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Best Campgrounds near Chatham, NH

1,304 Reviews

Chatham, New Hampshire provides access to numerous dispersed camping areas and established campgrounds within the White Mountain National Forest. Town Hall Road Dispersed Camping serves as a popular free option along a riverside setting, while developed sites like Basin Campground and Dry River Campground in Crawford Notch State Park offer more amenities. The camping landscape ranges from primitive tent sites to RV-accessible areas, with several locations also featuring cabin accommodations like those found at Jellystone Park Glen Ellis and Eastern Slope Camping Area.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many dispersed sites requiring navigation on dirt or gravel roads. Town Hall Road, despite being unpaved, remains accessible for smaller vehicles and some medium-sized RVs. Most developed campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October, closing during winter months when snow and ice make access difficult. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at many locations, particularly at dispersed sites. Permit requirements and amenities differ between public and private lands, with state park campgrounds requiring reservations during peak season. "The road was not as bad as I anticipated. There was room for my Jeep Grand Cherokee towing a squaredrop camper to pass the very few oncoming vehicles we encountered," noted one camper about Town Hall Road.

Waterfront sites consistently rank among the most sought-after in the region, with many campers specifically mentioning river access as a key feature. At Town Hall Road Dispersed Camping, several visitors highlighted the spacious sites adjacent to water. The campground's privacy and natural setting received numerous positive reviews, with campers noting the good separation between sites and the peaceful atmosphere. Established campgrounds like Basin Campground offer proximity to hiking trails and natural features, while sites along the Saco River provide water recreation opportunities. A visitor described Town Hall Road as having "a nice fire ring next to the river, reasonably level spot for our van, and a fun hiking trail just up the road." The camping area's balance of seclusion and accessibility makes it particularly appealing for those seeking a more authentic outdoor experience without venturing too far from amenities.

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Best Camping Sites Near Chatham, New Hampshire (279)

    1. Town Hall Road Dispersed

    19 Reviews
    Chatham, NH
    4 miles

    "Awesome boondocking in New Hampshire, what a treat in the east coast! Just beautiful scenery, with trees, rivers, creeks, hiking trails with a pond- we absolutely loved our time here. "

    "There were plenty of sites to choose from and most (not all) had access to the river as well as a fire ring. Sites were on a dirt road, but it was quiet for the most part."

    2. Dry River Campground — Crawford Notch State Park

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

    $35 - $40 / night

    "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"

    "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."

    3. Jellystone Park™ Glen Ellis

    14 Reviews
    Glen, NH
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 383-4567

    "Located between the Ellis River and the Saco River, this campground offers so many fantastic amenities."

    "Plenty to do at the campground and around the surrounding area for people

    of all ages.

    Remember you are in the mountains... you will see wildlife."

    4. Dolly Copp Campground

    20 Reviews
    Randolph, NH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 466-2713

    $30 - $44 / night

    "PROs: Location! Away from the madness of North Conway and just 4 miles south of Gorham for quick breakfast in the a.m. Location!"

    "Very dog freindly, many hiking trails in the the area. Next to zero cell phone service."

    5. Eastern Slope Camping Area

    17 Reviews
    Conway, NH
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 447-5092

    "A large wooden shelter stood over our picnic table, with a decent amount of space next to it for tents or a small camper."

    "Great location with easy ride to all North Conway attractions. Nice hay ride and playground. The beach is sandy and lots of room to spread out. We visited Story Land and Mt."

    6. Basin Campground

    8 Reviews
    Chatham, NH
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 447-5448

    $30 / night

    "It’s located in Evan’s Notch, so close to many wonderful hiking trails and next to lovely Basin Pond. So quiet!"

    "This campground has a day use area with a boat launch and picnic area on the right as you drive in. Non-motorized boats are allowed on the water and it’s a great swim spot in the summer."

    7. Moose Brook State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    Gorham, NH
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 466-3860

    $35 - $45 / night

    "This state park is located in the small town of Gorham, New Hampshire."

    "This campground is just north bordering the White Mountain NF. Close to northern trailheads. NH take care in keeping their parks orderly. Nice site."

    8. Crawford Notch Campground

    25 Reviews
    Bartlett, NH
    19 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."

    9. Papoose Pond Family Campground and Cabins

    14 Reviews
    North Waterford, ME
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 583-4470

    "If you bring yoyr own kayaks there is a ruver with a take out close to the campground. U could walk back or drive in with a truck for pick up! This place is amazing! Will continue to go every year!"

    "Perfect spot to relax and get away from everything. Great amount of amenities and privacy."

    10. Saco River Camping Area

    10 Reviews
    North Conway, NH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 356-3360

    "They have bike rentals, disc golf, ping pong table, outside big chess game, pool, outlet shopping was near by, near by historic sites, like kangamangus Highway, diana’s Bath, cathedral ledge, we went"

    "People to our left and the ones behind us were annual vistors to this campground. We are new to Rving it was refreshing to be around such nice people."

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Recent Camping Photos near Chatham, NH

1010 Photos of 279 Chatham Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Chatham, NH

1304 Reviews of 279 Chatham Campgrounds

  • Marc D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Crawford Notch Campground

    Beautiful area

    Beautiful campground. Large secluded sites. Forested. Beautiful fall colors. Coin operated showers. Access to nearby trails.

  • Marc D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Gunstock Campground

    Great Spot

    Fairly extensive camp ground associated with Gunstock ski area on central New Hampshire. We arrived without a reservation a bit after the office closed, but Elena, the manager came out to let us in and allowed us to check in. She was great. Dogs must have proof of rabies vaccine. Very nice showers. Beautiful fall colors.

  • Panvira T.
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Fransted Family Campground

    Good location

    The place so nice and cleaned,quite also close to you must see and things to do. The price reasonable too. Highly recommended

  • R
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Riverside Camping & RV Resort

    Impeccibly Maintained

    Easily one of the most well maintained sites we have visited. The host was attentive and gracious. Beautiful nature trails behind the campground. I found one that lead to a beach by the river, perfect for reading and relaxing.

  • Oksana S.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Jellystone Park™ Glen Ellis

    Read before booking

    PLEASE READ BEFORE GOING We went to Jellystone Park at in Glen NH. We originally booked from Sunday to thursday. We left on Tuesday due to several issues with the cabin that the office staff refused to fix. Issues we had was 1. Cabin was filthy and had bugs inside. 2. Stove top wasnt working. 3. Fridge smelled so bad I had to wash it with warm water and dish soap. 4. Our cabin reeked like cigarettes to the point I couldn't bath my kids because when the bathroom got steamy the smell got sooo bad. I tried to adress the issues and was told they had a no smoke policy so its not their issue if it smelled because they did their part in putting a policy down. For it being filthy I was told they trust their cleaner so it qas me that made it filthy..(attached is one picture that I have this is just the bathroom on our first day their. Everything was covered in dirt, sand and soo dusty and bugs everywhere). I first spoke to James who yelled and was saying ridiculous excuses as to why its ok. Then the manager(dont remember name but she was older and blonde hair) screamed at me while I had my 2 year old with me. I was telling her calmly and very nice my concerns to which she was yelling to get out of the office. Then I was threatened to have the cops called if I complained again. I lost alot of money I cant afford to loose. But most important I was want to make people aware. I told them the website should state these things to be fair cause if I knew this i wouldn't have paid since they said its normal for stoves not to work and its out of their controll if someone smokes in the cabin. They said no one would stay if they posted those things. I left litterally shaking and crying because I couldn't believe it. They are nice if you dont complain. Discusting customer service horrendous management. Will be reporting everywhere already let my friends know so they dont go next year.

  • Yung H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Coos Canyon Campground and Cabins

    Fantastic

    Its a really cool spot to explore. I went when the water was low and was able to adventure where youre not meant to and man was it a blast.Found my own pride rock(lion king) and was able to meditate in silence and be away from all the boaters and atvs was super peaceful with a water near by. The tent campers around me were really solid people aswell.

  • S
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Crocker Pond

    Beautiful spot!!

    7 campsites in a really beautiful place!! We went in early October and about half the sites were full. It was very peaceful and great hiking nearby!

Guide to Chatham

Camping near Chatham, New Hampshire, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the nearby trails in the White Mountain National Forest. Many campers enjoy the access to various hiking paths. One reviewer from Lafayette Place Campground mentioned, "The whole area is spectacular and I felt lucky to find a spot in this campground next to the stream."
  • Fishing: Try your luck at fishing in local streams and ponds. A visitor at Moose Brook State Park Campground shared, "Nice camp store, great access to rivers for fishing. Pulled an 8” brook trout out of a 10’ wide stream onsite."
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip in nearby lakes. Campers at White Lake State Park Campground noted, "The lake water is crystal clear (and warmer than expected)."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Moose Brook State Park Campground said, "Nice small campground with very clean bathrooms and showers!"
  • Friendly Staff: Campgrounds like Dry River Campground are praised for their helpful staff. One camper remarked, "Super helpful and friendly!"
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Dolly Copp Campground expressed, "The scenery is spectacular, the river is beautiful."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads, which can be noisy. A camper at Lafayette Place Campground mentioned, "As others have noted, there is a bit of noise from Rt. 93."
  • Privacy Concerns: Sites can be close together, affecting privacy. A reviewer at Hancock Campground noted, "Most sites are close together with very little privacy."
  • Reservation Issues: Some popular sites can be booked up quickly. A visitor at Dry River Campground mentioned, "The nicest sites were reserved the entire time we were there and they were total no-shows."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. A camper at Sebago Lake State Park Campground said, "This is a nice park for families. The lake is clean and nice."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. A visitor at Eastern Slope Camping Area noted, "They have lots of things to do for kids."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and outings. A camper at Crawford Notch Campground mentioned, "Having a general store at the entrance was very helpful."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Moose Brook State Park Campground said, "Not great for larger RV or trailers but we found accommodation for our 27 footer."
  • Look for Hookups: If you need electric or water hookups, check the campground features. A camper at Dolly Copp Campground noted, "There are a number of sites for RV's with water and electric hookups."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Always check the forecast before heading out. A visitor at Hancock Campground mentioned, "The campground is close to Lincoln, NH so if you need supplies you can easily run into town for food and drink."

Camping near Chatham, 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 are the best beaches in Chatham, MA?

Chatham boasts several pristine beaches perfect for different experiences. Lighthouse Beach offers stunning views of Chatham Lighthouse and expansive shorelines ideal for long walks. Harding's Beach features calmer waters perfect for families with children, plus convenient parking and facilities. Ridgevale Beach provides warmer waters and great opportunities for tide pool exploration during low tide. For a more secluded experience, Cockle Cove Beach tends to be less crowded while still offering beautiful coastal views. Most Chatham beaches require a town beach permit during peak season, though some offer daily parking fees for visitors.

Where can I find camping sites near Chatham, Cape Cod?

While Chatham itself has limited camping options, several excellent campgrounds are within a short drive. Nickerson State Park in nearby Brewster offers over 400 wooded campsites around freshwater ponds, perfect for swimming and fishing. Atlantic Oaks Campground in Eastham provides full hookups for RVs with easy access to the Cape Cod Rail Trail. For a more rustic experience, consider camping on the National Seashore (with proper permits). Most Cape Cod campgrounds book quickly for summer months, so reservations 6+ months in advance are recommended, especially for weekend stays in July and August.

What are the top things to do in Chatham with kids?

Chatham offers numerous family-friendly activities for memorable experiences with kids. The Chatham Fish Pier provides exciting opportunities to watch commercial fishing boats unload their catch while seals often gather nearby. Explore the Chatham Lighthouse with guided tours on select days, offering educational insights and spectacular views. The Chatham Railroad Museum features interactive exhibits perfect for train enthusiasts of all ages. Papoose Pond Family Campground and Cabins visitors often recommend similar New England family attractions. For outdoor adventures, try biking the Old Colony Rail Trail, mini-golf at Chatham Seaside Links, or wildlife spotting at Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge.

When is the best time to visit Chatham, Massachusetts?

The ideal time to visit Chatham is during the shoulder seasons of late May to mid-June or September to early October. These periods offer pleasant temperatures (65-75°F), fewer crowds, and reduced accommodation rates while most attractions remain open. Summer (late June through August) brings perfect beach weather and all seasonal businesses are operating, but expect peak crowds and prices. Saco River Camping Area visitors often recommend similar timing for New England coastal trips. Winter visits (November-March) offer a quieter, authentic Cape Cod experience with holiday festivities, though many seasonal businesses close and temperatures average 30-45°F.

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