A
Amber G.
Scout
ScoutTripoli Road
So much fun!
Went on a weekend and it was still very peaceful! Lots to do on such a beautiful back road. We stayed at two different sites each night we were there and both were equally beautiful and peaceful
Camping near Grafton, NH
226 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds around Grafton, New Hampshire range from established sites with amenities to more primitive options in the surrounding White Mountains region. Cardigan Campsites in nearby Alexandria offers tent camping with basic amenities including drinking water and toilets. Within driving distance, campers can find more developed options like Baker River Campground in Rumney, which accommodates tents and RVs with electric hookups, showers, and water access. Several campgrounds in the area feature cabin accommodations, including Meredith Woods Four Season Camping and Ashland New Hampshire Jellystone Park, providing alternatives for those seeking more comfort.
The camping season in this part of New Hampshire typically runs from May through October, with most campgrounds closing after Columbus Day weekend. Road access varies throughout the region, with some sites requiring advance planning. "The sites are fairly large and if you need some privacy, reserve site 12," noted one visitor about a nearby state park. Winter conditions can be severe, and spring often brings muddy conditions that may limit accessibility to certain campgrounds. Cell service can be spotty throughout the region, particularly in more remote areas near mountains or within valleys. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer weekends and fall foliage season when the area attracts significant tourism.
Water features prominently in camping experiences around Grafton, with several campgrounds situated along rivers or lakes. Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront sites, which tend to fill quickly during summer months. According to one visitor, "Fourth Iron Campground is a small campground with 28 wooded sites situated immediately off the Kancamagus Highway in the White Mountains of New Hampshire... Sites are situated just off the Sacco River and river access is easy, with multiple rocky beaches in between the sites and river." Noise levels vary significantly between campgrounds, with those closer to highways experiencing more road noise than more secluded options. Most campgrounds in the region offer fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities like showers and electric hookups are primarily found at the more developed private campgrounds rather than state park or forest service sites.
Best Campgrounds near Grafton (226)
1. 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 Availability2. Cardigan Campsites
3. 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 Availability4. Hunter’s Run RV Park
"They also have a nice game room for them kids or grown ups that struggle to leave technology behind."
from $44 - $135 / night
Check Availability5. Crow's Nest Campground
"Crow’s Nest was a really convenient stop for us while traveling through New Hampshire. Getting our RV situated was easy and we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay."
"There are lots of trees and having the Sugar River running alongside the campground gives the whole place a nice New Hampshire feel."
from $32 - $115 / night
Check Availability6. Newfound RV Park
"The campground was a great base location for the local attractions and sights. Our compacted ground site was level and had a dedicated patch of grass with a small tree."
from $33 - $60 / night
Check Availability7. 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 Availability8. Clearwater Campground
"The lake beach was fantastic, very nicely maintained. Kayak rental was super cheap and easy to do!
The campground is relatively near Meredith town center, and not far from Weirs beach."
from $33 - $56 / night
Check Availability9. Ashland New Hampshire Jellystone Park
10. 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."
"The sites near the river are really nice, a big of a steep slope down to the river. The river is about thigh deep and you can easily walk in it/swim at potions. The pool is small but nice. "
from $38 - $100 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 1 hr 2 min from Manchester, NH
- 2 hrs 4 min from Worcester, MA
- 2 hrs 6 min from Amherst Center, MA
- 2 hrs 31 min from Glens Falls, NY
Recent Camping Photos near Grafton, NH
608 Photos of 226 Grafton Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near Grafton, NH
983 Reviews of 226 Grafton Campgrounds
Henry M.ScoutCrow's Nest Campground
Spent Several Days
We spent several days here during the summer and had a really good experience. Some days we stayed busy swimming and exploring, while other days we barely left our campsite. That was probably what we enjoyed most.
Harley J.ScoutCrow's Nest Campground
Really Enjoyed
Really enjoyed the setting at Crow’s Nest. There are lots of trees and having the Sugar River running alongside the campground gives the whole place a nice New Hampshire feel. We were mostly looking for somewhere to disconnect for a couple of days, cook outside, fish a little, and enjoy being away from home. Crow’s Nest was a great fit for that.
David B.ScoutCrow's Nest Campground
Always Nice Coming Back
What we liked most about Crow’s Nest was being able to choose between doing absolutely nothing or heading out and exploring. One day we stayed around the campground, went swimming and relaxed by the river. The next day we got out and explored more of the Lake Sunapee area. It made a really good home base and it was always nice coming back to our campsite at the end of the day.
- KKaSondra S.Scout
Crown Point Camping Area
Disappointed
Very Disappointed With the Changes
Crown Point Campground used to be a wonderful place to camp. Unfortunately, since Happy Grounds purchased the campground, we have seen a significant decline in the overall experience.
I do want to make one thing very clear: the woman managing the campground is absolutely wonderful. She genuinely cares about the campers, is kind, helpful, and does her best to make people feel welcome. Our frustrations are not directed toward her. She deserves recognition for the effort she puts in, especially given the circumstances.
Unfortunately, there are serious concerns with the direction the campground has taken. There is no reliable Wi-Fi or cell service, which is especially concerning because there is no dependable way to call out in the event of an emergency. We have also seen a significant change in the atmosphere and clientele. Drugs have been found on the premises, including needles, which is extremely concerning for the safety of campers, especially families with children.
The campground has also become increasingly overcrowded. Tent sites have had upwards of 10 people on a single site, creating a very different camping experience from what many long-time campers originally signed up for.
Seasonal campers were told that there would be a gradual increase over two years to bring rates up to the new “going rate.” However, when the new contracts came out for next year, the price had increased by approximately $900. That is a substantial increase for a campground that, in our opinion, has continued to decline rather than improve.
What was perhaps most disappointing was how campers' concerns were handled. When people questioned the increase and expressed their frustrations, the response from the corporation was, and I quote:
“Get out and leave. I’ve heard enough complaints. Just leave if you don’t like it.”
That is an incredibly disappointing way to speak to people who have supported this campground for years.
It is heartbreaking to see what Crown Point Campground has become. There are good people here, and the campground itself has so much potential. Most importantly, the manager genuinely cares about the campers, and she deserves credit for that.
Our hope is that Happy Grounds will listen to the people who have invested years of their time and money here, address the safety and overcrowding concerns, and bring back the sense of community that once made Crown Point such a wonderful place to camp.
- MMarie S.Scout
Gunstock Campground
Apparently Your Reserved Site Is More of a Suggestion
⭐**Gunstock Campground: Apparently Your Reserved Site Is More of a Suggestion**
I don't believe I have**ever** left a negative Google review. I generally think that when something goes wrong, you contact the business, give them an opportunity to make it right, and most businesses are genuinely interested in doing exactly that.
Gunstock Campground has cured me of that quaint notion.
I reserved a full-hookup campsite for two nights. I was unable to make it there the first night, but arrived shortly after 7:00 a.m. the next morning. The camp store, where registration takes place, wasn't open yet, so I headed out for my planned hike— about six miles through the Belknaps, including summiting Rowe twice and Gunstock.
By the time I returned, I was utterly exhausted, starving, and actually feeling weak. My ambitions for the afternoon were modest:**eat something, take a shower, and collapse at the campsite I had paid for.**
The staff at the camp store greeted me warmly, checked me in, and sent me on my way.
I drove to my site. There was already a camper in it. Not merely*parked* there, mind you. They had apparently moved right in. They were hooked up to**my site's water and electric**, with water spraying from their ill-fitting hose connection and forming a rather impressive puddle underneath the camper.
I returned to the camp store to report that someone had apparently activated Gunstock's new**"Choose Any Site You Like"** camping plan. A staff member went down to speak with them and came back to tell me they were "packing up." Excellent! My mistake was assuming" packing up" meant**leaving**. It did not.
Apparently these campers had actually reserved a site**two rows away** that had**no water or electric**. Yet somehow, sometime after arriving the previous night, they had accidentally found themselves two rows over, in my clearly different site, connected to utilities their reservation didn't include.
We've all made mistakes. I've occasionally parked one space away from where I intended. I've never accidentally parked**two rows away, hooked myself up to someone else's electricity and water, and spent the night.**
But perhaps I lack imagination.
After they had now consumed about an hour of my afternoon— which, incidentally, is an hour I normally bill at attorney rates— I went back toward my site expecting to find it finally vacated.
And it was! Because Gunstock had moved these folks to another site**two spaces away from me**, apparently allowing them to pay for the upgrade they had already been test-driving. So the people who knowingly or unknowingly occupied my reserved full-hookup site, used the utilities, and delayed me from getting into the site I paid for were rewarded with...a nearby full-hookup site.
They never walked over to apologize. At that point, I no longer felt comfortable staying. It's difficult to relax at a campground when you've just discovered that site assignments appear to operate somewhat on the honor system— and that when someone helps themselves to your reserved site and utilities, management's solution is apparently to make sure *they* remain comfortably accommodated nearby. So I left. On my way home, I called Gunstock and asked for a refund. Surely, I thought, this would be the easy part. After all, I had paid for two nights, hadn't used the first, couldn't get into my site when I arrived for the second, waited while unauthorized occupants vacated it, and ultimately left because the entire experience had become so unpleasant.
Nope. Instead, the staff member **defended the other campers**. I was told they arrived late and "mistakenly" took my site. I was even told they supposedly **hadn't used the utilities**. This was particularly fascinating information for me to receive because **I PERSONALLY SAW THEM HOOKED UP TO THE WATER AND ELECTRIC.** I also took photographs. Including the enormous puddle underneath their camper from the leaking water connection. But apparently my eyewitness account and photographs were no match for the alternative version of events.
For my inconvenience, however, Gunstock did give me a coupon for a **free Bavarian pretzel**. So there is that.
I paid for a full-hookup campsite. Someone else occupied it and used the hookups. I lost roughly an hour waiting to access what I had reserved. The other campers were accommodated with an upgraded site nearby. I left because I no longer felt comfortable staying. And when I asked Gunstock to make the situation right, they refused to refund me and instead argued with me about things **I had personally witnessed and photographed**. The most disappointing part isn't that another camper took my site. Campers can behave badly. Businesses can't control everything their customers do. **What a business CAN control is how it responds when that happens. ** Gunstock had every opportunity to turn this into a mildly annoying story about a camping mix-up. Instead, they turned it into my first negative Google review.
But hey... **I do have that free pretzel coupon.**
Noah P.ScoutCrow's Nest Campground
Comfortable Stay
Crow’s Nest was a really convenient stop for us while traveling through New Hampshire. Getting our RV situated was easy and we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay.
Isaiah D.ScoutCrow's Nest Campground
Kids Stayed Entertained
We brought the kids here for a few days and they had a blast. Between swimming, exploring around the campground, and just riding around and making friends, they always had something to do. For us, it was nice being able to actually relax while the kids stayed entertained. We cooked at the campsite most nights and spent the evenings around the fire. Great family trip.
William P.ScoutCrow's Nest Campground
Our Favorite Part Of Staying
The Sugar River was probably our favorite part of staying here. There is something really relaxing about waking up, making coffee, and being able to walk down by the river first thing in the morning. We spent our days fishing, hanging around the campground, and exploring the area. Crow’s Nest has a classic New Hampshire campground feel and we would definitely come back.
Guide to Grafton
Camping locations near Grafton, New Hampshire range from primitive sites to more developed campgrounds across central New Hampshire's rolling terrain. The region sits within the Mascoma River watershed at elevations between 800-1,200 feet, creating diverse microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the season. Winter snowpack typically melts by late April, though some campgrounds remain muddy into early May.
What to do
Swimming and water activities: Pine Haven offers excellent water access with sites positioned along a river. "Loved our time here! We had a site right on the river and the view was amazing. The sites are pretty well spaced apart and well kept," reports Kayleen C. The river depth is manageable for most ages, as Brandon C. notes, "The river is about thigh deep and you can easily walk in it/swim at portions."
Hiking opportunities: Pillsbury State Park Campground connects to extensive trail systems. "There are great hikes that you can get to right from your campsite, connecting to the Monadnock-Sunapee greenway (a 48 mile trail connecting two of NH's beautiful mountains)," explains Matthew S. The trail network makes it easy to explore without driving elsewhere.
Fishing spots: Clearwater Campground provides excellent fishing access with budget-friendly equipment rentals. According to Paummi S., "We really came to kayak and fish and were not at all disappointed. Easy access to the lake, beautiful water, and my husband could not put a hook in without catching something." The fishing remains productive throughout the summer season.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Moose Hillock Camping Resort receives consistent praise for site spacing. Jessica W. highlights, "I'll mention the privacy of sites again because it truly is worth mentioning. Avoid 37 and 40 though- expert opinion." This privacy creates a more natural camping experience despite being at a developed campground.
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness varies significantly between campgrounds. At Quechee State Park Campground, Chris A. observes, "The bathrooms are immaculate with coin (quarters) operated showers." Many campgrounds enforce strict cleaning schedules, with some sites like Clearwater offering freshly renovated shower facilities.
Night sky viewing: Dark skies outside town centers provide excellent stargazing opportunities. Brandon C. mentions Pine Haven's advantage: "The night sky is lovely to look at in the middle of the field they have." The region's limited light pollution creates optimal conditions for astronomy enthusiasts during clear summer nights.
What you should know
Site challenges: Not all campsites are created equal. At Baker River Campground, Tyler A. cautions, "The sites are so close together that it is uncomfortable. Despite this, we had to park and haul our gear basically right through other people's campground to get to our site." Research your specific site before booking.
Varying noise levels: Campground noise policies differ substantially. Regarding Moose Hillock, Jessica W. reports, "Noise level isn't monitored by staff, so don't expect it quiet at quiet time." Call ahead to understand quiet hour enforcement if this matters to your camping experience.
Terrain considerations: Hilly topography affects accessibility at many campgrounds. At Moose Hillock, Jessica W. advises, "The hilly terrain is insaneeee! If you have never been before, book a sight as close as possible to the pool and office, because the further you get, the higher the altitude."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: For family entertainment, Meredith Woods Four Season Camping offers year-round swimming. Mara S. explains, "Indoor pool and hot tub are amazing on a snowy frigid winter day." The indoor pool remains heated through winter, making it usable even during shoulder seasons.
Playground considerations: Size and age-appropriateness of play equipment varies widely. At Meredith Woods, Dennis O. notes, "Family with kids the only down, wish the playground was bigger, and height smaller. Not a structure for small children." Check specific playground details if traveling with young children.
Activity scheduling: Campground programming differs substantially between locations. At Quechee State Park, Jen B. describes, "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.)" Many programs operate only on weekends during peak season.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require significant leveling. Eric H. notes about Clearwater Campground, "Lot was not level. Lot was roomy." Bring adequate leveling blocks, especially for larger rigs.
Hookup variations: Electric service differs between campgrounds. At Baker River Campground, campers can expect full hookups including sewer, while Pillsbury State Park offers no hookups whatsoever. Check specific site utilities when booking, as they may vary within the same campground.
Winter access: Year-round camping options exist but require planning. Mara S. appreciates Meredith Woods' reliability: "Snow ploughing happens regularly and reliably." Winter camping typically requires reservations at specialized campgrounds as most state parks close after Columbus Day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the campgrounds near Grafton, NH?
Where are the campgrounds near Grafton, NH?
Several campgrounds are located near Grafton, NH. Cardigan Campsites in Alexandria offers a rustic camping experience with basic amenities including water and toilets. A bit further but still convenient is Baker River Campground in Rumney, which offers multiple access options including drive-in sites, and is suitable for big rigs. Other nearby options include Newfound RV Park in Bridgewater and Pillsbury State Park Campground, which offers more primitive camping with lakeside sites but no electric hookups or showers.
How far is Grafton, NH from Hampton Beach?
How far is Grafton, NH from Hampton Beach?
Grafton, NH is approximately 100 miles from Hampton Beach, which typically takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours to drive, depending on traffic conditions. If you're planning to visit both areas, Bear Brook State Park Campground is located roughly halfway between them and offers a family-friendly environment with trails, ponds, play structures, and a beach. For those looking to stay closer to the coast, Ayers Lake Farm Campground and Cottages provides a beautiful lake setting that's still within reasonable driving distance to Hampton Beach.
What family resorts are available in Grafton, NH?
What family resorts are available in Grafton, NH?
While Grafton itself is a small town with limited resort options, families can enjoy the nearby Moose Hillock Camping Resort in Warren, which offers drive-in access, reservable sites, and is big-rig friendly. For families seeking a camping resort experience with amenities, Ashland New Hampshire Jellystone Park provides a family-oriented atmosphere with activities and facilities designed specifically for children. Both locations offer a comfortable base for exploring the natural beauty of the region while providing conveniences that make family trips more enjoyable.
Keep Exploring