C
Connor A.
Scout
ScoutCrow's Nest Campground
Rented A Cabin
We rented a cabin and honestly it was perfect for what we needed. Spent the days exploring around Lake Sunapee and came back here to relax at night.
Camping near Dorchester, NH
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Campgrounds near Dorchester, New Hampshire range from developed RV parks with full hookups and cabin rentals to remote backcountry sites, covering multiple camping styles across the White Mountains region. Campgrounds like Pine Haven in Wentworth and Baker River Campground in Rumney offer tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals along riverfront settings. Several campgrounds accommodate families seeking amenities like swimming pools and playgrounds, while other locations cater to climbers visiting nearby Rumney Rocks climbing area. Both seasonal and year-round camping options exist throughout the area, with most campgrounds operating from May through mid-October.
Camping season in this part of New Hampshire typically runs from Memorial Day through Columbus Day, with limited winter access at some locations. Most campgrounds require reservations, especially for weekend stays during summer months. One camper noted, "The sites near the river are really nice, a bit of a steep slope down to the river. The river is about thigh deep and you can easily walk in it/swim at portions." Cell service can be spotty throughout the region, particularly in more remote areas. Baker River Campground and Pine Haven both sit adjacent to rivers, providing water access but occasionally experiencing seasonal flooding during spring runoff.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews in the Dorchester area, with river access being a primary attraction at several campgrounds. Visitors frequently mention enjoying the Baker River for swimming, fishing, and tubing during summer stays. "The campground is located on the Baker River with a cozy beach. Limited amenities, but both were in excellent condition," shared one reviewer about Baker River Campground. Mixed-use campgrounds near Dorchester balancing tent and RV sites allow for various camping styles, though some reviewers note that privacy between sites varies considerably. Many campgrounds maintain clean facilities with showers and flush toilets, while others feature more primitive amenities. The region's proximity to hiking trails, climbing areas, and scenic drives makes it popular for both overnight stays and extended camping trips throughout the summer and fall seasons.
Best Campgrounds near Dorchester (270)
1. Moose Hillock Camping Resort
"Both times were very different experiences, but overall very positive. Just because there are a few, I will mention the cons first."
"Plenty of walking for dogs with a natural pool for them to swim in and the large pool with pirate ship is perfect for little kids with the beach entry. easy location to get to with a travel trailer too"
from $49 - $129 / night
Check Availability2. Baker River Campground
"This place was a great option for staying close to Rumney for climbing. They have a group campsite specifically for climbers, which was $10 a person when we stayed there."
"Some sites are more private than others but overall quiet, and in a beautiful spot right next to the river. It's in a great location being near the main roads but far enough away that it seems remote."
from $35 - $42 / night
Check Availability3. Lost River Valley Campground
"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."
from $62 - $209 / night
Check Availability4. Pine Haven
"I took off a star because when we came back to our campsite on Saturday afternoon, there was an ongoing loud motor noise of ATVs racing, as there is a race track nearby."
"Site was directly next to a babbling brook. There was a storm forecasted, and the groundskeeper told us if it got bad she could open the store for us to stay in."
from $38 - $100 / night
Check Availability5. Plymouth Sands Camping Area
"It’s especially nice if you grab a spot on the edge of the river. 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)."
"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."
6. Baker Rocks
"The campsites are private and spacious, the property is large and beautiful, close to the river. The owners are so kind and accommodating."
"had a large tent platform they could fit multiple tents, a brand new picnic table, a fire ring (with a free bundle of firewood), two chairs by the fire ring, and even a few strings of solar lights around"
from $60 - $325 / night
Check Availability7. Riverbrook RV & Camping Resort
from $49 - $59 / night
Check Availability8. Jacobs Brook Campground
"Only one of the sites is located along the brook (45), but there's an easy path down a hill. "
"Off the beaten path so its peaceful. Sites are a little small but great if you're camping with a group so your close together. Plenty of sites/types to choose from."
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability9. Quechee State Park Campground
"Got there close to the time the rangers left for the night, Nick was really kind to make sure I got situated before he left."
"There is a “campers only” access trail to Quechee Gorge that we took advantage of, which then gave us access to the Dewey Pond trail."
from $38 / night
Check Availability10. Branch Brook Campground
"Dump station is located smartly away from most campsites, but on site. Cammy at the office was lovely and helpful."
"The beat part is the location to the river. It wraps around the campground making it a great place to go tubing. They also have 3 great fields for rent"
from $37 - $55 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 1 hr 13 min from Manchester, NH
- 1 hr 52 min from Burlington, VT
- 2 hrs 32 min from Glens Falls, NY
- 2 hrs 38 min from Portland, ME
Recent Camping Photos near Dorchester, NH
720 Photos of 270 Dorchester Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near Dorchester, NH
1192 Reviews of 270 Dorchester Campgrounds
- t
tim O.
GuideGifford Woods State Park Campground
Gifford woods campground
Nice campground near Killington, VT. Water and dump station. Not for big rigs we have a 21 ft TT. Things were tight but doable. One of the few Vermont state campgrounds that is still open. Most close from second Monday in October until Memorial Day.
- AAngela J.Scout
Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site
Lovely Area Access Road Is A Speedway
We arrived on a Wednesday in early October with intentions of enjoying the foliage, which we did. We found the campsites easily and the access road is in good condition so the local speed through all day long.
I am not sure how many sites there are, we took the first one we would fit into. We travel with a Lance camper mounted on a Silverado.
My travel companions are cats and they are accustomed to the typical noises of RV life; truck stops, rest stops, neighboring campers and the occasional disrespectful loud jerks. At this spot we were serenaded by gun fire. I served in the military and grew up on a farm; guns don’t bother me in the least. I think of range fire as the sound of freedom, however, this started at dawn and did not stop until after the sun went down. The gunfire was so loud and consistent that the cats got spooked and took to hiding inside the camper.
We were going to stay for the weekend but left after our second night.
Not a bad spot (there is a small stream across the access road, not deep enough for true swimming but good enough for paddling around), surrounded by beautiful woods and no true neighbors, but between the never ending line of fast moving cars and the gun fire we decided to leave.
- JJaliyah M.Scout
Crow's Nest Campground
Around The Fire
First time camping in this area and we really liked it. The pool kept the kids busy and we spent the evenings around the fire.
- SStacy M.Scout
Twin Mountain Campground
Twin Mountain Campground
We come to this campground every year to hike a few 4000+ mountains. Typically we come in the fall. There are several full hook up rv sites, some without sewer and several spots for RVs near the river. While the pizza shop (Celli's) is closed for renovations right now, we love their pizza and fries. The bathrooms are decent and there is hot water!
- BBrooke D.Scout
Crow's Nest Campground
Our Favorite Part
The Sugar River was our favorite part. We spent a good amount of time down by the water and the kids loved cooling off there.
Keith P.
TravelerMaple Haven Campground
Great Campground
Quiet campground experience. Very cheerful staff member. Ice Cream shop is a bonus. We found a secluded spot without reservations. Monday evening. Some sites are tight for larger RVs but our Class B Camper Van fit fine.
- GGreg F.Scout
Chocorua KOA
Great campground and stay
Park is nestled in the woods with a lot of activities outdoors. Walking trails for people and dogs. Great laundry, bathrooms, office/store, cafe. The roads into the sites are tight but they guide you. We have a 30’ trailer and 20’ truck, I wouldn’t bring a trailer longer than 35’ in unless you are really good in tight spaces. Site 110 is a great pull thru.
- GGeoff R.Traveler
Covered Bridge
Spacious, Clean, and Beautiful
Large sites, clean pit toilets, in a beautiful, wooded campground adjacent to the Swift River.
Camp host, who’s been there for many years, keeps things clean, organized, and quiet.
Most sites can handle multiple big tents. Plenty of toilet houses and dumpsters available.
The great boulder loop trail is right there. It’s a very short walk to the trail head and it has gorgeous views of the swift river valley with much lower crowds than the major peaks in the whites.
Grab a drink and your chairs and take a short walk on one of the paths to the swift river and hang out a while.
Guide to Dorchester
The Dorchester area sits at approximately 800-1,000 feet elevation in New Hampshire's White Mountains region, creating varied camping conditions throughout the year. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing while summer days typically range from 70-85°F with cooler nights. The region's hilly terrain creates numerous small waterways that flow through many camping spots near Dorchester, New Hampshire.
What to do
Hiking access: Cardigan Campsites provides direct access to Mount Cardigan trails. "Great spot to spend the night before a climb of Mt. Cardigan! The climb is challenging but shouldn't take too long. Great fire tower views at the top too!" notes Madison G.
Swimming holes: The Baker River offers natural swimming areas during summer months. "The campground was nice. The site we had was an open grassy area though we tucked the tent off to the side. On the other side of the roped banking was a beautiful view of the river. There is also a beach with great fishing!" reports Lexi R. about Baker River Campground.
River tubing: Several campgrounds offer river access for tubing adventures. "My favorite activity was putting in a couple miles up river and floating back to camp over the course of a few hours, ultimate lazy river," shares Eddy B. about Plymouth Sands Camping Area.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Moose Hillock Camping Resort receives praise for spacious campsites. "It is absolutely GORGEOUS up here. Stunning. The sites are private and wooded, the grounds are beautiful, the natural pond is a great morning excursion. It's one of the prettiest campgrounds I've ever seen," writes Jessica W.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses and amenities. "The site had a large tent platform they could fit multiple tents, a brand new picnic table, a fire ring (with a free bundle of firewood), two chairs by the fire ring, and even a few strings of solar lights around the camp area," Justin P. shares about Baker Rocks.
Brook and river frontage: Water access remains a top attraction. "Nice sites on the river with a cozy beach. Limited amenities, but both were in excellent condition," notes Michael W. about his Baker River Campground experience.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly by location. "No cell service on the south side of campground," reports Dawn D. about Lost River Valley Campground. Similarly, Jessica D. notes about Moose Hillock: "No WiFi or cell service except by the pool which can be hard if you need to be contacted."
Site size variations: Some campsites have space limitations. "Sites are ok - nothing that I would say was amazing. All are spacious and generally shaded and flat. You can see all your neighbors but noise level wasn't terrible," observes Lauren Q.
Weather considerations: Spring runoff can affect river levels, and seasonal changes impact facility availability. "We were there while the water was fairly low, so it was great for kids," reports Jeremiah C. about Plymouth Sands.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. "Family friendly campground. Short drive to see wildlife from the road," shares Matt D. about Moose Hillock Camping Resort.
River safety: Monitor water levels for safe swimming conditions. "The river is about thigh deep and you can easily walk in it/swim at portions," notes Brandon C. about Pine Haven.
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds offer organized recreation. "Plenty to do with the kids. They love the ship wreck pool! A bit tough on the noise rules. No internet connectivity!!" reports Rick C. about Moose Hillock's amenities.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Various campgrounds offer different levels of RV service. "Water+electric only. $25 per night. Good cell reception with Verizon and AT&T. Campground Wifi is workable. Dump station is located smartly away from most campsites, but on site," notes Mara S. about Branch Brook Campground.
Road conditions: Access roads can present challenges for larger vehicles. "The campground is 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," warns Lauren Q.
Winter considerations: Few campgrounds remain open year-round, and winter camping requires preparation. "I feel that the owners/managers are very neglectful. They do a bad job plowing (my rig bottomed out twice on snow banks) and I fishtailed on the access road," Mara S. cautions about Branch Brook's winter conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Dorchester, NH?
What camping is available near Dorchester, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, Dorchester, NH offers a wide range of camping options, with 270 campgrounds and RV parks near Dorchester, NH and 17 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Dorchester, NH?
Which is the most popular campground near Dorchester, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dorchester, NH is Moose Hillock Camping Resort with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dorchester, NH?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dorchester, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near Dorchester, NH.
What parks are near Dorchester, NH?
What parks are near Dorchester, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Dorchester, NH that allow camping, notably Union Village Dam and North Hartland Lake.
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