced." Site levelness varies between campgrounds, with some requiring significant adjustments.
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds near Alexandria offer variable hookup options. A Clearwater Campground visitor noted, "Sites have different configurations for utilities," indicating that researching specific site amenities before booking is important. Full-service hookups typically include water, electric (30 or 50 amp), and sewer connections, though not all sites provide all three.
Seasonal limitations: RV camping in this region typically runs from May through October, with most facilities closing after Columbus Day. Winter RV options are limited to specialized campgrounds like Meredith Woods, where a visitor noted they "have a few transient sites that can accommodate RV's year round."
