Best Campgrounds near Grantham, NH

Campgrounds surrounding Grantham, New Hampshire span across both New Hampshire and Vermont, with most locations within a 30-minute drive. The area features established campgrounds like Quechee State Park and Mount Ascutney State Park that accommodate various camping styles including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping options. Pillsbury State Park offers more primitive camping with boat-in access and lakefront sites, while privately operated campgrounds such as Quechee-Pine Valley KOA and Crow's Nest Campground provide additional amenities including full hookups for RVs, cabin rentals, and more developed facilities for families and groups.

The camping season in this region typically runs from mid-May through mid-October, with most campgrounds closing after Columbus Day weekend. Road access to camping areas is generally good with paved approaches, though some sites require walk-in access. "Sites are super private, the rangers are friendly, and the mosquitoes are ferocious, but I can't give a campground a bad review because of the mosquitoes," noted one camper about their experience at a nearby state park. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holiday periods. Weather can change rapidly in the area, with cooler temperatures at higher elevations even during summer months. Cell phone coverage varies widely throughout the region, with better service near towns and limited connectivity in more remote areas.

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with several campgrounds offering access to ponds, lakes, and rivers. Mount Ascutney and Quechee provide scenic mountain views, while Pillsbury State Park features multiple ponds ideal for paddling. Wilgus State Park offers Connecticut River access popular with boaters and anglers. A visitor remarked that Pillsbury is "one of the more primitive and lesser known gems of the New Hampshire State Park system," highlighting its diverse habitats and wildlife viewing opportunities. Campers frequently mention the quiet atmosphere at state park campgrounds compared to private options, though highway noise affects some locations near major roads. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities including drinking water, restrooms, and fire rings, with shower facilities available at many developed sites. The mix of Vermont and New Hampshire campgrounds allows visitors to explore both states' natural attractions while maintaining a central base near Grantham.

Best Camping Sites Near Grantham, New Hampshire (196)

    1. Quechee State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Quechee, VT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 295-2990

    "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."

    "The park is in a good location; it is right next to the road. We were at sight #3.  We were able to walk to the gorge as well as to the Antique mall. "

    2. Mount Ascutney State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Ascutney, VT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 674-2060

    "The state park had everything we were looking for: close proximity to mountain bike trails, beautiful hiking trails, available leantos, and less than two hours from our home."

    "Whether it’s a hike or a drive, I highly recommend it! Just note, the road closes after dusk and a barrier goes down."

    3. Pillsbury State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Washington, NH
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 863-2860

    $29 - $40 / night

    "Many campsites are on the lake. None are very far from the lake. 

    There are also a few 'remote' campsites that are not accessable by car. They are accessable by a sort walk or boat. "

    "Pillsbury resides in a very pretty spot nestled around a lake. There are campsites that are car accesable and remote campsites only accessable by boat. Canoe rentals are available at the park."

    4. Wilgus State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Ascutney, VT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 674-5422

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Wilgus state park has amazing campsites, very friendly staff, and great access to the Connecticut River. This campground was beautiful and very quiet even though it was full."

    "This is a small park, but it's a good spot to stay to explore the area (nearby Mt. Ascutney State Park, Harpoon Brewery, the American Precision Museum, etc.)."

    5. Quechee-Pine Valley KOA

    11 Reviews
    Quechee, VT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 296-6711

    "While staying here I could enjoy some fishing, taking the dog for a nice walk, enjoy the evening with a nice fire, camp side, and go swimming on those hot summer days."

    "Our site, was located in the back of the park in a quieter section because it was away from most of the activities and park entrance."

    7. Crows Nest

    3 Reviews
    Newport, NH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 863-6170

    $32 - $115 / night

    8. Northstar Campground

    5 Reviews
    Goshen, NH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 863-4001

    $32 - $37 / night

    "We had a spacious site w/water and electric next to the Sugar River. We enjoyed our time here and will definitely go back."

    9. Crow's Nest Campground

    2 Reviews
    Newport, NH
    11 miles
    Website

    $32 - $115 / night

    "Close to the Sugar River Rail trail for biking. Definitely not a wilderness experience, but pleasant."

    10. Tippicanoe Campground

    1 Review
    Goshen, NH
    12 miles
    Website

    $35 - $45 / night

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Recent Reviews near Grantham, NH

822 Reviews of 196 Grantham Campgrounds


  • Utshob A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Bear Brook State Park Campground

    Convenient and fun

    The park was easy to get to, only about half an hour from Manchester. It has kayak rentals and a very well stocked camp store, that was close to the camp sites. Our campsite was only about a hundred feet away from the camp store but still felt private.

    Our campsite also had a fire pit and a picnic table which were great.

    The size of the sites varies quite a bit though as well as their isolation, some were out in the open.

    For cell service: ATT seems to have pretty decent coverage but not Verizon.

  • Erin D.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lost River Valley Campground

    Dirty and Disappointing

    Here’s the revised version of your review with the laundry issue added in seamlessly:⸻ I came to this campground after seeing it advertised in a New Hampshire magazine, noting that it had once been recommended by Yankee Magazine. Unfortunately, it seems that recommendation must have been from many years ago, because what we experienced was nothing like what was promised. From the moment we arrived, it was clear the property was extremely rundown. The entrance and camp store were full of broken wood, broken signs, and musty smells. The bathrooms were absolutely atrocious—filthy, smelly, and clearly not maintained. They may not have been updated in years, but they could at least be kept clean, and they were not. The playgrounds—despite this being advertised as a family-friendly campground—were unsafe and neglected. Structures were practically falling down, weeds were everywhere, and one so-called playground was nothing more than a tarp on the ground with a tiny jungle gym. The game room was equally disappointing: dirty, moldy, and unusable. We had also looked forward to using the laundry facilities, but they were completely out of order and appeared to have been that way for quite some time. This was extremely disappointing and added to the sense that the entire campground is neglected. The swimming area was also a major letdown. The water was murky and uninviting—I wouldn’t even consider kayaking or putting my feet in it. Calling it a“beach” is misleading; it was unkempt and unpleasant. Overall, this campground was an extreme disappointment. It felt neglected, unsafe, and unhygienic in every way. I will not be returning, and I would strongly caution others to look elsewhere for a true family-friendly New Hampshire camping experience.⸻ Would you like me to shorten this into a punchier version(since some review sites have word limits), or keep it as a full detailed account for maximum impact?

  • S
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Cold Springs Camp Resort

    All Around Exceptional

    This place is just great! They have clean, flat sites, easy to navigate and get our fifth wheel in. The facilities are spotless. There are numerous pools and hot tubs, activities and the people that work there are just the nicest! Our kids were never scolded for being loud and neither were the adults. We have booked our return trip already and can't wait to go back!

  • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Lazy Lions Campground

    Nice quiet place

    Nice campground with plenty of shade, well maintained and decent restrooms. The showers are ok and cost a quarter for 4 minutes. Our site was level and along with a picnic table, they also provide two Adirondack chairs (plastic) and a fire ring.

  • W
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Quechee State Park Campground

    Good location

    The park is in a good location; it is right next to the road. We were at sight #3.  We were able to walk to the gorge as well as to the Antique mall.  The staff was very friendly and accommodating with us. My wife really enjoyed it and had a lot of fun. The ice cream was really close and really good. 

    The issue I had was the camp next to ours had the generator on all night long and I had a hard time getting back to sleep after going to the bathroom. Next time I will get a volunteer or park ranger to get it turned off.

  • J
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Plymouth Sands Camping Area

    Nice campground with amenities and friendly owners

    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. There is a nice beach on the river with a rope swing and ability to swim. We were there while the water was fairly low, so it was great for kids. Firewood is available on site. There is a bathroom with a few stalls and sinks that is well kept and clean. The showers are quarter operated with a coin heat lamp as well for the colder seasons. The office has a lending library of games available. The couple that owns the campground are very friendly and have owned it for 3 seasons now and they have done a great job making sure that amenities are kept up and upgrades are being made.

  • Jessica C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Chittenden Brook Campground

    Great site

    This was a great site that feels secluded but isn’t. There’s quite a bit of space between each site so you can’t really see your neighbors which is excellent. The vault toilets were surprisingly clean besides the expected smell/flies. No running water or electricity. No cell service a few miles leading up the site, so download your maps in advance. There’s a 2.5 mile dirt road with a steady incline into the camp, which my subie had no issue with, but not sure how well an RV would fair.

    Didn’t see any bear, but take bear food precautions regardless. Each site has a fire pit, tent platform, and picnic table. The sites were well cared for. There were two dumpsters, one for recycling and one for trash, at the end of the loop. They are bear proof and almost me proof! The constant sound of running water from the brook was truly relaxing. I didn’t have issues with bugs (beginning of August) but I also didn’t stay in the camp during the majority of the day.

    All in all, a great campsite and I’ll definitely be back.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Lost River Valley Campground

    Great Location

    The best thing about this campground is definitely the location. Perfect place to explore the White Mountains. We stayed in a basic cabin. It was clean, but did smell very musty. It was still comfortable. The sites on the river look amazing. Unfortunately my tent is a little too big for some of those sites, but I could still hear the steam from my cabin/site. Bathrooms were okay. Not as clean as they could have been, but they not bad. Again, the location can’t be beat though. And the sites next to the stream look very nice.


Guide to Grantham

Waterfront camping opportunities define many popular camping areas near Grantham, New Hampshire. The region spans elevations from 800 to 2,800 feet, creating diverse microclimates with temperature variations of 5-10°F between valley and mountain campsites. Snow can persist at higher elevations until late May, while valley campgrounds often open earlier with drier conditions.

What to do

Paddle on multiple ponds: Pillsbury State Park features multiple ponds perfect for exploring by kayak or canoe. "Pillsbury State Park has a small and primitive campground. The sites on the water are really nice... The lake would really be nice for kayaking if you have one," reports Brandon C. Many campsites provide direct water access.

Fish the Sugar River: Crow's Nest Campground offers riverside sites with good fishing opportunities. "This campground has nice, quiet, shaded riverside sites and other site options as well," notes Brenda H. The campground delivers reasonably priced firewood directly to your site.

Hike to mountain viewpoints: Mount Ascutney State Park Campground provides direct trail access to panoramic summit views. "You can hike up to Mount Ascutney from the campground (it's a really gorgeous 360 view) or drive a few minutes for a shorter hike," shares Emily M. The summit features an observation tower that enhances visibility across multiple states.

What campers like

Private wooded sites: Campgrounds in the region offer varying levels of privacy between sites. "The sites are large. If you stay in the back it's quieter. They also have several lean-tos that you can rent," explains Jan B. about Quechee State Park Campground.

Clean facilities: Campground maintenance consistently receives positive reviews. "Bathrooms are clean. Hosts sponsor activities that are fun for all, like a balloon launch, cook outs, etc. Love it there," says Melissa R. Many campgrounds feature coin-operated hot showers that campers find reasonably priced.

Direct water access: Wilgus State Park Campground sits alongside the Connecticut River with easy boat launch access. "Wilgus state park has amazing campsites, very friendly staff, and great access to the Connecticut River. We loved walking the trail behind the campsites along the river to the beautiful vista views with a group with young kids," reports Kaileigh K.

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for summer weekends. Sites with water views or particular features book earliest.

Limited facilities at some parks: Services vary significantly between parks. "Pillsbury is called a 'primitive' campground which means no showers or electric hookups. There are also a few 'remote' campsites that are not accessible by car. They are accessible by a short walk or boat," explains Dog S.

Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience highway noise due to proximity to major roads. "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, then this campground might not work out," warns Rita M. about Mount Ascutney.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Grantham, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, Grantham, NH offers a wide range of camping options, with 196 campgrounds and RV parks near Grantham, NH and 10 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Grantham, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Grantham, NH is Quechee State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 22 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Grantham, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Grantham, NH.

What parks are near Grantham, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Grantham, NH that allow camping, notably North Hartland Lake and Union Village Dam.