Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Center Harbor, NH is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that New Hampshire camping has to offer. Discover great camping spots near Center Harbor, reviewed by campers like you.
White Lake campground is located on a National Natural Landmark of 72 acre Pitch Pine Stand, surrounding a glacier formed lake. North Conway is 20 miles north of the campground with many tourist attractions.
$25 - $75 / night
Surrounded on three sides by National Forest and nestled between the banks of Lost River and Walker Brook, our well-maintained and wooded sites offer the utmost in tranquility while remaining so close to many of the region’s most popular attractions. Located at the site of a turn-of-the-century lumber mill, our authentic water wheel continues to churn out history as it beckons vacationers from near and afar. Campers are welcome on a day-to-day basis, when space is available. Reservations are accepted for stays of 1 night or longer between May 1st and June 1st and after Labor Day. This does not include holidays or special events weekends. From June 2nd through Labor Day, it is a 3-night minimum; with a 3-night deposit required. Please navigate our site to learn more about all that we have to offer for your family’s next New Hampshire camping vacation. We hope that you can stay with us sometime this season!
$62 - $209 / night
Located at the western end of the scenic Kancamagus Highway, this campground serves as an excellent place to start your White Mountain adventure. The nearby Lincoln Woods Visitor Center is the jumping off point for numerous hiking trails leading into the Pemigewasset Wilderness; the Kancamagus Highway is an extremely popular scenic byway with numerous hiking, picnic, and swimming spots; and the town of Lincoln offers many amenities. Hancock Campground has 56 wooded sites.
$27 / night
In the heart of Franconia Notch State Park, Lafayette Place Campground is the camping and hiking hub for the park. It provides a great base from which to enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and many attractions in the White Mountains. Information about hiking trails, safety, and the natural and cultural history of the park is available at the cabin near the campground entrance. A lodge houses a registration desk and offers a selection of camping supplies. Each campsite is wooded and has a picnic table, car parking, and an open fireplace. There are coin-operated showers and a camp store. Lafayette Campground provides 97 wooded tent sites - 88 are by reservation only, 1 is for youth group reservations, and 7 are for first-come/first-served campers. Self-service/self-pay camping with limited staffing and facilities is available during the off-season.
$25 / night
$25 / night
Voted Best of NH 2023 by NH Magazine, Gunstock Mountain Resort's campground puts you in the heart of New Hampshire's Lakes Region, close to the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. Surrounded by three mountain ranges, numerous lakes, a diverse assortment of recreational opportunities and small New England villages, Gunstock offers a rustic alpine setting for your visit to New Hampshire. Backed by over 80 years of camping experience, Gunstock's tradition of catering to recreational families ensures memorable vacations. Relax at your campsite and enjoy the natural habitat around the mountain or take a pleasurable drive to one of the many local attractions.
Has winter camping.
$35 - $80 / night
More that 100 sites that can accommodate RVs and tents.
There are 24 pull-through sites with easy-in, easy-out convenience and the new deluxe camping sites with patio furniture and a concrete slab to park your rig on.
In addition to the large sites, Danforth Bay also has smaller, more intimate sites situated along a winding brook-- perfect for tents and pop-ups.
Many campsites are along the half-mile shoreline, or atop hills overlooking the lake. In addition to having great views of the lake, campers at these sites get treated to fantastic Danforth Bay sunsets.
Cabins also available.
$40 - $85 / night
Moose Hillock Camping Resort offers 90 unspoiled acres, surrounded by thousands of acres of White Mountain National Forest. Our private, secluded sites offer you a true camping experience. Our RV sites are large, level and private, with 20 – 30 and 50 amp electrical service with full hookup sites available. Our tent sites are located in a separate, secluded area which is exclusively dedicated to tenters. All sites come equipped with picnic tables and natural stone fireplaces. If you’re not a camper but would like to try out the camping experience, we offer two different cabin styles available for rental.
$49 - $129 / night
Off the beaten path, Russell Pond Campground is nestled into the hillside overlooking Russell Pond, a popular boating and fishing site (due in part to regular fish stocking by the State Fish and Game Department). The 84 campsites accommodate most any camping desires from tent camping to large RVs. The White Mountains boast pristine forests, clear mountain streams and rivers and the tallest peaks in the Northeast. The forest encompasses nearly 800,000 acres in New Hampshire and western Maine, and is one of the most popular in the country.
The White Mountains are a favorite among hikers. Many miles of hiking and mountain biking trails are within a short drive of the campground. Within the facility, nature programs are available on Saturday nights in July and August. Anglers can cast a line for trout in the pond which averages 33' in depth. Power boats are not permitted on the pond.
The campground lies amidst a beautiful forest of northern hardwoods that provide plenty of shade. The 40-acre spring fed Russell Pond provides many non-motorized, water based recreation opportunities. The White Mountains are home to many species of northern wildlife, including moose, white-tailed deer and black bear. Almost 200 species of birds, including the rare Bicknell's Thrush, live in the forest.
Russell Pond Campground is only a short 6 miles from the famous Kancamagus National Scenic Byway which features many opportunities for scenic viewing, picnicking, hiking, biking and wildlife viewing. Families who need a break from the woods can explore miniature golf, a water sports park, train rides and gondolas in nearby towns. The White Mountains region hosts four alpine and five Nordic ski areas, which provide year-round recreation opportunities such as skiing, hiking, mountain biking, outdoor concerts, interpretive trails, special events and regional and national skiing and snowboarding races. The area also contains 1,200 miles of hiking trails, including 160 miles of the famous Appalachian Trail.
$27 / night
Waterville Campground is a popular home base for hikers who want to explore the southern White Mountains, including the scenic Pemigewasset Wilderness. The tremendous choice of local attractions and the proximity to outdoor recreation opportunities - fishing, swimming, hiking and whitewater paddling to name a few - bring campers back to Waterville again and again. The White Mountains boast pristine forests, clear mountain streams and rivers and the tallest peaks in the Northeast. The forest encompasses nearly 800,000 acres in New Hampshire and western Maine, and is one of the most popular in the country.
Hikers are drawn to the many trails in the area. Campers can easily access the Drakes Brook Trail (4.4 miles) and Sandwich Trail (3.9 miles), which form a loop that begins and ends near the campground. Water sports include fishing and kayaking. Anglers can cast a line for brook trout in the Mad River. A bit farther away is the Winnipesaukee River, which has a great 2.1-mile category I-II section of whitewater. Other activities such as summer concerts, a swimming area, golf course and the Gunstock ski resort are close by. Learn more about recreation in the national forest.
The campground sits in a thick forest of northern hardwood trees, adjacent to the Mad River and surrounded by mountains. The national forest is home to many species of northern wildlife, including moose, white-tailed deer and black bear. Almost 200 species of birds, including the rare Bicknell's Thrush, live in the White Mountains.
Campers may want to take an afternoon to visit Gilford Beach, Dixon Point and Sandwich Beach, all near Waterville Campground. The facility is also close to Waterville Valley Resort, which offers night life, summer concert tours, restaurants, horseback riding, canoeing, mountain bike rentals and shops. The White Mountains region hosts four alpine and five nordic ski areas, which provide year-round recreation opportunities.
$22 / night
Surrounded on three sides by National Forest and nestled between the banks of Lost River and Walker Brook, our well-maintained and wooded sites offer the utmost in tranquility while remaining so close to many of the region’s most popular attractions. Located at the site of a turn-of-the-century lumber mill, our authentic water wheel continues to churn out history as it beckons vacationers from near and afar. Campers are welcome on a day-to-day basis, when space is available. Reservations are accepted for stays of 1 night or longer between May 1st and June 1st and after Labor Day. This does not include holidays or special events weekends. From June 2nd through Labor Day, it is a 3-night minimum; with a 3-night deposit required. Please navigate our site to learn more about all that we have to offer for your family’s next New Hampshire camping vacation. We hope that you can stay with us sometime this season!
$62 - $209 / night
Located at the western end of the scenic Kancamagus Highway, this campground serves as an excellent place to start your White Mountain adventure. The nearby Lincoln Woods Visitor Center is the jumping off point for numerous hiking trails leading into the Pemigewasset Wilderness; the Kancamagus Highway is an extremely popular scenic byway with numerous hiking, picnic, and swimming spots; and the town of Lincoln offers many amenities. Hancock Campground has 56 wooded sites.
$27 / night
$25 / night
Voted Best of NH 2023 by NH Magazine, Gunstock Mountain Resort's campground puts you in the heart of New Hampshire's Lakes Region, close to the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. Surrounded by three mountain ranges, numerous lakes, a diverse assortment of recreational opportunities and small New England villages, Gunstock offers a rustic alpine setting for your visit to New Hampshire. Backed by over 80 years of camping experience, Gunstock's tradition of catering to recreational families ensures memorable vacations. Relax at your campsite and enjoy the natural habitat around the mountain or take a pleasurable drive to one of the many local attractions.
Has winter camping.
$35 - $80 / night
More that 100 sites that can accommodate RVs and tents.
There are 24 pull-through sites with easy-in, easy-out convenience and the new deluxe camping sites with patio furniture and a concrete slab to park your rig on.
In addition to the large sites, Danforth Bay also has smaller, more intimate sites situated along a winding brook-- perfect for tents and pop-ups.
Many campsites are along the half-mile shoreline, or atop hills overlooking the lake. In addition to having great views of the lake, campers at these sites get treated to fantastic Danforth Bay sunsets.
Cabins also available.
$40 - $85 / night
Moose Hillock Camping Resort offers 90 unspoiled acres, surrounded by thousands of acres of White Mountain National Forest. Our private, secluded sites offer you a true camping experience. Our RV sites are large, level and private, with 20 – 30 and 50 amp electrical service with full hookup sites available. Our tent sites are located in a separate, secluded area which is exclusively dedicated to tenters. All sites come equipped with picnic tables and natural stone fireplaces. If you’re not a camper but would like to try out the camping experience, we offer two different cabin styles available for rental.
$49 - $129 / night
Guide
Very nice campground. Plenty of space for 2 vehicles in campsite. Sites are spacious and and shaded. Flush toilets well stocked and clean. Showers available at camp store. Very nice and helpful staff. Surprising that campground does not allow pets. The campground is close to main road and was noisy at night. Visitor center and Flume Trail are nearby.
Scout
We stay here a couple of times a year. It is our first stay of the season and our last. Very quiet, sites are large and staff is friendly. I am disappointed that the new owners have changed the campground to seasonal instead year round. My children are grown but would think not much for them to do there. For children I would think Clearwater campground across the street would be better. (Same owners)
Scout
Great spot w an exception of local officer Rowe. Comes to site unannounced or invited then fabricates the visit.
Other than that it's wonderful. Some really amazing river sites. Moose pond at top left fork has reception as well as lower gate.
Scout
Slice of heaven! One of the most unique and ruggedly wonderful stays I've had. Be sure to visit the emerald pool just across the Hiking trail bridge..
Guide
Loved this campground! Quiet and pretty private spots - outer loop a bit more. Great facilities w wash sink - nice camp store and not at all too close to town! 20 min drive to Mt Washington (be sure to check weather as we had rain at the campground which was ice on the mtn so we couldn’t go to top/they stopped us halfway.)
Ranger
Your typical first-come first-served National Forest campground with vault toilets and handpump water. The Albany Covered Bridge is a short walk away.
ScoutHad everything we needed
Scout
Very nice place. Lots of spots for tents and RV, I believe all of them with fireplace. Quiet and clean.
ScoutGreat sites. Some right.on water. First come first serve, can get busy.
Traveler
Con: Signage is awful! Hard to find park, office and cabins! Once there, Looong drive to both campground and Cabins.
Pro: cabins are on a remote lake. Perfect for star gazing! Rustic but comfy (beds) cabins. Bring all your own stuff. No electricity, so no lights. Our cabin had a steep path. Others did not.
Traveler
Run down. Owner nice.
Traveler
I found this place on The Dyrt app, so I came to check it out, I made a reservation online just to make sure I guaranteed my spot when I arrived, which I didn’t had to worry about either way because there was lots of empty spaces, but you never know, even though I made my reservation my spot didn’t have my name on it or any information about when I was suppose to arrive and leave, there was nobody there, but made me wonder if there was someone already there, besides that, it’s a great place to camping, clean, quite, bathroom was close by, shower and everything, besides all that I was able to use my phone with no problems, I have AT&T btw, there is a Dunkin, General store and a gas station like 3 minutes driving, which is great in case you forgot to buy something or are too lazy to make coffee and breakfast, I stayed for 2 night, can’t complain, and will come back for sure, I highly recommend this place, although I recommend to get the side from 33 to 57 it’s on the other side and not too close from the highway.
Ranger
Came into the area after 7 PM on a Tuesday and found several open sites. We stayed one night in campsite 9. This site is about 90 yards from the fire tower trailhead.
Site #9 goes back about 70 to 80 feet back off the road. There appears to have been a longer site, but the Forest Service placed boulders blacking vehicles from going further. Just past the boulders is a large fire circle with room for 6 to 8 campers to sit around the fire.
We were able to collect sunlight onto our solar panel from the site.
The camp site are all disbursed enough that we did not hear any other camping sounds at all. It was so quiet I could hear the sound of crow wings flapping as they flew by.
We enjoyed a spectacular view of the Blood Super Moon from the campsite. Overall the site was open to the sky nea3 the road yet protected from the wind.
The only downside was the lack of any other amenities. As far as disbursed camping in the national forest, this place is not a decent unpaved road and our campsite was only about 3 miles from the highway.
Guide
August stay very nice site 210 facing east with views of loon mountain area. These sites are w/E/S. Second stay mid September site 225 good easterly view. Quiet and peaceful. Lower sites by river with wooded sites of all categories. Tenting to small RV’s.
GuideStayed here in August for a few nights now booking in September for three nights. Like sites on Harley road, with views of loon mountain and surrounding vistas. Very nice campground with lots of wooded sites some with river frontage. Very well appointed store. Lots of sites have electric and water. No RV over 32’ in lower sites over lost river bridge. Also cabins available throughout the grounds for those without RV/Tent. Close to town with stores , restaurants, gas stations
Ranger
We came into the park on a Wednesday in mid September and found that over half the spaces were open. We grabbed a spot about 60 feet from the lake.
The camping sites are large enough for a tent and a couple of vehicles. There are a few larger sites here and there. Sites are very close to neighboring camp sites so Privacy is poor
There are very nice bathroom facilities with hot showers, dish rinsing sinks and hot showers.
The view from the lake is amazing. We walked to the beach every morning with our chairs for coffee. VERY RELAXING!
There is a building near the entrance of the state park that says its a store but it looks pretty old and closed.
The young lady who delivered our park permit was exceptionally friendly and helpful. However, the people that clean the restrooms are about as polite as construction workers in Queens. They do have a garbage dumpster but it is located about a mile from the campground. Not very convenient for tent or van camping.
Overall the price charged for the sites seems higher than the value received.
Scout
My family and friends were drawn to this campground for its exciting pool and convenient location, and those aspects definitely lived up to expectations. However, our campsite was not level, and the sites were very close together with little privacy. We were tent camping but the area we were in, while a tent site, is best for RVs.
The bathroom facilities could also use some attention– a loose toilet and a broken hand dryer weren't ideal. Overall, we enjoyed our stay, but these conditions kept it from being great.
Ranger
Drove in on a Wednesday afternoon and drove past 4 or 5 sites, which were all occupied.
Then saw a car ahead that was backing up. Long story short, they were afraid to drive across a dry wash in their new Jeep. No place to get by. Had to back my trailer about a quarter mile, so they could get out.
Camped in a very small spot, just barely enough room for our SUV and small teardrop to get off the road.
There was only a 20 foot by 12 foot space to camp jn with no water, no dumpster, no toilet, no view of anything and lots of other campers that appear to be long term residents.
OK for an overnight stay but not a desirable camping location overall.
Guide
2 pools, golf carts for rent, nice new sites. Not much shade where we were so bring umbrellas/shades. The store is well stocked, the employees are all super nice, fun activities for the kids like the wibit lake jumping obstacle course, 2 swimming pools, canoeing, and TONS of add-on activities like tie-dying, hay rides etc and you can have their mascot deliver donuts to your campsite on certain days. Very nice clubhouses. Full hookups. The list goes on and on!
We will be back, it was a big hit!!
Ranger
Stayed for a night while passing through the area. Lots of space between sites and very clean facilities. Would stay again.
Ranger
I was lucky to snag one of the couple remaining campsites on a Saturday afternoon. The sites are spacious, the bathrooms with flush toilets are clean enough, and the river nearby is a great spot to rock-hop if you're not too busy hiking the many amazing trails in the area.
Traveler
Great campsite!
Bear box, food area, water source, cabin, Privy, and platforms.
Scout
Owners were very welcoming and helpful. The bathrooms were cleaner than mine at home. Nostalgic feel with playground, pool, and rec hall.
Traveler
We had a great stay at white lake state park. I was surprised that there was only a large log separating our site from the next one but luckily it was just my brothers family so it wasn’t awkward. Our sites (2-11 and 2-11a) survived a 2 hour monsoon with some water running through but other sites had some major flooding so just something to be cognizant of.
Scout
The owners are very nice but the sites are super close together. We had neighbors that had a large party 4 ft from our camper for two days. The showers cost .50 and are luke warm, definitely not hot. Only 4 shower stalls (2 men 2 female) for the whole campground. The bathrooms weren't cleaned during the 2 days we were there. The country side is beautiful and Newport is a cute little town. We won't stay at the campground again.
TravelerWe were there June 26-30, 2024 for a Hiker Trailer Campout. We had 17 trailers and 30 people. Lafayette Place was the perfect place for an event like that. The water points and restrooms were placed well throughout the campground. The quarter operated showers were nice and hot and very good pressure and flow. Our campsite (79) was a bit uphill from the road, but easily negotiable. As others have noted, there is a bit of noise from Rt. 93.
Guide
Beautiful and very well maintained. The staff is awesome. There are SO many amazing activities for the whole family. Would absolutely recommend!
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.
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Center Harbor, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, Center Harbor, NH offers a wide range of camping options, with 284 campgrounds and RV parks near Center Harbor, NH and 8 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Center Harbor, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Center Harbor, NH is White Lake State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 23 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Center Harbor, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Center Harbor, NH.
What parks are near Center Harbor, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Center Harbor, NH that allow camping, notably Hopkinton-Everett Lake and Union Village Dam.
