Campsites near Etna, New Hampshire provide varied terrain with some locations at elevations between 700 and 1,200 feet. The region experiences typical New England seasonal patterns with campgrounds operating primarily from May through mid-October when temperatures range from 40°F at night to 80°F during peak summer days. Winter snowfall makes most established campgrounds inaccessible from November through April.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: From Velvet Rocks Shelter on the Appalachian Trail, campers can access multiple day hikes. A camper noted, "I tented along here for a night during a section hike of the AT from Lyme into Vermont." This backcountry shelter serves primarily as a through-hiker stop rather than a destination camping location.
Mountain biking: Mount Ascutney State Park Campground maintains dedicated biking trails directly from the camping area. One visitor shared, "The state park maintains its own mountain biking trail loop, which is accessible directly from the campground. It is a 3 mile beginner friendly loop, with some nice rollers and moderate terrain."
Swimming options: While summer temperatures regularly reach the 80s, several campgrounds provide cooling opportunities. At Moose Hillock Camping Resort, the pool is a major attraction. A reviewer stated, "The pool really is as awesome as it looks. The playground is amazing."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Quechee State Park Campground offers secluded spots away from other campers. A visitor recommended, "If you stay in the back it's quieter. They also have several lean tos that you can rent." Sites in the rear section provide better separation from road noise.
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness repeatedly appears as a priority for campers in this region. A visitor to Rest N Nest Campground commented, "Owners were very welcoming and helpful. The bathrooms were cleaner than mine at home. Nostalgic feel with playground, pool, and rec hall."
Proximity to local attractions: The region offers access to covered bridges, maple syrup producers, and historic sites. A Quechee-Pine Valley KOA visitor noted, "Right down the road is the famous Quechee Gorge which is breathtaking any time of the year." Many campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring Vermont and New Hampshire attractions.
What you should know
Road noise impacts: Interstate proximity affects sound levels at several campgrounds. At Mount Ascutney State Park, a camper advised, "The road nearby is noisy. Because of its location, you can hear both the local highway and I91. If being in the quiet wilderness is important to you, than this campground might not work out."
Water reliability: Backcountry campers should verify water source conditions, particularly in late summer. Hikers using AT shelters often encounter unreliable water sources during dry periods.
Reservation requirements: Jacobs Brook Campground and most established sites require advance booking, particularly for summer weekends. A visitor described it as "a small family owned campground with about 50 wooded sites. The seasonal campsites are separate from the short term campers and their sites are nicely maintained."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families with young children benefit from campgrounds with dedicated play areas. A Storrs Pond Recreation Area visitor mentioned, "It's a large site with a nearby brook on 2 sides. I was there in Sept after pool closed, otherwise you might get noise from pool area nearby."
Children's programming: Seasonal activities cater to different age groups. A Quechee State Park Campground visitor shared, "Rangers also run fun programs for children- my children churned butter and made popcorn over the campfire one night, and made tie dyed T-shirts the next (for no fee.)"
Terrain considerations: Good Night Moon Vintage provides level camping with trailer rentals. A visitor noted, "The trailer is very clean and the communal kitchen area is well appointed. Juli and Jim go out of their way to make everything awesome!" The relatively flat terrain works well for families with small children.
Tips from RVers
Hook-up variations: Full-service sites exist at several campgrounds with prices reflecting amenity levels. At Quechee-Pine Valley KOA, a reviewer explained, "There is the range of sites from pull-thrus, pull-ins and back-in sites and can accommodate RVs of any size. Some sites are full hookup while others are not and that is reflected in the cost."
Dump station access: RVers without sewer hookups can utilize dump stations at most established campgrounds. A Quechee State Park visitor noted, "There are no hookups but they do have a dump station if you are in a RV."
Site placement quirks: Some campgrounds have unusual layouts requiring awareness during setup. An experienced RVer at Storrs Pond Recreation Area observed, "Only complaint is the site is set up 'backwards' - the electric hookups are on door side of rv and the picnic table/main area of site is on non door side."
