Gunstock Campground and other campgrounds near Gilford, New Hampshire do not provide dedicated facilities for horses based on the available data. None of the five reviewed campgrounds (Gunstock Campground, Ramblewood Cabins and Campground, Hancock Campground, Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park, and Tippicanoe Campground) list horse corrals among their features. The feature lists specifically indicate "NO horse-corral" for all properties. Camping accommodations across these sites include tent, RV, and cabin options, but without specific equestrian amenities. Gunstock Campground offers 250 sites with amenities like drinking water, electric hookups, showers, and toilets, while maintaining a quiet atmosphere with well-kept grounds and wooded areas.
Trail access varies among these non-equestrian campgrounds. Hancock Campground is located near hiking trails and the Pemigewasset River, offering outdoor recreation opportunities though not specifically for horses. Gunstock Mountain Resort, adjacent to Gunstock Campground, features adventure activities including mountain coaster rides, chairlifts, ziplines, and hiking trails. While pets are allowed at most of these campgrounds (except Hidden Valley RV), there are no specific accommodations for horses such as corrals, special trailer parking, or dedicated equestrian trails. Campers seeking horse-friendly facilities would need to research alternatives beyond the Gilford area, as the reviewed campgrounds focus primarily on traditional camping, hiking, and non-equestrian outdoor activities.
$35 - $80 / night
"Fairly extensive camp ground associated with Gunstock ski area on central New Hampshire."
"I was lucky to receive a tranquil, secluded spot next to a brook - perfect."
$25 - $45 / night
$30 / night
"This would be one of few places I find acceptable to camp, that are near other people. I usually don't like camping with 20+ other people in one looped area."
"Used the tent sides a quick hill walk down from the parking lot. River great for splashing around and nearby path to Lincoln Woods trail."
GuideFairly 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.
GuideI was lucky to receive a tranquil, secluded spot next to a brook - perfect. This campground has nothing to do, or plenty you can do - walking, hiking, biking, and close access to all Gunstock's adventures.
RangerThis would be one of few places I find acceptable to camp, that are near other people. I usually don't like camping with 20+ other people in one looped area. The sites here are pretty well spread out. Not ALL of them, but look around. We found what I would think is the best. The one we ended up at had stairs leading from the car down to our site. It was further away from the other sites and had the pretty much private stream running by it. The area we had for use was pretty huge, we had a giant tent 10-12 plus a pop up tent to put over the picnic table, and there was still a ton of room for the car, fire pit and general run around area for our dog. I never felt like we had to lock up everything we owned either. A short walk to the toilets from all sites. Bring a headlamp of course. TP is in the outhouses bring a spare hand sanitizer bottle to use after.
FYI there is a pretty awesome hike close by you can do. I mean you have to drive there but it wasn't far. It goes up to Mt Moosilauke. We ended up taking Beaver Brook Trail to the Cascades, checked out the shelter and headed to Moosilauke Summit. A crazy hike pretty much going up the side of a waterfall. The peak was 4,802ft. Worth it! I'd say an 8 mile trek from the car, up, and back. I included just a couple pictures to entice you since its not about the campsite! There are a TON of trails near this campsite, this would just be my favorite of the 6 or 7 we did.
TravelerMost amazing spot I’ve ever camped and not too many people. Used the tent sides a quick hill walk down from the parking lot. River great for splashing around and nearby path to Lincoln Woods trail.
LegendI haven't stayed here, but I checked it out on Columbus Day weekend because it's one of the few campgrounds open year-round (plowed, unlike Lafayette Place, which is walk-in) in the White Mountains. Most of the reviews talk about the walk-in tent sites, but there's more to this campground that is located along the Kancamagus Highway just before the Lincoln Woods Visitors' Center.
If you're a tent camper and don't mind carrying your gear downhill to a site, drive straight ahead to a parking lot. A few of the sites (3 & 4) are accessible from the far end of the parking lot, but for most of them you'll head down the steps in the middle with sites in two levels branching out on each side. Sites are large, but close together and although you're in the woods, there's not much to separate you from your neighbors. Even sites 10-20 are directly on the water.
Sites 22-55 are suitable for RVs and tents. Those on the back side of the loop are close enough that you can hear the Pemi River running below. A few of the sites are pull-through. There are no hook-ups, but water available via spigots and flush toilets are available - except in winter. I'd recommend sites on the back side of the loop to provide some more distance from traffic noise. I chatted briefly with a host who remarked that sites on the western end of the loop have some cell phone coverage, unlike the rest of the campground.
If you stay here, you're only a few miles from Lincoln where you can pick up any necessary supplies. This end of the Kanc your nearest hiking options are Lincoln Woods and Greeley Pond for family friendly trails, or Lincoln Woods to head into the Pemi wilderness, including peaks in the Pemi loop and Owl's Head. The Hancocks are via a trail at the hairpin on the Kanc. Franconia Notch and its many hiking trails and the multi-use trail are a short drive away.
Bring cash or a check to pay your camping fee in the iron ranger. Fees cover the first vehicle; a second vehicle is an additional $5.
RangerPros: Beautiful area, not a bad size campground, quiet nights (but this could be because 3 out of the 4 sites right near us were empty), free hot showers that are not dirty, lots of trails on edge of the grounds, lots and lots of tent sites, platform on campsite, pool and playground available, camp store, bike & Segway trails, quick access to some of NH’s most beautiful mountains. Staff is friendly. Cons: So many roots all over the sites, the platform did not fit our tent for 12 on it. More of the sites have very little separation from the neighboring campers near you. We explored the grounds & noted some sites that were a smidge more secluded and plan to return again sometime!
LegendHancock Campground is one of 6 national forest campgrounds along the Kancamagus Highway. Campsites can't be reserved and the campground does fill up on the weekends. We were lucky to score a walk-in tent site on a Saturday in August, and while it did feel a bit like a tent city, we loved that there were no cars at the campsites. It made the tenting area feel more like a community. This is a busy campground, but lovely all the same.
We got site #19, which was one of the last sites available. It had a picnic table, fire pit, and bear box. There were awesome waterfront sites nearby, but they were taken, of course. Cost was reasonable - $22 per night. Pit toilets were near the parking area, but there was a real bathroom with a sink and a flush toilet in the car camping area. There is also a fabulous swimming hole. Clear, cold and deep just off the car camping area.
Hancock Campground is a five-minute drive from Lincoln, NH, and very close to awesome hiking trails in the White Mountain National Forest and Franconia Notch State Park.
ScoutI stayed at Hancock campground in mid April this year. Great clean accessible bathrooms, beautiful grounds and large campgrounds. Leashed dogs are allowed. There are both walk-in and drive up tent sites. The walk-in sites are directly next to the beautiful Pemi River. Great overall would return again.
RangerSome pros and lots of cons. We stayed at a walk-in site by the river.
I never fully appreciated just how much camp hosts do. There was no ranger and no host. We arrived early on a Thursday, hopeful we could get a spot by the water. There are only two spots that are truly private in any way. They were both taken- fine. However, one of the groups had not registered and stayed until 4 or 5pm until everyone else had already set up for the day…then they left! So uncool. The site went unused because at that point, no one was going to move all their stuff. Maybe a camp host would’ve noticed that?
The sites were FILTHY with trash, dog poop and food waste. Pretty crazy considering this was supposed to be a bear area. There was also a bad smell wafting around, hmm…maybe because of the trash and dog poop? Stepping in dog poop and trying to clean off your boots is a significant bummer. The site we were stuck at also had ashes and chunks of wood all over the picnic table. Cleaning up this much in order to feel comfortable really sucked.
There was no running water at any of the pumps and the pit toilets were quite full.
There is a bridge nearby but the river covered any vehicle noise very well. It was also nice to be right off the highway and five minutes from town, yet it felt like a proper national forest experience.
There’s an upper loop with drive in sites. They didn’t seem very private and you could see the road. I wouldn’t stay up there.
Being by the river was beautiful. I would stay here again, but with more preparation for the campground’s limitations.
Gilford, New Hampshire sits at an elevation of 528 feet near the western shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, with the Belknap Mountain Range creating a dramatic backdrop for camping activities. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during peak camping season, while spring and fall bring cooler conditions with overnight temperatures sometimes dropping below 45°F. Most campgrounds in the area operate from May through October, with limited options for winter camping.
Mountain adventure activities: At Gunstock Campground, campers can access the Gunstock Mountain Resort's recreational facilities. "It has pretty spacious sites, they have an aerial obstacle course and a mountain coaster, places to swim, music festivals, hiking, etc." notes Kasey H. The mountain coaster and zip line are particularly popular during summer months.
Golfing opportunities: Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park combines camping with golfing on a 1300-acre property. A reviewer explains, "The main attraction of this campground is the golf course of 9 or 18 holes. There is a pro shop, golf cart rentals, etc." Golf packages start at approximately $25 per person for 9 holes.
River access: For water-based activities, several sites feature river frontage. "I was lucky to receive a tranquil, secluded spot next to a brook - perfect," says Carolyn S. about Gunstock Mountain. Water levels are typically highest in spring and early summer, with late summer offering warmer water temperatures but sometimes lower water levels.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the cleanliness of facilities in the Gilford area. At Gunstock Campground, Ryan F. notes: "Very well kept and quiet grounds. The lot I was in was not wooded but still quiet. Check in was quick and friendly." Most campgrounds in the region maintain regular cleaning schedules for bathrooms and common areas.
Peaceful atmosphere: Many campers value the quiet environment at Hancock Campground. "Quiet, clean sites," reports Kim O., who stayed multiple times including winter visits. The campground's location along the Kancamagus Highway offers convenient access to hiking trails while maintaining a natural setting.
Site variety: Campgrounds near Gilford offer diverse site options. At Gunstock, Melissa B. recommends specific areas: "I recommend the sites back in Breezy Knolls (K01-K17 I think?) and then I believe sites 203 and 205 were nice and tucked away in the trees as well." This variety allows campers to choose between more open sites or wooded privacy depending on preferences.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from May through October, with limited winter options. Hancock Campground is one exception, with Kim O. noting: "Open year round!! I have stayed here many times, three times in the winter (it is so nice to have an open bathroom in the winter!) and a few times in the summer."
Insect awareness: Bees can be problematic at some locations during certain times. At Hancock Campground, one camper reported: "Our site was completely swarmed with bees. We checked a few vacant sites to see if maybe it was just our site, but we found them all around, including all over the cars in the lot." Bug spray is recommended, particularly in summer months.
No dedicated equestrian facilities: None of the reviewed horse campgrounds near Gilford, New Hampshire provide specialized equestrian amenities. All campgrounds explicitly indicate "NO horse-corral" in their feature lists. Campers with horses would need to seek facilities outside the immediate Gilford area for appropriate accommodations.
Dog-friendly options: Ramblewood Cabins and Campground welcomes pets, with Anne G. sharing: "We have stayed here a few times and really enjoyed sites and hospitality!" Most pet-friendly campgrounds require leashes and may have breed or size restrictions.
Swimming spots: Children enjoy the swimming areas available at several campgrounds. At Hidden Valley, a reviewer mentions "2 swimming beaches" among the amenities. Water activities provide cooling relief during hot summer days, with most beaches open from late May through early September.
Playground access: For families with young children, playgrounds offer entertainment options. Melissa B. notes that Gunstock Campground has a "fenced in dog park, playground, showers, clean bathrooms, and laundry facilities." Most playgrounds are centrally located within campgrounds for easy supervision.
Hookup locations: RV campers should note that hookup placement can vary between sites. At Hidden Valley, one camper mentioned: "The water and electric were between our site and the next on one side and sewer between our site and the one on the other side. This made it difficult to place our trailer on the slanted site and reach all services."
Site selection for large rigs: Tippicanoe Campground offers full-service sites suitable for RVs. "The sites all have water, 50amp and sewer hookups. Very few tenting, mostly RVs on the well laid out grounds," reports David G. This makes it a good option for RVers seeking complete hookups.
Seasonal options: Many RV campgrounds near Gilford have substantial seasonal populations. As noted about Hidden Valley, there are "300 camping sites with full hookups. Very reasonably priced at $40 per night. A lot of the campers are seasonal which is May - October each year." Seasonal sites often need to be booked months in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Gilford, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Gilford, NH is Gunstock Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Gilford, NH?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Gilford, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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