Glamping facilities near Hanover, New Hampshire offer year-round accommodations with varying degrees of luxury. The region sits at approximately 525 feet above sea level in the Upper Connecticut River Valley, with seasonal temperatures ranging from below freezing in winter to mid-80s Fahrenheit in summer. Local campgrounds typically operate from mid-May through mid-October, with some offering extended seasons during peak foliage months.
What to do
River activities: Access to Baker River at Plymouth Sands Camping Area provides shallow water recreation during summer months. "The river is very clean and a nice spot to hang out in the sun and splash around (not very deep most of the year)," notes Tyler A. The sandy beach area includes volleyball nets and swimming access. For more adventurous visitors, tubing is popular: "My favorite activity was putting in a couple miles up river and floating back to camp over the course of a few hours, ultimate lazy river," shares Eddy B.
Hiking trails: Access points to the Appalachian Trail near Gifford Woods State Park Campground connect to several moderate day hikes. "The Appalachian Trail runs right through the park and you can hike up to Deer Leep, around Kent Pond, or to Thundering Falls right from the campground," explains Tara S. Park rangers recommend the 2.5-mile trek to Deer Leap Overlook for less intensive hiking with panoramic views of surrounding mountain ranges.
Rock climbing: Proximity to Rumney Rocks makes Baker River Campground a practical basecamp for climbers. "We have stayed here on multiple occasions when in the Rumney area for climbing and biking," writes Dana M. The campground offers a dedicated group site specifically for climbers at $10 per person. Local sport climbing routes range from beginner to advanced levels, with most concentrated within a 10-minute drive.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Baker Rocks offers secluded tent platforms and yurt accommodations. "The tent sites are within the wooded area around the property and felt very secluded," reports Justin P., who appreciated the thoughtful touches. "The site had a large tent platform they could fit multiple tents, a brand new picnic table, a fire ring (with a free bundle of firewood), two chairs by the fire ring, and even a few strings of solar lights around the camp area."
Clean facilities: Many visitors note the exceptional maintenance at Quechee State Park Campground. "Bathroom were clean and the grounds were quite at night," observes Douglas L. Another camper adds, "Might be the nicest bathrooms I've seen in decades of camping." The park's attention to cleanliness extends throughout the grounds, with one reviewer noting: "Just finishing up a week in Quechee State Park campground and have to say the place is really really nice...The bathrooms are immaculate with coin (quarters)operated showers."
Spacious campsites: Site layout receives positive mentions at several properties. One visitor to Quechee-Pine Valley KOA notes, "There is the range of sites from pull-thrus, pull-ins and back-in sites and can accommodate RVs of any size." Sites at Quechee State Park are described as "large, flat, beautiful" with good spacing between neighbors, while others mention the terraced design of campgrounds to maximize privacy despite the region's hilly terrain.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly between properties. "We didn't have much cell service at the campground, which didn't bother us," mentions one reviewer at Pine Haven. At Moose Hillock Camping Resort, "If you are in dire need of WiFi, it is nearly non-existent on the grounds, you can get it a little here & there in the pool area." Plan accordingly by downloading maps and information before arrival.
Seasonal considerations: Most glamping operations in the region run from late May to mid-October. Fall weekends book quickly due to foliage viewing, particularly at Quechee Gorge. One visitor notes, "That beauty can be hard to experience on a Saturday afternoon in the fall," suggesting weekday visits during peak season. Spring can bring mud and higher river levels, while summer weekends often require reservations months in advance.
Road noise proximity: Several campgrounds sit near major routes. A Quechee State Park visitor mentions, "Road noise isn't super loud, but it's constant." Another notes Baker Rocks had "a bit of road noise overnight." For quieter sites, request locations farther from roadways or choose riverside accommodations where water sounds help mask traffic.
Tips for camping with families
Pool options: Families with children often prioritize swimming facilities. "The pool is the main attraction and really great but gets very very busy. No one was controlling the slides so kids were going down in multiples and not making sure no one was at the bottom," cautions Lauren Q. at Moose Hillock. Consider weekday visits during summer to avoid peak crowds.
Ranger programs: Educational activities enhance family visits without additional costs. At Quechee State Park, "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)," shares Jen B. Check with ranger stations upon arrival for weekly program schedules.
Terrain challenges: The region's hilly landscape impacts mobility. At Moose Hillock, "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," advises Jessica W. Families with small children or mobility concerns should request sites near central facilities.
Tips from RVers
Site configurations: Most glamping properties accommodate various RV sizes with different hookup options. Consider access limitations when booking. "The park is a large park that is terraced since it is in a pretty hilly area. 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," explains Nancy W.
Navigation challenges: Despite the region's steep terrain, careful site planning allows for larger rigs at most properties. "Despite the hilliness of the park and all the trees, we did not have any trouble navigating our 45' RV to our site," reports one visitor to Quechee-Pine Valley KOA. Call ahead to discuss specific vehicle dimensions with campground staff.
Amenities for extended stays: Utility access varies between properties. Many offer electric hookups, water access, and dumping stations, but availability depends on specific sites. "They do have a dump station if you are in a RV," notes one camper at Quechee State Park, while others mention quarters needed for showers at various facilities.
