Best Campgrounds near Bethlehem, NH

Bethlehem, New Hampshire serves as a gateway to diverse camping experiences in the White Mountains region, with options ranging from full-service RV parks to primitive backcountry sites. Apple Hill Campground, located within Bethlehem itself, operates year-round and accommodates both tent and RV campers with full hookups. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access the highly-rated Franconia Notch State Park's Lafayette Place Campground, Dry River Campground in Crawford Notch State Park, and several privately operated facilities like Fransted Family Campground and Lost River Valley Campground. The surrounding White Mountain National Forest provides additional camping opportunities at sites like Sugarloaf Campground.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability in the region, with most campgrounds operating from May through mid-October. Winter camping options are limited to a few year-round facilities like Apple Hill Campground and Crazy Horse Family Campground in nearby Littleton. Cell service varies considerably throughout the area, with many forest campgrounds having limited or no connectivity. As one camper noted about Lafayette Place Campground, "The whole area is spectacular, but I recommend getting a site as far away from the road as possible" to minimize traffic noise. Advance reservations are essential during summer months and fall foliage season, when campgrounds frequently reach capacity, especially on weekends.

Proximity to hiking trails represents a major draw for campers in the Bethlehem area. "This campground is the perfect location for those wanting to explore Franconia Notch State Park," wrote one visitor about Lafayette Place, which provides direct access to the Lonesome Lake Trail and serves as a starting point for hikes along Franconia Ridge. Campers frequently mention the region's natural beauty, with streams, rivers, and mountain views enhancing many camping locations. Road noise can be an issue at some campgrounds situated near highways, particularly those along the Kancamagus Highway. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the White Mountains, with campers reporting occasional microbursts and strong storms even during summer months.

Best Camping Sites Near Bethlehem, New Hampshire (267)

    1. Lafayette Place Campground — Franconia Notch State Park

    36 Reviews
    Lincoln, NH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 823-9513

    $35 / night

    "My first time in camping in New Hampshire, the whole area is spectacular and I felt lucky to find a spot in this campground next to the stream."

    "The White Mountains stretch quite some distance. While the Presidential peaks are often considered the jewel of this range, I find the Franconia Ridge just as beautiful and stunning."

    2. Hancock Campground

    28 Reviews
    Lincoln, NH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 536-6100

    $30 / night

    "Luckily -- we were only about ten minutes from one of our favorite campgrounds in New Hampshire. Let me tell you why we like it so much."

    "This would be one of few places I find acceptable to camp, that are near other people. I usually don't like camping with 20+ other people in one looped area."

    3. Dry River Campground — Crawford Notch State Park

    31 Reviews
    Bartlett, NH
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 374-2272

    $35 - $40 / night

    "Cool location right on the edge of the Dry River Wilderness. Great Basecamp for lots of hikes in the area. Some spots are right on the highway with not much tree cover in between so can be loud."

    "This state park campground located between Rte 302 and the Dry River in Crawford Notch is a great location for exploring family friendly trails to (Sawyer Pond, Arethusa Falls, Willard Cliffs to name a"

    4. Fransted Family Campground

    9 Reviews
    Franconia, NH
    5 miles
    Website

    $40 - $55 / night

    "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 location could not be any better for access to attractions in the area!"

    5. Lost River Valley Campground

    32 Reviews
    North Woodstock, NH
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 745-8321

    $62 - $209 / night

    "The last few years, they’ve added a light display near the entrance at night, which make that last trip to the bathroom before bedtime fun!"

    "Nice campground located in the valley of mountains. Wooded sites but close to your neighbors."

    6. Twin Mountain-Mt. Washington KOA

    10 Reviews
    Twin Mountain, NH
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 846-5559

    "There are tons of hiking trails in and close by the site. And other activities close by for family or adult fun like Story Land? Santa's Village, and more."

    "The trail is right outside the lip of the campsite. Totally had a fun time."

    7. Sugarloaf 1 Campground

    11 Reviews
    Twin Mountain, NH
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 536-6100

    $24 / night

    "If you need help or have any questions the Hosts (Located in Sugarloaf 2) are very friendly and offer a wealth of knowledge of the area.

     "

    "Definitely a step above primitive campsites (there’s a flushing toilet and water), but this site doesn’t have some of the other features you find at some larger campgrounds (no sinks, washbasins, or showers"

    8. Apple Hill Campground

    8 Reviews
    Bethlehem, NH
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (603) 869-2238

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Close to a main throughfare, tons of recreating to do in this area. Hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, literally anything outside. Just a few miles from grocery stores, restaurants, etc."

    "Town was close by but also removed enough to give the great camping experience without needing to drive miles to get forgotten supplies."

    9. Crawford Notch Campground

    24 Reviews
    Bartlett, NH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 374-2272

    $25 / night

    "-Our site was big and walking around the grounds the other sites appeared to all be pretty good sized as well. They are not lying when they call their sites secluded either!"

    "Cabins and RV sites with hookups are closer yo the entrance, store and road. That latter feature is a bit if a bummer bc the noise from cars and trucks zipping by on route 302 is loud."

    10. Crazy Horse Family Campground

    8 Reviews
    Littleton, NH
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 444-2204

    "over those entering campground to ensure only registered campers are coming in, separation between sites is pretty decent, dish sink to do your dishes in, playground with a large field for kids to run around"

    "You can also be on a nice field or on the edge. Pool was damaged during winter and not available. 2024"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 267 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Bethlehem, NH

1202 Reviews of 267 Bethlehem Campgrounds


  • 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?

  • Josh S.
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Mountain Lake Camping Resort

    Great campground for families!

    If you're looking for a safe, family friendly, quiet campground this is it.

    Pool with water slides for kids, Kayaks, paddle boats, canoes, playground with slides and a pirate ship.

    Strict quiet hours at 1030 make it very quiet in the evening with no worry of loud parties keeping you up.

    Super clean restrooms and sites and a camp store with about everything in it.

    10 minute drive to the cute town of Lancaster which has coffee shops, brewery, restaurants, bakery and groceries.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road

    Chill spots with nearby creek and river

    Highwater trail with bridge close by. Great stars. Creek runs through road near sites good for getting water to filter or washing. Trailhead at end of road.

  • Dale S.
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Nauman Tentsite

    Perfect Camping Adventure in White Mountains

    This campsite sounds like a perfect spot for nature lovers who enjoy rugged terrain and peaceful surroundings. The mix of wooden platforms, nearby water sources, and bear protection measures shows how well-prepared it is for group camping. Exploring trails like the Appalachian or enjoying the views from Mount Washington would make the trip even more memorable— almost like the adventure and excitement you find in an android game.

  • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Lazy Lions Campground

    Nice quiet place

    Nice campground with plenty of shade, well maintained and decent restrooms. The showers are ok and cost a quarter for 4 minutes. Our site was level and along with a picnic table, they also provide two Adirondack chairs (plastic) and a fire ring.

  • Amanda B.
    Aug. 21, 2025

    White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road

    Fabulous Front Backcountry Camping

    8 huge, beautiful campsites in the heavily wooded Evans Notch section of The White Mountains National Forest. It's easy to forget there are other people camping on other sites because they're so far apart. It's wonderfully relaxing and quiet. The only thing I regret not bringing with me is a table to put my camp stove on.

  • 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.

  • jonathan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Ladd Pond Cabins And Campground

    Hidden gem

    Stayed in a tent they do have multiple tent sites RV sites and cabins available more than enough room for tents they have a beautiful pond in the back they have showers or a shower and toilet for those that need it a common room for those that want to cook food play games watch movies. it's about 11 minutes to the grocery store in downtown colebrook. The owners are amazing people they are very nice and kind. This place is really a hidden gem


Guide to Bethlehem

White Mountains camping near Bethlehem, New Hampshire ranges from primitive to full-service sites at elevations between 1,000 and 2,000 feet. The camping season typically extends from late May through October, with nighttime temperatures in summer averaging 50-60°F. Winter camping options remain limited to year-round facilities that maintain plowed access roads.

What to do

Hiking from your campsite: The Sugarloaf 1 Campground provides direct access to trails without moving your vehicle. "Zealand trail is very close by and great for kids," notes one camper, while another mentions that "Zeacliff trail is also just up the road and that is worth a hike as it is one of the best views in the whites."

River activities: Many campsites near Bethlehem feature river access for cooling off during summer months. "The river is great for exploring! But it's extremely cold, swift, shallow, so it's not ideal for swimming," reports one visitor about Crawford Notch Campground. Others mention "tubing, swimming, playing in the river that runs along the campground."

Mountaintop views: Trail access from camps puts summit views within day-hike distance. "You can access at least 6 of the NH48 from this campground, numerous waterfalls, two AMC huts, and several ponds and lakes all within hiking distance," reports a hiker about Lafayette Place. The network of trails connects to both accessible and challenging peaks.

What campers like

Access to multiple attractions: Fransted Family Campground earns praise for its strategic location. "The campground is perfectly located for access to Franconia Notch," notes one review. Another adds that the site is "central to all the white mountain attractions," making it a convenient base camp.

Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness stands out in visitor comments. "The bathrooms are immaculate & the campsites are well ground," writes a visitor about Fransted Family Campground. At Dry River Campground, campers note "very clean facilities for showering" and appreciate the "dishwashing station, coin op showers, and friendly ranger."

Wooded privacy: Forest cover between sites offers seclusion at many campgrounds. "Beautiful place with lots of privacy because of the deep cover between sites," notes a Sugarloaf 1 visitor. Another camper describes how the campground has "large, level, and wooded" sites that provide a sense of isolation.

What you should know

Reservation timing: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. For Hancock Campground, one camper advises, "Campsites can't be reserved and the campground does fill up on the weekends. We were lucky to score a walk-in tent site on a Saturday in August."

Highway noise: Traffic sounds affect some sites more than others. "The noise from Highway 93 is intolerable! 18-wheelers blowing by at all hours of the day and night," reports one Lafayette Place camper, recommending "sites 33, 34, and 35 are the quietest."

Wildlife encounters: Bear boxes are provided at some campgrounds for food storage. "We appreciated having a bear box on our site, especially since we couldn't keep anything in our car. It was big enough to fit our grill, cooler, trash, and bag of groceries," notes a Hancock Campground visitor.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly activities: Twin Mountain/Mt. Washington KOA offers organized events for children. "This campground is wonderful for camping with kids. It has a great playground and a small but nice and clean pool," writes one visitor. Another adds that "it is perfect for family visits with the parks, heated pool, volleyball and more. It even has daily events or group get together."

River access sites: Select campsites that provide safe water play. "The Brook was relaxing. Also the campground it's really close to Cannon Mountain," notes a visitor about Fransted Family Campground. Families should check water conditions, as river levels change throughout the season.

Educational programs: Some campgrounds offer ranger-led activities. "There was an interpretive ranger staying there that held a fun night of scores and spooky stories," reports a Dry River Campground visitor, adding value for families looking for structured learning opportunities.

Tips from RVers

Winter access: Year-round camping options exist for RVers visiting the area. Apple Hill Campground operates throughout winter, with one visitor noting it's "far enough from the highway so that you don't hear it. Littleton is close enough that if you've forgotten something, you can easily find it there." This provides flexibility for off-season visits.

Site selection: RV sites vary significantly in size and access. "Some sites might be small for large RVs but the hosts ask what size of rig you have and get you a site that can be gotten into," notes one Crazy Horse Family Campground visitor. Another RVer recommends checking the "incredibly easy to park my camper with the pull through sites" at Apple Hill.

Hookup availability: Full hookups are limited at some campgrounds. A visitor to Apple Hill Campground mentions, "We paid $35 for a full hook up and had no problems," while noting the value compared to other options in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available in Bethlehem, NH?

Bethlehem, NH and its surrounding area offer several excellent camping options. Apple Hill Campground is located directly in Bethlehem, providing convenient access to town amenities. For those looking for more secluded experiences, Private Field and Woods Camping offers peaceful nature settings with beautiful landscapes. Other nearby options include Crazy Horse Family Campground near Littleton and Franconia area campgrounds. The White Mountains region surrounding Bethlehem features numerous camping opportunities, with options for both tent campers seeking natural settings and RV travelers requiring more amenities.

How far are campgrounds from downtown Bethlehem, NH?

Most campgrounds are conveniently located within a short drive of downtown Bethlehem. Lafayette Place Campground — Franconia Notch State Park is approximately 15 minutes from Bethlehem's center, offering easy access to town while providing a wilderness experience. Country Bumpkins Campground and Cabins is similarly situated within a 15-20 minute drive. Campgrounds in Lincoln, like Big Rock, are about 25-30 minutes away. For those wanting the closest option, Apple Hill Campground is just minutes from downtown Bethlehem, making it ideal for campers who want to combine outdoor experiences with easy access to town amenities.

What amenities do Bethlehem, NH campgrounds offer?

Campgrounds around Bethlehem offer a range of amenities to enhance your camping experience. The Pastures Campground provides clean bathrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and a library, plus spacious sites with tables and fire rings. Sugarloaf 2 Campground offers clean, well-maintained wooded sites with easy registration systems. Many area campgrounds feature water access, toilet facilities, and reservable sites. Private campgrounds typically provide more extensive amenities like electric hookups, WiFi, and shower facilities, while public campgrounds in the White Mountain National Forest often focus on more rustic experiences with basic facilities in natural settings. Most campgrounds offer picnic tables and fire rings at individual sites.