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Best Campgrounds near Alton, NH

1,284 Reviews

Campgrounds near Alton, New Hampshire range from full-service RV resorts to rustic tent sites, with several options situated around lakes and mountains in the Lakes Region. Turtle Kraal RV Park in Alton provides seasonal camping from May through November with tent and RV accommodations. Calef Lake Camping Area offers lakefront sites that are popular with families. Within 20 miles, campers can access larger facilities like Gunstock Campground in Gilford with 250 sites for tents, RVs, and cabins, or the Jellystone Park Camp Resort in Milton which features cabin rentals and organized activities for families.

Most campgrounds in the Alton area operate seasonally from May through October, with peak season running from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Winter camping options are limited due to New Hampshire's cold temperatures and snow. Water and electric hookups are common at developed sites, while sewer connections vary by campground. Roads to most established campgrounds are well-maintained and accessible by standard vehicles. Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, particularly those farther from town centers. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays when lakefront sites fill quickly. A camper familiar with the region noted, "This campground is perfect for a quick escape from southern NH without going too far north! Lake access 24/7 and secluded campsites, perfect for everyone!"

Waterfront access is a major draw for campers in the Alton region, with sites on lakes commanding premium prices and requiring advance booking. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, located about 30 minutes southwest of Alton, receives consistently positive reviews for its extensive trail system and water activities. Many campers appreciate the combination of natural setting and proximity to amenities. The campgrounds surrounding Alton offer varying levels of privacy, with some providing secluded, wooded sites while others focus on social camping experiences with organized activities. Bear Brook State Park Campground, approximately 40 minutes west, offers one of the larger camping areas in southern New Hampshire with access to multiple ponds and an extensive trail network. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "This extremely family-friendly campground comes equipped with trails, play structures, camp store, beach, and even a small baseball diamond."

Map showing campgrounds near Alton, New HampshireExplore the Map

Detours Nearby

Wolfeboro Campground

Wolfeboro Campground

23 min away

Granite State Campground

Granite State Campground

23 min away

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Best Camping Sites Near Alton, New Hampshire (276)

    1. Gunstock Campground

    13 Reviews
    Gilford, NH
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 737-4355

    $35 - $80 / night

    "I was lucky to receive a tranquil, secluded spot next to a brook - perfect."

    "Pros: Beautiful area, not a bad size campground, quiet nights (but this could be because 3 out of the 4 sites right near us were empty), free hot showers that are not dirty, lots of trails on edge of"

    2. Granite State Campground

    7 Reviews
    Belmont, NH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 393-6003

    "New bath houses, New hook-ups on many sites Close drive to Lake Winnisquam and Winnipesaukee, Close drive to Gunstock Mountain, not far from Laconia, wooded sites, The camp has some seasonal full timers"

    "This campground is one of my favorites in the lakes region. Affordable prices, large wooded sites and great staff."

    3. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Raymond, NH
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 895-3031

    $35 - $140 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    4. Sun River Campground

    4 Reviews
    Pittsfield, NH
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 269-3333

    $30 / night

    "The facilities, which include bathhouses, a laundry room, and a beach situated along a tranquil river, contribute to a harmonious and enjoyable experience for all."

    "Pros=rustic tent sites available on a River, very quiet nights, secluded campsites (however the 5 sites near us were empty so that likely has a little to do with noise level & space), playground available"

    5. Bear Brook State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Candia, NH
    24 miles
    Website
    +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."

    6. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp Resort, Lakes Region

    6 Reviews
    Milton, NH
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 652-9022

    $64 / night

    "Started with really expensive sites, and we had 4 of them next to one another. Rained the whole time we were there. Wouldnt even consider a discount, nothing."

    "This is a glampground, keep this in mind, if your looking for a peacful Shangri-La seek another campground, if your looking to let loose and enjoy an amenity filled experience around other people, give"

    7. Turtle Kraal RV Park

    1 Review
    Alton, NH
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (603) 855-2377

    "Turtle Kraal RV campground is a gated RV campground just outside Alton Bay NH.  Lots of great restaurants, ice cream shops and water activities are nearby!  "

    8. Salmon Falls / Lebanon KOA

    7 Reviews
    Rochester, ME
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 339-9465

    "We were able to book last minute and got a great tenting site, next to a running river that was great to sleep to. Very buggy, but it's outside, what do you expect?"

    "Staff was very friendly and extremely cautious about their surroundings. Plenty of things to do to stay busy during the rainy days."

    9. Epsom Valley Campground

    7 Reviews
    Epsom, NH
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 736-9758

    $35 - $165 / night

    "I enjoyed the hiking trails in the back and a pretty good amount of things to do near by. Being able to walk to a store and restaurant is great."

    "We only wanted to stay for one and when we arrived, the older women drove me around in the golf cart to see which site would best suit us and I just thought it was the sweetest thing!"

    10. Lazy River Family Campground

    7 Reviews
    Epsom, NH
    16 miles
    +1 (603) 798-5900

    $26 - $30 / night

    "Saturday rolled around and some noisier guests came in for the night, they were several sites away and sounded like they were having a great time, didn't bother us."

    "The family will definitely be making a few return trips, especially with the reasonable drive from the boston area to the grounds."

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Recent Camping Photos near Alton, NH

849 Photos of 276 Alton Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Alton, NH

1284 Reviews of 276 Alton Campgrounds

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Beach Rose RV Park

    Nice park

    Owners were helpful on arrival, level concrete pad full hookups. Sites close together but quiet.

  • Utshob A.
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Bear Brook State Park Campground

    Convenient and fun

    The park was easy to get to, only about half an hour from Manchester. It has kayak rentals and a very well stocked camp store, that was close to the camp sites. Our campsite was only about a hundred feet away from the camp store but still felt private.

    Our campsite also had a fire pit and a picnic table which were great.

    The size of the sites varies quite a bit though as well as their isolation, some were out in the open.

    For cell service: ATT seems to have pretty decent coverage but not Verizon.

  • Erin D.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lost River Valley Campground

    Dirty and Disappointing

    Here’s the revised version of your review with the laundry issue added in seamlessly:⸻ I came to this campground after seeing it advertised in a New Hampshire magazine, noting that it had once been recommended by Yankee Magazine. Unfortunately, it seems that recommendation must have been from many years ago, because what we experienced was nothing like what was promised. From the moment we arrived, it was clear the property was extremely rundown. The entrance and camp store were full of broken wood, broken signs, and musty smells. The bathrooms were absolutely atrocious—filthy, smelly, and clearly not maintained. They may not have been updated in years, but they could at least be kept clean, and they were not. The playgrounds—despite this being advertised as a family-friendly campground—were unsafe and neglected. Structures were practically falling down, weeds were everywhere, and one so-called playground was nothing more than a tarp on the ground with a tiny jungle gym. The game room was equally disappointing: dirty, moldy, and unusable. We had also looked forward to using the laundry facilities, but they were completely out of order and appeared to have been that way for quite some time. This was extremely disappointing and added to the sense that the entire campground is neglected. The swimming area was also a major letdown. The water was murky and uninviting—I wouldn’t even consider kayaking or putting my feet in it. Calling it a“beach” is misleading; it was unkempt and unpleasant. Overall, this campground was an extreme disappointment. It felt neglected, unsafe, and unhygienic in every way. I will not be returning, and I would strongly caution others to look elsewhere for a true family-friendly New Hampshire camping experience.⸻ Would you like me to shorten this into a punchier version(since some review sites have word limits), or keep it as a full detailed account for maximum impact?

  • Julie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Wassamki Springs Campground

    Great Family campground!

    The amenities here make it a wonderful place for kids and adults!!   Nice,  clean and quiet!    I stayed on a spot by the water, that was totally worth the upgrade.

  • Kaileigh K.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Sandy Pines Campground

    Amazing location and campground amenities

    We had an amazing long weekend at Sandy Pines and will definitely plan to return. I loved that there was a tent only area that felt a little more secluded and quiet with some nice privacy between sites. The playground and pool were a hit with the kids. The bathrooms were always clean and single user, some had showers as well. The proximity to goose rocks beach was a major plus!

  • S
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Cold Springs Camp Resort

    All Around Exceptional

    This place is just great! They have clean, flat sites, easy to navigate and get our fifth wheel in. The facilities are spotless. There are numerous pools and hot tubs, activities and the people that work there are just the nicest! Our kids were never scolded for being loud and neither were the adults. We have booked our return trip already and can't wait to go back!

  • J
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Plymouth Sands Camping Area

    Nice campground with amenities and friendly owners

    The campground is in a convenient location near lots of hiking trails and attractions. The sites are decently spacious and have various configurations for utilities. There is 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. Firewood is available on site. There is a bathroom with a few stalls and sinks that is well kept and clean. The showers are quarter operated with a coin heat lamp as well for the colder seasons. 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 and they have done a great job making sure that amenities are kept up and upgrades are being made.

  • R
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Sun Outdoors Wells Beach

    Zero wifi or cell signal

    Stayed back in 2023 with travel trailer and experienced almost zero wifi signal as well as verizon cell signal. Returned this past week and found no improvement whatsoever. This on back half of property. Manager stated they are awar and working on it. (For 2 years?). Could not plan anything, check weather unless you walked or drive up front. Light globes at various sites next to campers lit all night and were annoying so covered with bag. Some sites are just bad..huge pine tree at 428 caused camper to park his angled. Fire wood being sold is all pine & burns up immediately.

  • Cassie G.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Winding River Campground

    Fun laid back place. This campground has a lot of potential. Some info on their website and Facebook isn’t accurate.

    I would like to share my experience this past weekend at Winding River in Exeter NH. My family of 3 Stayed at tent site 523 in the Oak area. We also had family at 553 and 554 and Cabin 2.

    About site 523: I clearly had one of the largest and most private tent sites. It was set back with a long driveway tucked between 522 and 524. It’s a very steep drop into the river making most sites a little nerve wracking with a little one. Online it said water available nearby. Most sites had a hookup but there wasn’t a one on my site. It looked like there may have been one to share on the road, but I didn’t end up needing to figure that out.

    Tent sites 522 and 524: Along with most of the tent sites these sites were very close to each other, much smaller and closer to the road. I wished my family members had gotten 552 and 553 as they blended together nicely if you are tenting in side by side spaces. The ground was very rocky making staking tents down difficult. They were right next to the bathroom which was convenient but loud. Ventilation in the bathroom was not good so the doors were propped open much of the time and loud hand dryers.

    Shower:

    • This is the smaller of the two bathrooms in the campground. There are 2 showers there. Each with a single insufficient curtain and no hooks on the wall or bench to place things down. Water was hot enough, pressure was ok if you set it to the high power massage-like setting.
    • The showers in other bathroom (near the town center area) had a door and two curtains. Some had hooks (some of which were broken). I almost tripped going in and out of these bathroom stalls because they are raised up but there is no marking on the ground to indicate that.

    Cabin 2: Ac worked well. There was a good sized bed downstairs, smaller beds in two lofts. I was surprised the couch didn’t pull out. Fridge and all dishes were nice and clean. All the cabins seem to have different back porch setups. This porch was smaller than C1. There was a propane grill that smelled rancid with sooo much caked on The burners. The location of the ceiling fan under the other lights in the ceiling gave them a flashing effect that really bothered me.

    Pros:

    • Lower price compared to other campgrounds (but I don’t feel like I got everything advertised on the website)
    • Two playgrounds, both were nice.
    • Water slide was fun
    • We arrived Thursday at the gate and were told how to get to our site, to set up and then come over to the office which was nice.

    Cons:

    • The river is very low and yucky so none of the boating or fishing advertised was possible. likely causing the massive amount of mosquitos.
    • The whole arcade building was was “out of order”
    • The laundry room had two washers (one was broken) and two dryers 2.50 each per load. Not sufficient for a campground this size (especially when people leave their clothes in the machine for 30 mins after they’re done!)
    • Camp store was poorly stocked (multiple empty coolers).
    • Ice $3 per SMALL bag.
    • Wood $10 per bundle and rules say you can’t bring from off-site. I saw people with huge metal bins of wood but was never offered that option when I payed for multiple bundles.
    • Camp store closes at 3 on Sunday and doesn’t open until 11 am during the week (which is also checkout). This made it a little confusing when I wanted to return the golf cart. They have a small area with icecream that is scooped and maybe a kitchen. I never saw it open but I think the sign said open morning to 12 and then again in the evening.
    • The pool was green and cloudy on day 3. I called the office and was told they had just shocked it and that was a result of the copper. I am not informed enough on pool safety so I opted out of swimming on the hottest day of our stay. My son was bummed.
    • Planned activities were only scheduled for Friday and Saturday, when online mentions “daily”. During adult kareoke there were plenty of kids and really poor wifi (wasting so much time between songs).

    And just to add:

    • Staff I encountered was friendly enough, but It would be nice if they wore shirts to identify themselves.
    • Golf cart was great, but cost more than the site per night.
    • Pedal go-carts were available for rent (I didn’t ask a price).

Guide to Alton

Camping near Alton, New Hampshire, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Pawtuckaway State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "So many lovely waterfront sites, clean facilities, camp store and beach are great."
  • Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking or canoeing at Dry River — Crawford Notch State Park. A visitor said, "Cool location right on the edge of the Dry River Wilderness. Great Basecamp for lots of hikes in the area."
  • Wildlife Watching: Visit Bear Brook State Park Campground for a chance to see local wildlife. One reviewer noted, "Set back deep in the woods, I’d call the sites semi-private."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings at Franconia Notch State Park. A happy camper shared, "Lafayette Place is a beautiful campground. Restrooms are clean and the camp store is well stocked."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Lorraine Park Campground said, "The sanitary building is clean with good showers."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Families enjoy the activities available at Lost River Valley Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "They also had a tinker bell walk and other activities."

What you should know:

  • Site Proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Crawford Notch Campground remarked, "The sites are all nice, but the noise from cars and trucks zipping by on route 302 is loud."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A visitor at White Lake State Park Campground noted, "The water from the spigot is absolutely HORRID tasting."
  • Reservation System: Some campers have found the reservation system frustrating. A reviewer at Dry River — Crawford Notch State Park said, "The nicest sites were reserved the entire time we were there and they were total no-shows."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly options like Bear Brook State Park Campground. A parent shared, "Brought our dog and she absolutely loved it."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One camper at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground mentioned, "Can't beat it for only an hour from Boston."
  • Pack for Bugs: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially near water. A visitor at Lorraine Park Campground advised, "The water in the pond is not streaming so be prepared for mosquitoes when camping close to the water."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Lost River Valley Campground said, "The ground was level and the hookups look new."
  • Look for Amenities: Choose campgrounds with the amenities you need. A visitor at Dry River — Crawford Notch State Park mentioned, "This campground has a lot of amenities like showers and washer/dryers."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Crawford Notch Campground noted, "There is literally no one in charge on site at any time and there is no maintenance."

Camping near Alton, New Hampshire, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just be sure to plan ahead and choose the right spot for your needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the campgrounds located in Alton, NH?

Alton, NH offers several campground options in the scenic Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Gunstock Campground is located nearby in Gilford, providing easy access to Alton and featuring drive-in sites with water and toilet facilities. For those seeking a family-friendly environment, Ayers Lake Farm Campground and Cottages is situated a short drive from Alton and offers beautiful lakeside camping with stunning views of a small New Hampshire pond. Additional nearby options include Sun River Campground in Center Barnstead and Granite State Campground in Belmont, all within a reasonable driving distance from Alton.

What amenities are available at Alton Bay campgrounds?

Campgrounds around Alton Bay typically offer a range of amenities to enhance your camping experience. Beach Rose RV Park features a clean, well-maintained pool setup in a quiet environment, making it perfect for families. Many campgrounds in the area provide essential amenities like firewood sales, clean restrooms, and access to water. Bear Brook State Park Campground, while a bit further, offers a comprehensive experience with a camp store, play structures, beaches, trails, and even a small baseball diamond. Most Alton Bay area campgrounds provide water access, picnic tables, and fire rings at individual sites, with varying levels of electrical hookups depending on the specific campground.

Are there RV rental options in Alton, New Hampshire?

While there aren't dedicated RV rental businesses specifically in Alton, several options exist in the surrounding area. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp Resort, Lakes Region near Milton offers cabin rentals and potentially RV accommodations for visitors without their own equipment. Lazy River Family Campground is another option that might have rental opportunities. Many campers find success renting RVs from businesses in larger nearby towns like Rochester or Concord, then bringing them to Alton area campgrounds. Online peer-to-peer RV rental platforms also connect local RV owners with renters, providing flexible options for camping in the Alton region.

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