Camping near Alton, New Hampshire offers access to the Lakes Region with over 273 lakes and ponds throughout Belknap County. The area sits at elevations ranging from 500 to 2,000 feet, creating diverse camping environments from lakeshores to wooded hills. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during the day, with cooler evenings around 55-65°F that can make for comfortable tent camping.
What to do
Kayaking on Lake Winnipesaukee: Rent equipment at Long Island Bridge Campground where they offer "perfect kayaks that we could rent for a Sunday on the water." The campground provides direct lake access for paddlers of all skill levels.
Hiking at Bear Brook State Park: Explore over 10,000 acres of forest preserve with numerous trails. "Located in a 10000 acre forest preserve, the campground is heavily forested and very secluded from civilization," notes one visitor to Bear Brook State Park Campground.
Mountain biking trails: Bear Brook State Park offers extensive trail networks for bikers. A camper mentioned, "The biking trails were a blast. We'll definitely be back again." These trails connect directly to the campground for easy access.
Beach swimming: White Lake State Park features "a nice stretch of sandy beach" with gradual depth that's ideal for families. The clear water allows for excellent visibility, and the swimming area is roped off for safety.
What campers like
Lakefront glamping options: For upscale outdoor stays close to Alton, glampers appreciate the waterfront sites at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" mentions one visitor about this glamping destination near Alton.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently note bathroom cleanliness as a priority. At White Lake State Park Campground, visitors appreciate that "bathrooms were nice and clean." Another camper shared, "What a beautiful Lake and campground. Bathrooms we're clean and we'll stocked."
Four-season camping options: Unlike seasonal operations mentioned elsewhere, Meredith Woods Four Season Camping offers year-round access. Winter visitors note, "Snow ploughing happens regularly and reliably. Indoor pool and hot tub are amazing on a snowy frigid winter day."
Wildlife viewing: Many campsites offer opportunities to spot local fauna. At Pawtuckaway, one camper recalls, "I forgot the daily visits from the ducks, like clockwork morning and dusk a family of ducks visited looking for grub."
What you should know
Site selection matters: Consider location and privacy when booking. At Harbor Hill Camping Area, "Sites were okay with trees all around. Most of the sites were seasonal sites." Another camper notes, "The tenting sites are pretty big and they allow up to 4 tents and 2 cars per site."
Reservation timing: Many popular sites book quickly, especially waterfront options. Plan several months in advance for summer weekends. At Pawtuckaway State Park, water sites "book up quickly" according to reviews.
Seasonal water conditions: Lake water quality can vary. One camper at Ellacoya noted, "The lake water was deemed too high in bacteria to swim in while we were there," though this is typically temporary and monitored regularly by park staff.
Winter accommodation limitations: Though some campgrounds operate year-round, services may be reduced. A winter camper at Meredith Woods mentioned, "We stayed for a winter weekend, they have a few transient sites that can accommodate RV's year round."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly water options: Shallow swimming areas make lake access safer. At White Lake State Park, "The swimming area is shallow for quite a distance so you can feel comfortable with kids," making it an excellent choice for luxury glamping near Alton with children.
Look for diverse activities: Multiple recreation options keep children engaged. At Salmon Falls / Lebanon KOA, "This Campground is family friendly and has a lot to offer. Our camping group consisted of children from the ages of 8-17 yrs old. No one was bored."
Playground proximity: Consider campsite location relative to play areas. One camper at Bear Brook recommended, "If you want to be close to the play area, site 90 or the ones on the loop behind it are better options" while cautioning against site 93 which is "so close to the playground and the fire ring placement makes it seem like families enjoying the playground will be tempted to walk through your site."
Bring bicycles: Many campgrounds have biking-friendly layouts. At White Lake, one visitor mentioned that "the kids could safely ride their bikes around the campground," providing additional recreation without leaving camp.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Check site descriptions for terrain details. At Bear Brook, "Mostly level sites sit under towering pines and vary greatly in size. Many of the sites are separated from their neighbors by large, downed pine trees."
Access route challenges: Some campgrounds have narrow roads. A camper at Bear Brook noted, "I found that the little loop to my campsite was tight to exit (I was towing a 14' teardrop, not a big trailer) and I had to be careful to swing wide at the corner."
Shower facilities vary: Prepare for coin operation and variable water temperature. A visitor mentioned, "The hot water in the showers either never happened or took 5 min or more to actually get hot enough to shower," which affects comfort during extended stays.
Camp store supplies: Many campgrounds offer essentials on-site. At Harbor Hill, "The general store has just about everything you will need, and there is a grocery store about a mile from the site," reducing the need to overpack.
