Campers exploring the northeastern corner of New Hampshire have several camping options within a 30-mile radius of Groveton. Located in Coös County at approximately 900 feet elevation, the area experiences significant seasonal temperature variations, with winter lows frequently below 0°F and summer highs averaging 75-80°F. Campgrounds in this region open later and close earlier than southern New Hampshire destinations due to the northern climate.
What to do
Hiking at Moose Brook State Park: Located 27 miles east of Groveton near Gorham, this park offers multiple trail systems for hikers of all skill levels. "There are also many hiking trails in the park and a ton of great mountain biking terrain in the park and accessible from the park. The local Coos Cycling Club maintains the trails and is constantly improving and creating more terrain," notes one visitor to Moose Brook State Park Campground.
ATV trail access: Cedar Pond Campground provides direct access to the extensive ATV trail network in the North Country. According to one visitor, "ATV Access is a Big Plus!" The campground serves as a convenient starting point for riders wanting to explore the interconnected trail systems that run throughout the region.
Swimming in mountain lakes: Multiple campgrounds offer water access with swimming areas. Mountain Lake Camping Resort provides both lake activities and a heated pool. As one camper states, "There is a heated pool with water slides that even adults can enjoy, a lake for swimming and boating with rentals available, activities for the kids, a playground and giant life-size checker/chess boards."
What campers like
Loon watching on remote lakes: Maidstone State Park in nearby Vermont offers a pristine lake environment with resident loons. "The lake is clear and beautiful. The loons are amazing," writes one visitor. Another adds, "Love the Loons" in their review title, noting the natural soundscape as a highlight.
Proximity to White Mountain attractions: Many campgrounds serve as convenient basebases for regional sightseeing. Fransted Family Campground receives consistent praise for its strategic location. "The campground is perfectly located for access to Franconia Notch," writes a recent visitor. Another notes it's "central to all the white mountain attractions."
Well-maintained facilities: Cleanliness stands out in reviews across multiple campgrounds. "The bathrooms are immaculate & the campsites are well ground," writes one camper about Fransted Family Campground. Similarly, at Mountain Lake Camping Resort, visitors appreciate that "all of the facilities are phenomenally well maintained" with "clean bathrooms/showers."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. At Maidstone State Park, one camper notes "No cellular with either Verizon or AT&T but there is limited WiFi at check in building." This pattern repeats at several campgrounds in mountain valleys.
Remote locations require planning: Some campgrounds sit far from services. "Very remote. Nearest town about 45 minutes away," reports a Maidstone visitor. Another adds that the access road is "a well-maintained dirt road and about 5 miles long."
Reservation essential for prime spots: The limited camping season creates competition for sites. At Cannon Mountain RV Park, a visitor advises, "Reservations are recommended in the summer, but from Columbus Day to mid May you may have a chance with walk-up." Many campgrounds in the area have similar patterns.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with activities: Mountain Lake Camping Resort offers multiple family-friendly amenities. "Pool with water slides for kids, Kayaks, paddle boats, canoes, playground with slides and a pirate ship. Strict quiet hours at 1030 make it very quiet in the evening with no worry of loud parties keeping you up," writes a family camper.
Consider camping near theme parks: Several campgrounds provide convenient access to regional attractions. "Nice, shaded spots with a lovely Mountain View. Great little camp shop, heated pool, laundry, clean bathrooms, and playground. It's far enough from a few great tourist/hiking spots that you get a lovey scenic drive in but not far enough that it's a long ride and you're too tired to come back," notes a visitor to Mountain Lake.
Reserve early for holiday weekends: The limited camping season means holiday weekends fill quickly. For campgrounds near Cannon Mountain, one visitor recommends securing reservations weeks in advance for Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends, particularly for RV sites with hookups.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions and access: Sugar Ridge RV Village provides full hookup options but requires careful navigation. "Site map is oriented upside down and would be helpful if corrected and updated. Our site looked angled on map so thinking it would be easier to approach from a certain direction to back in, drove in as I needed but found site was perpendicular to road," reports one RVer.
Verify hookup compatibility: Electric service varies between campgrounds. An RVer at Sugar Ridge notes: "Family staying next to us found their site had 50 amp service not the expected 30 amp and they needed to borrow an adapter cord (which was free)."
Consider self-contained camping at undeveloped sites: Sunshine Valley RV Park offers a different rv camping experience near Groveton, New Hampshire. "Water is available from a tank; you'll need to provide your own power, whether solar or generator. You'll need to be self-contained, with no bathroom facilities available," explains a visitor. The trade-off is "plenty of space for your vehicle, trailer, and toys!"