Camping options near Ashland, New Hampshire range from rustic tent sites to full-service RV parks across the White Mountains region. The area sits at elevations between 500-800 feet with a climate that features warm summer days in the 70s-80s F and cool nights that often drop into the 50s. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October with some providing specialized winter accommodations or seasonal rental options for campers seeking more permanent setups.
What to do
Hiking and climbing access: Baker River Campground serves as an excellent base for rock climbing at nearby Rumney. "Nice private campground... We have stayed here on multiple occasions when in the Rumney area for climbing and biking," writes Dana M. about Baker River Campground.
River activities: Many campgrounds offer water recreation on the Baker River. "The sites are pretty big and they allow up to 4 tents and 2 cars per site... Large single stall shower that was also very clean, operates on quarters," notes Sarah W. about Harbor Hill Camping Area, which provides easy access to local waters.
Mountain exploration: Waterville Campground sits near multiple hiking trails. "5 - 4000 foot mountains to hike," explains Michael L. about the opportunities around Waterville Campground, making it popular for those wanting to explore higher elevations in the region.
What campers like
Winter camping options: Meredith Woods stands out for year-round accessibility. "Snow ploughing happens regularly and reliably. Indoor pool and hot tub are amazing on a snowy frigid winter day," notes Mara S. about Meredith Woods Four Season Camping, which maintains winter facilities.
Beach access: Multiple campgrounds offer swimming areas. "The river is very clean and a nice spot to hang out in the sun and splash around (not very deep most of the year)," writes Tyler A. about Plymouth Sands Camping Area, describing the riverside beach area.
Wildlife viewing: Campers report bear sightings at some locations. "The first day I got there at around 5:30 I was sitting in my hammock reading when a black bear cub strolled through my campsite," recounts Kitty about their experience at Waterville Campground, highlighting the natural encounters possible in the region.
What you should know
Site layout and privacy: Campground layouts vary significantly across the region. "The sites are large and level, but after we pitched our screen tent we realized there were ground nesting bees all over," warns Jean C. about White Lake State Park Campground, noting a common springtime issue.
Seasonal staffing: Campgrounds may have different management practices throughout the season. "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," Michael W. explains about Pine Haven, describing changing management experiences.
Reservation timing: Campgrounds fill up quickly during peak periods. "Memorial Day weekend, there were still vacancies, but during my Labor Day visit last year sites were full very early Friday morning," notes a reviewer about White Lake State Park, illustrating the importance of advance planning.
Tips for camping with families
Pool facilities: For families with children, pool access can be important. "Great place to camp! Has all the hook-ups you need with free wifi and cable TV. Quiet, clean with super clean bathrooms and showers. The camp is well maintained. Has a pool and a couple playgrounds for the kids AND a recreation room with arcade games," explains David D. about Harbor Hill Camping Area.
Playground options: Various campgrounds offer different play equipment. "The staff was extremely kind. The site was clean and efficient. Indoor pool was a plus in cold/rainy days. Family with kids the only down, wish the playground was bigger, and height smaller. Not a structure for small children," advises Dennis O. about Meredith Woods.
Beach safety: White Lake State Park Campground offers particularly family-friendly swimming. "The lake is clear, the swimming area is shallow for quite a distance so you can feel comfortable with kids, and there is a separate boat launch area," notes Jean C., describing the designated swimming areas.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Many sites have partial hookups or specific limitations. "We stayed for a winter weekend, they have a few transient sites that can accommodate RV's year round. There are a ton of full time seasonal RV's as many people use this campground as a base for snow machining," explains Andrew P. about Moose Hillock Camping Resort.
Yurt camping Ashland, New Hampshire: For those seeking a glamping experience without bringing an RV, yurt options exist. "I booked one of the tent platforms... The facilities here were great. There is a full bathhouse with individual rooms for showers and sink/toilets, with running water," writes Justin P. about the yurt camping options near Ashland, noting the modern facilities available.
Site accessibility: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds. "Very hilly and kids are ripping around in pedal and motorized bikes and scooters which is fine but no control at all in regards to speed and helmets," cautions Lauren Q. about Moose Hillock, noting the challenging terrain that might affect RV access and setup.
