Best Campgrounds near Center Harbor, NH

Camping near Center Harbor, New Hampshire, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. 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 numerous trails in the area. Campers at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground rave about the “great location with lake views, trails, etc.” It’s a perfect spot for both beginners and seasoned hikers.
• Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking or canoeing. One visitor mentioned that “lots of great spots on the water” make it easy to launch a kayak from Pawtuckaway State Park Campground.
• Wildlife Watching: The area is rich in wildlife. A reviewer at Dry River – Crawford Notch State Park noted it as a “great basecamp for lots of hikes in the area,” where you can spot deer and other animals.

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Lafayette Place Campground said, “Restrooms are clean and the camp store is well stocked.”
• Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One camper at Bear Brook State Park Campground mentioned, “This campground had plenty of space between sites.”
• Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. A reviewer at Moose Brook State Park Campground said, “The staff was very friendly.”

What you should know:

• Site Proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Crawford Notch Campground noted, “The sites are packed together, close to the highway.”
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A visitor at Hancock Campground mentioned, “There was no running water at any of the pumps and the pit toilets were quite full.”
• Reservation System: Popular sites can fill up quickly. A camper at Lost River Valley Campground advised, “Reservation recommended” to secure a good spot.

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. One family at Bear Brook State Park Campground enjoyed the “playground and a ball field.”
• Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at White Lake State Park Campground mentioned, “The lake water is crystal clear,” perfect for swimming and playing.
• Pack for Weather: Be prepared for changing weather. A visitor at Franconia Notch State Park noted, “The campground is plowed, sites have their access plowed,” which is helpful in winter.

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Dry River – Crawford Notch State Park mentioned, “Some of the sites have a view of the road, which isn’t too pleasant.”
• Look for Hookups: Not all campgrounds offer electric hookups. A camper at Lost River Valley Campground pointed out, “Most sites here are W/E only.”
• Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A visitor at Crawford Notch Campground said, “The noise from cars and trucks zipping by on route 302 is loud.”

Camping near Center Harbor, New Hampshire, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!